I was a 420 lb. man, age 55, who desperately wanted weight loss surgery. I could barely move, dressed like a slug in black pants with a stretchy belt and shirts that bordered on 6X. I was desperate as I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and was diagnosed diabetic in February of this year.

That was the last straw. In addition to pain in my back and legs, I had sleep apnea and felt like life was passing me by.

The doctor told me my pretty immediate future included, at best, a very short life, and at worse, pretty quick death.

It scared me to death. I began the process for the surgery but hoped I could do it without the surgery.

My immediate death acted like a strong motivator. I started the diabetic diet Feb. 15 and as of today, July 3, I have lost exactly 100 lbs.

It hasn't been easy, but I'm down from 6x to 2x in shirts and 58 to 46 waist in pants.

The surgery would have saved my life, also. But I wanted to try it on my own. I know there are a lot of folks out there heavier than I was, but I wanted to see my grandchildren grow up and I wasn't ready to die.

I am no where nearly finished losing weight, but it is very encouraging. I'm not really on a diet but am eating the right things after a lifetime of eating the wrong things.

Have I broken the addiction? I hope so. Keep me in your thoughts.