I'm an independent OPTAVIA Coach. Here is my story:

When my doctor, Brenda Izen, wrote me a prescription for blood pressure medicine, I cried. It was the same medicine my mother had taken and she had died the year before from complications of weight related illnesses. Dr Izen told me that she had a program in her office that her patients were losing a lot of weight with and You get to eat 6 times a day!? I had tried everything else. When our family doctor of 20 years suggests something, I had to try it. At 20 pounds down, I realized that finally I had found a program that was working. When I lost 80 pounds, I reached a Healthy Weight. I also lost my job! Dr Izen said, 'that's awesome!? I said, No Brenda, it is not awesome! She invited me to become a Health Coach and now I have helped many people make dramatic improvements in their lives. My transformation has influenced my whole family in ways I never imagined. My husband has lost 81 pounds so far and even my 16 year old son lost 26 pounds, reached a healthy weight, eats other vegetables besides corn and takes a weight training class in high school. And my family in Cleveland has joined us. We have totally changed the mindset of our whole family and this year for Thanksgiving and Christmas, there were healthy choices. I never thought that could happen. The paradigm has shifted. A change has occurred. We have been able to influence our family to have a better awareness of how their choices effect their health and that is truly a blessing. I turned 54 in October and I realized that I feel better now than when I was 30. I have energy and wake up with purpose and enthusiasm. When my family needs me, I can be there for them. My life is my own and I am in control of my health and my finances. The peace of mind I now have is truly priceless. In April of 2011, I will reach my 1 year anniversary at my goal weight. I have a new life!