My name is Lori Griest, single mother of 2 beautiful girls who are my whole world. Unfortunately, that's how I gained almost 70 pounds. It's like carrying around another person. I work at my oldest child's school and the day she came home crying because one of her classmates said her mom was fat was worse than anything else I had felt about my (over)weight. That was when being out of breath on a flight of stairs, feet hurting all the time, health, clothes that don't fit anymore that are just mocking me in my closet, not wanting to even get up in the morning because I had to get dressed, let alone even trying to meet someone...all went out the window. It's not just about me anymore, I have two other people that I have to lose this weight for. I started the Atkins diet 2 and 1/2 weeks ago and I have lost 12 lbs. so far. I have never been more determined in my life, this is my time and I will succeed. I still have 3 weeks until school starts and I can't wait!!!