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Eric's Story

“I got my life back, and I know my parents would be proud.”

Eric spent years telling himself his weight was just part of who he was. Then, in 2025, he lost his mother and father within three months of each other and asked himself one question that changed everything.

105 lbs

Weight Loss

~10 Months

Timeframe

38.7 → 27.1

BMI Change

Eric after losing 105 pounds with Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa
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Surviving, not living.

At 5’8″, Eric weighed between 260 and 265 pounds. His daughter jokingly called him “medium heavy,” and his wife always reminded him that she loved him no matter what. The words came from love  but they also made it easier to accept a life that was growing smaller every year.

Simple things became difficult. Walking across a parking lot left him winded. Hiking with his wife became something he avoided altogether. Every evening after dinner, once everyone else had gone to bed, Eric found himself sneaking into the kitchen for ice cream, popcorn, and candy hiding the evidence before morning. Instead of changing his habits, he simply bought larger clothes, until he was wearing a size 3XL.

“I wasn’t living. I was surviving.”

— Eric, Phoenix, AZ

What would make them proud?

Everything changed in 2025.

After losing both of his parents just three months apart, Eric attended their celebration of life and found himself asking a simple question: What would make them proud?

Instead of continuing to eat through his grief, he decided to change his life.

He told his wife his goal was to reach 160 pounds, even if it took years.

In June 2025, Eric walked into Valley Medical Weight Loss expecting help with weight loss. What he found was something much more comprehensive.

His care team didn’t just focus on the number on the scale. They took the time to understand his medical history, reviewed comprehensive lab work, and created a personalized treatment plan. Along with compounded semaglutide, additional testing revealed opportunities to better manage the thyroid condition Eric had lived with for more than 30 years. His hormone levels were also evaluated, leading to a treatment plan designed to help support his overall health.

“I finally felt like someone was treating the whole person, not just my weight.”

Parent lifting child on shoulders at sunset in a field, with another adult nearby in view of the golden sky.

What would make them proud?

Everything changed in 2025.

After losing both of his parents just three months apart, Eric attended their celebration of life and found himself asking a simple question: What would make them proud?

Instead of continuing to eat through his grief, he decided to change his life.

He told his wife his goal was to reach 160 pounds, even if it took years.

In June 2025, Eric walked into Valley Medical Weight Loss expecting help with weight loss. What he found was something much more comprehensive.

His care team didn’t just focus on the number on the scale. They took the time to understand his medical history, reviewed comprehensive lab work, and created a personalized treatment plan. Along with compounded semaglutide, additional testing revealed opportunities to better manage the thyroid condition Eric had lived with for more than 30 years. His hormone levels were also evaluated, leading to a treatment plan designed to help support his overall health.

“I finally felt like someone was treating the whole person, not just my weight.”

Four adults posing together by a resort pool with palm trees and blue sky in the background, smiling at the camera.

What would make them proud?

Everything changed in 2025.

After losing both of his parents just three months apart, Eric attended their celebration of life and found himself asking a simple question: What would make them proud?

Instead of continuing to eat through his grief, he decided to change his life.

He told his wife his goal was to reach 160 pounds, even if it took years.

In June 2025, Eric walked into Valley Medical Weight Loss expecting help with weight loss. What he found was something much more comprehensive.

His care team didn’t just focus on the number on the scale. They took the time to understand his medical history, reviewed comprehensive lab work, and created a personalized treatment plan. Along with compounded semaglutide, additional testing revealed opportunities to better manage the thyroid condition Eric had lived with for more than 30 years. His hormone levels were also evaluated, leading to a treatment plan designed to help support his overall health.

“I finally felt like someone was treating the whole person, not just my weight.”

Month after month, the weight continued to come off.

Every month, Eric returned for follow-up appointments. The staff knew him by name, celebrated every milestone, answered his questions, and adjusted his plan when needed. There was never any pressure. Just encouragement and genuine support.

By the time he reached his goal, Eric had done something he once believed was impossible.

He weighed 155 pounds.

More importantly, he had gained back his life.

Hiking, not hiding.

Today, Eric enjoys hiking with his wife instead of making excuses to stay home. He has the energy to keep up with his children and grandchildren. Everyday tasks no longer leave him exhausted, and he’s working with the team to maintain his weight loss while building strength through exercise.

He also reports improvements in his blood pressure and cholesterol and is continuing to work with his healthcare providers to optimize his overall health.

In Eric's Words

“When people ask me what changed my life, I tell them it wasn’t just losing 100 pounds. It was finally having a plan that worked and a team that believed in me. My family is proud of me, and I know my mom and dad would be proud too.”

Eric — Phoenix, AZ

Ready to write your own story?

Walk in today, no appointment needed. Our care team is ready to build a plan around you, the whole person.

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Disclaimer

Every patient’s journey is unique. Results vary based on individual health history, treatment plan, nutrition, physical activity, and adherence to medical recommendations.

Weight Loss Clinic Hours

NEW PATIENTS

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 am-4:30 pm

Saturday: 8am-1:30pm

Wednesday & Sunday: Closed

Med Spa: By appointment only