Mike Wood of Milledgeville loses 48 pounds

Height: 5 feet 10 1/2 inches

How long he's kept it off: He started in August 2009 and met his goal in November; he set a new goal and met that in May.

Personal life: "I have been a builder and remodeler for the past 34 years in the Middle Georgia area. My wife and I have raised our nine children, six boys and three girls." He is a lifelong resident of Milledgeville.

Turning point: "I have been a type 2 diabetic for about 10 years, and my wife had appealed to me a few times over the years to lose weight and get my diabetes under control. She didn't want me to die prematurely or have a lot of health issues that go along with diabetes. My doctor had told me for the last few years that if I didn't get my weight off that I would have to start taking insulin shots because the medicines were not controlling my diabetes. Because of my love for my wife, I made the decision to do something about my weight, and I haven't looked back."

Diet plan: He follows the Nutrisystem D plan for diabetics. Breakfast is typically an egg and pancakes. Lunch is a large salad and soup. Dinner is a cup of vegetables, apple, almonds and an entree such as lasagna.

Exercise routine: He goes to the gym five times a week, doing cardio machines and light weights.

Biggest challenge: "Getting started was the biggest challenge because I thought I would be hungry all the time." The Nutrisystem diabetic plan has him eating six times a day, with a balance of carbs and protein that keeps him satisfied.

How life has changed: "I feel so much better physically. Imagine not having to carry around 4 1/2 10-pound bags of potatoes that you have been carrying for 10 to 15 years. I am able to run a 5K race, and I just came in third in my age bracket on a local Fourth of July weekend race. I actually am looking forward to going to my 40th high school reunion coming up in September. My energy level is so much better, and my type 2 diabetes is under control."

Be an inspiration: If you’ve made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your e-mail address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories c/o Holly Steel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30346; or e-mail ajcsuccess stories@gmail.com.