GLP-1 medications have revolutionized how people lose and maintain weight, helping millions reach their goals when diet and exercise are not enough. After years of frustration and disappointment, these medications offer an achievable path forward to better health, increased energy, improved mood and confidence, and a longer life with greater vitality.
At the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, our medical weight loss program pairs compounded tirzepatide with the ongoing support of our Wellness Team. While weight loss medication is a powerful tool, we believe medication alone is not the answer to lasting weight loss success. From the beginning, we work with you to build a strong foundation of health education and positive habits you can continue for life, and that can eventually help you sustain your results with a maintenance dose or no medication at all.
Whether you want to lose a significant amount of weight, reach a healthy weight before a cosmetic procedure or simply feel better in your day-to-day life, we're here to help. Request your consultation at the Bengtson Center in Grand Rapids today.
Medical weight loss is a comprehensive, nonsurgical approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for both men and women. Our Grand Rapids medical weight loss solutions are designed to help you lose weight and build healthier habits for life.
It can be incredibly difficult to lose weight with diet and exercise, particularly if you’re trying to determine the healthiest choices for your body by yourself. A medically-supervised weight loss program provides treatment in a clinical setting that is overseen by licensed healthcare professionals.
Personalization is a key component of a medical weight loss program. Because everyone’s body is unique, the program must be structured around each individual patient’s body chemistry, metabolism, health conditions and lifestyle. Your plan will be tailored to your needs and goals, and we will follow up with you throughout the program to make any adjustments necessary.
At the Bengtson Center, our weight optimization program uses compounded tirzepatide. This medication is a dual agonist, which means it activates two types of hormone receptors in your body (GLP-1 and GIP) rather than one. It works in three main ways.
The medication slows the rate at which food leaves your stomach, so you feel fuller for a longer period of time. Most patients find they eat smaller portions naturally, without feeling like they are restricting themselves.
Many patients describe struggling with "food noise" — persistent mental chatter about eating and snacking that is difficult to ignore. The medication affects dopamine signaling in the brain, which can quiet that noise and make it easier to make healthy choices.
Rather than experiencing sharp spikes and drops after meals, patients on this medication tend to maintain more consistent blood sugar levels throughout the day. This also makes it easier to minimize snacking and resist the temptation of unhealthy foods.
Our formulation is compounded with a B vitamin and administered as a once-weekly injection. In our clinical experience, patients respond well to this medication and tolerate it with manageable side effects.
Weight loss medication gives you a head start, but it is only one tool in the wellness toolbox. Medication paired with healthy lifestyle habits is what makes lasting weight management possible.
At the Bengtson Center, we view weight loss through a holistic lens. Our Wellness Team emphasizes the importance of eating a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet and prioritizing protein intake to preserve muscle mass during weight loss. We can point you to websites and apps that make meal planning and tracking easier if you’d like additional support with your diet.
Our team also recommends prioritizing strength training in your fitness routine. Exercise supports fat loss and resistance training is another way to ensure you maintain muscle while losing weight. We can refer you to a personal trainer if you would like expert guidance.
Seeing your progress can be one of the most effective ways to stay motivated. Our team uses the InBody 580 Body Composition Analyzer to track how your body changes over time. The scans provide a deeper look into your body composition and overall health than a scale can show.
Achieving a healthy weight can transform your life in numerous ways. Not only does it reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer, but it also significantly improves metabolic health. Better blood sugar control and enhanced insulin sensitivity are just a few of the metabolic benefits you can expect.
When you reach a healthy weight, you'll likely notice a boost in energy levels and a reduction in fatigue, making daily activities more enjoyable. Some patients have found mental health improvements, with many people experiencing reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Enhanced mobility and a lower risk of injury mean you can stay active and enjoy life to the fullest.
Improved sleep quality and duration are additional perks contributing to overall well-being. Plus, achieving a healthy weight can enhance self-esteem and body confidence, helping you feel better about yourself.
By focusing on achieving a healthy weight, you may improve your overall quality of life and may reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, setting the stage for a healthier, happier future.
