Virtual Consultation
In your virtual visit, Dr. Wadiwala reviews your medical history and weight loss goals, and guides you to the right medication and a personalized plan.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss
Physician-supervised weight loss with prescription medication — in person or virtual.
Not everyone needs surgery to reach a healthy weight. At Houston Surgical Weight Loss, Dr. Irfan Wadiwala prescribes safe, effective, FDA-approved weight loss medications and supervises your progress every step of the way.
Newer GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Zepbound®) reduce appetite and help you feel full sooner, and many patients lose a significant amount of weight. Paired with nutrition guidance and regular follow-ups, they can be a powerful alternative to surgery — or a helpful addition after it.
Three simple steps from your first visit to your first dose.
Meet with Dr. Wadiwala in person or virtually. Your medical history, current medications and goals are reviewed to decide whether medication is right for you.
Request a ConsultationOnce you have a prescription, our team checks your insurance and helps with any prior authorization. If your plan does not cover it, we will walk you through self-pay options.
See If You're CoveredBegin your medication at a low dose. Regular follow-ups let Dr. Wadiwala track your progress, manage side effects and adjust your dose.
Call 281-653-6544
In your virtual visit, Dr. Wadiwala reviews your medical history and weight loss goals, and guides you to the right medication and a personalized plan.
We prescribe the medication best suited to you — brand-name or generic, injectable or oral — with your health, goals and budget in mind.
Our team verifies your benefits and handles prior authorizations, so you can focus on reaching your weight loss goals.
Depending on your health, goals and coverage, Dr. Wadiwala may recommend one of these FDA-approved medications. Open any medication for the details.
Semaglutide · weekly injection
Wegovy mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone that signals fullness to the brain and slows how quickly the stomach empties, so smaller portions feel satisfying and cravings ease. It is FDA-approved for chronic weight management.
How it is taken: A once-weekly injection under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm. The dose starts low and steps up every four weeks to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, giving your body time to adjust.
Benefits
Common side effects
Who should not take it
Warnings & interactions
Semaglutide · weekly injection
Ozempic contains the same medicine as Wegovy, semaglutide, at doses approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. As well as lowering blood sugar, it reduces appetite, and many patients lose weight on it.
How it is taken: A once-weekly injection from a pre-filled pen. The dose starts at 0.25 mg and increases gradually, up to a maximum of 2 mg.
Benefits
Common side effects
Who should not take it
Warnings & interactions
Tirzepatide · weekly injection
Mounjaro acts on two hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar, GIP and GLP-1. It is FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes, and patients taking it in clinical trials also lost substantial weight.
How it is taken: A once-weekly injection. Treatment starts at 2.5 mg and increases in 2.5 mg steps, no sooner than every four weeks, up to 15 mg.
Benefits
Common side effects
Who should not take it
Warnings & interactions
Tirzepatide · weekly injection
Zepbound is tirzepatide — the same medicine as Mounjaro — approved specifically for chronic weight management. It is also approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
How it is taken: A once-weekly injection by pen or single-dose vial, starting at 2.5 mg and increasing every four weeks as tolerated, up to 15 mg.
Benefits
Common side effects
Who should not take it
Warnings & interactions
Naltrexone & bupropion · tablet
Contrave combines two medicines that work on the brain's hunger and reward centers: bupropion, which reduces appetite, and naltrexone, which helps curb cravings. It is FDA-approved for chronic weight management.
How it is taken: An extended-release tablet taken by mouth. The dose builds up over four weeks to two tablets twice a day, and your progress is reviewed at 12 weeks.
Benefits
Common side effects
Who should not take it
Warnings & interactions
Appetite suppressant · capsule or tablet
Phentermine is one of the longest-used weight loss medications. A stimulant that reduces appetite, it is approved for short-term use alongside diet, exercise and behavior change.
How it is taken: A capsule or tablet taken once a day, usually in the morning to avoid trouble sleeping. It is a controlled substance, prescribed for short periods with regular check-ins.
Benefits
Common side effects
Who should not take it
Warnings & interactions
This is a summary, not a substitute for the full prescribing information or medical advice. Dr. Wadiwala will go over the risks and benefits of any medication with you.
Your first consultation is free, in person or virtual. We will check your insurance and help you find the right medication — no obligation.
Generally, adults with a BMI of 25 or more, especially those with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. Dr. Wadiwala will review your history to confirm the right fit.
Yes, participants must be at least 16 years old to enroll in our medical weight loss program.
No long-term contract is required. Weight is a chronic condition, though, and many patients keep taking medication to maintain their results. Dr. Wadiwala will talk with you about how long treatment is likely to last.
Coverage varies by plan. Some plans cover weight loss medications, often with prior authorization; others do not. Our team will check your benefits and walk you through self-pay options if needed.
Prescription medications used to treat a diagnosed medical condition, such as obesity, are generally eligible. Check with your plan administrator to confirm.
Dr. Wadiwala weighs your health history, current medications, goals, preferences and coverage to recommend the option that fits you best.
Side effects are most common while the dose is increasing and often ease with time. If they persist, Dr. Wadiwala can slow the increase, adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.
Dr. Wadiwala reviews your medical history, current medications, past weight loss attempts and goals, and may order lab work. You will leave with a clear plan for your next steps. Visits are available in person or virtually.
You will receive continuous support from our medical team.
Yes, while our program provides medication and support, successful weight loss often requires changes in mindset, diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle.
Yes. Medication can help some patients who regain weight or reach a plateau after surgery. Dr. Wadiwala will advise whether it suits you.
Dr. Wadiwala will work with you on a maintenance plan. That may mean continuing at a lower dose or tapering gradually, along with the habits that keep the weight off.
Our program focuses exclusively on medical weight loss, providing expert guidance and a personalized approach. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including medications and dietary support.