By: Shereen Mohammad
Smohammad@kcautv.com
67-year old Suzanne Juarez has been struggling with her weight all her life. Growing up, she's always had a sweet tooth.
But her love for sweets turned into something so much more-it became an addiction.
"I was raised where there was always a treat on the counter, there was always cake and cookies in the cookie jar." said Juarez.
For the past 55-years Suzanne has tried everything from weight loss programs to reading books on how to shed body fat. But nothing ever worked, until she reached a breaking point.
"I couldn't give myself insulin shots and when the doctor said it was all something I was putting in my mouth, that I could possibly change that, and he said I'm giving you three more months and you've got to go on insulin or find another doctor."
But it wasn't that easy. Diabetes runs through Suzanne's family. Both her parents and three of her siblings died from the disease, and from other health complications due to their heavy weight.
She hit a high of 400-pounds at one point, but Suzanne knew she had to turn her life around.
Thanks to consistent exercise, portion control, joining a great weight loss support group that works for her called TOPS in Storm Lake and by breaking up with her unhealthy relationship with sugar...She was able to stick to her new years resolution by losing a hundred pounds.
And so she did. Twice.
"What a terrible time that was when I couldn't put my own shoes and socks on, what a terrible time it was when I couldn't take care of myself...I'm going oh, your one step from going either the nursing home or the cemetery, what are you doing to yourself?"
Suzanne is now down to 150-pounds and hopes to lose five more to reach her goal of 145, and most importantly, to keep it all off.
