Many individuals embark on weight loss journeys driven by a significant turning point. This article delves into the Sharp Weight Loss Program, examining its various facets through the experiences of individuals who have participated in it. The program is designed to offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to weight loss, and the experiences of participants shed light on its effectiveness and impact.
The Defining Moment
Many weight loss journeys begin with a defining moment, a realization that change is necessary. For Paul Westhoff, it was the realization that he needed to make a change for the sake of his health and family. Paul was at his heaviest at age 59 and 570 pounds. He had put his own health on the sidelines while he was busy supporting and caring for his family. He was experiencing mobility issues, had lost most of his independence, and his loved ones were becoming increasingly worried. “I couldn’t do anything anymore,” Paul says. “I couldn’t fit in a car. I couldn’t get up from a chair without help. It was awful.”
Paul's Story: A Journey to Regained Health
After a severe fall and a health warning from his doctor, Paul joined the Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program at Sharp Rees-Stealy’s Center for Health Management. To date, he has dropped 162 pounds in less than a year. With dieting, exercise and the support of his wife, son and health coach, Paul has taken back control of his health and found a new lease on life.
A Grim Health Warning
In February 2023, Paul suffered a fall in his home that nearly sent him to the hospital. Luckily, his wife Kristen and their son, age 18, were nearby, but they struggled to get Paul up. Kristen, a lead clinical nurse at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, called 911, and six firefighters were finally able to lift him off the floor. The whole ordeal left Paul and his family shaken and extremely concerned about his health.
A few weeks after his fall, Paul spoke with Dr. Firas Gorges, his primary care doctor with Sharp Rees-Stealy. Dr. Gorges ordered some tests to assess the condition of Paul’s health. The news he got back wasn’t good. “He told me point blank that if I didn’t lose weight, I wasn’t going to be around much longer,” Paul says. The worst part, he adds, was seeing the look on his wife and son’s faces when they learned how grave the situation was.
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To jumpstart his weight loss efforts, Dr. Gorges put him on a 1,500-calorie-per-day diet and referred him to the physician-supervised weight loss program at Sharp Rees-Stealy. By the time Paul started the first phase of the program in April, he had already shed 20 pounds.
The Power of a Support System
Paul wasn’t exactly thrilled about joining the program, but he was determined to get his health back on track. The structured weight loss program uses a comprehensive, personalized approach that includes dietary changes, health education, individualized coaching, meal replacement plans and weekly meetings.
At first, Paul wasn’t sure if it was the right fit for him. That all changed once he started working with Haley Guiffrida, MPH, CWHC, a wellness education specialist at the Sharp Rees-Stealy Center for Health Management. In Haley, Paul found not just a health coach, but also a lifelong friend. As the two got to know each other, they discovered they had a lot in common - including similar family backgrounds and a shared sense of humor. “We began having more one-on-ones, where I was able to support him and cheer him on as he inched toward each new physical and mental milestone,” Guiffrida says. The strong bond they formed helped Paul push forward. “I call her Mary Poppins,” he says. “You couldn’t find a nicer, more positive person. We have a shared appreciation for music, so she started sending me a song each week to celebrate my wins and keep me motivated.”
Reaching a Record-Breaking Milestone
Paul started dropping weight fast. In the first week of the program, he lost 14 pounds. By the third week, he was down 43 pounds. Then, Paul set his sights on beating a program record. “No one had ever lost 100 pounds in the first 12-week phase,” he explains. “I was going to do it.”
His wife, son and health coach were incredibly supportive of his goal, he says. He continued following his meal plan and became more active. He also started exercising consistently, despite dealing with a bad shoulder injury.
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“My son is a world-class athlete and we started working out in the garage together,” Paul says. “He had me doing boxing workouts on a punching bag, and I was walking laps in the pool. He also helped prepare my meal replacement shakes and helped me in and out of the pool.”
At the three-month mark, Paul reached his goal of losing 100 pounds - setting a record for the most weight lost during the first phase in the program’s history. For Paul, the accomplishment was bigger than himself. “One of the reasons I did it was to show my son that he can do anything he sets his mind to,” Paul says. “If I could do this at my age with an injury and all the challenges I was up against, he can accomplish anything.”
A New Lease on Life
Today, Paul is in the second phase of the weight loss program. He has lost a total of 162 pounds so far - but it’s what he’s gained from the experience that means the most. Paul’s health transformation has improved his life significantly. The sleep apnea, acid reflux and walking difficulties he experienced prior to his weight loss are gone. He can also travel in the car again and recently enjoyed a night out to dinner with his wife.
