My name is Bill. I am 50 years old, and have been overweight as long as I can remember. Three years ago I was blessed with two grandchildren, 4 and 6 years old. It took me a while to realize that if I wanted to be around for them, and participate in their activities, I needed to get healthier.

In 2007 I quit smoking with the help of my doctor. It took me another year to make an appointment with my doctor to discuss weight loss. He ordered blood tests, and then referred me to a great dietitian, Denise. To say I was embarrassed with the results of my tests and weigh-in is an understatement. I weighed 336 lbs, my blood sugar was 107 (pre-diabetic range), my triglycerides were 217, my LDL was at 194.6, and my total cholesterol was at 270.

Denise reviewed all of this with me, and helped devise a plan to get healthier. The most important thing in the plan was keeping a food journal, which I still do every day. I also bought an inexpensive pedometer, to keep track of how many steps I took a day, with a goal of 10,000 per day. We reviewed good nutrition, and I started making healthier choices. Somewhere along my journey, I realized so many activities that I used to do were once again fun, such as early morning walks, bike rides – even yard work and gardening became relaxing fun. I was “doing” rather than just wishing, and I was seeing results!

My family and friends were great at supporting me, and still are, with my son keeping me doing what I had set out to do: get healthier! Then, 10,000 steps a day was not enough for me. I now do a minimum of 14,000 steps, plus extra activities such as biking or jogging at least four times a week.

I was getting healthier, and was doing it without gym memberships or special equipment, and the only pills I took were fish-oil tablets and a multi-vitamin. Last week I had another appointment with Denise and the results brought tears to my eyes. I have lost 88 lbs, my blood sugar is now at 85, my triglycerides are down 105 points, my LDL is down to 143.6 (a drop of 51 points), and my total cholesterol dropped 71 points.

I went from size 2X and 3X shirts to XL and Large, and I have taken 10 inches off my waistline! I realize that I still have a way to go with my cholesterol and weight, but I know that I will obtain my goals. I have a new-found confidence that I can DO it, simply by not being afraid to START !

The compliments I get from friends and family are wonderful, and two weeks ago I received what I consider the ultimate compliment. I ran into someone that I hadn’t seen since I started DOING – and he didn’t recognize me until he heard me speak. I had changed in appearance that much! My advice to others is DON’T BE AFRAID TO START DOING. What have you got to lose, except all those unwanted pounds! Good Luck, Bill

Written by: William G.