Adipex® (Phentermine)

Phentermine works by suppressing the appetite regulating area in the brain called the hypothalamus and blocks the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine (adrenalin-like neurotransmitter) leaving more available in the body for use.  This ultimately leaves the body feeling more satiated (full like after eating a meal) as well as energized!  Patient who are overweight often suffer from a decreased metabolic rate. Through the use of this medication, evidence shows increase in patient’s metabolic rate which is what contributes to the weight loss. Now, I’m sure you are wondering, what happens when I go off this medication and how long can I be on the medication. Patients can take the medications for 3 months and then have to take a minimum of 6 month break.  It is very important to make lifestyle changes early on after starting the medication, so that when you cycle off the medication, your healthy practices are already in place, and your can continue to achieve desired results.

Cost: As low as $15 at local pharmacy when using GoodRx.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is essential to assist with metabolism of fats and carbohydrates to release energy in the body.  B12 also plays a key role in regulating appetite and mood.  Patients with low B12 levels often experience fatigue, excessive sweating, and soreness in arms/legs. Other symptoms can include shaky movements, incontinence (lack of bladder and/or bowel control), hypotension (low blood pressure), vision problems, difficulty concentrating, hot flashes, and mood disturbances. Patients with low B12 often times have impaired ability to absorb in the intestinal tract due to low intrinsic factor.  Intrinsic factor is necessary to move B12 into the blood stream. In many patients, small amounts of B12 such as 25 mcg in multivitamins are not sufficient to increase patients B12 levels to where they experience all the benefits. Furthermore, even large oral doses of B12 (cyanocobalamin) ranging from 100-200 mcg daily have decreased efficacy levels compared with intramuscular injected B12 injections due to the absorption challenges in the intestinal tract/GI system.  Many patients report significant benefits and improvement in symptoms through use of routine vitamin B12 injections.  

Recommendation:  

Once or twice weekly of 1-5 mg depending on need. If done in combination with Lipo-C, recommend twice weekly.  The injections are put into large muscle group such as thigh, hip, or buttock. 

There is no down time and only takes a few minutes.  Minimal pain is experienced and patients generally have no prolonged soreness such as with a flu or tetanus shot.

Frequency:

Once or twice weekly depending on the need.  Twice weekly recommended if taking with Lipo-C.

Cost:

Single injection: $25

Package of 4 injections (2 weeks): $90

Package of 8 injections (one month): $170

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Combo Pack of Vitamin B12 & Lipo-C:

Package of 4 injections each (2 week supply): $150

Package of 4 injections of B12 & 8 injections of Lipo-C: $225

Package of 8 injections each (one month supply): $270

B-Complex

The B complex vitamin provides additional assistance with weight loss in a variety of different way including:

-Breaking down and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates more efficiently in the body

-Providing improved energy

-Increasing good cholesterol (HDL)

-Decreasing stress and anxiety which consequently raise cortisol levels

Plus:

-Improves hormone function

-Reduces acne and skin blemishes

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The Break Down of the Vitamins:

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Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Benefits:

Vitamin B5 is helpful in breaking down and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates into energy. Along with aiding in your metabolism, Vitamin B5 is responsible for producing sexual hormones like testosterone as well as stress-related hormones. B5 also helps get you healthy skin and reduce signs of aging on the skin.

Vitamin B1  (Thiamine) Benefits:

Vitamin B1's is often referred to as the “anti-stress vitamin” and also helps break down carbohydrates in the body during digestion.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Benefits:

Vitamin B2 is packed with antioxidants and aids in the production of red blood cells which are essential to getting oxygen you need throughout your body consequently improving your energy/endurance.  It also helps to fight off free radicals that can lead to various diseases such as heart disease.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Benefits:

Primarily helps to boost high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol in your body. Also helps to reduce acne, skin blemishes, and improve the appearance of your skin.

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Recommendation:  

Once weekly injection.  The injections are put into large muscle group such as thigh, hip, or buttock. 

There is no down time and only takes a few minutes.  Minimal pain is experienced and patients generally have no prolonged soreness such as with a flu or tetanus shot.

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Cost:

Single injection: $20

Package of 4 injections (2 weeks): $75

Package of 8 injections (one month): $140

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Combo Pack of Vitamin B Complex, B12, & Lipo-C:

Package of 4 injections each (2 week supply): $150

Package of 4 injections of B Complex & B12 Plus 8 injections of Lipo-C: $250

Package of 8 of B12 and Lipo C, Plus 4 of B Complex (one month supply): $270

Lipo-C ®

Lipo-C® injections are used help release fat throughout the body by targeting fatty deposits.  These injections boost the body’s metabolic power to increase metabolic functions aiding the body to rid itself of fat. These essential amino acids act as a lipotropic agent which assist in the breakdown of fats within the liver; helps to lower cholesterol thereby preventing excess fat buildup in the liver and throughout your body’s circulatory system.

Lipo-C® injections contain 4 important ingredients including:

1. Inositol: helps the liver remove fat

2. Choline: distributes cholesterol and prevents it from getting deposited in one part of the body

3. L-Carnitine: amino acid required for the transport and breakdown of body fat and for the generation of metabolic energy. Shown to decrease fat mass, preserve muscle during exercise, and reduce muscle fatigue. Further research over the last decade has shed new light on the importance of L-carnitine as a regulator of skeletal muscle fuel selection, which means it is needed to determine whether muscle tissue utilizes carbohydrates or fat for energy. L-Carnitine requires a high dose to promote fat tissue breakdown. This is because only a fraction of carnitine is absorbed during oral digestion. When administered by injection, nutrients like L-Carnitine are completely absorbed by the body.

4. Methionine: similar to inositol and amplifies the combination

Recommendation:

For optimal results, 3 ml injections should be given twice weekly for 3 months or until desired results are achieved. 

Lipo-C® is recommended to be given along with B12 to accelerate metabolic process while improving overall energy. Since lipotropics directly aid in the breakdown of fatty tissue, and are also closely related to B vitamins, when used together, they are thought to intensify each other’s effects and are usually injected together as part of the same treatment injection cycle.

Frequency:

2 times weekly for 3 months or until desired results are achieved.

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Cost:

Single injection: $20

Package of 4 injections (2 weeks): $75

Package of 8 injections (one month): $140

​

Combo Pack of Vitamin B12 & Lipo-C:

Package of 4 injections each (2 week supply): $150

Package of 4 injections of B12 & 8 injections of Lipo-C: $225

Package of 8 injections each (one month supply): $270