Medical Weight Loss in Norman, OK with Heather Franco, APRN
Medical Weight Loss
Medical weight loss at Franco Aesthetics is a clinical program, not a vitamin shop. Every patient starts with Heather — a full medical history, current labs, and an honest conversation about goals, lifestyle, and what GLP-1 therapy can and cannot do.
We prescribe Semaglutide and Tirzepatide from regulated 503A compounding pharmacies. Both are FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists that work with your body’s natural appetite and metabolism signals. Both produce real weight loss when paired with the basics — protein, resistance training, and sleep — and both require dose escalation and ongoing oversight to work safely.
The difference between the two comes down to mechanism, effectiveness, side effect profile, and cost. We’ll map that out together in the comparison below, then choose the right starting point for your body.
Performed exclusively by Heather Franco, APRN, FNP-C — Franco Aesthetics’ owner and lead provider. Heather assesses every patient, prescribes the medication, orders relevant labs, and adjusts dose monthly based on response and tolerability.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide
Both are weekly injections that work with your body’s appetite and metabolism signals. The right choice depends on cost tolerance, expected effectiveness, and how your body responds.
Both medications are prescribed as compounded formulations from regulated 503A pharmacies and adjusted in dose over time based on your response and tolerability.
How Do I Know Which Is for Me?
Heather meets with you for a baseline consultation — full medical history, current medications, weight goals, and any past weight loss attempts. From there:
- Larger goal (50+ lbs) or stalled on semaglutide before: Tirzepatide is usually the right starting point.
- Smaller goal (under 30 lbs) or first time on a GLP-1: Semaglutide often works well and lets us escalate slowly.
- Cost-sensitive: Semaglutide is the lower monthly cost.
- Insulin resistance, prediabetes, or PCOS alongside weight goals: Either can work; tirzepatide’s dual mechanism often gives an edge.
Plans are not fixed — we adjust dose and even switch medication mid-program if your response or tolerance changes. The right answer depends on your body and your goals, which is why we don’t sell either as a one-size-fits-all.
What to Expect
Month 1 — Onboarding
Initial consult with Heather: medical history, current weight, goals, and labs (CMP, lipid panel, A1c, thyroid). Starting dose prescribed at the entry level. Weekly injections begin. Most patients lose 4–8 lbs in the first month as appetite drops noticeably.
Month 2–3 — Dose Escalation
Dose increases on a structured schedule based on tolerability and response. Side effects (mild nausea, constipation, fatigue) typically peak here and resolve. Monthly check-ins with Heather to adjust. Weight loss continues at 1–2 lbs per week on average.
Month 4+ — Optimization
You land at your effective dose and the focus shifts to sustainability — protein intake, resistance training, sleep, and protecting lean mass while losing fat. Many patients stack peptides like Sermorelin to preserve muscle. Heather reassesses every 1–3 months thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight will I lose?
Average results for semaglutide are 12–15% body weight reduction at 68 weeks. For tirzepatide, average is 17–22% at 72 weeks. Individual results vary based on starting weight, dose, response, and lifestyle alongside the medication. Most patients see meaningful reduction within 8–12 weeks.
How quickly will I see results?
Most patients notice reduced appetite within 1–2 weeks of starting. Visible weight loss usually shows up by week 4–8. Best results come from the full 6–12 month program with proper dose escalation.
Are these the same as Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro?
Same active ingredients. Semaglutide is the active in Wegovy and Ozempic; tirzepatide is the active in Zepbound and Mounjaro. We use compounded versions from licensed pharmacies, which lets us tailor dosing and avoid the supply shortages affecting brand-name versions.
What are the side effects?
Most common are GI: nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, occasional diarrhea, and reflux — typically mild to moderate and concentrated during dose escalation. Less common: fatigue, headache, injection site reaction. Serious side effects are rare. Heather will go through your specific risk profile during consultation.
Do I have to follow a strict diet?
No. We don’t push a specific diet. The medication reduces appetite naturally, so most patients eat less without counting calories or eliminating food groups. We do recommend adequate protein (to preserve muscle), enough water, and basic movement most days. Crash diets are counterproductive on a GLP-1.
What happens when I stop?
Some weight regain is common after stopping any weight-loss intervention — diet, exercise, surgery, or medication. To minimize regain, we taper rather than stop abruptly, and patients often transition to lower maintenance dosing. Many patients stay on a low maintenance dose long-term.
Who is NOT a good candidate?
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, history of pancreatitis, or current pregnancy / breastfeeding. We screen for these and other contraindications during your initial consultation. Some medications and conditions may also need adjustment.
How is the cost structured?
Monthly cost depends on the medication and your dose. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are typically a fraction of brand-name retail. Pricing is transparent and discussed at consultation. VIP members get 15% off — see the Membership page for details.
TESTIMONIALS
Hear from our patients why Franco Aesthetics works for them and how we could work for you
Thinking About Starting Your Weight Loss Journey?
Book a consult with Heather — we’ll review your goals, walk through medication options, and map out a plan tailored to your timeline and tolerance.
VIP members get 15% off all services. Details on the Membership page.
