On my 39th birthday, I woke up severely depressed I was in a marriage that wasn't satisfying me. I was broke financially. My back hurt with premature arthritis. I had a 44 inch waist and weighed 250 pounds at 5'8".

I've been overweight most of my life. I was born at nine pounds 14 ounces and it was all "uphill" from there. I remember weighing ten pounds for each year of age until I was in my teens - when I really ballooned, reaching 220 by my mid teens. My legs would rub together in my gym clothes. I never dated. I was teased constantly. The only thing that gave me pleasure was eating.

At bedtime, I would hide cookies in my hand so I could sneak them into my bedroom without my parents' knowledge. When my sister was born, I would take small bites of candy and blame it on her, validating my theory by pointing out the size of the bite marks. As ashamed as I am to admit it, I would eat food from the garbage when no one was around.

Food consumed my life. I remember more nights than I care to admit, in the bathroom, praying to God that if he'll make my stomach stop hurting, I'll never eat this way again. But with the light of the next morning, the promise would be forgotten.

On September 28, 1993, the realization set in: "I created this reality. I can change it." I set a goal: "Fit, Fun, and Fiscally Sound by Forty." It had a bit of ring to it. I could remember it. And for some reason, my 40th birthday carried some emotional significance. I called up Weight Watchers to find out the next convenient meeting, ate like a fool for six days, and showed up at a meeting the following Tuesday.

It's difficult for anyone to lose weight; I don't want to come across as a complainer but I had one additional obstacle others don't. In 1983, I was chosen as one of only 20 people from around the world most exemplifying the Weight Watcher philosophy of positive attitude, goal setting, and belief in oneself. We spent five days in New York with Linda Evans and Jean Nidetch. We were the honored of the honored. Yet, I had still managed to put on my weight. Being a former Weight Watchers lecturer in a small town means that, not only everyone would know me at the meeting, but many of these people would have been "taught" by me. I was mortified and humiliated at the prospect of returning but I knew I had given up control of my life too many times. The thought, "if I keep doing what I've always done, I'll always end up at the same place," crossed my mind. I had to do things differently this time if I wanted a different result.

I reminded myself constantly why I was doing this. It was NOT to lose weight - but for the benefits from that weight loss. I wanted to "touch my toes without a written plan" and do it pain free. I wanted to feel attractive. I wanted the self confidence to stand in front of others.

I posted my credo proudly in my office, on the refrigerator, and in my pantry. I told all my friends. I tracked my food. I shared my losses - and even my gains. I made mistakes; we all do. The difference between mine and other peoples mistakes is mine show as excess weight. I tried to remind myself that a weight gain was not hitting the end of the road, merely the guiderails along the side of the road. Adjust and straighten out, do not give up.

I paid more attention to my feelings and what was triggering me to eat. After all, I wasn't sitting on the sofa one moment and some "food crazed zombie" the next. Something was triggering these eating binges. I realized I ate when I was upset, consoling myself with food to make it better. That caused a weight gain, which upset me, which caused me to eat more, which caused a weight gain. It was a never-ending merry go round.

"How much of this do I do to myself?" I wondered. To counter it, I wrote positive messages to myself. I got into therapy. And I promised I would reward myself for each five pounds I lost. Regardless of how far I went, every five pounds was still a victory no one could take away.

During this period, my entire life was in upheaval. I divorced, changed careers, changed addresses, adjusted my style of dress, and even adopted a new spiritual philosophy. Friends would look at me with awe. "Why would you choose to lose weight now? Why not wait until you're through this period?" they would ask, dumfounded. I explained that I didn't look at weight loss as a burden. It was at that point that I knew I was going to "make it." To me, the results were becoming fun and exciting. I enjoyed the changes. I was feeling life for the first time. My therapist joked that I was finally getting to experience my teen years.

It was difficult at times and I did "mess around" periodically. But I kept an image of a water skier in mind. I saw myself being pulled across a lake, the wake of my life's events pouring over me. I was sometimes afraid and at times, it felt like I was out of control. But I reminded myself, "As long as I don't let go of the tow rope, I'll be OK. I might get bounced around a bit and fall down but just hang on and I'll get there." There were times when my weight loss was the only thing that kept me sane during the roughest year of my life.

One day before I turned forty, I reached my goal; 71 pounds in 364 days. I'm still thin – almost ten year later (and still counting). Each day sets a new record for me; being the longest I've ever maintained my weight. People constantly point out what a positive influence I am in this community. I am one of a relatively few number of people being studied by the National Control Weight Registry as an example of successful “losers.” Not only do I lead three Weight Watcher meetings a week now, possibly my proudest honor, and I'm one of extremely few men with such a distinction. I'm an award winning public speaker for Toastmasters. And I am now a member of the National Speakers Association and have a burgeoning professional speaking career. I call myself a "THINspirational speaker" using the lessons I've learned to create “big ‘feets’ from small steps" to thousands. I am scheduled to be published in two "Chicken Soup" books. I was even considered to be on ABC's Good Morning America a few years ago to tell the story of my weight loss. My life with my children is closer than ever. And, I am in a wonderful marriage to Mary Ann Testagrossa, an artist. My health and attitude are wonderful. (My doctor said my blood-work numbers were almost “un-American” because they are so healthy!)

I have left behind the "old me," bringing along merely his memories and lessons. I can't thank God enough for all the blessings.

I'm having the best time in my life. I can't wait until tomorrow!