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Welcome!

Welcome to Life IV Weight Loss!

We are thrilled to have you join us on your weight loss journey. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and improve your health and well-being. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for your first month with us and serve as a reference throughout your time in our program.

But First!

Everyone’s journey through weight loss is different, and everyone takes a different path. Let’s customize this experience with a unique path just for you!

For your journey, are you utilizing insurance to pay for your medications?

Welcome!

Welcome to Life IV Weight Loss!

We are thrilled to have you join us on your weight loss journey. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and improve your health and well-being. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for your first month with us and serve as a reference throughout your time in our program.

What to Expect in Your First Month

The first month is all about getting you started on the right foot. Here’s what you can expect:

• Week 1: Initial consultation and preparing you for your journey ahead.
• Week 2: Start your plan, understand the basics of nutrition, and begin your weight loss medication injections!
• Week 3: Tracking your progress and making adjustments to your lifestyle to fit within your calorie goal and medication regimen.
• Week 4: Building momentum and setting long-term goals with your first follow-up visit!

Download a Tracking App

To make your weight loss journey more manageable and to keep track of your progress, we recommend downloading a calorie-tracking app on your phone. These apps can help you monitor your daily caloric intake, track your exercise, and stay on top of your goals. Here are some popular and highly recommended apps you can use:

• MyFitnessPal
  Download for iOS |
  Download for Android
• Lose It!
  Download for iOS |
  Download for Android
• Cronometer
  Download for iOS |
  Download for Android
• Noom
  Download for iOS |
  Download for Android

Each of these apps offers unique features to help you achieve your weight loss goals:

• MyFitnessPal: Extensive food database, barcode scanner, and customizable goals.
• Lose It!: Easy-to-use interface, personalized weight loss plans, and comprehensive food logging.
• Cronometer: Detailed nutrient tracking, customizable diet settings, and bio-metric tracking.
• Noom: Psychological approach to weight loss, personalized coaching, and behavioral insights.

Choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and preferences. By using a tracking app, you’ll have a handy tool to keep you accountable and motivated throughout your journey with Life IV Weight Loss.

Dietician Visit

As part of your comprehensive weight loss program with Life IV Weight Loss, we refer all clients to our partner, Nourish®. Nourish® provides access to registered dieticians via telehealth, ensuring you receive professional nutritional guidance from the comfort of your home. The best part? They accept insurance, making it convenient and affordable.

Why Dieticians Are Important for Weight Loss

Dieticians play a crucial role in your weight loss journey, offering much more than just meal planning. Here are several reasons why working with a dietician can significantly impact your success:

• Personalized Nutrition Plans: Dieticians tailor nutrition plans to your unique needs, considering your health history, preferences, and goals.
• Nutritional Education: They educate you on how different foods affect your body and metabolism, empowering you to make informed choices.
• Behavioral Counseling: Dieticians help identify and modify unhealthy eating behaviors, promoting long-term, sustainable weight loss.
• Chronic Disease Management: They provide specialized advice if you have conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol, ensuring your diet supports overall health.
• Accountability and Support: Regular check-ins with your dietician keep you motivated and accountable, offering encouragement and adjustments as needed.

Interesting Facts About Dieticians

• Extensive Training: Registered dieticians (RDs) must complete a bachelor’s degree, an accredited dietetic internship, and pass a national exam. Many also hold advanced degrees and certifications in specialized fields.
• Broad Expertise: Dieticians work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, sports teams, and private practice, demonstrating their versatility and expertise.
• Preventive Care: Dieticians are instrumental in preventive healthcare, helping reduce the risk of chronic diseases through tailored nutrition plans.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Their recommendations are grounded in the latest scientific research, ensuring you receive accurate and effective advice.

Referral Process

To get started with Nourish®, we will provide a referral during your initial consultation. Nourish’s amazing referral team will reach out within 1-2 business days to get you started and see if your insurance covers this benefit!

By integrating professional dietary support into your program, we aim to enhance your weight loss journey, improve your overall health, and help you achieve lasting results.

Your First Week

Congratulations on taking the first step towards a healthier you! Here’s what to expect and what you should focus on during your first week with Life IV Weight Loss:

1. Initial Consultation

You’ve had your initial consultation, where our medical team assessed your health, discussed your weight loss goals, and provided you with a personalized plan. This plan includes your calorie goal, dietary recommendations, and any prescribed medications to support your weight loss journey.

