I hit my highest weight of 478 in 2002 along with spinal stenosis in my back which caused what the doctors called 'permanent' spinal cord damage. I couldn't feel anything from waist down. I was 43. My husband was told to find a nursing home for me because I'd never walk again. I knew God would let me walk again. I had faith.

I was confined to a hospital bed. Next,I was in a power wheel chair, needed bilateral knee replacements, and still couldn't feel anything from the waist down. A great physical therapist convinced a doc to replace one knee, and then eventually the other. OK! Knees fixed; Now I could stand. Now we had to address the weight issue.

I started the process for weight loss surgery and in 2005 I had gastric bypass surgery. My pre-surgery weight was 383 pounds. I lost quickly and I believe the surgery saved my life.

After the surgery, I continued with mobility issues, although I was walking! I now had quite a lot of loose skin, especially in the tummy area. This hindered my physical mobility even more. The doctors removed 18 pounds of skin with a paniculectomy - basically a band of skin from hip to hip, and from just above the pubic area to above the waist area. The recovery was painful!

I continued to lose weight and was at 254 in 2012. Then I strayed. Since then I have gained 49 pounds.I know low carb works for me, but I fell into old habits.

Recently I tried to get back to low carb and have lost 10 pounds, but today, August 26, 2014, I begin again. I am walking now, mostly without the help of a cane. Some days I do have to use my cane. Did I say I was walking? (Praise the Lord!) Exercise is difficult for me and I'm looking into ways I can increase exercise - perhaps something that doesn't include falling on my face?! **giggles**

I'm here for encouragement, chastisement when I need it, and to share my journey with others that are travelling the same road.