I began this journey in June after realizing that the time had come to do something drastic about my weight and overall health. During a May weekend away with my wife on our first vacation of 2009, we visited a diner for our meal. The waitress seated us at a booth near a window with a nice view of the harbour. Much to my embarrassment, I could not fit into the booth seat. We took a seat near the entrance and waited for a table to come available.
Upon returning home, I knew it was time to take charge of my diet and lose the girth around my midsection. Luckily, in searching the web for a diet program, I came upon SparkPeople.com. Following Spark guidelines, I established a nutrition and exercise program geared to my target. Since June, I've lost over 80 pounds and established a new, maintainable lifestyle.
I've visited my doctor on my 3 month schedule and have amazed him with my success. My latest physical exam showed a tremendous change in my cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Plagued for many decades with psoriatic arthritis, pain management had been a real challenge for me. I struggled with chronic, clinical depression for the past 3 years taking prosaic and respiadone to control and modify my disorder. I'm now pleased to say, since losing 80 pounds and improving my life, I'm no longer dependant on these medications. My blood pressure is under control and that medication has been lowered in half. In total, I've gone from 8 daily medications to 3. What a change in pain management!
As of today, I've established a new maintenace program and look forward to continued success in 2010. My thanks to SparkPeople and my new friends in helping me to reach my goals. I truly look forward to continued improved health this year.