The beginning

I cannot remember the year but it was around 1996 or 1997. I know the date was November 1. I weighed 150 lbs and I was disgusted with that number on the scale. On Halloween, I made up my mind to start a diet the next day. A diet that would restrict my fat intake. I was faithful to that diet and even began riding my bike on a trainer in the mornings before work. It took me about a month before I saw the scale change and then it was a consistent 2 lbs. a week loss. At about month 3 I began having serious "heartburn". I remember the first episode. It was after a fatty meal. The pain was blinding. I had to focus to breathe and I even prayed to die when it was at its most intense. Long story short...My low fat diet and my Native American blood had caused gallstones. After losing 20 lbs I had surgey to remove my gallbladder. During those 6 months my struggle physically and emotionally with maintaining a healthy weight began. 11 years later the struggle is one I battle daily. This year I am going to begin the healing process and forgive myself for "letting myself go".