GLP-1 Journey

Publication Date: February 23, 2026
GLP before and after
Recently, I went on a one-month long GLP-1 journey. There were many reasons why I wanted to do this. As a surgeon, a lot of my energy goes into when I’m operating on patients. I wanted to see if my professional functions could improve if I were to lose 10-15 pounds of poor body weight. Not everybody can get on and off of GLP-1s, but I’ve personally seen a lot of patients having success with this in reaching their weight goals. This is especially seen when consulting professionals in our office, who can help guide individuals along their weight-loss journey.

Although I’ve always been consistent with my diet and exercise, I have still felt as though I could improve myself in some way. My personal goal was to go from 205 lbs to 195 lbs, while still maintaining all of my muscle. I also wanted to increase my overall strength and testosterone levels.

I lost 9 lbs during my first week, which was way too much weight to lose in such a short period of time. A lot of that weight was water weight. To slow this rate down, I focused my diet around eating more protein than I already was. I found that what worked best for me was maintaining one gram of protein per pound. I took all of my usual supplements, and made sure that my nutrition was still there. To avoid losing muscle mass, I continued my typical work out routine. From that point on, I was consistently losing about 1-2 lbs per week.

GLP1 Journey - week 1
GLP1 Journey - week 5
One thing that was also important to me in doing this journey was maintaining my facial structure. GLP-1’s have widely been known to give the face a thin, hollowed, saggy look when not handled strategically (what some may call “Ozempic Face”). I noticed that my face was actually losing volume, so I underwent two very important procedures to further avoid this.

Firstly, I got face fillers. The key to doing fillers responsibly is doing one syringe per every 5 lbs of fat. Secondly, I did facial lasers (thank you Jonathon!). This is important to do as you lose weight because it helps you avoid skin laxity. Too much loose skin, specifically around the face, may lead to the eventual need of a face and neck lift. By combining these procedures, you keep your skin looking firm, young, and balanced.

getting fillers and facial lasers
I am off of my GLP-1 now, and can honestly say that I had a great experience. By slowly ramping up my dosage throughout the process, I was able to handle my initial side effects of slight nausea/vomiting. If I had any questions or concerns about my health, I contacted Jessica, who is one of the wonderful professionals we have here in the office. My journey with GLP-1’s doesn’t necessarily mean that GLP-1’s are right for everybody. I advise anyone who is considering them to do so alongside the guidance of a licensed professional, to ensure that results are achieved in the best way possible.

Anil R. Shah, MD

Dr. Anil R. Shah is renowned for his expertise and stands at the forefront of modern cosmetic surgery. With a distinguished career marked by innovation and excellence, Shah’s practice is fully devoted to facial plastic surgery. Trained at prestigious institutions such as New York University (NYU) and Cornell, Dr. Shah honed his skills under the guidance of some of the most revered figures in the field. It was during his time in New York City that Dr. Shah absorbed the cutting-edge techniques and refined his craft to become one of the world’s foremost experts in rhinoplasty and neck lift procedures.

​Drawing from his extensive training and experience, Dr. Shah pioneered revolutionary techniques that have redefined the standards of cosmetic surgery. Among his groundbreaking contributions are the 5D Nose and the 5 Layer Neck procedures. The 5D rhinoplasty represents a comprehensive approach to nasal refinement, addressing multiple dimensions of the nose’s appearance. Dr. Shah’s mastery allows him to sculpt the nose to perfection, reducing its size, enhancing symmetry, and achieving a harmonious balance between its various components, including projection, bridge height, tip width, septum alignment, and tip length.

Similarly, Dr. Shah’s revolutionary 5 Layer Neck Procedure is an industry-transforming approach to neck rejuvenation surgery. Unlike traditional neck lift methods that focus on superficial layers, Dr. Shah’s innovative technique targets all five layers of the neck, ensuring thorough and long-lasting results. By addressing each layer comprehensively, he can effectively address sagging skin, muscle laxity, and excess fat. To learn more about this groundbreaking procedure, we recommend booking a free consultation with Noses and Necks New York.

​Dr. Shah’s innovative work has gained widespread recognition in the medical community and among the general public. His expertise and artistry have been featured in numerous publications, solidifying his reputation as the go-to surgeon for models, celebrities, and patients seeking unparalleled results in plastic surgery. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Dr. Anil R. Shah continues to push the boundaries of cosmetic surgery, shaping the future of the field and empowering individuals to look and feel their very best.