912-352-7546

LASTING WEIGHT LOSS RESULTS

At Scale Solutions, you will find a physician and staff who truly care and provide you with the support you need to achieve lasting weight loss results. Explore our medical weight loss program, semaglutide and tirzepatide injections, B12 lipotropic injections, or view current pricing.

Scale Solutions medical weight loss FAQ

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Learn More About our Programs and Services

What kind of payments do you accept?

  1. We do no take insurance of any type.
  2. We accept Flex Cards, Health Savings Accounts (HSA Cards), etc.
  3. Payments are typically cash or credit card.

What types of services do you offer?

We offer the following services

  1. B12 Lipotropic Injections – These can be done by themselves or in combination with any of the other services.   They can be purchased individually or as part of a package.  The packages  will provide you a savings on a per shot basis.
  2. Phentermine(Adipex) Assisted Weight Loss  – Phentermine is the oldest and most frequently used appetite suppressant in the United States.   It is a Controlled Substance and a stimulant.  It will require a face to face appointment with the doctor so that he can review your medical history to determine your suitability for this medicine and make sure you are not experiencing any concerning side effects during follow up visits.
  3. GLP-1 Injections.  Wegovy®/Ozempic® (Semaglutide) and Zepbound®/Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide) Injections – Wegovy® and Ozempic® are FDA-approved brand-name medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Zepbound® and Mounjaro® are FDA-approved brand-name medications that contain the active ingredient tirzepatide. Scale Solutions may prescribe FDA-approved brand-name medications or, when clinically indicated, compounded formulations from U.S.-licensed and state-regulated pharmacies that contain the same active ingredient but have not been evaluated by the FDA. Your specific medication options will be reviewed and selected together with Dr. Gates during your visit.   This program will require a face to face visit with the doctor initially to review your medical history, go over potential side effects, and explain their use. 
  4. Any of these programs can be used individually or in combination with the other programs.   Example:  B12 lipotropic injections with the GLP-1 injections.  Typically a program is bundled with another program this will provide a cost savings.

Who would not qualify for this program?

  1. If you are younger than 17 years old.   
  2. If you are 17 years old you will need one of your parents to sign a consent allowing you to do the program.  However, you will not be able to do the GLP- 1 injections. You would only be able to do the Phentermine till you turned 18 years old.
  3. If you are 70 years old or older you cannot use Phentermine.
  4. If you are 70 years old or more you can do the GLP-1 injections.
  5. If you have a history of heart disease or stroke you can not do Phentermine.  You can do the GLP-1 injections.
  6. If you have poorly controlled hypertension or narrow angle glaucoma you can do the GLP-1 injections but not Phentermine.
  7. If you have a condition that the doctor determines is not suitable. 

How do I make an appointment?

  1. If you have seen and paid the doctor before for a visit to receive medicine you are a follow up patient.  All you need to do is to go to our website www.Scale-Solutions.com and schedule an appointment.
  2. If you have never seen the doctor for a regular visit to receive medicine you will be a new “Initial” patient.  This would be true even if you have come in to the office for B12 shots but have never paid the doctor for a visit.   You will need to call the office and have them schedule you for your initial visit with the doctor.  This visit will require you to pay a non-refundable $50 deposit that will go toward the cost of your visit.  If you miss your appointment time you will lose the $50.
  3. All new patients are required to fill out medical history paperwork on our website www.Scale-Solutions.com under the new patient paperwork tab.

What do I need to do if all I want to do are the B12 Lipotropic injections?

  1. Fill out the new patient paper work under the new patient paperwork tab.
  2. Simply come into any office that is open and tell them you would like a B12 Lipotropic injection, that this is your first time, and that you have completed the paperwork online.
  3. They will get you checked in and you will briefly meet with the doctor to clear you medically for the injections at no cost.  After that, you may go to whatever office is open without the need for an appointment to get another B12 lipotropic injection.
  4. If you were unable to fill out the paperwork online, no worries, we will give the paperwork to fill out when you come in to the office.  It will only take a few minutes.

