Your Medical Weight Loss Checklist: What to Prepare, Track & Expect
Medical weight loss isn’t a quick fix—it’s a structured, physician-supervised program that combines prescription therapies, metabolic support, and accountability. If you’re exploring this option in Loveland, you’re likely tired of fad diets and ready for a science-backed approach that addresses why your body holds onto weight. Don’t forget to ask about our membership option for weight loss and wellness.
At 18 Spa, our RN-led team designs individualized plans that may include FDA-approved medications (like semaglutide or tirzepatide), nutritional coaching, and body composition tracking. This checklist walks you through what to gather before your consultation, what to monitor during treatment, and how to set yourself up for sustainable results.
Before Your Consultation: Documents & Information to Bring
Your first appointment is part medical intake, part goal-setting session. Come prepared with:
- Current medication list – Include dosages, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Some medications interact with weight-loss therapies.
- Medical history summary – Note thyroid conditions, diabetes, heart disease, or previous bariatric surgery.
- Recent lab work (if available) – Thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4), fasting glucose, A1C, lipid panel. Labs older than six months may need updating.
- Weight history – Approximate timeline of weight gain, past diet attempts, and any periods of successful loss.
- Goal weight or clothing size – Be specific. “Feel better” is valid, but measurable targets help track progress.
- Insurance card – While most medical weight loss programs are self-pay, some lab work or consultations may be billable.
Your provider will use this information to rule out contraindications (like pregnancy, certain cancers, or active gallbladder disease) and tailor your protocol.
Week 1–4: Getting Started on Your Protocol
The first month is about acclimation and baseline tracking. Here’s what to monitor:
Medication & Dosing
- Start low, go slow – Most injectable medications begin at a low dose to minimize nausea or GI upset. Expect weekly or bi-weekly injections, depending on your prescription.
- Injection site rotation – Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate to prevent irritation.
- Side effect log – Note nausea, constipation, fatigue, or headaches. Most resolve within 2–3 weeks as your body adjusts.
Nutrition & Hydration
- Protein target – Aim for 80–100 grams daily to preserve muscle mass. Track via app or food journal.
- Hydration goal – Minimum 64 oz water per day. Dehydration amplifies side effects.
- Meal timing – Smaller, frequent meals often work better than three large ones. Listen to your satiety cues—medications reduce appetite, so honor fullness.
Measurements to Track
- Weekly weigh-ins – Same day, same time, same scale. Weight fluctuates; focus on trends, not daily swings.
- Body measurements – Waist, hips, thighs. Inches often drop before pounds.
- Energy & mood – Note changes in sleep quality, exercise tolerance, and mental clarity.
Month 2–6: Optimizing & Adjusting Your Plan
Once you’re past the adjustment phase, your provider may increase your dose or add complementary therapies. This is the phase where most patients see consistent, visible progress.
Dose Titration
- Follow your schedule – Increases typically happen every 4 weeks, based on tolerance and results.
- Communicate openly – If side effects are severe or weight loss stalls, your provider can adjust timing or explore alternative medications.
Movement & Muscle Preservation
- Strength training 2–3x/week – Resistance work protects lean muscle as you lose fat.
- Daily steps – Aim for 7,000–10,000. Walking supports metabolism without overtaxing your system.
- Rest days matter – Overtraining while in a calorie deficit can backfire. Recovery is part of the process.
Plateau Troubleshooting
Weight loss rarely follows a straight line. If you stall for 3+ weeks:
- Review protein intake (are you hitting your target?)
- Check for hidden calories (dressings, beverages, condiments)
- Assess sleep quality (poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones)
- Consider a metabolic panel (thyroid or cortisol issues can slow progress)
Your provider may also recommend body composition analysis to confirm you’re losing fat, not muscle.
Medical Weight Loss in Loveland: What Local Patients Should Know
Northern Colorado’s altitude, dry climate, and active lifestyle culture influence how your body responds to treatment. A few regional considerations:
- Hydration is non-negotiable – Colorado’s low humidity increases water loss. Dehydration worsens nausea and constipation.
- Altitude & appetite – Some patients notice reduced hunger at elevation, which can compound medication effects. Monitor energy levels closely.
- Seasonal activity shifts – Winter may limit outdoor exercise. Plan indoor alternatives (gym, home workouts, mall walking).
Our Medical Weight Loss program includes regular check-ins to adjust for these variables and keep you on track year-round.
Maintenance Phase: Transitioning Off Medication
Most patients stay on medication for 6–18 months, then taper under supervision. Maintenance isn’t about willpower—it’s about systems.
Before You Stop
- Stabilize at goal weight for 8–12 weeks – This helps your body “reset” its set point.
- Build non-medication habits – Meal prep routines, consistent exercise, stress management tools.
- Plan follow-up labs – Recheck metabolic markers to ensure hormonal balance.
Tapering Protocol
Your provider will gradually reduce your dose over 4–8 weeks. Abrupt stops can trigger rebound hunger or rapid regain.
Long-Term Tracking
- Monthly weigh-ins – Catch small gains early (5 lbs is easier to reverse than 20).
- Annual metabolic panels – Monitor thyroid, glucose, and lipids.
- Maintenance prescriptions – Some patients benefit from a low “maintenance dose” long-term. This is a clinical decision, not a failure.
Realistic Expectations: What Results Look Like
Medical weight loss typically produces:
- 1–2 lbs per week on average (some weeks more, some less)
- 10–15% total body weight loss over 6–12 months for most patients
- Improved metabolic markers – Lower A1C, better cholesterol, reduced blood pressure
You won’t look “done” or unnatural—you’ll look like a healthier version of yourself. Skin may need time to retract; some patients explore skin-tightening treatments after major loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does medical weight loss cost in Loveland?
Programs typically range from $300–$700 per month, depending on medication type (semaglutide vs. tirzepatide), dosing, and included services (labs, follow-ups, body composition scans). Initial consultations will go towards you treatment. We provide transparent pricing at your first visit—no surprise fees.
Will I regain weight after stopping medication?
Some regain is common if habits don’t change. Studies show patients who maintain protein intake, regular movement, and stress management keep off 50–70% of lost weight long-term. Tapering slowly and planning maintenance support improves outcomes.
Can I do medical weight loss if I have thyroid issues or diabetes?
Often, yes—but it requires closer monitoring. Thyroid patients may need medication adjustments as weight drops. Diabetics on insulin or sulfonylureas risk hypoglycemia and need dose reductions. Your provider will coordinate with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist.
Ready to Start Your Medical Weight Loss Journey?
If you’ve been researching options and want a program led by licensed medical professionals who understand Northern Colorado’s unique needs, we’re here to help. Our team at 18 Spa combines evidence-based protocols with the personalized support you need to succeed—no hype, no shortcuts, just results you can sustain.
Book your consultation and bring this checklist with you. We’ll review your history, answer your questions, and build a plan that fits your life.
