What Patients in Sonoma Ranch Ask

After undergoing GLP-1 therapy herself, Nikol Melendrez now passionately helps patients in navigating their own GLP-1 journeys.

I have been a medical assistant and in the medical field for more than a decade. I’ve always had a passion for helping people feel their best. Recently, I took on the role of Office Manager at LivingWell Weight Loss Clinic, where we offer personalized, medically-guided weight loss solutions designed to help our clients achieve lasting results while preserving muscle and supporting overall strength. Our expert-led programs include doctor-prescribed GLP-1 medications, nutritional support, and lifestyle coaching. Glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in your gut that regulates blood sugar and appetite. In addition to our weight loss support, we also provide peptides, hormone therapy, and Invisa-RED, which is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive laser therapy device that uses red and infrared light wavelengths to target stubborn fat cells, promote weight loss, and tighten skin. I myself did GLP-1 treatment and lost more than 50 pounds, which has given me a unique sense of understanding and compassion for our patients who are navigating the GLP-1 journey. Having both guided patients through these treatments and experienced them firsthand myself, I’m happy to answer some of the most frequently-asked questions we receive at the clinic.

How long does it take to lose weight? Many patients can expect to lose up to 10 pounds per month when they consistently follow their treatment plan, including meeting their daily protein and hydration goals. GLP-1 medications work by helping to regulate appetite, reduce cravings, and encourage healthier eating habits. Beyond just helping you lose weight, GLP-1 therapy can also significantly improve cardiovascular health and help manage other obesity-related conditions.

Is it expensive? We’ve recently lowered our pricing and now offer several flexible financing options to help make treatment accessible for a variety of budgets. While we do not accept insurance, our pricing is designed to be straightforward, transparent, and affordable. In many cases, the total cost of treatment is less than what patients would pay through insurance co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses. At the end of the day, you’re making an investment in your health, which is well worth the price.

If a GLP-1 is prescribed to me, will I  have to continue the treatment forever? If I stop treatment, will I gain the weight back? GLP-1 therapy can serve as an excellent bridge tactic to help folks establish and sustain healthy habits that once felt out of reach. For many people, activities like regular exercise become more approachable and enjoyable after achieving meaningful weight loss. For example, going for a run often feels much more attainable when your body is carrying significantly less weight than before. The treatments we offer make it possible for you to establish healthy habits that you can carry with you for a lifetime. After reaching their goal weight, many patients are able to transition off treatment and maintain their results by continuing the healthy habits they've picked up along the way. While long-term success varies from person to person, these lifestyle changes play a critical role in helping maintain weight loss and muscle mass over time.

LivingWell Weight Loss Clinic
1855 E. Lohman Ave, Suite G
(575) 259-5014
www.LivingWellWeightLoss.com
Monday - Friday, 8am-6pm | Saturdays, 10am-Noon

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ABOUT STROLL SONOMA RANCH:
This is one of our feature stories for the July "America 250" issue in which our Sonoma Ranch neighbors nominate one another for headlines and submit their stories and photos for each and every issue. We also love to shine a light on our Preferred Partners, who are local businesses in Las Cruces. If you are a local business who would like to work with our Sonoma Ranch community, reach out to our Publisher, Tamera Ahner, @ 575-654-5622. We are looking for the best of the best in all industries to serve our beloved neighbors.