tonilee2

I'm a 59 yr old semi-retired Nurse Practitioner and I currently live in Tecumseh Michigan, near Ann Arbor Michigan and Toledo Ohio.  I was raised in New England and lived there during my first "life," but left for Manhattan in 1995, lived in New York City 'til my husband's work relocated us in 2007. I have struggled with weight for nearly 35 years and I am absolutely tired of doing so. I do not want to live my entire life being unhealthy and overweight. I am happily married to a wonderful man and together we have five furry kids...three dogs and two cats...all of them loved and adored. I enjoy reading, writing, traveling, crocheting, current events, politics, listening to music and being a loving wife, sister, friend and aunt.

After working as a Nurse Practitioner for many years and in all types of setting, I developed serious health problems shortly after relocating to Michigan. I have degenerative disc disease in my back, as well as severe osteoarthritis. Additionally, I have significant generalized pain throughout my body every day, which has been labeled as hyper-sensitive neurological disorder and fibromyalgia (although frankly, no one seems to really know what is wrong).

I have been on more diets than I can remember. Losing weight is not about beauty and vanity at this point. Losing weight is something I know I must do to improve my quality of life, which right now is not that great.

AND AS AN UPDATE...so, within months of returning from Mexico and loving life with bariatric surgery, I was diagnosed with Stage 1-Grade 2 Metastatic Breast Cancer.  Biopsy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and oral therapies have wreaked havoc on my body.  As I update this, it is the 4-year date of my Bariatric Surgery April 2.  I am discouraged and UP about 9 lbs from my lowest weight...and determined to re-reach my goal of 140-145 lbs.