AKA Switz (by some)

I'm a 76-year-old SW Louisiana Cajun. I moved to Houston in 1991, and love living here, one of the most diverse cities in the country, where over 140 languages are spoken and celebrated.

I was the Finance Director for two outstanding non-profits, first Crisis Hotline (Crisis Intervention of Houston), and then Neuhaus Education Center. I retired in 2010, and enjoy living a life with no deadlines and little stress.

I started gaining weight after my marriage of twenty-three years ended in 1987. Nothing rapid, an average of 5 pounds a year over thirty years; I just didn't care. Then I woke up one morning, about two years ago weighing 300 pounds and finding myself barely able to function. I have gone from a healthy, physically active individual to a morbidly obese woman who gets out of breath walking 100 feet from my doorway to my car. I want something better, I want to be more like the person I used to be. I'm very happy to be a part of this group; you all inspire me.