Back in my late teens - early 20's I was "normal size". It was a daily struggle and had some rules people might consider silly - my sis calls it "Draconian" but it worked so since my last visit with the cardiologist I have reverted to my old ways.

No eating after 4pm, no candy, no ice cream, pretty much a case of "if it tastes good, spit it out".

I maintained 125 pounds for 5 or 6 years, then I married my first husband. He wasn't a fan of the dieting lifestyle and said he would love me, all of me, no matter what size. Soon after I ate a Snickers bar. I still remember how great that Snickers tasted.

However, all good things must come to an end and last week I was on the receiving end of a tongue-lashing from my cardiologist for my weight. I had weighed in at 297 and I don't know if someone had put itching powder in his boxers or what but he was on quite a tear. He brought me to tears yelling about my weight and suggested bariatric surgery.

I spent most of a week looking at various surgeries and surgical groups and even made an appointment but at the same time, I went back to the old lifestyle and so far have shed 10 pounds.

Also I talked to a friend about my cardiologist. Apparently he is notorious for making rude comments about/to the obese and I must remember he is the doctor that insisted I get a C-PAP machine.

I have a hate/love/hate relationship with the C-PAP. Hubby loves it because it stops the snoring - or at least reduces it to a reasonable level. But the hyped "You will feel RESTED, ENERGIZED, REFRESHED, and you will LOSE WEIGHT!" has not happened.

Forget the fact it feels like I have stuck my head into a jet engine - I am a stomach sleeper and the full face mask I wear forces me to turn my head to a very uncomfortable angle.

Yes, I wear a full face mask - the nasal mask just blew my mouth open and I would wake up with my mouth and nose feeling like Death Valley.... Including the 20-mule-team. If you don't understand the reference, just Google "Death Valley Days".... it was on TV in the 60's.

So, I start my day with unsweetened, unflavored yogurt with a handful of mixed nuts, eat a lot of oranges because I love them, drink a lot of water and stop eating at 4pm.

Draconian? Maybe, but it does get results.