I told my body a different story and I shed 20kg in 10 months

Toddler with his Sixty sixty bike This is the 11th article in My Weight loss Journey. You can read the first one here.

Until 17 April 2024 I had never dieted and I didn't own a scale. Walking the 100 metres to our complex gate left me breathless. Self care has never been high on my agenda. I am constantly fighting my codependency - everyone else is much more important than me.

I ate what was put in front of me and ignored the stomach pains and heartburn especially after a heavy meal in the evenings. For years I had worked long hours determined to prove I was capable and competent. Instead I became overweight, more depressed and constantly felt uncomfortable and yuck.

I went for my annual checkup to my GP, and she made me stand on the scale which showed the horrible truth. I weighed 95.4kg. She also tested my blood sugar. I was pre-diabetic at the age of 69.

At the age of 70 Dave is well into the consequences of long term diabetes. I have 2 diabetic sisters in their 70s who are battling.

Something in me snapped. I told my body a different story. I will not become diabetic. We can't afford medical aid and Helen Joseph state hospital is currently not a pleasant experience.

Rigid diets and exercise programmes don't work for me. I don't stick to them. I am totally un-coordinated and too embarrassed to go to the gym or dance. My exercise of choice is swimming

To be honest, I had no idea how much weight I could lose so I didn't set a goal.

Everyone's story is different but all I did was cut out the junk (of which I was eating far too much) and ate smaller portions. I do about 10 mins a day of chair yoga, or I fling my arms and legs around while lying on the bed. I haven't been rigid food wise, or I would be obsessing all day.

I have just turned 70 in February and weigh 20 kgs less than I did 10 months ago in April 2024. I have more energy and my blood sugar is under control.

My 2 youngest grandchildren are 2 and a half, and 8 months respectively. I need every scrap of energy I can muster. I am lucky that I am able to visit them at least once a week. L has a Checkers 60/60 bike with an extra trailer on the back and he has no fear. "Gannie" has to run to keep up. S is crawling and a talented escape artist.

I think I am more mystified than those around me that I actually achieved this. I have no idea how much more I can/will lose and I am not fussed as long as I don't become diabetic or go back to my bad habits.