Medical Weight Loss in Bellevue

At Serenity Rejuvenation Center, your weight loss program is run by a physician, not a spa. Dr. Stephen O’Connell has practiced medicine since 2004 and is ABMS board-certified. He reviews your history, prescribes and adjusts your medication, and follows your progress himself.

Most of our patients use a GLP-1 medication, the class of weekly injections behind today’s best weight loss results, combined with simple, realistic changes to eating and activity.

Tirzepatide works on two appetite and blood-sugar hormones (GIP and GLP-1). In clinical trials, people lost an average of about 20% of their body weight over about 17 months.

Semaglutide works on GLP-1. In clinical trials, people lost an average of about 15% of their body weight over about 16 months.

When appropriate, Dr. O’Connell may also discuss other options, including phentermine and topiramate, a thyroid evaluation, or HCG (used off-label; HCG is not FDA-approved for weight loss). Your plan depends on your health, goals and history.

Losing weight quickly can mean losing muscle too, and muscle is what keeps your metabolism, strength and mobility working for you. Dr. O’Connell is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), the specialty focused on muscle, movement and function, so this is built into your plan:

• A steady, sustainable pace of weight loss rather than the fastest possible drop
• Practical protein targets
• Simple strength-training guidance you can do at home or at the gym
• Check-ins on energy, strength and how you feel, not only the scale

1. Consultation. We review your health history, current medications and goals, and order labs if needed.

2. Your plan. Dr. O’Connell chooses your medication and a starting dose.

3. Gradual dosing. Doses go up slowly to keep side effects low.

4. Monthly check-ins. We track your progress, adjust your dose and keep you on track, with easy access to us by text between visits.

5. Maintenance. When you reach your goal, we plan how to keep the weight off.

There are two ways to get your medication, and we will help you choose at your consultation:

• Physician management: Dr. O’Connell manages your program and you fill your prescription at your own pharmacy.
• All-inclusive: your medication is provided through our office as part of your program.

These medications are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or prediabetes. They are not right for everyone. They are not used during pregnancy, and they are not used if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2. Tell us about any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease or kidney problems. Dr. O’Connell reviews your full history before prescribing.

The most common side effects are nausea, fullness, constipation or diarrhea. They are usually mild, happen most in the first weeks or after a dose increase, and improve as your body adjusts. We start low, increase slowly and adjust your dose if needed. You can text us any time with questions.

How much weight will I lose?
It varies. In clinical trials, average loss was about 15% with semaglutide and about 20% with tirzepatide over roughly a year and a half. Your results depend on your dose, consistency and lifestyle.

Which medication is better, semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide produced more weight loss on average in trials, but the best choice depends on your health, how you tolerate it and availability. Dr. O’Connell will recommend one at your consultation.

Will I lose muscle?
Some muscle loss can happen with any weight loss. Our plan is designed to protect it, with a sensible pace, protein and strength training.

What happens when I stop?
Weight can return after stopping. We plan a maintenance phase with you instead of stopping abruptly.

Do I need to come in every month?
We check in monthly. Many check-ins can be handled by text.

Serenity Rejuvenation Center is at 14777 NE 40th St, Suite 101, Bellevue, WA 98007, near the Microsoft campus, and sees patients by appointment only. We see patients from Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish, Issaquah and Seattle. Text us at 425-644-5560 to schedule a complimentary consultation.