Introduction
Your first GLP-1 consultation can feel intimidating if you don’t know what to expect.
Will it hurt? What will the doctor ask? Will I be judged? Can I start medication right away?
This guide walks you through your entire first appointment so you’ll know exactly what happens. No surprises, no awkwardness—just expert care and honest guidance.
Why Your First Consultation Matters
Your initial appointment is NOT a sales pitch. It’s where:
- We review your complete health history
- Your physician determines if GLP-1 is safe for YOU
- We create a personalized treatment plan
- You ask all your questions (no stupid questions)
- You understand costs, timelines, and expectations
- You decide if AVELUX is the right fit
Remember: You’re interviewing us as much as we’re assessing you. This should feel like a partnership, not a transaction.
Before Your Consultation: What to Prepare
Bring These Documents
- Photo ID and insurance card
- List of current medications (bring bottles if possible)
- List of allergies (especially medications)
- Recent blood work if you have it (not required, but helpful)
- List of health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, etc.)
Wear Comfortable Clothes
- Loose-fitting clothes (we may need to check your weight/measurements)
- Something you can easily roll up sleeves for (to check blood pressure)
Arrive 10 Minutes Early
Our team will have you complete a brief health questionnaire. This saves time and helps your physician prepare.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During Your First GLP-1 Consultation
Step 1: Check-In (5 minutes)
What happens
- Receptionist verifies your information
- You complete a medical history form
- We answer any questions before seeing the physician
What to expect
- Friendly, non-judgmental staff
- Private, professional environment
- No waiting room full of people staring at you (complete privacy)
Step 2: Vital Signs & Initial Assessment (10 minutes)
What happens
- Staff checks: blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height
- We take measurements (important for tracking progress)
- Quick conversation about your weight loss goals
- Preliminary health screening
What you'll experience
- Standard medical procedures (nothing invasive)
- The nurse will ask about your diet, exercise, and health concerns
- Relax—we've done this thousands of times
Common Questions You'll Be Asked
- How long have you struggled with weight?
- What diets have you tried before?
- Do you have any medical conditions?
- Are you on any medications?
- Why do you want to start GLP-1 now?
Step 3: Physician Consultation (10-20 minutes)
This is the heart of your appointment. Your Virginia-licensed physician will:
The doctor asks
- Current and past medical conditions
- Family history (diabetes, heart disease, etc.)
- Medication history
- Previous weight loss attempts
- Your lifestyle (stress, sleep, exercise)
Why this matters
- GLP-1 isn't safe for everyone. We need to ensure you don't have conditions that conflict with the medication (gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, thyroid cancer history, etc.).
The conversation
- How much weight do you want to lose?
- What's your timeline? (6 months? 1 year?)
- Why is weight loss important to you now?
- What's your biggest concern or obstacle?
Important: Be honest. Your physician needs to understand your real motivation and challenges to create a plan that works.
Your physician will explain
- How semaglutide (GLP-1) actually works in your body
- Expected results and timelines
- Potential side effects (what's normal vs. concerning)
- How dosing increases gradually over weeks
- What to do if you experience side effects
You'll learn
- Week 1-2: Possible nausea, loss of appetite (normal)
- Week 3-4: Body adjusts, side effects usually improve
- Week 5-8: Appetite suppression peaks, weight loss increases
- Month 2+: Steady, consistent weight loss
Step 4: Medication Safety Screening (5 minutes)
The physician will ask
- Are you pregnant or trying to become pregnant?" (GLP-1 isn't recommended)
- Any history of thyroid cancer or medullary thyroid cancer?" (Important safety issue)
- Gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or kidney problems?" (Need to monitor)
- Taking any other weight loss medications?" (Can't mix)
- Allergic to any medications?" (Especially previous allergies to injectables)
Why: GLP-1 is safe, but it’s not appropriate for everyone. Your doctor needs to know your complete history.
Step 5: Pricing & Plan Discussion (10 minutes)
We will review
Cost Breakdown
- Monthly GLP-1 medication: $325/month (first month $199)
- What's included: medication, all supplies, unlimited support, weekly check-ins
- How to pay (cash, credit card, payment plans available)
Timeline
- Week 1: Start low dose (usually 0.25mg)
- Week 2-4: Dose increases gradually
- Week 5+: Full dose, steady weight loss
- Expected: 1-2 lbs per week weight loss
Commitment
- Minimum 3 months to 1 year recommended
- Can stop anytime (no contract)
- Most people continue 6-12 months
Step 6: Medication Injection Training (if starting same day)
If you're ready to start, the nurse will
1.Show you the injection pen
- It looks like an insulin pen (small, easy to use)
- Practice with a demo pen (no needle)
2.Teach the injection technique
- Where to inject: abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
- How to rotate injection sites (very important)
- How to hold the pen at 90-degree angle
- How long to hold the needle in (10 seconds)
3.Give you your first injection (if starting same day)
- Nurse does it, OR you do it under supervision
- Takes 30 seconds total
- You get a starter kit with 4 syringes
4.Injection technique with diagrams
- Injection technique with diagrams
- Storage instructions (refrigerate at 36-46°F)
- When to start, when to increase dose
- Side effects & what to do
Step 7: Questions & Next Steps (5-10 minutes)
You get to ask
- What if I have side effects?