As the next step on his wellness path, Paul plans to have bariatric surgery and looks forward to what’s ahead. He’s also determined to inspire others on their quest to better health and hopes someone breaks his weight loss record. “Paul’s weight loss journey has been incredible,” says Guiffrida. "But it’s the growth of his mental mindset - and his passion for sharing this with others in the program - that truly highlights his success."
Paul hopes his story will serve as a reminder to people struggling with their weight that there’s support available.
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Diverse Experiences with Sharp Health and Fitness
The Sharp Health and Fitness program has garnered attention for its personalized approach and focus on real food. Here’s a look at various experiences from individuals who have participated in the program:
Steve W.: Overcoming Initial Challenges
Steve W. was introduced to Andy and Danyelle through a friend that was working with them. He was having great results and I knew I needed to lose weight, so I decided to meet with them. After a zoom meeting, I said “Yes, sign me up now!” When they said the first 30 days are hard, I laughed like, “OK, right.” Well HARD was not what it was for me…almost impossible was more like it! I was sick, couldn’t focus, almost passed out several times and was so miserable I told them there was no way I could do this! They explained why I was feeling like I did (which, to be honest, I thought they were full of it) promised it would pass. The first couple weeks were like this. At the end of EVERYDAY I said I was quitting, but in the morning I’d choose to "do it one more day". I was losing weight…A LOT of weight. Eventually the days got a little easier to get through and at the end of 30 days, I was down 30 LBS! At that point they added food to my plan which made everything easier! I'm on day 90 now and down 55 LBS! Making the changes to my diet they suggested have really just made my life better. I feel so much better and I can do things I haven't done in years (including walking a 5K with my daughter)! This is all just from eating right (which I truly had no idea what “eating right” was before, but now I do). Nothing worth doing is easy and this was definitely not easy. I am so glad I stuck with it and I am continuing to learn what to do and with the help of Andy and Danyelle guiding me, each day is easier. Don't get me wrong…there are still days where it’s hard and I still see food I want, but my brain says, “No, why would you ruin all the work for a few seconds of pleasure?” Overall, I am so glad I started (and stayed) on this journey to improve my life. It's so satisfying to see myself in the mirror or pictures now and know that I fixed what I hated about myself.
Elaine G.: Regaining Hope and Health
Elaine G. shared her journey, "Hello! My name is Elaine and I want to share with you a bit of my journey. I’m 61, a wife, mother and grandmother. All my life I served my family and others. I’ve struggled with my weight from childhood through adulthood. I’ve been up and down, trying a couple weight lose programs when I was in my 30’s and 40’s. The last number of years I’ve given up hope of ever losing the weight I needed to look and feel good again. In the beginning of 2023, I started having issues with an elevated heart rate, increased joint issues, gut pain, and overall just not feeling good. That June I was inspired by a friend who was on a health journey. In addition, I had a conversation with my kid’s friends, Kody & Brianne Sitch who lost a tremendous amount of weight and looked fabulous. I was nervous and a bit relucted and just feeling unsure of myself. I’m currently in the 4th month of my 6-month plan, have lost over 50 lbs. and feel great. My pulse rate dropped immediately upon changing my eating habits. My gut issues subsided. Sharp Health & Fitness gave me the tools to be successful. The accountability is huge; sharing my weight each morning, pictures of everything I eat, weekly body measurements has kept me motivated and on task. Andy & Danyelle are so encouraging & insightful with their knowledge and experience. I’m forever grateful for the time and energy they invested in me."
Jeff S.: A Testament to Transformation
Jeff S. stands proud, 45 pounds lighter, with 23 inches gone from my body. not just about the numbers; it's about how I feel inside and out. introducing me to Sharp Health and Fitness. the catalyst for my incredible journey. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Andy and Danyelle Sharp for their unwavering support and guidance. They kept me on track, motivated, and focused on my goals. Shedding 10% body fat in 90 days might sound daunting. and a commitment to whole, nutrient-dense foods. Every meal was an opportunity to nourish my body, and every day was a step closer to my goal. To anyone standing where I once was, know this: Change is possible. You can transform your body and life with the right approach, support from amazing people, and a commitment to your health. pounds lighter; I'm years ahead in my health and happiness.
