World's Best Dieter

Michael is married with a 32-year-old son and says his greatest regret is putting his family through hard times. "My battle is personal, and for what I've done, I don't blame anybody," he says. "The people I feel and hurt for the most are the people closest to me. Right on the top of that list is my wife, [and] my son has given up a lot." 

Though doctors have told him he wouldn't live past 30, Michael is now 55 and says one of his greatest blessings is his grandson. "He's going to be 4 years old, and I live for him every day," he says. "God willing, in June I'm going to be a grandpa again. What else is there in life? God gives me the gift of life every day, and I have the strength to [fight] the battle."