Cobra6707’s conversation with his doctor about his high blood pressure and a history of Diabetes in his family prompted him to change his lifestyle.  By revamping his eating habits, he has lost 67lbs, quit smoking and is nearing his target weight.  Congratulations Cobra6707!

He contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.

1. What prompted you to begin this weight loss journey? Did you have an "Aha!" moment?

I went to the doctor in May 2011 and the test showed blood glucose levels too high and the blood pressure meds weren't working well enough anymore so he doubled the BP meds. Follow up blood work in June 2011 showed the same results so the doctor talked to me about starting diabetic pills or lose 50lbs. Knowing the troubles my mother has due to her diabetes caused my “Aha!” moment

2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?

Honestly I hadn’t made any attempt until now. I did much research and joined Calorie Count, using the resources here and WebPages provided the tools needed to make great decisions.

3. Please describe how you reached your weight loss goal. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?  Did you implement any other strategies besides Calorie Count?  What was the most important change?

Ok I would love to say I’ve found a miracle pill or fruit that made me lose weight but in truth its just 1500 calories a day. Also, today it’s easier than ever to watch things like fat, carbs and calories.

4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.

Calorie Count provided valuable resources and social motivation.  I would say it’s a good quarter of my success, Thanks guys!

5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?

Well since I am an emotional eater and recently quit smoking after 23 years, giving up my potato chips and Chinese buffets was a monumental task to say the least!

6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?

After the first 20lbs and posting new pictures to Facebook the comments were a big motivation for me. I have to admit at 67lbs lost as of today, I’ve grown tired of bumping into someone I haven’t seen in months and the first thing they say is "wow you’ve lost allot of weight!"

7. How do you prevent relapse?

Relapse...Hmm I cheat one day a week, so if I have a craving I just tell myself "I’ll do it Saturday". Or I'll just say to myself “those chips aren’t going to get you any action!”  Hey, I’m single and it’s a factor, both have worked pretty well so far.

8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?

I feel much better and my knees don’t hurt from walking.  I enjoy the new attention from the ladies, but most of all I get to wear clothes I couldn’t five months ago. My doctor was excited about the latest blood work having great results and he cut my blood pressure meds in half and pretty sure he will cut out all together next visits. Go me!

9. How long have you maintained your current weight?

I am not at my goal weight yet. But I will continue to lose weight until my body is where it should be.

10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?

• Treat yourself every week.
• Read the labels before you buy.
• Always go fat free.
• Lose the bread.
• Portion control is 80% the battle.