What if I have other questions?

Simply give us a call at 912-352-7546 or leave us a message on the “Contact Us” tab and we will be happy to answer any question you may have the best we can.

I have seen GLP-1 injections online for less. Why should I purchase them through Scale Solutions?

Online ordering of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) injections can be risky for several reasons.

1. Lack of Quality Control
– Counterfeit or Substandard Products: Medications purchased from unverified online sources may be counterfeit, expired, or improperly stored, which can make them ineffective or dangerous.
– Incorrect Dosage: If the product isn’t manufactured under proper regulations, there may be issues with the dosage, leading to either sub-therapeutic effects (which can harm your health) or potential overdosing risks.

2. No Medical Supervision
– GLP-1 agonists, requires proper dosing and monitoring. Without a healthcare provider’s guidance, you might not receive the correct dosage, which could lead to serious side effects or complications.
– Inappropriate for Certain Conditions: These drugs may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. A healthcare provider would assess your medical history to ensure it’s safe for you to use.

3. Health Risks from Adverse Effects
– Side Effects: GLP-1 can have side effects. Without a prescription and professional monitoring, it’s harder to manage and mitigate these risks.
– Lack of Emergency Support: If you experience severe side effects, you might not have access to appropriate care or guidance if the medication was ordered online.

4. Legal and Ethical Concerns
– Legality: In many countries, GLP-1 is a prescription-only medication. Ordering it online without a prescription can violate local laws and regulations. It’s illegal in many places to obtain prescription medications without going through a licensed healthcare provider.
– Scams and Fraud: Some websites that sell prescription medications are fraudulent or may take your personal information for identity theft. You could be at risk for financial fraud or exposure to malicious activities.

5. Incorrect or No Medical Assessment
– No Ongoing Monitoring

6. Delayed Response in Case of Complications
– Difficult to Get Support: If you experience complications or have questions about your medication, it may be difficult to reach someone who can help or address your concerns when you’ve purchased the medication online.

7. Inaccurate Information and Misleading Claims
– Over-promises and Misleading Advertising: Many online sources make exaggerated claims about the effectiveness of GLP-1 or its benefits for weight loss, often without mentioning the need for a proper lifestyle approach. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and misuse of the medication.

8. Storage and Handling Issues
– Temperature Sensitivity: Semaglutide needs to be stored at the right temperature to maintain its efficacy. Improper shipping or storage practices, common with unregulated online sources, could reduce the medication’s effectiveness, making it potentially dangerous.

9. Lack of Interaction Checks
– Drug Interactions: Without consulting with a healthcare provider, you may not be aware of potential interactions with other medications you’re taking, which could result in harmful effects or reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.

It may be tempting to purchase these medications online due to cost or convenience, the risks far outweigh the potential benefits if done outside the supervision of a licensed medical professional. Always prioritize your health and safety by working with a local, licensed healthcare provider.

Do you offer GLP-1 Injections.  Wegovy®/Ozempic® (Semaglutide) and Zepbound®/Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide) Injections

We do offer GLP-1.

Wegovy® is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, and it has been approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults who are either obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol).

What is GLP-1?
– GLP-1 helps with weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that regulates appetite. It works by increasing feelings of fullness and decreasing hunger, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.
– Indication: It’s prescribed for weight management in adults with a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) and at least one weight-related health condition or a BMI of 30 or higher (obese), alongside diet and exercise.
– Mechanism: It works by slowing gastric emptying, enhancing satiety, and improving insulin sensitivity, leading to reduced appetite and slower food digestion.

How is GLP-1 Used?
– Administration: GLP-1 is injected once a week. The dose is gradually increased over time to minimize side effects.
– Injection: It is typically injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in areas like the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.

Benefits of GLP-1
– Effective for Weight Loss: Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 can lead to significant weight loss, with some people losing around 15-20% of their body weight over a year or more.
– Improved Health Outcomes: Beyond weight loss, people using GLP-1 may see improvements in conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol levels.