- Can I exercise while on GLP-1?
- What should I eat
- How often do I need to come in?
- Can I combine GLP-1 with EMShape body sculpting?
- What happens if I travel?
- When will I see results?
Your physician will
- Answer everything honestly
- Not push you into anything you're unsure about
- Schedule your first follow-up appointment (usually 1 week, then monthly)
- Give you direct contact info for questions
What About Cost?
Consultation Fee
- FREE at AVELUX (many clinics charge $150-300 for consultation)
- No hidden fees
- No obligation to start medication
If You Start GLP-1 That Day
- First month: $199 (limited time offer, regular $325)
- Includes: medication, supplies, unlimited support, injections
- Can start paying at appointment (cash, card, payment plan)
What If You're Not Ready to Start?
Perfectly fine! Many people:
- Get the consultation to understand their options
- Take a week to think about it
- Come back later when they're ready
- Start with different timing
Important: There’s no pressure. If your physician thinks you should wait (for health reasons), they’ll explain why. Trust their expertise.
Common Concerns People Have
Will the doctor judge me for my weight?
Honest answer: No. Your physician has helped hundreds of patients lose weight. They understand that weight gain is complex—genetics, metabolism, lifestyle, stress, medical history all play a role. Zero judgment. Pure medical expertise.
Will the doctor judge me for my weight?
Real talk: Medical professionals have seen it all. Your doctor has heard every health concern, every story, every fear. Your feelings are normal, but you’re safe here.
What if I can't afford it?
Options:
- Payment plans available (ask about monthly installments)
- First month special price helps ($199 vs $325)
- We work with you on budget
What if GLP-1 doesn't work for me?
Good news: Clinical data shows 90%+ of patients lose weight with GLP-1. If you’re not responding after 8 weeks, we can:
- Adjust your dose
- Review diet and exercise
- Check for medication interactions
- Ensure you're storing medication correctly
- Consider combining with EMShape for faster results
Will I get bad side effects?
Most common side effects (temporary)
- Nausea (usually Week 1-2, improves as body adjusts)
- Constipation (manageable with hydration + fiber)
- Loss of appetite (that's the point!)
- Mild fatigue (temporary)
Serious side effects (rare): Pancreatitis, gallbladder issues. Your physician screens for these in consultation.
After Your First Consultation
Follow-Up Appointments
Week 1: Quick check-in (phone or in-person)
- How are you feeling? Any nausea?
- Adjust if needed
Week 4: In-person or telehealth
- Check weight and progress
- Increase dose to next level
- Answer questions
Month 2+: Monthly appointments
- Weigh-in and progress tracking
- Adjust medication as needed
- Support and accountability
- Optional body sculpting consultation (EMShape, RF)
How AVELUX Is Different
Why Choose AVELUX for Your First Consultation?
- Virginia-Licensed Physicians (not just online doctors)
- In-Person or Telehealth (your choice)
- Local Support (you can visit in person)
- FREE Consultation (no fees to explore options)
- Comprehensive Care (GLP-1 + body sculpting + skin tightening)
- Transparent Pricing (no surprises)
- Real Results (backed by patient testimonials)
What Sets Us Apart
- We don't rush consultations
- Your physician takes time to know YOU
- We offer local support + telehealth flexibility
- We have in-person follow-up options (not online-only)
- We combine GLP-1 with body sculpting for complete transformation
Get Started Today
Locations
- Woodbridge, VA
- Fairfax, VA
Options
What to expect: Honest answers, personalized plan, clear next steps.
FAQ: Your First GLP-1 Consultation
Light meal is fine. Don’t come starving, but also don’t eat a huge breakfast. We may need an accurate weight.
Not required, but helpful if you have it. Your physician may order blood work after consultation if needed.
Yes! Many people bring a support person. We can discuss in private with your physician after.
Perfect! You can start GLP-1, do a trial month, and reevaluate. If it’s not working, you can stop (no contract).
No. You can get the consultation, go home and think about it, and come back when ready to start.
Monthly supply shipped to your home, or you can pick up at our Woodbridge/Fairfax locations.
Yes! We offer both options. Some patients prefer to start virtual, then come in for follow-ups.