Sharing my story

I just wanted to share my story with this group, hoping that it would be an encouragement to others that are suffering - either a health issue or a weight problem. At 5'3", I had become way overweight and suffered from multiple health issues. I am happy to say that I have lost 58.5 lbs as of this week and I feel like a new woman. As I was approaching 50, I felt like I was heading toward being unable to do any of the things I wanted to and that I was at high risk of dropping dead at an early age.

Regarding the weight loss, I have 20 more pounds to go. Yep, I had gotten to be a big lady! After lots of excuses about aging and menopause, I got tired of being tired, hurting and feeling bad. THEN I found out I really was developing health problems. So on 1/1/06, I decided I would just eat healthy. No real gimics - - just watch portion size and cut out all junk.

I added modest walking after a month or so. But to be honest, my joints/feet hurt so badly and I had muscle cramps- - I had to grit my teeth to get through it in the beginning.

As time went on, I added more walking ( now up to one brisk hour - 5 days a week) and made more modifications to my diet (adding more fiber, veggies and gasp - fish). My loss had been slow and steady - - no quick cure. I eliminated Aspartame (Equal diet sweetner) and quit the Diet Coke habit. After reading an article, I substitued drinking green tea for my sodas. I was totally shocked to find that I didn't even want a diet coke after the first week. Previously, I craved diet cokes like others want coffee or chocolate - - I REALLY wanted them.

I didn't lose anything much over this winter, but once I was able to pick back the walking up again - - it's coming off again.

I went from hypertensive to LOW blood pressure and my blood work is unbelieveably better. Plus, my feet seldom hurt ( I have plantar fascitis and Morton's neuroma). I have suffered from tendinitis and bursitis in all my major joints for years with no relief. The doctors were certain I suffered from a connective tissue disease, but were unable to diagnosis it.

Now, ALL that is gone.

As my health issues began before the weight gain became serious, I am convinced that all of my problems centered around a poor diet and excess amounts of aspartame (through drinking lots and lots of diet cokes). The weight gain certainly made things much worse, but that wasn't the only problem.

When I went to pick up manure this year, I was handling the 50 lbs bags easier than the young guys that were helping me. I still look old (you can't put 10 lbs of flour in a 5 lb sack without "issues") but Dang! I feel good!!

Good luck to any of you that are facing similar challenges, Nat