Not everyone walks through our door with the same starting point or the same finish line in mind. A patient hoping to lose 50 pounds requires a different approach than someone trying to drop the last 10 before a wedding. That is why we offer two distinct weight loss program options. The right program for you depends on your current weight, your goals and your existing habits.
This is the program we recommend for most patients. Your treatment plan is highly individualized, with monthly check-ins to monitor your progress, assess how you're tolerating the medication, and ensure your treatment stays on track.
You'll begin at the standard starting dose, and we'll gradually increase your medication over time until you reach a therapeutic dose that supports your weight loss goals. This gradual titration allows your body to adjust to the medication, helping maximize effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects.
The micro-dosing program is a lower-dose option for patients who are already close to their goal weight and have a solid foundation of healthy habits in place. It uses doses below the standard starting threshold to provide a personalized approach to tirzepatide therapy. While some patients may experience weight loss at this dose, others may use micro-dosing to support the ongoing benefits of GLP-1 therapy while maintaining their progress and weight goals. Each patient’s response to treatment is unique and guided by their individual goals and how their body responds to the medication.
Our team recommends this program in limited cases. Although we understand that micro-dosing may sound appealing, if you are looking to lose more than 10 pounds, our full weight optimization program is likely the better fit for you.
Women and men who have had limited success losing weight or managing their weight on their own may benefit from the personalized attention of a medical weight loss program. Losing weight under the guidance of a medical professional ensures it is done efficiently and safely, with goals that are realistic and strategies that are sustainable.
You may be a good fit for our program if you:
If you have allergies to certain medications or severe health conditions, our team will help you explore alternative options. The consultation process ensures that your treatment plan is both safe and effective.
Starting a new program can feel both exciting and intimidating, especially when you're not sure what the process involves. Here's how our weight optimization program works, step by step.
Your first step is a brief phone call (about 15 minutes) with a member of our Wellness Team. Before the call, we'll ask you to complete your medical history online so we can spend the time in conversation, not completing paperwork. We'll talk about what medical weight loss involves and which of our two options might be right for you, and we’ll answer any questions you have about our programs, practice or providers.
We require a standard lab panel to confirm weight loss medication is safe and appropriate for you. Many patients have their labs drawn through our office. If you choose this option, you will receive a second second lab panel at no additional cost in the future to track your progress.
However, many patients have recently completed lab work through their primary care provider. We are happy to accept those results if they were completed within the past six months and include the recommended tests. In some cases, we may also accept lab results that are up to 12 months old if all values are within normal limits.
Once we have reviewed your lab results and determined that you are an appropriate candidate to begin treatment, you will return for an in-person consultation. During this visit, we will review your personalized treatment plan in detail, discuss what to expect throughout your weight loss journey, and answer any questions you may have. We will also obtain baseline body composition measurements using our InBody 580 scanner to establish a starting point for monitoring your progress.
We will then provide hands-on instruction on proper subcutaneous injection technique, including medication handling, injection site selection, and administration. When you feel comfortable, you will administer your first injection under the guidance of our clinical team, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to continue your treatment safely at home.
After your initial appointment, compounded tirzepatide is administered as a simple weekly injection. Most patients find the injections easy to manage at home, but we're always here if you prefer to receive them in-office. Choose whichever option is most convenient and comfortable for you, as this will make it easier to stick with your program.
After your first injection, we check in with you twice by phone: once within a few days to see how you're feeling and once after your first at-home injection. Starting a new medication can involve questions or side effects, and we want to ensure you have the support you need while you settle into your program.
Our team will then monitor your progress with monthly in-person follow-ups, including additional InBody scans to track your progress, to ensure you're losing weight safely and effectively. You will also pick up your medication at these appointments. Adjustments to dosage or additional support may be offered to help you achieve the best results.
Reaching a weight loss goal looks different for everyone. Some patients transition to a lower maintenance dose of the medication. Others choose to taper off the medication, armed with the healthy habits they've built throughout the program. Either way, our team helps you plan your transition to maximize your results.
