Then in 2005 I was diagnosed with diabetes. I began reading everything I could about getting this condition under control.  The biggest thread was to lose weight, as much weight as possible. I began making major changes in what I eat. I made a concerted effort to eat higher fiber and lower fat foods. I still had no concept of portions but at least I was eating healthier foods. I cut way back on carbonated sugary sodas.  I managed to lose a little weight but of course not enough to reverse my condition. And I was still finding myself eating ice cream and other sugary foods. I have a sweet tooth that will not quit. Then I got a job (May – November 2006) at a high tech call center where part of the compensation was free vending machines. And they were well stocked with all of my favorites and there was a never ending supply of soda pop. It was a real struggle that I did not always win to avoid partaking of such generosity. On top of that the job was pretty stressful so there was a lot of stress eating by many of us.

My husband was out of work during that time and was going on interviews constantly locally and out of town. He finally got a good position (started Dec 2006) here in NC and we finally have health insurance and I am once again able to concentrate on my health problem without the distraction of a stressful job. I was able to start losing weight again starting in about March of 2007 and now weigh on my home scale 260 pounds as of this morning. I have joined a gym and attend water aerobic classes at least 4 days a week. I found a website called Spark People (http://www.sparkpeople.com) where I am able to track all of my efforts to improve my fitness and lose weight. For the first time I am watching my actual proportions as I log what I eat and how much throughout the day and am enjoying mild success. I still want the Gastric Bypass surgery though because I am sure that I will have difficulty in losing more than 40 pounds or so without it. Whenever I lose weight I have always gained it back with a few bonus pounds to boot. I want to stop this once and for all. I want to be able to put my shoes on without turning blue in the face. I want to be able to give myself a pedicure or just put lotion on them.  I want to be fit enough to climb two or three flights of stairs. I want to fit better in the theater seats and airplane seats. Actually I want to fit in any chair anywhere without worrying that I will break it. You get the point. I am so ready to have this surgery that I have researched it to death and have already started making the lifestyle changes that will make it successful.