- Bring your insurance card, medication list, weight loss history, and any recent lab work
- Think through your goals before the appointment so your clinician can build the right plan
- Check your insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications ahead of time to avoid surprises
- Your first visit at PEAK typically takes 30–45 minutes and includes a full medical review
Important GLP-1 safety warning: Wegovy carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors. Avoid use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2.
Scheduling your first weight loss consultation is a meaningful step. Knowing what to prepare beforehand makes the visit more productive and helps your clinician create a plan that fits your health history, your goals, and your insurance situation from day one.
This guide walks through everything you should gather, think about, and ask before your first weight loss appointment at PEAK Wellness & Aesthetics.
What to bring
Arriving with the right documents saves time and allows your clinician to make the most accurate assessment during your visit. Here is what to have ready:
- Insurance card. Even if you are unsure whether your plan covers GLP-1 medications, bring your card so we can verify your benefits and begin any prior authorization process the same day.
- Current medication list. Include prescription medications, over-the-counter supplements, and dosages. This helps your clinician check for potential interactions and build a complete picture of your health.
- Weight loss history. A brief summary of past diets, programs, or medications you have tried. You do not need formal documentation — even a mental list of what you have attempted and how it went is valuable context.
- Recent lab work. If you have had bloodwork done in the past 6 months, bring the results. Relevant labs include a metabolic panel, A1C, thyroid panel, and lipid panel. If you do not have recent labs, PEAK will order them as part of your workup.
- Photo ID. Required for new patient intake at any medical office.
If you are missing a document or cannot locate old lab results, come to the appointment anyway. We would rather see you and fill in the gaps than have you delay getting started. Your clinician will order whatever is needed.
Define your goals before you arrive
Your clinician will ask about your goals during the consultation, and having thought about this ahead of time leads to a more productive conversation. You do not need a specific number on the scale. Instead, think about questions like:
- What motivated you to explore medical weight loss now?
- Are there specific health conditions you want to improve, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, joint pain, or sleep apnea?
- What does a realistic outcome look like for you over the next 6 to 12 months?
- Have you tried weight loss approaches before that felt unsustainable, and if so, what made them hard to maintain?
The best consultations happen when a patient has reflected on where they are and where they want to be — even if the answer is simply “healthier.”
Questions to ask your provider
Your consultation is a two-way conversation. Coming prepared with questions ensures you leave with clarity about how treatment works and what to expect. If you are still deciding between medications, this is the time to get personalized guidance. Consider asking:
- Am I a good candidate for Wegovy or Zepbound?
- What side effects should I expect during the first few weeks?
- How is the dose titration schedule structured, and how long before I reach the full dose?
- What kind of monitoring and follow-up visits are included in my care plan?
- Will I work with a dietitian or nutritionist as part of the program?
- What happens if my insurance denies the prior authorization?
It is easy to forget questions in the moment. Bring a list on your phone or on paper. Your clinician will take the time to answer every one of them — that is what the consultation is for.
Insurance homework to do beforehand
Understanding your insurance coverage before the appointment reduces uncertainty and helps your care team move faster on your behalf. Before your visit, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask:
- Does my plan cover GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide) or Zepbound (tirzepatide) for weight management?
- Is prior authorization required, and if so, what criteria must be met?
- Is there a step therapy requirement, meaning do I need to try another medication first?
- What is my copay or coinsurance for specialty medications?
Even if you cannot get clear answers from your insurance company, our team will manage the prior authorization process for you. We submit documentation, handle appeals when necessary, and explore manufacturer savings programs. You do not have to handle this alone.
Want a clearer picture of what treatment might cost before your visit? Our weight loss program cost breakdown covers pricing, insurance, and savings options so you can plan ahead.
What happens during the consultation
Knowing what to expect removes the guesswork. Here is how a typical initial consultation at PEAK is structured:
- Medical history review. Your clinician will review your health history, current medications, prior weight loss attempts, and any related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
- Physical measurements. We take baseline vitals including blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight, and perform a baseline EKG. These serve as reference points to track your progress.
- Goal-setting conversation. This is the collaborative part of the visit. Your clinician will discuss what a realistic treatment plan looks like based on your health profile and objectives.
- Treatment options. You will learn how GLP-1 medications work, what the dose titration schedule looks like, and what side effects to expect. Your clinician will explain why one medication may be recommended over another based on your situation.
- Next steps. Before you leave, your care team will outline exactly what happens next — including lab work orders, insurance prior authorization, and your anticipated timeline to start medication.
After your visit: what comes next
The consultation is the starting point, not the finish line. Here is what typically follows:
- Lab work. If we do not have recent results, we will order bloodwork to establish your metabolic baseline. This usually includes a complete metabolic panel, A1C, thyroid function, and lipid panel.
- Prior authorization. If your insurance requires it, our team submits the prior authorization request within 1–2 business days of your visit. Approval timelines vary by plan but typically take 5–14 business days.
- Medication start. Once labs are reviewed and insurance authorization is secured, you will begin at the lowest dose and titrate up according to a structured schedule. Most patients start medication within 1–3 weeks of their consultation.
- Follow-up cadence. PEAK schedules regular check-ins to monitor your response, adjust dosing, and address any side effects. You are never left to figure things out on your own.
Preparation turns a good consultation into a great one. The more your clinician knows on day one, the faster you can start.
The hardest part of any weight loss process is deciding to begin. By the time you walk into your consultation prepared, you have already done the most important work. Everything that follows is a partnership between you and your care team at PEAK.
