Nearly ten years ago my life was forever changed. It all started when I peered into a mirror and saw yellow – first my eyes, then my body. It was jaundice. “Butternut” is how my dad described it. Yellow as a butternut squash. From 2009 to 2011 I went from doctor to doctor and found no clear answers and no reasons why I became sick. I didn’t get better and jaundice led to liver failure, which turned to heart failure and my left leg began to swell. I rewrote my will, spent extra time with my family, especially my grown son, traveled as much as I could afford and prepared for death at 45.
Medications failed me and diagnostic procedures nearly bankrupted me. I turned to nutrition, meditation, prayer, Reiki and acupuncture for relief in what I believed were my final days. It was then I found healing and pain management. Green drinks and a plant based diet rejuvenated my liver and calmed my heart. My acupuncturist asked why no one had suggested an MRI – I didn’t know and got one.
Turned out I needed a hip replacement. After surgery on my left side, I learned that I also needed one on the right side. Six weeks after surgery on my right side, the new hip slipped and the entire surgery had to be done, again. We still don’t know why all of this happened. What I know today is that I was managing my health, had a quality of life I was content with and was no longer yellow – just a bit bionic.
My surgeon urged me to maintain a lean weight in order to protect my artificial joints. I had already learned that nutrition was my saving grace and watched the movie Forks Over Knives. This film led me to the work of Dr. John McDougall. I followed his free program and was astounded at my results. Nearly five years later I have succeeded in losing twenty-five pounds, reduced my blood pressure and cholesterol and regained my strength and stamina. My doctor and surgeon were so impressed with my results that they encouraged me to write a book about the experience. Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery was published in July of 2017. I attended Dr. McDougall’s 3-Day Intensive in September of the same year. My book wouldn’t have been complete without discussing my results from The Starch Solution. Since publication, Butternut to Bionic was nominated for the 2018 AARP Purpose Prize, the 2018 IHA Health Literacy Award and readers in over 46 countries have found my book helpful. My hopes are that most, if not all readers, investigate The Starch Solution and implement it into their lives.
My life is forever changed and improved in ways that I hadn’t thought were possible. I am enjoying a lean weight that I had not experienced since high school. Joint replacement isn’t a hindrance and I have a full and active life. Last year my grown son treated me to a week in Walt Disney World, we had a blast and the chefs in the park had no problem accommodating my dining requests. At age 55, I feel great and I owe my success to Dr. McDougall and his wife Mary. Thank you!