My last blog touched on the joint subjects of weight gain and stress. It seems that in the writing, I trod on the toes of more than one of my friends, which naturally was not my intention.

I feel strongly about supporting friends and acquaintances in their quest for a better life.

To counter this “negative”  I can relate a good news story of a friend I made in the process of setting up this website. I have known this person for about  five years and he/she (no clues on gender, I am in enough trouble already ). At that time she/he was close to being clinically obese and had been trying to lose weight unsuccessfully for several years.
After reading this website, she/he decided it was time to “get serious”.  However, against all that I preach, she/he decided to give stomach banding a try. Fortunately, after thoroughly researching the costs and the risks he/she changed her/his mind, and began a program of “healthy eating” which also meant smaller portions, in addition to a regime of “eating natural”.

I bumped into her/him a few days after I had written the last blog, and I was overjoyed (not a word I use often) to see the change. Her/his weight was down by about 11 kilograms and his/her skin was remarkably clear compared with the “before” version.

The effort to maintain this new lifestyle continues  and the hope is to yield up another 10-11kilograms before the weight levels out.

I felt close to tears when I chatted, and noticed the difference in his/her outlook on life. The previously downcast face was now full of smiles.

I asked if the family was involved. “Yes! Of course” was the reply.

I encourage all of my friends and who ever else is reading this, to believe in yourself. Try to join forces with a friend, or family and set goals. Remember there is nothing like solid exercise to reduce your  stress level. Most of all do NOT give up and plan to live a DIFFERENT lifestyle. Dieting does not work! Never has and never will.

Apologies to all those with bruised toes! I wish you the best in your efforts to change your life – if that is what you intend. Remember there are no half measures.

Most sincerely,

The Weight Wise Man

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