HI All,
my name is Bren and I live in Northern California. Between the years of 2003 and 2004 I lost weight from 255lbs to 138lbs (well over 100lbs lost). I kept that weight off until after my cancer surgery in Dec. 2006. I only gained a small amount. But then I had 3 more major surgeries in the year 2007 which caused me to be sedentary.
When I initially lost my weight I was on The South Beach Diet and I walked everyday. I am 54 years, married to the nicest man that I have ever met. We have been together now 15 years. I have 2 grown children and 7 grandchildren (including the steps). I am also mom to 3-furbabies (two doxies and one chi-weenie), and 4 feathered kids (a pair of Diamond Doves, 1 Yellow Nape Amazon Parrot and one Blue Face Amazon Parrot.
I am now preparing for Total Knee Replacement Surgery. I have gained back so much of my weight, first from being sedentary and then just by giving up and eating bad stuff. My doctor will not do the knee replacement until I have reached 200lbs or under. Once I have my knee replacement I will change my goal weight back to 150 like it was when I was on south Beach.
My doctor has put me on a Gluten-free/dairy-free diet.
If anyone else is eating Gluten Free, Dairy Free, has health issues complicating their weight loss, or is or has been a TOPS member....I would like to meet you. Possibly be your buddy. We all need support.

Thanks!!