Those who know me well know that, with the exception of my high school years, I’ve always had to fight the battle of the bulge. Two or three years ago, tired of what weighing 260 pounds did to both my looks and my future health, I decided to do something about it.
When Sharon and I met, I weighed 220, and I was determined to get back down to that number. Like a lot of people losing weight, I’d lose some and then regain most of it. It took a good while to get to 250 and maintain it. Then the push was to 240 and trying to maintain that.
Going from 240 to 230 seemed to take forever, but it finally happened. Then, as I dipped below 230, I began a year or so of serious yoyoing. 226 – 228 – 225 – 229. Bounce, bounce, bounce.
Two things make it even harder for a diabetic to lose weight. First, we’re not supposed to skip meals. It’s important that we eat (at least) three meals a day, and I had meds to take that required it. Secondly, with the exception of Januvia, as far as I know all diabetes meds have weight gain as a side effect. I used Januvia for a couple of years, but it’s such an expensive brand-name med that I finally asked my doctor to switch me to something else.
As I’ve neared the objective, I’ve reported my progress in another post or two, but each time, I would bounce back up a few pounds. Then I started struggling again.
Yesterday morning, for the first time in nearly 25 years, my scales displayed the figure 220. Success at last. I’m sure there will be blips from time to time, but now I know that I’ve done it and can do it. And, now that the goal has been reached, I don’t intend to stop here. I intend to go for 210, maybe even 200 eventually.
It’s probably too late to reverse some health problems I’ve developed, but maybe I can at least keep them from getting worse. And 220 pounds on my 72 year-old body don’t look exactly like they did on my 47 year-old body. That clock won’t run backward. But it’s been well worth the effort. I’m elated to be there.
What weight gain/weight loss problems have you had to deal with? How have you handled them?
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Writers may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
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For more information about David N. Walker, click the “About” tab above.
For more information about his books, click on “Books” above.
Contact him at dnwalkertx (at) gmail (dot) com or tweet him at @davidnwalkertx.
David N Walker 
Congratulations, David! Cheers, Ashley
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Congratulations!!! What an accomplishment. Wish I could be as focussed as you’ve been. I could write a book on my battles with weight. I’m very proud of you for “sticking to your guns”!! Love you.
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Thanks, Jan. I appreciate that.
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Dear David,
Thanks for sharing “”your triumph”. I’ve read numerous testimonials on the Internet of individuals
who have achieved remarkable weight loss by changing eating habits,without drugs or change in life style. I’ve come to believe it’s possible but you must understand and practice certain basic rules of nutrition. I believe it’s more complicated than most people believe.
But—sincere congratulations!, Hew the line and “stay the course” as they say in the US Navy.
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Thanks, Don. Mine was changing eating habits.
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So proud of you, husband. Keep up the great effort. You may put me to shame!
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Already did, sweetie – at least for weight loss.
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Excellent, Bro! Congratulations.
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Thanks, Sis, and same to you on your weight loss.
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Congratulations, David! Keep up the good work. For me, any weight gain can usually be attributed to too many sweets. That’s my downfall, and I know it. It’s so hard to change habits, isn’t it?? About two years ago, I started weight lifting at a local gym, which has brought many benefits – better posture, increased strength, and a more toned body. Stay on your healthy path!
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Glad that’s working for you, Deanne. I tell myself I’m too old to start working out. I know – a cop out, but at least I do walk.
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David, wonderful! Congrats. A struggle for sure, but well worth it.
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Thanks, Carole. It’s been enough of a struggle that I think I can make myself not go back the other direction
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