Weight loss is a gradual process. Most patients notice changes within the first four to six weeks of starting their program. The full benefits typically develop over several months. In addition to seeing the number change on the scale, patients often report feeling more in control of their appetite and experiencing greater energy, making it easier to maintain their new weight long-term.
One of the most important things that distinguishes a medical weight loss program from many trendy diets and fitness plans is that it is designed for long-term results. So-called “crash dieting” can lead to rapid weight loss, but the results are often short-lived, and the drastic changes you must make can have a negative effect on both your physical and mental health.
Our weight optimization program helps you set realistic weight loss goals and achieve them via personalized medication dosing and lifestyle changes that you can maintain for the foreseeable future. You attend monthly follow-ups with body composition tracking to ensure you are headed in the right direction, and our Wellness Team will ensure your program is designed with sustainability in mind.
Weight loss changes your body in many ways. As you near or achieve your goal weight, you may start thinking about what comes next.
At the Bengtson Center, our weight loss program is one part of a much larger practice. Our board-certified plastic surgeons — Dr. Brad Bengtson, Dr. David Alfonso and Dr. Narges Horriat — and the team at Symmetry Med Spa offer a full range of surgical, nonsurgical and hair restoration treatments that can complement your weight loss program and help you feel even more excited about your results.
Significant weight loss often leads to loose or excess skin, particularly around the abdomen, chest, arms and thighs. Surgical options for addressing excess skin after weight loss include:
Our bodies are not designed to lose weight in specific areas. Weight loss happens throughout your body, which means it may occur in some areas you wish it didn’t. If you’d like to restore volume in certain areas, your surgical options may include:
At Symmetry Med Spa, our Licensed Medical Aestheticians and Master Injectors offer treatments that can refine your results without little to no downtime. Some of the options you may wish to consider after weight loss include:
If you notice shedding or thinning at any point during your weight loss journey, we can incorporate supplements like Nutrafol® or Xtressé™ and/or Keravive™ scalp treatments into your treatment plan. We also offer NeoGraft® hair restoration procedures for women and men through the New Vista Hair Restoration Center.
At The Bengtson Center, we take pride in providing exceptional care that blends compassionate service with outstanding results all under the guidance and oversight of our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Brad Bengtson, Dr. David Alfonso and Dr. Narges Horriat. Our patients trust us because we listen, personalize treatment plans, and focus on long-term success rather than temporary fixes.
Our medical weight loss program is run by a dedicated Wellness Team with physician oversight from Dr. Horriat. Their expertise ensures that each patient receives the highest level of care and guidance throughout their journey. You will work with the same providers at every visit so your experience is seamless.
We stay at the forefront of medical advancements, offering cutting-edge solutions that are proven to work. Our holistic approach emphasizes overall well-being, addressing not just weight loss but also improvements in metabolic health and lifestyle. When you choose the Bengtson Center, you're choosing a team committed to your transformation, every step of the way.
If you're ready to regain control of your weight and improve your quality of life, contact the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery today. We're excited to partner with you on this journey. Call 616-202-5640 or book now in Grand Rapids, MI, and discover how medical weight loss can change your life.
Medical weight loss costs depend on the treatment plan. Schedule a consultation to receive detailed pricing and financing options.
Our weight optimization program is currently available exclusively at our Grand Rapids location.
We require lab work before any medication is prescribed. This is a critical step to confirm that the program is appropriate for you. If you have had labs done by another provider within the past six months, we can typically accept these. Otherwise, our team can order them for you.
Some weight fluctuation is normal after stopping. You may not maintain the very lowest weight you reached while on the medication, but patients who have built strong nutritional and exercise habits during the program tend to keep the majority of their results. If you would like to discontinue the medication, our team will help you plan your transition to maintenance.
GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications were originally developed for long-term management of chronic obesity. That said, our goal is to use the medication as a tool while you build the habits that will support you after you taper off. How long you choose to stay on the weight optimization program depends on your individual goals and your response to the medication.