2. Medication Delivery or Pick Up

Your prescribed medications have been ordered and are on their way, or hopefully, they are available for you to pick up at your pharmacy! Those utilizing compounded medications, they should arrive soon, so please keep an eye on your mailbox or doorstep. If you have any questions about your medications or their delivery, don’t hesitate to contact us.

3. Dietician Contact

Within 1-2 business days after your consultation, you will be contacted by Nourish® to determine if your telehealth dietician visits are covered by your insurance. This step is crucial to ensure you receive ongoing professional nutritional guidance.

4. Download Your Tracking App

If you haven’t already, please download a calorie tracking app to your phone. This will help you monitor your daily food intake, stay accountable, and make informed choices. Some recommended apps include:

• MyFitnessPal: Download for iOS | Download for Android
• Lose It!: Download for iOS | Download for Android
• Cronometer: Download for iOS | Download for Android
• Noom: Download for iOS | Download for Android

5. Start Tracking Your Eating

Begin tracking your daily food intake using your chosen app. This practice will help you understand your current eating habits and how they compare to your calorie goal. Tracking now will make it easier to adjust to your new dietary plan.

6. Remember Your Calorie Goal

Keep your calorie goal, given during your consultation, at the forefront of your mind. This goal is tailored to your specific needs and is essential for your weight loss success. Make sure to stay within this limit to achieve the best results.

By following these steps and staying engaged with the program, you are setting yourself up for a successful weight loss journey. Remember, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

Your Second Week

By now, you should have received your medications and be well on your way to integrating new habits into your daily routine. Here’s what to focus on during your second week with Life IV Weight Loss:

1. Start Your Medication

Your prescribed medications should have arrived. Begin taking them as directed by our team. If you have any questions or experience any side effects, please contact us immediately. It’s important to follow the dosage instructions carefully to support your weight loss efforts effectively.

2. Aggressively Track Your Calories

This week, it’s crucial to focus on tracking your calorie intake meticulously. Use your calorie tracking app to log every meal, snack, and beverage. Staying within your calorie goal, as provided during your consultation, is essential for your success. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

• Log Everything: Record every item you consume, no matter how small.
• Plan Ahead: Prepare meals and snacks in advance to avoid last-minute unhealthy choices.
• Stay Honest: Be truthful in your entries to ensure accurate tracking.

3. Schedule Your First Dietician Visit

If you haven’t already, make sure to schedule your first appointment with a Nourish® dietician. This visit is an important step in your journey, providing personalized nutritional guidance and support. If you have any questions about scheduling or coverage, contact us or Nourish® directly for assistance.

4. Prepare for Your Dietician Appointment

To make the most of your dietician visit, come prepared with the following:

• Food Diary: Bring a detailed log of your food intake over the past week. This is where your calorie-tracking app is handy!
• Questions and Concerns: Write down any questions or concerns you have about your diet, nutrition, or overall plan.
• Goals: Be ready to discuss your weight loss goals and any challenges you’ve encountered so far.

5. Stay Engaged and Motivated

Continue to stay engaged with your weight loss journey. Regularly review your progress, set small, achievable goals, and reward yourself for meeting milestones. Remember, consistency is key to success.

By diligently following these steps, you are building a solid foundation for sustainable weight loss. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Your Third Week

Welcome to your third week with Life IV Weight Loss! By now, you should be settling into your new routine and beginning to see some changes. Here’s what to focus on during this important week:

1. Second Dose of Medication

This week, you should be injecting your second dose of medication. Follow the instructions provided by our provider carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about the injection process or experience any side effects, please reach out to us immediately.

2. Noticing the Effects

At this stage, you may start noticing the effects of the medication. Typical GLP-1 effects include:

• Feeling Fuller Longer: You may find that you feel satisfied after meals for a longer period.
• Reduced Hunger: Many clients report a decrease in hunger and fewer cravings.
• Improved Blood Sugar Levels: GLP-1 medications can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which may lead to more consistent energy throughout the day.

These effects are positive signs that the medication is working. Continue to monitor how you feel and note any changes in your appetite or eating habits.

