Patient Testimonial: Tammy’s Story

A Story That Reflects the Power of Medical Weight Loss Care at VIVA Wellness

Shared with full consent

When Tammy began her care with VIVA Wellness in April 2024, she came to us with a formal diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and a deep desire for real, sustainable change. At 5'3" and 299.4 lbs, her starting BMI was 53.0, placing her in Class 3 obesity, a category associated with significantly elevated cardiometabolic risk.

Even though she had an established primary care provider (PCP), Tammy chose VIVA Wellness to manage both her diabetes and her weight. She wanted a team that would treat her with compassion, expertise, and a level of partnership she hadn’t experienced before.

What Makes VIVA Different

First and foremost, VIVA is not a medispa.
We do not offer generic GLP-1 programs or one-size-fits-all protocols. We practice Comprehensive Obesity Medication Management. Our specialty is complex obesity and difficult cases. Our team of experts is skilled in managing multi-medication regimens, including GLP-1s PLUS oral anti-obesity medications. But we do it safely. 

Our care team is composed exclusively of Family Nurse Practitioners with decades of combined clinical experience treating:

• Complex obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension
• Thyroid disorders
• Metabolic dysfunction
• Multi-medication regimens requiring safe, thoughtful management

We treat obesity as the chronic medical condition it is — with precision, evidence-based care, and warmth.

Tammy’s Treatment Plan

Because she met full diagnostic criteria for Type 2 diabetes, we prescribed Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and submitted a prior authorization, which was approved through her insurance.
(While visits at VIVA are self-pay, we can submit prior authorizations for medication coverage when medical necessity is apparent, such as Type 2 diabetes. Approval always depends on the patient’s plan.)

We paired Mounjaro with Lomaira (low-dose phentermine), closely monitored her, and supported her through meaningful shifts in her food choices, movement, and overall mindset.

Her Results — Over 20 Months

Today, after 20 months of dedicated care, Tammy weighs 215.2 lbs and has a BMI of 38.1.
She has lost 84.2 lbs — a profound and life-changing transformation.

Her A1c is now 5.3, meaning she no longer meets diagnostic criteria for Type 2 diabetes at this time. And importantly, she may still require medication support long-term, as both obesity and diabetes are chronic conditions. This is not a failure; it is responsible, evidence-based chronic disease management.

A Moment That Meant Everything

On November 20th, Tammy met with her PCP for the first time since her dramatic weight loss.

She shared with us that when her PCP walked into the room, she was visibly shocked — almost overwhelmed — because she had not seen Tammy since losing so much weight. Her PCP celebrated her progress, told her that her A1c results look excellent, that her diabetes is under control, and even reduced her blood pressure medication dose by half.

Tammy said she left the appointment feeling deeply proud, emotional, and truly seen.

This milestone reflects significant reductions in her long-term risk for:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetic kidney and eye disease
• Systemic inflammation
• Mobility limitations
• All-cause mortality associated with Class 3 obesity

A Story of Strength and Renewal

At 60 years old, Tammy has shown that it is never too late to transform your life.
She trusted the process, trusted us, and — most importantly — trusted herself.

She often shares that the investment she makes at VIVA is one of the greatest gifts she’s given herself, because here she feels supported in a way she never experienced in traditional healthcare.

Tammy’s journey reflects exactly what VIVA Wellness stands for:
Elevated medical care. Rooted in compassion, focused on outcomes that truly change lives.

Tammy, we are so incredibly proud of you.

If You Feel Inspired by Tammy’s Story

So many of our patients describe a moment, sometimes quiet, sometimes emotional, when they realize that change is possible for them too. If Tammy’s experience brings up that same spark of hope for you, we want you to know that you deserve thoughtful, personalized support for your health, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

VIVA Wellness welcomes individuals throughout Brookfield, Milwaukee, and the surrounding area seeking medical weight loss care that feels supportive, safe, and grounded in evidence. When you're ready, we’re here to listen and walk with you.

Schedule your consultation today and explore what your own path forward might look like.