My once lean and fit body began to change rapidly. I couldn't eat whatever I wanted without it showing up on my body permanently.

I used to burn off all the calories without even trying, but now my body couldn't keep up.

My metabolism was slowing down..

I could feel my health deteriorating.

I had little energy during the day and fell asleep early in the evening.

This wasn't who I was!

So, I tried going to bed earlier at night, hoping to feel more energized the next day.

But it didn't work. Even after sleeping for 10 hours, I still felt exhausted.

I knew it wasn't good, but I didn't realize how BAD it had become.

Then one day, I ran into my daughter's friend from high school. At first, she didn't recognize me, and I had to introduce myself. Then she said something hurtful, "Wow, Mrs. B. I didn't recognize you. You were so much smaller before."

It was a wake-up call.

I never owned a scale because I always kept my figure in check, but now I knew it was time to find out where I stood. So I went out and bought one.

I got home, put the battery in the digital scale, and stepped on.

The number that appeared shocked me, 211!

It hit me like a ton of bricks.

I went to the bathroom mirror and really looked at myself.

I realized that something had to change. I was tired, bloated, and had gained weight everywhere. I was a mess.

I thought about the impact this was having on me and my daughter. For a long time, I had only been thinking about myself. But what about her? Would I be there for her?

That night, as I got ready for bed, I made a decision.