I've been heavy all my life and started my first diet when I was 17 years old. It seems that was the kicking off point for a life of diet, splurge, diet, splurge. Each time having minor success followed by big gains. Sound familiar anyone?

Here I am 17 years later bigger than ever. But now....my knees are going bad. In Oct '07 I began to notice stiffness and pain when I climbed stairs. By the time I eventually made it to the doctor (April '08), I was severely limping and in a lot of pain. The doctor had no sympathy and simply said "lose the weight or replace the knee - your call."

While I would have appreciated a pat on the hand…something…the very blunt delivery was probably the best thing I could have ever heard. I finally realized I have to get serious about this....my weight was effecting my mobility.

Picture taken 12/6/08 - weight 264

Traci

Highest Weight: 344 - 4/15/08

Atkins Start Weight: 332 - 6/16/08

Goal #1: 299 - Met 8/28/08
Goal #2: 259 - Met 12/17/08
Goal #3: 244 (100lbs lost) - Met 2/3/09
Goal #4: 219 -
Goal #5: 199 -

- Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow!" - Mary Anne Radmacher