When Andrew first walked through the doors of the California Wellness Institute, he was facing a life-threatening battle. At 64 years old and weighing over 400 pounds, his health was spiraling. He had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver—a condition commonly linked to alcohol abuse—despite never being a drinker. This alarming diagnosis became his wake-up call.

Andrew’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of a holistic approach to health.

A Lifelong Struggle

Andrew had battled obesity his entire life, once reaching over 500 pounds. He jokingly called himself a “champion dieter,” able to lose significant weight but always struggling to keep it off. Like many people, Andrew faced the frustrating cycle of weight loss and regain.

His journey to the California Wellness Institute began through a trusted source—his fitness trainer, who introduced him to the center. Faced with the reality of his health, Andrew knew it was time to find a solution that would work not just temporarily, but for life.

A New Path: The HCG Diet

The team at the California Wellness Institute designed a comprehensive, medically supervised weight loss program centered on the HCG diet. This six-week protocol involves HCG injections and a very low-calorie, clean eating plan.

Over the course of a year and a half, Andrew completed five rounds of the program, continuing to lose weight between rounds while maintaining a structured, healthy diet. Unlike many weight loss methods that sacrifice muscle mass, the HCG protocol helped Andrew preserve—and even build—muscle. In total, he lost an incredible 200 pounds.

The rapid, visible progress kept Andrew motivated. For him, the program wasn’t just about shedding pounds—it was about regaining his life.

A Remarkable Health Turnaround

Andrew’s transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. His weight dropped from 400 pounds to 200 pounds—his lightest in 40 years. But the most profound changes were in his health.

Andrew is no longer diabetic. His fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, once considered irreversible, have completely resolved—a fact confirmed through a liver biopsy. These life-altering improvements happened in just a few short months.

“I feel great,” Andrew says. “I’ve got a new lease on life and I’m going to be around for a long time.”

The Power of a Holistic Approach

The California Wellness Institute isn’t just a weight loss center—it’s a place where regenerative medicine meets holistic care. Andrew’s program went far beyond dieting. His journey included liver cleanses, colonics, detailed blood work, personalized supplements, and close medical supervision.

Dr. Raj, the Institute’s lead physician and regenerative medicine specialist, is known for his commitment to treating the root causes of disease. He carefully analyzes blood tests using optimal, not just average, standards. This whole-body approach ensured that Andrew’s healing wasn’t just about losing weight—it was about truly restoring his health.

A Team That Works Together

Andrew credits much of his success to the supportive, collaborative team at California Wellness Institute. The care model is fully integrated, meaning that each expert contributes to the patient’s success. Whether it’s Dr. Raj, Carol (who specializes in cleanses, therapies and detoxification services), or the in-house trainer, the team works together seamlessly.

“When you’re treated by one, you’re treated by all,” Andrew says. This connected, personalized care made all the difference.

Life Beyond the Scale

Today, Andrew’s life is full. He’s more active, confident, and energized. He’s even returned to the stage as an opera singer—a passion he once thought was behind him. He can now comfortably stand through entire performances, climb stairs with ease, walk long distances, and enjoy hiking.

Despite the physical changes, Andrew shares that internally, he feels like the same person. He’s simply living life more fully. His advice to others? “You’ve got to go all in. You can’t halfway commit to this process and expect results.”

Andrew’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, determination, and a holistic approach, lasting transformation is possible.