Before You Start
Getting prepared before your first dose makes the whole process smoother. Here's everything you need to have ready.
📋 For Your Intake Appointment
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Government-issued photo ID Driver's license, passport, or state ID for verification
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Current weight Weigh yourself the day you fill out the intake form
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Height For BMI calculation—be accurate
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List of current medications Include dosages and how long you've been taking them
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Medical history summary Surgeries, chronic conditions, hospitalizations
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Weight-related conditions (if any) Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, PCOS, etc.
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Family medical history Especially thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome
🏠 To Have at Home (Before First Dose)
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Clear refrigerator space Medication needs to stay cold (36-46°F)
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Sharps container For safe needle disposal—any pharmacy sells them
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Scale For tracking progress (weigh weekly, same time of day)
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Protein-rich foods You'll need to prioritize protein to preserve muscle
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Ginger tea or ginger candies Helpful for managing nausea if it occurs
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Fiber supplement Constipation is common—be prepared
📝 Questions to Ask Your Provider
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What's the titration schedule? How quickly will you increase doses?
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How do I contact you if I have side effects? Know the process before you need it
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What should I do if I miss a dose? Get clear instructions upfront
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Do I need any lab work? Some providers require baseline labs
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How will refills work? Auto-ship? Monthly check-ins?
First Injection Day Prep
When your medication arrives:
- Check the package immediately. Ensure ice packs are still cold and medication isn't frozen.
- Refrigerate right away. Don't leave it sitting on the counter.
- Read the instructions. Vials and pens have different procedures.
- Pick your injection day. Choose a consistent day each week. Many people pick a day they're home and relaxed.
- Watch a video. If you've never self-injected, YouTube tutorials help—just make sure they're from legitimate sources.
Pro tip: Take your first injection in the evening. If you experience nausea (common early on), you can sleep through the worst of it.
Mindset Prep
Beyond the physical supplies, set expectations:
- Week 1-4 are adjustment. Don't expect dramatic results on the starter dose.
- Side effects are temporary. Nausea and fatigue typically improve as your body adapts.
- This is a tool, not magic. You still need to make good food choices—the medication just makes it easier.
- Track what you eat. Not obsessively, but enough to notice patterns in what makes you feel good vs. bad.
Nice to Have (Not Essential)
- Measuring tape (for tracking inches lost, not just weight)
- Progress photo setup (same lighting, same outfit)
- Food tracking app (MyFitnessPal, Cronometer, etc.)
- Small plates and bowls (portion control becomes natural)
- Electrolyte packets (helpful if you're eating significantly less)
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