Let's Begin Your GLP-1 Journey!

(A friendly guide for your first month)

I am excited to partner with you as you start your GLP1 journey. Info below explains what to expect in the first month, how to manage common side effects, and how to set yourself up for success with daily nutrition and exercise.

What GLP-1 Medications Do

• GLP-1 medicines help you feel fuller sooner, reduce appetite, and slow stomach emptying. Many people notice fewer cravings and smaller portions within the first 1-2 weeks.

What to Expect in the First Month

Weeks 1 - 2

• Appetite usually decreases; you may feel full faster.

• Nausea, mild heartburn, or bloating can happen as your stomach adapts.

• Focus on hydration and smaller, protein-forward meals.

Weeks 3 - 4

• Your body typically adjusts and GI symptoms ease.

• You may notice early weight changes (often gradual and steady).

• Weight loss may occur with the initial lower dose but dont be disappointed if it doesn't.  The first few weeks are about getting used to it. Weight loss picks up as we progress into the higher doses.

• Your dose may increase per your prescribed plan. Know that side effects can briefly return after an increase.

Normal: short-term effects: decreased appetite, mild nausea, burping, constipation or loose stools, fatigue.

Not expected: severe or worsening belly pain, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, or fainting.  See “When to contact us/seek urgent care” below.

Taking Your Medication

• Dosing day: Take on the same day each week (or as directed if your medication is daily)

• Missed weekly dose: If it’s been ≤4 days, take it when you remember; if >4 days, skip and take your next dose on the usual day (unless your specific medication says otherwise).

• Injection tips: Rotate sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm); clean the area with alcohol, pinch the skin, insert at 90 degree angle, inject slowly, and inject. Never share pens or needles; dispose of needles in a sharps container.

• Storage: Keep refrigerated when not in use. Limit time out of the fridge. Dont freeze.

Side-Effect Survival Guide

Nausea / Fullness

• Hydrate!  Hydration goal: at least half your goal bodyweight in oz of water

• Unless your on fluid restriction from your other doctors orders.

• Eat smaller portions; pause halfway and check your hunger/fullness.

• Choose lean protein (eggs, fish, poultry, Greek yogurt, tofu) at each meal.

• Favor low-fat cooking methods; greasy or fried foods worsen nausea.

• Sip ginger tea, peppermint, or flat ginger ale; try bland options (toast, rice, applesauce, crackers) if queasy.

• Avoid lying down right after eating; keep your last meal 2-3 hours before bed.

Heartburn / Reflux

• Smaller, slower meals; avoid large late-night meals, alcohol, and trigger foods (spicy, very acidic, high-fat).

• Consider elevating the head of your bed. Over-the-counter antacids may help (ask us if you’re unsure).

Constipation

• Ensure hydration goal is met. Stool is just fiber and water. Appropriate amounts of both.

• Aim for 25-35 g fiber/day from vegetables, berries, beans, oats, chia/flax; add slowly if not there now.

• A daily fiber supplement (psyllium or inulin) and walking after meals can help.

• If needed, use stool softeners (e.g., docusate) or an osmotic laxative (e.g., polyethylene glycol) per label.

Diarrhea

• Hydrate with water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions; limit caffeine and very fatty foods.

• Choose gentle foods (rice, bananas, toast, yogurt) until improved.

Low Blood Sugar (rare if you’re not on insulin or a sulfonylurea)

• If you take medicines that lower blood sugar, monitor as directed.

• Treat symptoms (shakiness, sweating, confusion) with 15 g fast carbs (e.g., 4 oz juice), recheck in 15 minutes.

Your Daily Nutrition Game Plan

• Plate method: ½ non-starchy veggies, ¼ lean protein, ¼ high-fiber carbs (quinoa, beans, brown rice, sweet potato).

• Protein target: ~1.2-1.6 g/kg/day (e.g., ~90-120 g/day for a 75 kg/165 lb person) to preserve lean mass.

• Mindful portions: Use smaller plates/bowls; pre-portion snacks.

• Slow down: 15-20 minutes per meal; set utensils down between bites.

• Fluids first: A glass of water before meals; limit alcohol.

• Supplements: you should be eating a well balanced whole/real food diet. If you feel you arent getting enough nutrition protein or vitamin supplements are advisable but not a replacement for real food.

Your Activity Plan (Start Today)

• Goal: 150+ minutes/week of moderate cardio (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming).

• Strength training: 2-3 days/week, covering all major muscle groups.

• Daily movement: Aim for 7,000-10,000 steps/day; take a 10-15 minute walk after meals to aid digestion and glucose control.

• Progression rule: Increase time or intensity by ~10% per week to reduce injury risk.

• Recovery: Prioritize 7-9 hours of sleep; gentle stretching or mobility work helps.

Habits That Make a Big Difference

• Consistent schedule: Same dosing day/time, similar mealtimes, regular sleep/wake.

• Tracking: Log your dose, side effects, weight, waist, steps, and workouts weekly.

• Environment: Keep high-protein, ready-to-eat foods handy; limit ultra-processed snacks at home.

• Support: Tell a friend/partner your goals; consider group classes or a walking buddy.

When to Contact Us and When to Seek Urgent Care

• Contact our clinic promptly if you have:

• Ongoing or worsening nausea/vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration (very dark urine, dizziness).

• New or severe abdominal pain, especially radiating to the back (possible pancreatitis).

• Right-upper-abdomen pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin/eyes (possible gallbladder issues).

• Persistent constipation >3-4 days despite the steps above.

• Symptoms of low blood sugar if you take insulin or sulfonylureas.

• You’re planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or are breastfeeding (these meds are not recommended in pregnancy).

Seek emergency care (call 911) if you experience:

• Severe, unrelenting abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of face/lips/tongue, hives, difficulty breathing).

Follow-Up & Next Steps

• We typically reassess every 4-12 weeks to fine-tune your dose, review progress, and support your nutrition and activity plan.

• Never change your dose beyond the instructions on the Rx. Do not stop the medication without discussing it with us.

• You have my email. Please email me if you have any questions.

We’re here to help you feel your best one small, steady step at a time. If questions come up, please reach out via the patient portal or call the office.

Thanks for trusting us with your healthcare.

Best,

Lodico Health and Wellness

This guide supports but does not replace medical advice. Follow the directions on your prescription label and the instructions that came with your specific

GLP-1 medication.