From Medications to Skin Surgery: What Comes After Weight Loss?

GLP-1 Injections Are Booming in North Florida — Here’s Why

Across North Florida, GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide have become increasingly popular for managing both obesity and type 2 diabetes. These drugs mimic hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar, making it easier for patients to reduce calorie intake without extreme dieting.

Practices offering GLP-1 support programs — including wellness centers, med spas, and bariatric clinics — are seeing increased demand. Local providers now offer:

• Tirzepatide-based weight-loss plans (e.g. Zepbound® and Mounjaro®)

• Compounded GLP-1 injections for cash-pay patients

• Supervised treatment protocols with nutrition and lab support

While access is improving, patients should be mindful of:

• Out-of-pocket pricing, especially if insurance denies coverage for weight-related use

• Availability of experienced providers to monitor side effects and dose adjustments

• Sustainability — medication alone isn’t enough without long-term behavior change

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Why You Might Hit a Plateau on Tirzepatide (And What It Really Means)

You’ve followed your plan. You’ve seen the weight drop. But now, after months of success, the scale has stopped moving — or maybe it's creeping back up. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Tirzepatide Plateaus Are Backed by Research

Clinical trials like SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-4 provide insight into how and when weight plateaus happen. On average:

• Most users plateau between weeks 24 and 36.

• In some cases, further weight loss slows significantly by week 70, even with continued medication.

• These outcomes suggest that while tirzepatide is powerful, the body eventually adapts to the metabolic effects.

Why It Happens

Weight loss is never linear — and plateaus are not failures. Common causes include:

• Metabolic slowdown: As you weigh less, your body burns fewer calories.

• Hormonal adjustments: Hunger hormones increase, while satiety hormones drop.

• Medication maxing out: Once you reach a high dose, added benefit may diminish.

• Lifestyle drift: Over time, it's easy to slip back into small habits that reduce your calorie deficit.

What to Do Next

• Reassess your nutrition plan: Are you still eating at a deficit?

• Increase strength training to preserve or build lean muscle.

• Consider cycling intensity in your workouts.

• Check in with your healthcare provider about dose adjustments or alternative options.

The key is consistency. Plateaus are normal, but they’re also an opportunity to regroup and realign with your long-term health goals.

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When the Skin Won’t Snap Back: The Case for Panniculectomy Surgery

If you’ve lost 50, 100, or more pounds — congratulations. But along with the positive changes, many patients face another reality: excess skin in the abdomen that doesn't respond to exercise or creams.

This isn’t just about looks. It can become a medical issue, interfering with daily comfort, movement, and hygiene.

What Is a Panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the hanging flap of excess skin and fat (called a pannus) from the lower abdomen. It’s different from a tummy tuck because it:

• Focuses on removing the pannus only (no muscle tightening)

• Is often performed for medical relief, not just cosmetic reasons

• May be covered by insurance when medically necessary

Signs You May Be a Candidate

• Persistent rashes or skin infections under the abdominal fold

• Difficulty maintaining hygiene

• The pannus interferes with walking, exercise, or clothing

• You’ve maintained your goal weight for at least 6 months

Timing is everything. Surgeons typically recommend waiting until your weight has stabilized and any major fluctuations are unlikely.

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Your Weight-Loss Journey Isn’t Over — It’s Evolving

From starting GLP-1 plateau, and finally dealing with excess skin, the post-weight-loss phase is just as important as the initial one.

A comprehensive approach might include:

? Medical management with GLP-1s or tirzepatide
? Lifestyle modifications to support long-term maintenance
?️ Physical activity tailored to your body and stage
? Panniculectomy surgery to address excess skin and improve function

Each step supports the next. It’s not about achieving perfection — it’s about building a body and life that work for you.

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Final Takeaway

If you’re using tirzepatide or GLP-1 injections in North Florida, and you're starting to think beyond the scale — you're in good company.

Whether you’re navigating a plateau or exploring skin removal surgery, your transformation is still unfolding. Keep asking questions. Keep checking in with your care team. And most of all, keep going.

The best version of yourself is not a number — it’s how you live, move, and feel every day.