In 1999 I lost 20 pounds in a few months without even trying. True, I had additional dizziness during that period--I think it must have just made my stomach feel less hungry even though I wasn't nauseated.

In the past 9 months I gained 25 pounds without eating more (as far as I know). I think my metabolism took a big dive--I'm middle-aged. I went back up to 215, which is where I'd been in 1999 before losing the 20 lbs.

I have now put myself on a diet (down 8 lbs in two weeks), feeling it's last-ditch time to lose weight or BECOME CRIPPLED. I couldn't stand it. Outgrew my clothes, my bra (darned if I'm going to order another bra!!), and felt my knees wobble going up the stairs. Harder to walk, my joints hurt and the muscles at the top of my legs/hips conk out after two blocks.

When I couldn't keep up on a walk with my out-of-shape, 78-year-old, heavy-duty fibromyalgic mother, I knew I was in SERIOUS TROUBLE!!! Lose weight or become a cripple!! Six years ago, at 195 lbs, I could walk very, very fast for an hour or more, with none of that awful burning strain in my hip/upper leg.

Do you think you've had some change in your metabolism? Something affecting your stomach that could slow down your appetite? New medication?

Nancy T.