Metabolic & Weight Management Injections Post-Care

• Injection Site Care:
  • If you administer injections yourself, always use a new needle for each injection and rotate injection sites (e.g., abdomen, thigh, upper arm) as instructed.
  • You may gently cleanse the site before injection with an alcohol swab.
  • Avoid rubbing the injection site vigorously after the injection.
• Rest & Lifestyle:
  • Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, as rest is important for overall health and can impact metabolism and hunger hormones.
• Managing Side Effects:
  • Nausea: Eat small, bland meals. Avoid greasy, fried, or very sweet foods. Sip water or clear fluids. Ginger (tea, chews) may help. Talk to your provider if nausea is severe or persistent; they may prescribe anti-nausea medication.
  • Constipation: Increase fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), drink plenty of water, and engage in regular physical activity.
  • Diarrhea: Stay hydrated. Avoid foods that may worsen it.
• Exercise & Activity:
  • Regular Physical Activity is Crucial: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like brisk walking, cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities 2 or more days a week, as tolerated and advised by your healthcare provider.
  • Start slowly if you are new to exercise and gradually increase intensity and duration.
• Medications & Monitoring:
  • Inform your SOKO provider and primary doctor about ALL medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
  • If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels as advised by your doctor, especially when starting or adjusting doses.
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust treatment as needed.
• General Health:
  • Sun exposure guidelines are not specific to this medication unless there’s a skin reaction at the injection site. General sun safety (SPF 30+) is always recommended.
    
    

Dietary Guidelines for Success (Crucial!):

• Focus On:
  • Protein-Rich Foods: Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, tofu. Protein helps with satiety and preserves muscle mass during weight loss. Aim for a good protein source with each meal.
  • High Fiber: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds. Fiber aids digestion, promotes fullness, and helps manage blood sugar.
  • Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil (in moderation).
  • Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day (aim for half your body weight in ounces, e.g., if 150 lbs, aim for 75 oz). This helps with satiety, digestion, and potential side effects like nausea or constipation.
  • Smaller, Frequent Meals: May help manage nausea and hunger.
  • Mindful Eating: Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues. Eat slowly.
• Consider (discuss with your provider):
  • Multivitamin: To ensure you’re getting essential nutrients, as calorie intake may be reduced.
  • Electrolyte supplements: Especially if experiencing dehydration from side effects or if water intake is very high without adequate mineral intake.
• Limit or Avoid:
  • High-Sugar Foods & Drinks: Candy, pastries, sugary sodas, sweetened juices. These offer empty calories and can spike blood sugar.
  • Highly Processed Foods: Often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium.
  • Fried & Greasy Foods: Can exacerbate nausea and are not conducive to weight loss.
  • Alcohol: Can be high in calories, stimulate appetite, and may interact with the medication or worsen side effects. Discuss alcohol consumption with your provider.
  • Excessive Caffeine: Can contribute to dehydration or jitteriness for some.
  • Eating Very Large Meals: Can be uncomfortable with delayed gastric emptying.