What to Expect at Your First GLP-1 Weight Loss Appointment in Savannah

Reviewed by Dr. Donald L. Gates, MD — Bariatric Medicine since 1999

Last updated: June 2026

Before Your Visit: Preparation

A little preparation before your first appointment makes the consultation more productive and helps Dr. Gates make the most informed recommendation for your situation.

What to Bring

• Medication list: Write down every prescription medication you currently take, including the dose and how often you take it. Include all over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements. This is one of the most important things to have ready.
• Recent lab work: If your primary care doctor has run recent bloodwork (within the last 6–12 months), bring those results. Relevant panels include a comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, HbA1c, thyroid function, and CBC. We do not require you to obtain labs before your first visit, but having them available can accelerate the process.
• Insurance card and photo ID: Bring both, even if your weight loss program will ultimately be self-pay.
• Medical history summary: If you have a complex history (prior surgeries, significant chronic conditions, prior weight loss attempts), jotting down key points in advance saves time during the consultation.
• List of questions: This is your appointment. Bring a written list of questions so you don’t forget to ask anything that’s been on your mind.

Do I Need Lab Work Before the Appointment?

In most cases, we do not require pre-visit lab work as a prerequisite for booking your initial consultation. Dr. Gates may order labs during or after your first visit depending on your history and the medications being considered. If labs are needed, we’ll coordinate with a convenient local lab — you won’t necessarily need to return to our office for the blood draw. Lab results are typically reviewed before finalizing your prescription.

Arrival and Check-In

Plan to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete any remaining intake paperwork. Our check-in process includes a brief intake form covering your current health status, medications, and goals.

We have three locations:

• Savannah: 6602 Abercorn St, Suite 102, Savannah, GA 31405 — shared building parking lot, free.
• Pooler: 123 Canal St, Suite 207, Pooler, GA — parking available at the building.
• Hinesville: 203 E Court St, Hinesville, GA — street and lot parking available nearby.

Medical History Review

A significant portion of your first appointment is a structured conversation with Dr. Gates about your health history. This is not a quick check-the-box exercise — the medical history review is where individualized clinical decision-making begins. Expect to discuss:

• Weight history: How long have you struggled with weight? What have you tried before (diets, exercise programs, prior medications, surgical evaluations)?
• Current diet and activity level: Not to judge — to understand where you’re starting and what’s realistic.
• Obesity-related comorbidities: High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, PCOS, fatty liver disease, joint issues, cardiovascular disease.
• Mental health history: Relevant conditions including history of eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder) — these affect prescribing decisions and require careful evaluation.
• Family medical history: Particularly thyroid cancer (medullary type specifically) and MEN-2 syndrome.
• Surgical history: Prior abdominal surgeries including any weight loss surgeries (gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy).
• Current medications: Several drug interactions are clinically significant for GLP-1 medications — your full medication list matters.
• Reproductive health (for women): Pregnancy status, plans, or use of oral contraceptives (GLP-1 medications can affect OCP absorption due to slowed gastric motility).

Physical Examination and Measurements

Your appointment includes a focused physical examination. Standard measurements at the first visit include:

• Weight — baseline is important for tracking response over time
• Height — used to calculate your BMI
• Blood pressure
• Pulse/heart rate
• Oxygen saturation (in some cases)

Dr. Gates will also conduct a brief physical examination relevant to your history and the medications under consideration. This is a clinical visit — comfortable, loose clothing makes the exam easier.

Your BMI is calculated from your height and weight. FDA approval criteria for the primary GLP-1 weight loss medications (Wegovy and Zepbound) require a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Use our BMI and GLP-1 eligibility calculator to estimate before your visit.

Contraindication Screening

GLP-1 medications are effective and generally well-tolerated, but they are not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Gates screens for contraindications and important risk factors at every new patient evaluation:

Absolute Contraindications

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC): GLP-1 receptor agonists carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodent studies. This class of medication is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected MTC or a family history of MTC.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN-2): A hereditary condition associated with MTC risk; also a contraindication.
• Pregnancy: GLP-1 medications should not be used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, this is important to disclose.
• Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or tirzepatide

Conditions Requiring Careful Evaluation

• History of acute pancreatitis: GLP-1 medications have been associated with cases of acute pancreatitis. History of pancreatitis requires careful evaluation of risk-benefit before prescribing.
• Severe gastroparesis: These medications slow gastric emptying, which can worsen pre-existing gastroparesis. Significant or severe gastroparesis is typically a reason not to prescribe GLP-1 medications, or to proceed with extreme caution.
• Gallbladder disease: GLP-1 use has been associated with increased gallstone risk. A history of gallbladder problems warrants discussion.
• Active or history of eating disorders: Anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder require careful evaluation — these conditions affect both safety and the appropriateness of appetite-suppressing medications.
• Kidney and liver function: While GLP-1 medications are generally used across a range of kidney and liver function levels, significant impairment may affect dosing considerations.
• Diabetes medication interactions: If you take insulin or sulfonylureas, concurrent GLP-1 use can increase hypoglycemia risk and requires coordinated management with your endocrinologist or primary care provider.