Yes, patients can restart the program. Weight management is an ongoing process, and there are many reasons someone might discontinue and want to return. We welcome patients back and will reassess your goals and current health status when you are ready.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, namely nausea and constipation. These are most likely to occur when you start the program or when your dose increases, and they usually dissipate once your body adjusts to the medication. Our team adjusts your dose in smaller increments than the standard protocol, which helps to reduce the severity and frequency of side effects.
Our team recommends staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods and staying active to help your gastrointestinal system function smoothly. We will provide guidance on managing common side effects and may recommend additional strategies, including over-the-counter medications when appropriate, to help improve comfort and tolerability.
Based on the currently available research, weight loss medications are not believed to directly cause hair loss. However, rapid weight loss by any method can trigger a temporary shedding phase called telogen effluvium, and reduced nutrient intake can also contribute to thinning. Our team monitors for signs of hair changes at your monthly visits. If thinning does occur, or if you would like to take proactive measures to minimize it, we can recommend supplements like Nutrafol or Xtressé and work with you through our New Vista Hair Restoration Center, which is managed by the same providers who run the weight optimization program.
Muscle loss is a possibility with any form of weight loss, not just GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medication. Our Wellness Team typically recommends consuming 80 to 120 grams of protein daily and incorporating strength training into your fitness routine. We use InBody 580 body composition scans at your monthly visits to track changes in muscle mass and fat loss. By monitoring your body composition over time, we can make personalized recommendations to help support fat loss while preserving lean muscle.
Most patients begin to notice changes within the first few weeks to a month. Early results often include feeling less fatigued, having fewer cravings and eating smaller portions without feeling deprived.
Measurable weight loss often occurs around four to six weeks. The results timeline can vary significantly from person to person, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see the results you were expecting right away. It doesn’t necessarily mean the medication isn’t working for you.
The habits you build during the program are what sustain your results long-term. With a healthy diet and exercise plan in plan, most patients maintain the majority of their progress. Some weight fluctuation after completing the program is normal, but a strong foundation makes lasting results achievable.
Yes, follow the dosing schedule exactly as prescribed. The medication should be administered on the same day each week, as close to the same time as possible.
If you miss a dose and it has been four days or less, administer the medication as soon as you remember. You should then continue dosing on this new weekly schedule, making sure there is seven days between injections. If it has been more than four days since your missed dose, please contact us for instructions.
Your medication will be provided in a take-home container and should be stored in the refrigerator at all times. Do not store the syringes in a warm environment or expose them to heat or direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can decrease their effectiveness. Never freeze the syringes, as freezing can damage the medication and make it ineffective.
The amount of weight lost each week varies from person to person. Remember, slow and steady weight loss is healthier and more sustainable than rapid weight loss. Losing one to two pounds per week is considered a safe rate of weight loss.
Note that you might not lose the same amount of weight each month. Fluctuations are normal, and weight loss may slowly start to decrease as you get closer to your goal weight.
Reaching your goal is an exciting milestone! When you get there, our team will work closely with you to decide on the best next step, whether that means transitioning off the medication or finding a maintenance dose that helps you sustain your results without encouraging further weight loss.
Are you ready to take the next step to a more beautiful you? Plastic Surgeons Dr. Bengtson, Dr. Alfonso and Dr. Horriat, along with the team at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, provide advanced plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment for patients from Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Detroit, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. We specialize in breast augmentation, breast implants, and tummy tuck surgery, as well as laser hair removal, Micro-Needling, BOTOX Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM, and other dermal fillers. Results may vary from person to person.
Grand Rapids
2155 E Paris Ave SE, Suite 100,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
(616) 588-8880
Byron Center
4020 Del Mar Dr SW,
Wyoming, MI 49418
(616) 730-8332
Monday 8:30am – 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 5pm
Thursday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 5pm
*Saturday 9am -12pm
Sunday Closed
*Open select Saturdays.
Please call the office for details.
