I will be turning 60 this year and have spent most of my adult life obese. I cannot remember a time in my life that I was not battling my weight. A few years ago, I had a bypass and was really struggling depression. I was living a life of fast foods, masking my true feelings and working every job I could get to make ends meet. I don't know when it happened but I woke one day to find myself so close to 300 pounds that it was scary. I guess the turn around came the day that I realized I was having health issues like knee pain, hip pain, back pain because of my weight. I know that if I don't get this extra weight off of my body, I will end up having heart trouble again. I started the Atkins diet about June of last year and have lost about 40 pounds. I took a break and just recently re-started Atkins. I am making my goals at 20 pounds at a time. I loose 20 and reward myself with the treat of my choice (usually involves chocolate) I am so pleased to find this site and expecially pleased with the recipes and new ideas. I'm looking forward to unveiling the 5'5" bomb shell that has been hidden under this coat of fat for years. Who knows, I might even find someone in my future.