Good Morning,
In 1985, when I quit smoking (for the wrong reasons), my
weight was 145 pounds. Less than a year later my weight
had increased to 220 pounds and within 18 m0nths I was
diagnosed as a diabetic. By April, 1999, I had no choice but to
go on long term disability for depression and the results of
medical damage to my system from uncontrolled diabitis.

On July 5, 2000, a former neighbor of mine took me to the
County Hospital for a complete physical. My blood sugar level
was 410, my blood pressure was 220/110, my pulse (resting)
was 100 and my weight was 295.

After the Nurses and Interns were done with me, the Doctor
came in, looked at my chart and then looked me right in the
eyes and said: "Mr. Pirtle, loose the weight NOW or be dead
within a year!"

I asked him if he had any thoughts towards a diet I can go on
and not give up on it within a month. He reached into his desk
and pulled out a copy of Dr. Atkins book and gave it to me. He
instructed me to read it first and then start it. He also gave me
his instructions to follow (his own modification to the Atkins
diet). I won't go into detail here about his modifications so as
not to confuse new members to this way of life, but to say it
takes into account my heavy addiction to sugar and carbs.

Has it worked? You bet it has. Today my weight is 225 pounds,
my blood sugar level average is 190, my pulse average is 76
and my blood pressure is now 160/60. I know some people
will think 190 is high for blood glucose, but this is being
maintained by diet only (no more needles, no more pills ).

Have a Great Weekend,

Brian