Building a Life

Samuel DeLice, 38, works as a pharmacy technician at a large health system in North Carolina. He is also a husband and father of two sons, balancing the demands of work, family life, and everyday responsibilities.

In his younger years, Samuel played football, wrestled, participated in baseball, and physical activity was a natural part of his life. Over time, as he established into adulthood, his life began to shift. Marriage, buying a home, and raising a family brought new responsibilities, and the routines of his youth gradually gave way to a more settled lifestyle. He describes this period as “settling down,” during which his activity levels decreased and less healthy eating habits became more frequent. Over the years, these small changes added up, and Samuel started steadily gaining weight.

When Health Began to Change

As his weight increased, Samuel began noticing changes in his health. He developed sleep apnea, which at first caused mild disruptions in rest but gradually worsened over time. He experienced increasing fatigue, poor sleep quality, and eventually episodes where he would unintentionally fall asleep during the day.

The situation escalated further when Samuel’s doctor warned him that his sleep apnea and weight placed him at severe risk for serious health complications, potentially even death if left untreated. They told him clearly that this was no longer a suggestion – he needed to make immediate changes to take control of his health.

Recognizing that serious risk, Samuel decided to undergo bariatric surgery. The procedure helped him lose a significant amount of weight, but without lifestyle changes to sustain it, maintaining that progress proved difficult. About a year after surgery, he regained roughly 60 pounds, or approximately 80 percent of the weight he had lost. 

The regain left him feeling discouraged and defeated. “I felt like I had failed,” he recalls.

The Turning Point

One morning, Samuel realized that for himself and for his family, he could not wait any longer to take action. A quote emanated in his mind that became a guiding mantra: “You have to decide you’re not going to drown anymore.” That moment of clarity changed everything for him. 

Following that turning point, Samuel’s primary care physician prescribed a GLP-1 medication, which helped him begin making measurable progress and regain momentum. After three months, his physician recognized that while the medication was effective, he needed additional structured support to achieve durable, long-term results. This led him to CoreLife. 

Around the same time, he noticed colleagues achieving success with the same program (at CoreLife). At first, nobody spoke openly about it, but once he was referred, Samuel discovered a supportive network of people willing to share experiences and encourage each other towards their health goals.

A Different Approach

When Samuel first walked into CoreLife, he met with Nicole, a nurse practitioner, and he describes the experience as a turning point that led to “win after win ever since.” He worked with a fitness specialist to develop a personalized exercise program that he still follows today, and a dietitian who helped him tailor a nutrition plan to his lifestyle and preferences. 

Samuel credits the program’s success to its comprehensive approach. It is not focused on one component alone, such as medication or meals, but addresses all aspects of weight management together. Sharing his journey publicly, both on social media and with friends, added accountability and reinforced his commitment to lasting change.

Where Is He Today?

Today, Samuel has lost a total of 140 pounds since starting his journey with his primary care physician and CoreLife. Beyond the weight loss itself, he has regained his health, confidence, and control over his life. He now shares his story openly to motivate others and encourage anyone ready to take that first step.

When asked what he would say to someone considering CoreLife, Samuel says,

“The clinic has helped me achieve my goals and given me a new lease on life. I know they can do the same for you. If you are willing to put in the work, CoreLife will change your life.”