Katherine Jackson was overweight since her teens. She lost 35 pounds in her late teens but put it all back on and then some when she had her son at 19. She said it was a combination of a sweet tooth and portion size that was her reason for failure. “I could eat lots of ice cream and not even think about it,” the married mother of four added.

She knew she had to do something, but the death of her best friend from complications related to bariatric surgery(肥胖外科手术) caused her to shy away from the help she needed. “It took me five years to realize I can’t live life like this,” Jackson said, finally deciding to have bariatric surgery in 2012, which helped her get rid of most unwanted fat. “My kids love the new me,” Jackson said. “And, my youngest, who is 8 and a little overweight, has been encouraged by me. We walk the track when it is warm as a family outing.” She adds, “I knew I had to do something about my health because I had to be around for them and watch them grow and experience life.”

After a lifetime of junk food, sweets and out-of-control portions, Jackson had to learn a new way of eating. Now, she starts the day with a breakfast of eggs for the protein(蛋白质). Lunch is usually a salad and dinner is a protein shake. She walks two to three miles at least a few times a week, does Zumba(尊吧舞) twice a week and rides her bike for a half-hour three times a week.

“I wish I’d been more proactive about my weight when I was younger. I wish it hadn’t gotten to this point. But, I’d do the surgery again immediately. My life is so much better now,” Jackson said.