Written by Kim Jones, lab tech/lead phlebotomist at Lee’s Summit Physicians Group

I’ve always been overweight and have struggled with diabetes for 20 years. My mom died at age 58 from diabetes, so I never even considered living a healthier life because I had convinced myself I would die by the time I was 58. My mom and all of her siblings died before they were 60 years old.

In 2018 something pretty amazing happened!

I had a granddaughter! My son and daughter in law had a beautiful girl named Presley. And I made it to 58 and I’m still living!

By this time, I was taking 2000mg of Metformin and 5 insulin shots daily. I decided I didn’t want to take insulin anymore and now I had even more reasons to live a long, happy life.

While talking to my brother, he told me he lost weight and was able to get his diabetes under control while doing the Keto diet. I was sure that I could make a change in my life as well. On April 1, 2019, I started Keto. I truly believe that had I looked at this as a diet, I would never have been successful.  I had to look at it as a lifestyle change.

That day I weighed 280 pounds.

I never really had a weight loss goal. I just wanted to get off insulin and be healthy and live longer. The weight loss was an added bonus. I changed the way I was eating and after the first week I was down 11 pounds. In the first month, I was down 30 pounds. I was off insulin and was feeling 100% better than I ever had. I was walking without becoming short of breath and had a ton of energy.

My family and friends were a big part of my success. My daughter in law prepared Keto meals for me and my son made me get out and walk. My husband, sister and brother encouraged me every step of the way. Presley was there to constantly remind me that I had a reason to keep going and to get healthy. I want to see her grow up!

It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been worth it.

I know that I will never be able to eat the way I used to, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the good. That’s why I thought the title, “Donuts or Health” would be appropriate.

It’s now been about a year since starting my journey and I feel WONDERFUL! I’ve exceeded all of my expectations. My hemoglobin A1C is within normal limits, my blood sugars are under 120 and I’m off insulin.

I’ve lost 98 pounds.

My starting, highest weight was 288 pounds… and I’m down to 190 pounds.

At LSPG, we often have lunches available and inevitably someone has had a party and brings in leftover cookies, cake or candy. The thing I miss the most are donuts! Dr. Gershon brings donuts in every now and then and little does he know that I would gladly give my right arm for one! In fact I secretly lift the lid and inhale… Shhh! Don’t tell anyone.

But when I think about how far I’ve come I just can’t sabotage all the hard work I’ve put in. Every day gets easier and seeing the transformation in my body and health keep me motivated to continue. It took me a long time to get to this point but now I’m never looking back!

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I wanted to share that it’s possible to change no matter what your age. It takes discipline and it’s really helpful to have your friends and family behind you. Good luck!