Sid and Pam C.: A Couple's Journey to Better Health
In the season of becoming empty nesters and looking toward retirement, we have had time to reflect on our health. We want to age well. A friend referred us to Sharp Fitness and we started the Premium plan in October 2023. What we liked about our initial visit was the friendliness and sincerity of our coaches Andy and Danyelle. We also liked that we were free to set our own goals while the Sharps gave us the tools to reach them. The accountability required in the Premium plan helped us to start losing weight quickly thus giving us the incentive to keep a consistent meal plan of healthy foods. The Sharps are excellent teachers. Learning about proteins, fats, and carbs and considering them as fuel for our body brought more clarity to what can appear to be complicated. Also learning about how some foods can cause inflammation brought new insight. We also enjoyed trying new foods that the Sharps suggested. Doing the plan as husband and wife brought us closer as we encouraged each other and had fun preparing and trying foods that we wouldn’t normally eat. In the end, we have lost a total of 50 pounds combined. Even better, we saw a decrease in Body Fat Percentage showing that much of the weight lost was indeed fat. Our clothes fit differently and we felt stronger with more energy. Upon reaching our goals the Sharps have remained available under the Basic plan to help to maintain our new lifestyle, to incorporate exercise for stronger muscles, and to learn how and when to add carbs.
Jessica V.: Sustainable Lifestyle Changes
Jessica V signed up for a 90 day program with Sharp Health and Fitness after seeing several friends achieve amazing results. The program was straightforward using real food, but having the accountability piece with Andy for 3 months is what keeps you on track. Somewhere along the way, you stop craving and missing the way you used to eat because you feel so good with the changes you’ve made. Understanding how and when to fuel my body for exercise and consistent meal planning has made this program so easy to continue even after finishing with Andy.
Cicely J.: Regaining Control and Confidence
As a Soldier in the U.S Army, I was mandated to maintain a certain weight standard. I noticed after retirement the weight quickly increased even after joining a gym. My daily routine included cycling, body fight, Zuma and power classes. I was going to the gym everyday working out hard or even harder as if I was still in the military. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t keep off or lose a couple pounds. I was at a stuck point whenit came to weight loss. My name is Cicely and I want to share my experience with Sharp Health and Fitness. Iwas introduced to Sharp Health and Fitness by a friend in or around November 2023. I immediately reach out to her to see what she was doing to lose weight in such a short time since I last seen her. Her reply was, “I have two nutritionist coaches by the name of Andy and Danyelle. She explained thatthey genuinely have a passion for health, and I love it. She said if you’re willing to invest in your health give them a call and even if you’re not sure make an appointment and listen to them while you decide. I made the call in December and was immediately intrigued about how he could help with my inflammation and my gut issues but I wasn’t sure if I was ready to move forwardwith the program. For the next two months I continued with my same routine consuming all the same foods that I thought were good for my weight loss. In my mind I thought Iwas doing better but my body was not showing any signs of improvements. I received a text a few days later from Sharp Health and Fitness, asking if I was still interested in joining with no pressure on my decision. In February of 2024 I made up in my mind that I am going to do this, regardless of the fear of not completing this journey. I did my first zoom interview, we discussed my goalsand talked about the meal plan going forward. I sent in my first week tracker on Saturday and on Monday I started my new journey.To my surprise the first week was not bad, I didn’t cheat, and I felt good about what I was doing. By cutting out all the junk food and replacing it with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein, the weight started dropping. By the end of my first 30 days, I was down about 11lbs, not just that, my body fat and every other bad fat in my body was decreasing and I was not going to the gym at all. I finally realized that his program was what I needed to get my body back on track. Not only was I losing weight, but I started seeing at first hand my commitment and discipline to the program was for real and I enjoyed eating real food that would fuel me.I became aware of what my body needed, with the help of Andy I was willing to a change for me and no one else.Some days were hard and many days I didn’t feel up to it, some days the scale went up and down. But I stuck with the plan and learned new ways to cook and seasons my food. My body started adjusting to a new way of eating. Friends started asking mewhat I was doing and telling me I looked as if I had lost 10 years off my life. I’m not one that tries to sway people into starting programs, but I can say firsthand that this one works. And If your like me and need accountability coach then SHF is the program to join. On my second assessment I was only about 5 lbs. away from reaching my weight goal. I will say that this was not always easy there was days, but having a goal kept me going and the seeing the results kept me motivated and determine to keep going.
Val T.: The Power of Accountability and Knowledge
Val T. shared, "While visiting my daughter in Harrisburg, I kept hearing about sharp health and fitness And seeing all my daughters friends feeling good and reaching their weight goals. It seems like every day I would start a new diet and lose a few pounds and then gain it right back. I tried Noom, Weight Watchers, whole 30 and a few more with no success. I thought let’s give it a try. My goal was to reach 140 which I haven’t seen in 12 years. My journey with Andy was the best decision and well worth the money. The daily accountability is why this program works so well along with his knowledge of nutrition. He literally holds your hand and walks you through this process. I can’t thank him enough. I have lots of energy, I am sleeping better. My clothes actually fit. Blood pressure came down. I’m a biker, so going up hills are so much easier. I’ve added 10 years to my joints. I’ve lost 15% of my bodyweight. 7% body fat and a total of 20 inches , and lost 28 pounds. Thanks again, sharp health and fitness."
