On July 17, 2013, I was 397.6 pounds, with high blood pressure, swelling joints, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and facing Bariatric surgery.

I was a time bomb of bad health. To prepare for surgery, I was told to lose at least 27 pounds before the operation. Being a lifelong dieter, I never thought I could count calories, measure my food or reduce carbs. But I vowed to write down everything that went in my mouth.

Being a pasta lover, my daughter introduced me to Miracle Noodles. I immediately fell in love with them and started using them in all meals.

I tried different recipes from stir fries to Mac 'n' Cheese. The pounds started to come off. The first surgery date passed, and then the second, and then I finally cancelled the surgery all together.

As of today, September 24, 2014, I have lost 171 pounds! (now down to 226!).

I have dropped 2 of 3 high blood pressure pills and am in better health than I’ve been in for a long time.

Along with the diet, I started to ride a bicycle due to being unable to walk far with a recent hip replacement. The first day I rode only 3 blocks, then that increased slowly as the weight dropped off. Now I ride 10 to 12 miles a day at blazing speeds and go crazy if the weather or something else makes me miss a day.