GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss in Columbus, GA | Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery

What Is GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatment?

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone your body produces naturally. It plays a key role in regulating your appetite and blood sugar levels. GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic this hormone, helping you feel satisfied with smaller portions and reducing the cravings that can derail even the most determined weight loss efforts.

GLP-1 medications work in several ways:

Slowing gastric emptying: Food stays in your stomach longer, so you feel full faster and for an extended period.
Reducing appetite: The medication acts on areas of your brain that regulate hunger, decreasing the urge to overeat.
Supporting blood sugar control: The medication keeps your blood sugar levels stable, which can reduce cravings.

Treatment is administered through a weekly injection that you can do at home after learning the proper technique from our team.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon for Medical Weight Loss?

Dr. Naman brings an experienced and holistic perspective to medical weight loss that many providers simply cannot offer. His extensive training, including a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, and more than 30 years in practice have given him a deep understanding of how the body functions inside and out.

This comprehensive vision offers several advantages:

Medical Expertise You Can Trust

Board-certified plastic surgeons undergo rigorous training in anatomy, physiology and patient safety. Dr. Naman’s credentials — including Princeton University, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic — represent the highest standards in the field.

Planning for Your Complete Weight Loss Journey

Rapid weight loss, while exciting, can leave behind loose skin that no amount of exercise will correct. Dr. Naman can anticipate where skin laxity may develop and help you set realistic expectations from the start.

Continuity of Care

If you decide to pursue body contouring after reaching your goal weight, you won’t need to find a new provider and start from scratch. Dr. Naman offers both surgical and nonsurgical options for addressing excess skin and stubborn fat. Our in-house Brookstone Ambulatory Surgery Center means your entire transformation can happen under one roof.

Am I a Good Candidate for GLP-1 Treatment?

GLP-1 medications can be life-changing for the right patients. Generally, you may be a candidate if:

Your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher
Your BMI is 27 or higher and you have weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes
You are committed to making sustainable lifestyle changes alongside your medical treatment
You are in good overall health

During your consultation, Dr. Naman and his team will conduct a comprehensive health evaluation, including a review of your medical history, current medications, current lifestyle and lab work to establish baseline health markers.

There are some situations in which GLP-1 treatment may not be appropriate. Let our team know if you have ever been diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer, have a family history of this condition or have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Other patients who should avoid or exercise caution with GLP-1s include those with a history of pancreatitis or digestive issues, those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and anyone with a known allergy to components of the medication.

What Happens During My GLP-1 Treatment?

Consultation and Assessment

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery. We’ll get to know your current health challenges and the results you’re hoping to achieve. Lab work will help us establish a baseline and ensure GLP-1 treatment is safe for you.

Getting Started

Once we determine that GLP-1 medication is appropriate, you’ll begin at a conservative dose. Our team will teach you the self-injection technique so you can continue your treatment from home. Side effects like mild nausea are common at first, but they will likely improve as your body adjusts.

Ongoing Monitoring

We’ll schedule regular check-ins to monitor your progress. These follow-ups allow us to adjust your dosage as needed and address any concerns that might arise.

Milestone Evaluation

As you lose weight, Dr. Naman will evaluate how your skin and body are responding. He can help you understand when your weight has stabilized enough to consider body contouring procedures, if that’s part of your plan.

Maintenance

Weight management is a lifelong journey. We’ll work with you to develop strategies for sustaining your results, whether that means continuing medication at a maintenance dose or transitioning off treatment.

How Can Body Contouring Complete My Weight Loss Transformation?

If you’re left with loose, hanging skin or stubborn pockets of fat after reaching your weight goals, body contouring procedures can provide the finishing touches. Dr. Naman performs a full range of surgical procedures designed to sculpt a more toned, proportionate figure.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin, reduces fat deposits and tightens weakened or separated muscles to create a flatter, firmer midsection. This is one of the most popular procedures for our post-weight-loss patients.

Thigh Lift

Weight loss often leaves behind loose, sagging skin on the inner and outer legs. A thigh lift removes this excess tissue to create smoother leg contours and improve the ability to exercise without chafing or discomfort.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Loose, hanging skin in the upper arms (sometimes called “bat wings”) can make patients self-conscious in sleeveless clothing. An arm lift removes this excess skin and creates slimmer, more toned-looking arm contours.

Liposuction

Some stubborn fat pockets may remain even after you reach your desired weight. Liposuction can refine your contours once your weight has stabilized. Our patients frequently combine liposuction with other body contouring procedures for comprehensive results.

Other Procedures

Depending on your needs, Dr. Naman may recommend additional or alternative procedures. For example, he may suggest a body lift for more comprehensive contouring or a breast lift to address changes in breast shape and position after weight loss. Your treatment plan is personalized to your unique body and goals.

GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss Q&A Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I lose weight with GLP-1 treatment?

Most patients can expect to lose one to two pounds per week, or approximately 15 to 30 pounds over three months. Individual results vary based on your starting weight, how closely you follow the program and your unique physiology. We monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to optimize your results.

How long do I need to take GLP-1 medication?

Some patients use GLP-1 medications for several months to reach their goal weight, then transition to a maintenance approach. Others benefit from longer-term treatment. We’ll work with you to develop a sustainable plan that works for your body.

Will I gain the weight back if I stop taking GLP-1?

Maintaining your weight requires you to pay attention to your diet and lifestyle. GLP-1 medications can help you establish healthier eating patterns and portion control, but they are most effective when you pair them with sustainable healthy habits.

What are the side effects of GLP-1 treatment?

Like any medication, GLP-1 treatments can cause side effects. Most are mild and improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects include:

Nausea (especially when starting or increasing the dose)
Constipation or diarrhea
Headaches
Decreased appetite
Fatigue

Most patients find their side effects are temporary and well worth the results they achieve. More serious side effects are rare.

When should I consider body contouring surgery after weight loss?

Dr. Naman typically recommends waiting until your weight has been stable for six to 12 months before pursuing body contouring procedures. This gives your skin time to contract as much as it naturally will and ensures your surgical results won’t be compromised by further weight fluctuations.

Can I get liposuction instead of losing weight with GLP-1?

Liposuction is designed for contouring specific areas. It is not an all-over weight loss solution. If you have significant weight to lose, GLP-1 treatment is the first step. Then, once your health has improved and you have reached your goal, liposuction can refine your contours.

Is GLP-1 treatment covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by insurance plan and diagnosis. Our team can help you understand your options and discuss financing options during your consultation.

What if I've already been taking GLP-1 medication from another provider?

We welcome patients at any stage of their weight loss journey. Whether you’re researching options, currently on GLP-1 medication or have already reached your goal and are dealing with loose skin, we can help you plan next steps.

Ready to Start Your Transformation?

At Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery, we provide compassionate, expert care that supports you from your first consultation to the moment you see your final results in the mirror. Dr. Naman and his team have helped countless patients in Columbus and the surrounding areas achieve bodies they’re proud of.

To schedule your consultation, call Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery at 706-494-7700 or complete our online appointment form.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13