When I started this journey, I weighed 242 pounds.  I had been putting on a few pounds a year for over 20 years.  I always thought, "Someday, I'm going to have to lose some of this weight." 

     Then I started getting deferred by the blood bank (because of my blood type, they call me about every 2-3 months)...I often couldn't donate because my pulse rate wouldn't drop below 100.  That started me thinking I needed to drop some weight and start to live a healthier lifestyle.

     In early 2008, I decided to try and keep a New Year's resolution for a change.   I started to add a lot more fruits and vegetables to my diet, cut back on junk food, and reduce portion sizes and seconds when eating.   A few weeks later, I stumbled across this web site, and found the information and support I needed to make this thing real.  Since I am a certified computer geek, logging my calories daily on my PC made the whole thing sort of appealing. 

     The results have been nothing short of amazing.  I didn't think I had the will power to follow through with this, but I have, and it's working.  As of this writing, I have shed almost 75 pounds (or, as I like to refer to it, 5 bowling balls).  I have now been maintaining between 165 and 170 pounds for over a year, and my pulse rate has moved down into the 75-85 range.  I no longer have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, aching hips, or sleep apnea.  I feel better than I have in years. 

    This web site, and the encouragement and support of it's members, has made all the difference.