Retired supermarket manager; now school custodian

65, married, two adult children

Nearly 10 years

50 to 36 inch waist

Eating only at the kitchen table and learning to slowly savor food. "Eating fast was a tough habit to break." Weight Watchers taught him that there are no forbidden foods, and showed him how to reduce portion sizes and to make smart substitutions. Now he uses applesauce in place of oil in some recipes. He substitutes water for milk and butter in others. He also eats "smaller meals, more often" and counts calories, grams of sodium and fiber in addition to tracking 48 Weight Watchers points daily.

Doughnuts. "If I eat one donut in the morning, I have a terrible time the rest of the day trying not to overeat. I can't get enough food."

Finding support and encouragement at Sunday morning Weight Watchers meetings -- despite having achieved his goal weight. He loves the camaraderie. The meetings keep him accountable, since he doesn't want to let down his Weight Watchers friends by gaining weight.

Low fat popcorn which he eats one kernel at a time because "it takes a long time."

Weight maintenance which "is harder than losing the weight" and requires "just trying to stay where you are." While shedding pounds, "you're headed towards a goal."

Simple, daily tasks became difficult. "I couldn't tie my shoes without having to catch my breath…That's when I knew I was in trouble."

More energy and the ability to bend down and stand up again without assistance.

No more snoring or heartburn. Also, lower blood pressure, resting heart rate and blood cholesterol. All have dropped from dangerous to healthy levels. Plus, he can shovel snow, move furniture and remodel houses. "It has made a world of difference in my life…It's like being 20 years younger."

"It's a bunch of little things that help out, like a little tip for inspiration." He's also discovered ways to "freshen up his routine when it gets boring."