A Focus on Gut Health and Inflammation
I first learned about Sharp Health and Fitness when a friend of mine posted on social media about a new program she was doing. It caught my attention because I had been desperately looking for someone to give me guidance on weight loss and healing after from some health circumstances that led to me gaining a ton of weight in a short amount of time. I felt totally trapped in my own body and although I consider myself very knowledgeable on health and healthy eating, I had no idea what to do to make things “click” so that my body could release the weight I had gained. I had done things in the past that required very expensive supplements or packaged foods and wanted nothing to do with programs like that again, so I was so excited to see that the Sharp program was based on simple, whole foods with an intentional focus on reducing inflammation and healing your gut. And the price is very affordable for the value they offer! I am so pleased to say that I have lost over 55 pounds in six months and I’m finally feeling like ”myself” again! I’ve also lost tons of inflammation- and clothing sizes- and have so much more energy, better sleep and better digestion. I even started the program just a few days before Chri…
Best Health® Wellness Program: Personalized Support for Sharp Health Plan Members
Whether you’d like to start practicing healthier habits or have a specific goal in mind, the Best Health® wellness program makes personalized, one-on-one support available to all Sharp Health Plan members. “I wanted some coaching around nutrition and weight loss to help me determine where my weak points were in terms of wanting to lose 10-15 pounds,” the member explains.
Finding Opportunities for Healthier Choices
Working with a Best Health coach helped the member to recognize more opportunities to make healthier choices. goals,” the member says, “and just keeping myself accountable once I set a goal made a difference.”
After beginning the Best Health coaching program, it was easier to see the positive behaviors they had already been practicing.“I discovered I have pretty great eating habits in terms of eating clean, unprocessed food 95% of the time.
Acknowledging Challenges and Celebrating Victories
Although weight loss presented some difficulties, they knew where there were struggles.“I think I would sometimes beat myself up if I relied on the scale too much to determine my progress,” the member explains. loss goals.”
Their challenges weren’t without victories - and Amanda was there to support the member every step of the way.“Speaking weekly with my coach was my favorite part of the program,” the member says. “All of her encouragement helped me stay on track and see my progress from a different perspective. all the difference for me.
Embracing the Journey
Continuing to work to reach their goal, they noticed other significant changes.“I lost a total of five pounds but came to realize it wasn't so much about the weight as it was being mindful about what I eat,” the member says.
Advice to Others
When it comes to achieving your own goals, the member offers these helpful tips:
- Have realistic goals and be open to coaching from a professional.
- Make a routine for your eating and exercise plans so you're more likely to stick to them.
- Don't be hard on yourself if you don't feel you're progressing as fast as you'd like. Try to avoid sabotaging your progress if you have a bad day. Every day is a chance to do better.
- Enlist a partner, whether that’s a health coach or a friend. The accountability makes a difference.
Cenegenics Program: A Holistic Approach to Well-being
“About a year and a half ago I started with Dr. Sharp and the Cenegenics program. I am a 57 year old male and while in general good health, I had been feeling like I had no energy or desire for activities I previously enjoyed and even felt like I was having some issues with mild depression. I was having trouble keep weight off too. I was very active most of my life but the last 10-12 years I spent more time on the computer and in the car with my work. I met Dr. Sharp and enrolled in the Cenegenics program. I started with testosterone as well as a modified vitamin and exercise program. I made minimal adjustments with my diet and stopped smoking. At that time I weighed in at 360lbs and I am 6’4”. The effects were almost immediate. The first thing I noticed was I was sleeping better and going to sleep easier. I am very much a type “A” personality and “easily excitable” in the words of my family. I became more relaxed and able to cope better within the first few months. My strength and subsequently my workouts increased dramatically. At the end of the first year, I realized I was no longer getting sick with minor allergies and colds that had become almost a monthly occurrence. Today I have gone from a 50 waist size to a 44 with little change in my diet. I did stop drinking cola products and drink mainly water, tea and coffee. My blood pressure, cholesterol and other markers are all down or greatly improved. My skin tone is better and I have seen a decrease in small wrinkles. My sex life is better and my overall outlook is much more positive. I am extremely satisfied with my results and plan on continuing as long as possible with the program. Dr. Sharp is extremely knowledgeable and always available. In today’s society, it is hard to find someone who actually cares about your well being. That is of great importance to me. I would highly recommend Dr. Home
Cameron's Journey: A Video Testimonial
Cameron struggled with obesity for much of his life, and he knew he had to do something about it. With the help of the Sharp Rees-Stealy Weight Management Program, Cameron was able to take back control of his health and help his family begin their health journey.