Video on how to get all the medication out of the vial.

The most common side effect of medical weight loss is nausea.  This typically occurs when increasing the dose.  Along with other GI side effects, nausea can be minimized by eating up to 80% full.  You might also notice being more sensitive to certain types of food. For severe nausea, Zofran is a prescription nausea medicine that we can provide for you.  If you develop vomiting or are unable to drink fluids, please contact us or get checked at a medical clinic so you don’t get dehydrated.  There is a rare risk of kidney damage with medical weight loss, usually in the setting of severe dehydration.

Another common side effect is indigestion. This symptom can also be described as bloating or generalized upper abdominal discomfort.  Remember – food stays in your stomach longer when taking medical weight loss, so this can be a new sensation in your body.  To minimize indigestion, try not to eat right before bed and avoid overeating.  If you have persistent indigestion, over the counter Pepcid (Famotidine) is very effective.  This can be taken in the morning before breakfast and at nighttime before bed.  It usually needs to be taken every day to be most effective.

Constipation can also be seen with medical weight loss.  Your body is taking in fewer calories daily, so your bowel habits will likely be affected.  If you are straining for bowel movements or having difficulty with bowel movements, start a fiber supplement daily.  Over the counter fiber gummies are usually the most palatable. If still feeling constipated, start using an over-the-counter stool softener, such as a Psyllium capsule twice daily.

Rare side effects of medical weight loss are discussed in our FAQ.  If you develop any concerning reactions, please contact us.

If your trip is less than a week in length, it’s ok to miss a dose for a few days so you don’t have to travel with the medication. You can also slowly change your dosing day (adjusting one day per week – either moving the day forward or behind) to adjust for your travel plans.  If traveling for a significant period of time, you will need to cool your medication for travel.  TSA agents are familiar with these type of vials since they are commonly used for diabetics.

If you plan to travel with weight loss vials, here are two options for insulated storage:

Flow Wellness uses a larger version of this storage case to transport IV vitamins for mobile infusions.