"There is no single dietary approach  that is right for everyone, especially with regards to the need for carbs and protein." ~ Dr. Leo Galland

MY STORY - An Angel Named Alice

In 2000 I quit smoking after 20 years. I replaced cigarettes with food and for 7 years I didnt smoke again. I did, though, go from 320 lbs to 465 lbs. I’d handicapped myself to only being able to stand a few moments or walk a few steps. I also had isolated myself well from friend, family, and basically gave up on living. I would die at an early age but it honestly didn’t matter.

April 2007, my friend Alice intervened. She discussed the possibility of gastric surgery and promised to be there through all of it.  She drove me to every doctor appointment.  My insurance declined to cover it. She was not done. She made me see something that had always been there but I hadn’t been able to see - that I could find my way back but I didn’t change immediately.

June 2007, her repeatedly checking in on whether I’d started my diet finally got me started. I began South Beach, a diet recommended from my doctor because of my PCOS/ insulin resistance. She has since checked in several times weekly, especially weigh-in Thursday.

December 2007, Alice said ‘we’ would start walking daily. I’d disregarded exercise because of knee pain but like everything else, she meant it – everyday for weeks she came over and with a crutch in hand, we’d set out. Started at three house lengths but everyday there was progress. The crutch is gone, I've built up some strength and now am able to do many ‘normal’ things now - standing through a shower, grocery shopping, etc.

She is still there for me but I've taken over the reins, and would not be here were it not for her.  At 465 lbs and growing, life was short term. Check my weight log chart above - Im making progress daily. If you remember one thing about me, it should be how I was saved by an Angel named Alice.