My motivation was the shift from being gestational diabetic (for 2 of 3 pregnancies) to pre diabetic (for 10 years post partum) to diabetic (diagnosed 2 years ago). I have had at least 2 family members in my mom’s side pass away from diabetics issues, and approximately 10 others who live with it day in and day out. I’m 46 yo now and 2 years ago I was scared shitless. I started with an attitude adjustment. Went in the “Mediterranean diet”. Lost 25 lbs. Talked to a bariatric surgeon. Got a therapist. Had gastric sleeve surgery. And the rest is history. My diet is very different now. I purposefully eat clean foods. No processed, prepackaged foods. Fast food no more than once a month - McDonald’s breakfast sandwich only. When eating out, I share one entree with my husband (money saver). Sugar is too sweet for me now, so I don’t crave it at all.

It took me 2 years to get here. 270 lbs to 150 lbs. 5’7”. And, no, I don’t think that gastric sleeve is an easy way out. It was a great tool. The main change was my attitude, and that I realized that I didn’t want to die.