My name is Sue and I am 57 years old. I have had a bit of a weight problem all my life, but never as bad as now. I no longer have a family doctor so need to rely on clinics. Unfortunately I seldom get the same doctor twice and every time I go I am bombarded with accusations of what and how I must eat because just look at me. It's no use trying to tell them I watch every thing, they don't listen or believe. I weight approximately 184 lbs and am lucky to be 5 feet tall, so yes I am overweight. I have had a specialist look into the extremely huge fibroids I have but he says I am a bad risk for surgery. As of this past Christmas I have developed gout, yet I do not eat rich foods and I have not had a drop of alcohol in at least 30 years. Several years ago I got deep vein thrombosis in my left leg and the blood specialist says my veins are shot. Lately, my agoraphobia has gotten worse so I don't go for walks. I also have high blood pressure. I have a garden and work in it during the warm months so I have lots of fresh fruit and vegatables in season and can and freeze some too. I admit I am fairly inactive in the winter but I still, cook, clean, etc. I don't just sit around. Simply put, my health is at risk and I really want to stick around to watch my grandchildren grow. I can't seem to get any help and I've tried just about everything I know of. I cut carbs and sugar, I dont eat fried foods or fast food. I stay away from ice cream and most dairy products. I do eat fruit and my brother says its got too much sugar. Maybe your book can tell me how to eat and what to eat as I am at a loss. Please be one of the very few people who believes I have really been trying for over 3 years now.