What You Can Expect During Your First IV Therapy Session

Intravenous (IV) therapy is still new to many people, so your first appointment might feel unfamiliar. You likely have questions about the process or what it entails. At El Cajon Weight Clinic in El Cajon, California, James Joachim, MD, and our team can help you understand what happens so there are no surprises.

Your digestive system only absorbs a fraction of the vitamins you swallow

When you take vitamins orally, your digestive system breaks them down and absorbs only a fraction. IV therapy bypasses this process entirely. The nutrients enter your bloodstream at full strength, reaching your cells within minutes rather than hours.

This direct delivery explains why patients often notice effects during or immediately after treatment. Your cells receive a concentrated dose of what they need without the usual barriers that limit absorption.

The setup process takes about 10 minutes

Your session begins with a brief health assessment. We check your blood pressure and review any medications or recent health changes you may have. Your current health status determines how your body will respond to the treatment.

The IV insertion feels like a standard blood draw. Most patients barely notice it after the initial pinch. We use a small, flexible catheter that stays comfortable throughout your session. Once the IV is in place, you can move your arm normally.

Your body starts using the nutrients immediately

You may experience changes during the session itself, although the timing varies. Some patients notice their thinking gets clearer first. Others feel a steady boost in energy that’s different from coffee or energy drinks.

This surge of energy occurs because your cardiovascular system immediately starts working with the additional support. Unlike oral supplements that take time to absorb, your body has instant access to therapeutic levels of these nutrients.

Your body continues processing nutrients for hours afterward

The benefits don’t stop when the IV finishes. Your cells continue using the nutrients we’ve delivered throughout the day and beyond. 

Some people notice improvements in their skin within 24-48 hours as vitamin C supports collagen production. Others find that brain fog lifts or that they recover more quickly from recent illness or stress.

Hydration is even more important than you might realize

IV therapy includes saline solution, which hydrates you better than drinking water can. Your body absorbs this fluid directly into your bloodstream instead of processing it through your digestive system first.

When you’re even slightly dehydrated, everything slows down. Your blood gets thicker, your brain gets foggy, and your energy drops. The fluid from the IV fixes this quickly. 

Follow-up sessions build on your initial results

Your first session establishes a baseline for how your body responds to IV therapy. Dr. Joachim uses this information to tailor future treatments to your specific needs and goals.

Some patients benefit from weekly sessions during periods of high stress or when recovering from illness. Others maintain their results with monthly treatments. The frequency depends on your health goals and how quickly your body absorbs and uses the nutrients we provide.

IV therapy works best alongside your current health routine

The nutrients from IV therapy complement the benefits of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. They don’t replace these foundations, but give your body additional resources to function optimally.

If you’re curious about how IV therapy might support your health goals, call our El Cajon office at 619-440-8171 or request an appointment online to discuss whether this treatment makes sense for your situation.