What Is Semaglutide?
If you’ve been struggling with weight loss despite trying every diet under the sun, you’re not alone. At Rella Aesthetics in Vacaville and Napa, CA, Dr. Zachary Wagner has helped hundreds of patients achieve lasting weight loss results with semaglutide — a once-weekly injectable medication that is transforming the way we approach medical weight management.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes, it was found to produce significant weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels.
How Does Semaglutide Help You Lose Weight?
Semaglutide works through several mechanisms that support sustainable weight loss:
- Reduces appetite: It signals to your brain that you’re full, helping you eat smaller portions naturally without constant willpower battles
- Slows gastric emptying: Food stays in your stomach longer, keeping you satisfied between meals
- Helps control blood sugar: More stable blood sugar means fewer energy crashes and cravings throughout the day
- Reduces food noise: Many patients describe the constant mental chatter about food simply quieting down
What to Expect During Your First Consultation
Getting started with semaglutide at Rella Aesthetics is straightforward and convenient. Here’s what the process looks like:
Step 1: Phone Consultation
Your journey begins with a brief phone consultation with Dr. Wagner. No in-person visit is required for the initial assessment. During this call, we’ll discuss your weight loss history, current health conditions, medications, and goals to determine if semaglutide is right for you.
Step 2: Lab Work
We’ll need recent lab results — specifically your hemoglobin A1C, lipid panel, and creatinine — from within the last 6 months. If you don’t have recent labs, you can request them from your primary care provider. Always consult with your PCP before starting any new medical treatment.
Step 3: Getting Started
Once cleared, your compounded semaglutide medication is ordered through a 503A compounding pharmacy that uses FDA-registered suppliers with third-party testing on all ingredients. Everything you need — medication, syringes, and alcohol swabs — is included with your subscription.
Step 4: Weekly Self-Injections
Semaglutide is administered as a once-weekly self-injection using an insulin syringe. You can inject into your abdomen, thigh, or the back of your arm. The dosing schedule starts low and gradually increases, following a protocol similar to brand-name alternatives, customized based on your side effects and rate of weight loss.
Step 5: Ongoing Support
What sets Rella Aesthetics apart is the individualized care. Dr. Wagner personally provides weekly check-ins to monitor your progress, adjust dosing, and coach you through your journey. If you experience side effects, we can call in medications to help manage them.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
On an appropriate dose combined with lifestyle modifications, patients can expect to lose a healthy rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week on average. Many of our patients have achieved remarkable results:
- 35 pounds lost in 5 months
- 33 pounds lost during their program
- 32 pounds lost in 6 months
It’s important to judge your progress monthly rather than weekly, as minor fluctuations and plateaus are completely normal. Weight loss is a long-term journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effect is mild nausea, which typically occurs within an hour of injection and affects about half of patients. Our compounded formulation includes Vitamin B12 to help reduce nausea. Other possible side effects may include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headache or dizziness
- Fatigue
- Stomach discomfort
These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Dr. Wagner is always available to help manage any concerns.
Will You Keep the Weight Off?
This is the question everyone asks — and the honest answer is that long-term success depends on the lifestyle changes you implement alongside the medication. Semaglutide is a powerful tool, but patients who achieve lasting results are those who develop sustainable habits around nutrition, movement, and mindset during their treatment.
After completing the full 4 to 6 month treatment, qualified patients can transition to a maintenance dosing plan — a pay-per-vial option that lasts 2 to 3 months per vial to help maintain your desired weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept HSA/FSA?
Yes. We accept all health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.
Do you accept insurance?
No. We do not accept insurance for our medical weight loss program. However, the personalized care, weekly physician check-ins, and all supplies are included in your subscription.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. There are no long-term commitments required.
Ready to Start Your Weight Loss Journey?
If you’re tired of fad diets, frustrated by a slowing metabolism, or struggling with weight gain from hormonal changes, semaglutide may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Schedule your phone consultation with Dr. Wagner today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you. We serve patients in Vacaville, Napa, and throughout Northern California.