Medication Discussion

Once your history, exam, and contraindication screening are complete, Dr. Gates discusses medication options with you. This conversation typically covers:

• Which medications are appropriate for your situation — including why one may be preferred over another based on your specific comorbidities and history.
• Mechanism of action — how GLP-1 medications work, in plain language.
• Expected timeline: Appetite effects often begin in the first few weeks; meaningful weight loss is typically measured over months, not days. Patients on semaglutide and tirzepatide in clinical trials were tracked over 68–72 weeks.
• Titration schedule: The dose escalation approach designed to minimize GI side effects. See our semaglutide dosage chart for the Wegovy titration schedule.
• What to do about side effects: Strategies for managing nausea, what indicates a dose should not be escalated, and when to call the office.
• Cost and insurance: A realistic conversation about what your plan covers and what savings programs may apply.
• Lifestyle integration: GLP-1 medications work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Dr. Gates will discuss what that looks like practically. See what to eat on semaglutide and preserving muscle on GLP-1 for practical guidance.

After Your Visit: Prescriptions and Follow-Up

The Prescription Process

If Dr. Gates determines a GLP-1 medication is appropriate for you and no additional labs are needed before starting, a prescription can typically be sent to your pharmacy on the day of your visit. Depending on the medication and your insurance situation, a prior authorization process may be required — our team handles prior authorization submissions and can guide you through the appeals process if an initial claim is denied.

If labs are ordered before the prescription is finalized, there is usually a brief window (days, not weeks) between your visit and when the prescription is sent once results are reviewed.

Follow-Up Cadence

Typical follow-up schedules for new GLP-1 patients at Scale Solutions:

• First follow-up: Approximately 4–6 weeks after starting your medication — to assess tolerability, review any side effects, and discuss the first dose adjustment.
• Subsequent follow-ups: Generally every 4–8 weeks during dose titration; intervals may extend once you reach a stable maintenance dose.
• Telehealth options: For established patients who are tolerating their medication well, many follow-up visits can be conducted via secure video — particularly useful if you’re in Richmond Hill, Hinesville, or another area with some distance to our offices.

When to Call Us Between Appointments

Contact the practice at (912) 352-7546 or info@scale-solutions.com if you experience:

• Persistent nausea or vomiting severe enough to affect eating or hydration
• Severe abdominal pain (particularly if radiating to the back — a potential sign of pancreatitis; seek emergency care if severe)
• Signs of hypoglycemia if you take diabetes medications concurrently
• Injection site problems that don’t resolve
• A missed dose question (see our dosage and missed dose guide)
• Concerns about whether you should increase your dose

What to Watch For: Concerning Side Effects

Most patients tolerate GLP-1 medications well, particularly with careful titration. The most common side effects are GI-related (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) and tend to be most pronounced during dose escalation. However, certain symptoms warrant prompt attention:

• Severe abdominal pain: Could indicate pancreatitis. Seek care immediately if pain is severe, persistent, and radiates to the back.
• Gallbladder pain: Right upper quadrant pain, particularly after fatty meals, may suggest gallstone formation. GLP-1 medications modestly increase this risk.
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat. Call 911 immediately.
• Rapid heartbeat at rest: GLP-1 medications can cause a mild increase in resting heart rate in some patients; significant or symptomatic changes should be reported.
• New neck mass or voice changes: Unexplained neck swelling may warrant thyroid evaluation, given the boxed warning for this medication class.

For more on what happens after you start therapy, see our first 30 days on semaglutide guide and our guide on what happens if you stop GLP-1 therapy.

Practical Details: Parking, Duration, What to Wear

Appointment Duration

Block 45–60 minutes for your initial consultation, plus 10–15 minutes before for check-in. Follow-up visits are typically 20–30 minutes.

What to Wear

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will be weighed and have your blood pressure taken. Wearing easily removed layers makes the exam more comfortable. You do not need to undress.

Parking

• Savannah (Abercorn St): Free surface parking lot adjacent to the building.
• Pooler (Canal St): Parking available at the building.
• Hinesville (E Court St): Street parking and nearby surface lots available.

Dietary Preparation

Unless you’ve been told to fast for bloodwork, you don’t need to restrict eating or drinking before your first appointment. Arrive well-hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to see my primary care doctor first before coming to Scale Solutions?

No referral is required. You can book your new patient consultation directly at any of our three locations. If your PCP has recent lab work or relevant records, bringing them is helpful — but not a prerequisite.

What if I’ve already started a GLP-1 medication from another provider?

We welcome patients who are transitioning from other programs — including telehealth-only services. We’ll review your current medication, dose, and response and develop a plan that works for your situation. If there are questions about whether to continue, adjust, or change your medication, that conversation happens at your first visit.

Can I get a GLP-1 prescription on the same day as my first visit?

In many cases, yes — if labs are not needed before prescribing, a prescription can be sent on the day of your first appointment. If labs are ordered, there may be a brief additional step before the prescription is finalized.

Is there a specific diet I need to start before my appointment?

No. You don’t need to begin any special diet before your first consultation. Dr. Gates will discuss realistic dietary approaches — including what to eat and what to reduce — during your visit and in follow-up.

I have type 2 diabetes and my endocrinologist already prescribed Ozempic. Can Dr. Gates also manage my GLP-1 therapy?

This is a clinical scenario that requires coordination between providers. In general, we prefer to work in communication with your endocrinologist or primary care physician when multiple providers are involved in managing diabetes and related medications. We can discuss your specific situation during a consultation.

Does Scale Solutions offer Spanish-language consultations?

Yes. Dr. Gates is fluent in Spanish and conducts consultations in Spanish for patients who prefer it.

What if I don’t qualify for a GLP-1 medication?

If GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for your situation, Dr. Gates will explain why and discuss alternative approaches. Scale Solutions also offers B12 lipotropic injections and other adjunct therapies. See our full medical weight loss overview for the range of options we support.