Transformations Experience Life Changing for Dan Aguiar

Dan Aguiar says the Transformations program has given him all the tools he needs to drop weight in a healthy way-- and keep it off.

"I have thrown out my old clothes. My neck and arms are different. My wedding ring falls off. I've even reduced my shoe size," he says enthusiastically. "I am now at rock bottom for cholesterol. I am off Lipitor. And I'm also no longer checking my blood sugar for diabetes."

While he worked to build his consulting business for 15 years after he graduated from college, Dan had gained 72 pounds. "I was 200 pounds in college and when I finally came to the Transformations program, I weighed 272 pounds," he says.

Not only had he gained weight, but he also found himself with a collection of symptoms that were life threatening. "I was headed down the wrong path. I had metabolic syndrome."

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together. The cluster increases the risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The conditions include: excess body fat around the waist, abnormal cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure and elevated insulin levels.

In 2005, he sold his consulting business and cut back his work hours. With more time to think, he realized that he wanted to improve his health for a number of reasons. "It was critical to me to be around for my (three) children," he says, "I also wanted to play basketball and softball."

On the suggestion of his wife, Aguiar explored weight loss programs. "I needed a serious program," he says, "I also wanted to attend a program near my home, in San Francisco's Silicon Valley."

When he found the Transformations program at St. Helena Hospital, he took a tour and talked with the staff. They had a gym, a pool, classrooms and the guest rooms were great. He talked with graduates and liked what he heard and saw, so he made the commitment to attend the program in October of 2005.

What he found in the program was life changing. "It was very thorough and comprehensive. The psychological side of [eating] was fascinating," he says. "I was like a sponge during the educational sessions, I took down every tip."

He was also impressed with how the program could be individually tailored.  Vicki Saunders, the program's registered dietitian, helped him figure out how to order in restaurants and still maintain his weight loss, because he eats out a lot for business. "I learned I could have a perfect meal (in a restaurant) and still maintain my weight loss."

A year later, he has lost 57 pounds and his whole orientation to eating and exercise has changed. "The program turned on so many lights for me," he says, "I am much more health conscious."

About the program, he says, "The program is rich and flexible. The group was motivational. The program was inspiring. I recommend it for anyone."

For more information, please Request Information or call 1-800-358-9195.