3. Schedule Your First Follow-Up

Ensure you have your first follow-up appointment scheduled with our team. This follow-up is crucial for assessing your progress, addressing any concerns, and making any necessary adjustments to your plan. During this visit, we will:

• Review Your Progress: Discuss how you’ve been feeling, any changes you’ve noticed, and your adherence to the plan.
• Adjust Your Plan: Make any necessary modifications to your diet, exercise, or medication based on your progress and feedback.
• Provide Additional Support: Offer further guidance, motivation, and resources to keep you on track.

4. Stay Consistent with Tracking

Continue to diligently track your food intake and physical activity. Consistency is key to understanding your habits and making informed adjustments. Use your calorie tracking app daily to ensure you’re staying within your goals.

5. Stay Engaged and Motivated

Maintaining your motivation is essential. Celebrate your small victories, whether it’s sticking to your calorie goal for the week, noticing changes in your appetite, or feeling more energetic. These milestones are important markers of your progress.

Remember, our team is here to support you. If you have any questions, concerns, or need additional motivation, don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re doing great, and we’re excited to see your continued progress!

Your Fourth Week

You’ve made it to the fourth week with Life IV Weight Loss! By now, you should have a solid routine in place and be actively working towards your weight loss goals. Here’s what to focus on during this crucial week:

1. Follow-Up Appointment

You should have had your first follow-up appointment with our team either this week or last week. If you haven’t had it yet, make sure it’s scheduled. During this appointment, we will review your progress, address any concerns, and make necessary adjustments to your plan.

2. Third Dose of Medication

This week, you will be taking your third dose of medication. Continue following the instructions provided by our providers. If you have any questions about your medication or its effects, don’t hesitate to contact us.

3. Evaluate Your Hunger and Calorie Goal

It’s important to reflect on how the medication is working for you, particularly in relation to your calorie goal:

• Are you struggling to hit your calorie goal due to hunger? If you’re still feeling very hungry and finding it difficult to stay within your calorie limit, this might indicate that your current dosage needs adjustment.
• Is it getting easier to meet your calorie goal? If you’re noticing that it’s easier to stay within your calorie limit and you feel fuller longer, this is a positive sign that the medication is working effectively.

We adjust the dosage of your medication based on how well it helps you control hunger and meet your calorie goals. Remember, the medication is just a tool to assist you, and it’s essential to communicate any challenges or changes you experience.

4. Stay Consistent with Tracking

Consistency is key. Keep tracking your food intake, physical activity, and any changes in your hunger levels. This information is invaluable for making informed adjustments to your plan.

5. Reflect and Plan Ahead

Take some time to reflect on your journey so far. What has been working well for you? What challenges have you faced? Use these insights to plan ahead and set new goals for the coming weeks.

6. Stay Engaged and Motivated

As always, stay engaged with the program and your support network. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and keep your long-term goals in mind. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

You’re doing an amazing job, and we’re excited to see your continued progress. If you need any assistance or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Insurance Path

Using Insurance to Pay for Medication

At Life IV Weight Loss, we strive to make your medication access as seamless as possible, including helping you use your insurance to cover the costs. Here’s how the process works:

1. Digital Prescription Submission

We will send your prescription digitally to a retail pharmacy of your choice. This ensures a quick and efficient process for you to receive your medication.

2. Insurance Billing Attempt

Once the pharmacy receives your prescription, they will attempt to bill your insurance for the medication.

• If Covered: If the medication is covered by your insurance, the pharmacy will fill the prescription, and you can pick it up directly from the pharmacy.
• If Not Covered: If the medication is not covered, a prior authorization (PA) may be required.

3. Prior Authorization Steps

If a prior authorization is needed, here’s what happens next:

• Pharmacy Notification: The pharmacy will notify us that a prior authorization is required.
• PA Submission: Our team will submit the necessary documentation and information to your insurance company to request the authorization.
• Insurance Review: The insurance company will review the PA request, which may take several days to process.

4. Alert System Notifications

We have an alert system in place to keep you informed throughout the prior authorization process:

• PA Received: You will receive a text message alert when we are notified that a prior authorization is needed.
• Progress Updates: We will send you updates as we make progress on the PA submission and follow-up.
• Final Decision: Once the insurance company makes a decision, we will notify you whether the PA is approved or denied.

5. Final Notification

• Approved: If the prior authorization is approved, the pharmacy will fill your prescription, and you will be able to pick up your medication.
• Denied: If the prior authorization is denied, our team will reach out to discuss alternative options and next steps.

Our goal is to ensure you receive your medication as smoothly and quickly as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance during this process, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.