Read success stories from participants in the Live Well for Life program.

Miguel M.

ER Social Worker, Sutter Delta Medical Center

When Miguel began the program, he was a diabetic, and taking cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar medications, as well as using a CPAP machine to control sleep apnea. His goal was to reduce or eliminate some or all of his medications. With encouragement from his coach, he began following a healthy diet and exercising about four to six times a week.

Six months later, Miguel met with his doctor, who was shocked. He cut
Miguel’s diabetes and cholesterol medications in half and took him off the
blood pressure medication completely.

“Working with (my coach) Sharon provided that extra encouragement I needed to stay on track. She would say, ‘if you can do this, you can do anything.’”

“I have never felt better,” he says. “I look forward to the exercise
because I know that is my time to focus on me. Thanks, Sharon, for reminding me how important that is!”

Blair S.

Employee of Samuel Merritt University

"In December 2007, when I had my first appointment with my wellness coach Lauren, I weighed in at 259 pounds, had high blood pressure, high stress, and was eating fast food and restaurant meals on a daily basis. Through the Live Well for Life program and working with my coach, I learned that I could take gradual steps toward turning my life around.

Starting with some simple habit changes and support from my family and
my coach, I started to see some results. Throughout the process, my wellness coach offered excellent advice, encouragement, and a strategy for success.

Today I weigh 195 pounds (25.0 on the BMI index). My blood pressure is stable and I feel stronger and more energetic than ever. I also have the knowledge and determination I need to remain healthy for years to come."

Darryl Fenley

Employee at Sutter Medical Center Santa Rosa

“All my life, I have struggled with my weight. When the Live Well for Life program was first offered at Sutter Medical Center–Santa Rosa, I jumped at the chance to join, and I was one of the first ones. At that time, I wasn’t sure exactly what my goals were, but my coach, was really helpful. She was so nonjudgmental and gave me some great tools to work with, and even if I didn’t meet my goals, she always had a note of understanding and more helpful suggestions.

All of a sudden, something changed. I started to rethink my attitudes about food and my body. I began keeping a journal of what I ate on a day-to-day basis and setting goals. I realized that I didn’t need to eat until I was full, just until I was satisfied. I was really surprised by the fact that it doesn’t take lot. I also started changing the kinds of foods I ate and slowly increasing my physical activity.

I have lost 40 pounds over the last 3½ to 4 months, and I am thrilled with the results! This program has changed my life, and I have never felt better!”

Ellen M.

Regional VP, Medical Foundation, San Francisco

"While I’ve never thought of myself as unhealthy (have never smoked, always exercised and maintained a normal weight), I like to be on a constant path forward… trying to improve even a little. Jennifer Marcus was the magic touch. As a coach, she got me to realize I was eating a fraction of the fiber I really needed in my diet. It has become a little bit of a game for my husband and me. Reading labels to see how many grams of fiber for the number of calories in any particular food is the technique now, and we’ve called the game F, F, and V: Fruit, Fiber and Vegetables. We’ve discovered lentils and quinoa to name just a couple of new things we now love.

It took me 5 decades to learn how to eat and I’ve never felt better. I lost about 5 pounds, but that wasn’t really my goal. My goal was to improve something and I did it with help from Sutter Health Partners and Jennifer Marcus."

Kurt W.

Director, Capital Planning, Treasury

“The Live Well for Life program is the best thing since sliced bread. I couldn’t have done it without them!”

Before:

• On high blood pressure medicine, with a 140/90 blood pressure


• Pre-diabetic, with a 113 blood sugar reading


• 265 lbs, BMI 32.6, Body Fat 30.1%


• Inactive

After (one year later):

• Blood pressure normal – no longer taking BP medication


• Blood sugar normal – no longer pre-diabetic


• Exercising regularly


• 203 lbs, BMI 24.9, Body Fat 17.7%


• Lost 62 pounds

Donna R.

Labor and Delivery Nurse, Marin General Hospital

“Having a coach is the key, especially when you have a hard time getting going. The coach will take wherever you are, and help you move to the next level.”

Prior to joining the Live Well for Life Wellness program, Donna was inactive. With the encouragement of her coach, she began exercising on a regular basis and competing in triathlons. In addition, her commitment to a healthy lifestyle has also hit closer to home. Her transformation has inspired her husband to lose 30 pounds over a period of 9 months by changing his diet and daily exercise.

Angel T.

Sutter Delta ER Technician

“My coach was so encouraging and really kept me moving forward. It feels great that I can maintain the lifestyle changes I have made for the rest of my life!”

Angel’s 12 week results:

• Weight Loss: 34.5 lbs


• Body Fat Reduction: 7.8%


• Angel is riding his bike to work daily

David S., PhD

Pharmacist, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

“As a pharmacist, I constantly need to stay focused. I know that good nutrition and exercise are also good ways to reduce stress. Working with my coach has been a key factor in my success.”

David has significantly improved his eating habits and is exercising a minimum of 5 days per week to reduce stress and improve focus at work. As a result he has also lost 20 pounds over the last 6 months

Tom L., RN

Clinical Integration, Sutter Health Support Services

“With Doug’s coaching, I have totally changed my lifestyle. The best part about this program is having the coach to help you through and keep motivated.”

Tom’s 1 year results:

• Total cholesterol reduced: 40 points


• BP reduction: 140/90 to 110/70


• Weight lost: 18 lbs


• Enjoying regular exercise