Common Side Effects
– Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain are common side effects, especially during the initial stages of treatment.
– Other Risks: There are potential risks for pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, kidney issues, and other health complications. It is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).

Things to Consider Before Using GLP-1
1. You need a prescription to obtain GLP-1, and a healthcare provider should monitor your progress.
2. Side Effect Management: Some side effects can be managed by adjusting the dosage or temporarily discontinuing use, so close monitoring is important.
3. Long-Term Commitment: Weight loss with GLP-1 is not just about the medication. A sustainable weight loss program that includes diet and exercise is critical for long-term success.

Who will need an EKG to complete the program?

In an effort to increase safety and thoroughness, our insurance is requiring a normal EKG within the preceding 12 months on all patients taking stimulant appetite suppressants with the following Cardiac risk factors:

  • You have a Autoimmune Disease regardless of age.
  • You are 55 years old or older

If you have 2 or more of the following Cardiac risk factors:
–        Male 45 years old or older
–        Diabetes
–        Hypertension
–        High cholesterol or triglycerides
–        A history of smoking within the past 10 years
–        A family history of cardio or cerebral vascular disease

For example, if you are a 46 y/o male with high blood pressure you have 2 risk factors and would need an EKG.

Also, an EKG maybe required by the Medical Provider, at their discretion, after evaluation of other risk factors such as your weight, life style, medical history, and activity level.

***You may bring a copy of an EKG done by your Medical Provider if done within 12 months of your planned visit. If unable you may have one done here at Scale Solutions for $35

Is your program effective?

Everyone in our program sees Dr. Gates. He gives individualized diet counseling and has over 20 years in this industry. Ultimately, how you work with the medicine and make changes to your eating habits determines your success. We will give you the best tools available. How you use them is up to you.

Will I have to change my lifestyle?

Research shows that lifestyle changes are necessary for both weight loss AND maintenance of weight loss. We at Scale Solutions want you to not only take the weight off, we want you to keep it off, so yes, some lifestyle changes will probably need to happen. Part of your initial visit with Dr. Gates will include a thorough lifestyle assessment. He will discuss with you ways to make small changes that fit in with your busy lifestyle. You will be on a weight loss diet.

What does your weight loss program consist of?

Dr. Gates uses appetite suppressants and other FDA approved medications to decrease your desire for food and also boost your metabolism. We do everything we can to help you to lose weight without being hungry.

Dr. Gates will also discuss an exercise program with you. He works hard to accommodate the busy lifestyle (most of our patients primarily choose to walk during short breaks) and to help you achieve a healthy weight loss.

What medications do you use?

We use three different medications: Phentermine, GLP-1, and B12 Injections.

How much does the program cost?

Please choose the different medications for exact fees. Our fees are competitive and cover the physician visit and your medication.

You are not required to purchase any food to complete our program. Dr. Gates wants you to lose weight and keep it off while eating your own food in order to achieve long-term success.

What results can I expect?

Depending on which program you choose, you can expect to lose 8-18 pounds each month. The first month you will see very quick results. The following months, we help you to maintain a steady weight loss, usually of 1-3 pounds per week.

Who supervises this program?

Dr. Gates will create and manage your weight loss program. He is a medical doctor (MD) with significant experience in the area of weight loss. 

What happens if I need to come back to Scale Solutions in a few years? Would I have to start over again?

Once you have completed your new patient visit, you are always considered a return patient. As long as your visit was since January of 2013, we put you right back on our schedule as a follow-up visit.

Are there age limits for being a patient?

Yes. You must be at least 17 years old. You cannot be older than 69 years old if wanting to use stimulant appetite suppressants like Phentermine. If older than 69 you still have options like Semaglutide and B12 with Lipotropics injections.

What are my options if I am older than 70 years old?

You have the option of using the newly approved GLP-1 Injections. This Diabetic medication is a once a week injection for weight-loss. A very effective non-stimulant medicine. You may also use or continue to use the B12 Lipotrophic shots.​

Wegovy® and Ozempic® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk. Zepbound® and Mounjaro® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly. Scale Solutions is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by these manufacturers.