My name is Karen. I am 51 years old. My hubby and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary this summer! :-) I have 3 children all in college! Oldest is 22 (College senior) and twins 20 (college juniors)! My weight was up and down but not anything dramatic until I turned 40!

At 40 I began having major pain in my arms and legs. Long story short, after 2 years of Drs, tests, medicine trials and pure frustration, I was diagnosed with a rare type of Muscular Dystrophy called Mitochondrial Myopathy. There is no treatment or cure available. My mitochondria do not process foods into energy properly so my body runs on very low energy causing pain. I take meds for pain, etc. and am thankful for a MDA doctor who helped me so I can walk short distances and function daily.

During my 2 year challenge of seeking a diagnosis for my disease, I was put on Prednisone (steroids) for 18 months and ballooned up 70+ pounds. I have spent the past 8 years fighting this extra weight with little success. I am looking at having bariatric surgery. At this time I am doing a six-month weight mgmt for insurance reasons and seeing a weight mgmt Dr. He is wonderful and is testing and helping me set up a plan to rid these extra pounds! I am on a diabetic med that also helps surpress my appetite which is working out well! I am following a low-carb/ high protein eating plan. Not a "diet" but a new way of eating!

My new goal is to work with this Dr in developing a healthy LIFETIME eating/living lifestyle and losing this weight WITHOUT surgery! I am so motivated!

Thanks for taking the time to learn about me!