Jump to content

×

Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Blogs

Existing user? Sign In
Sign In

Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

Or sign in with one of these services

Sign in with Instagram
Sign Up

$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🌈 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

Blog 61341

A blog by Cingulus

Sign in to follow this

Followers 0

entries
58
comments
157
views
559

Entries in this blog

Sort By

My Menu Blog

Menu Blog I do push the limits of the food budget 1300-1500 calories per day vs. the typical 800-1200 quoted by most doctors. I do this for 4 reasons: 1) I think that they (the doctors) under estimate the amount of protein people need. The higher I keep my protein the better weight comes off. 2) I lift weights and feel I need the extra protein 3) I want to keep my metabolism in as high a gear as I can 4) based on my target weight 190 lbs. I won’t have to make many changes when I get there. Key for my Menu First, one of my key tools is Vitol Egg protein powder. Second is packing all my meal in 8oz plastic containers so I don’t have to guess. Third, we make most of the items below in a big batch on Sunday and uses them during the week. Fourth, sometimes you have to eat out, when I do I stick to fish or soups/stews they are easier to digest. Fifth, I avoid directly adding carbs because they make my hungry between meals. Breakfast (5 am) Option 1: 1 whole egg and 3 egg whites, 1oz low fat cheese and sliced peppers and mushrooms Option 2: 1 Cup Oatmeal with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Option 3: 1Cup fat free yogurt with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Mid-Morning (9 am) Option 1: 1Cup fat free yogurt with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Option 2: 8oz Diced Chicken Salad Option 3: 2 String cheese and 1oz. Almonds Option 4: MuscleMilk Protein Shake Lunch (Noon) Option 1: 1 cup Turkey Chili with 1 oz of Cheese Option 2: 1 cup fat free fried beans with diced, onions, peppers and salsa Option 3: 8oz Diced Chicken or Tuna Salad Pre Work Out Meal Late Afternoon (4 pm) Supplements – Nitric Oxide Drink with Creatine, Gummy Vitamins, Gummy Omegas Option 1: ½ Cup fat free yogurt with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Option 2: 4oz Diced Chicken Salad Option 3: 1 String cheese and 1oz. Almonds Option 4: MuscleMilk Protein Shake Post Work Out Dinner Option 1: 6 oz Ahi Tuna Steak in olive oil and lemon pepper Option 2: 1 cup chipotle chicken crock pot stew with carrots, onion, mushrooms, peppers Option 3: 8oz Chicken Brest Happy Eating

March 5, 2010

2

Living Life 10 Pounds at a Time

OK, I know it is a cheesy line, but in the first “The Fast and the Furious” Vin Diesel says “…I live my life 10 seconds at a time and for those ten seconds nothing else exists…” That is kind of how I feel about my life with the LapBand right now. I am staying focused on going from 290 to 280 to 270 and so on. I am also letting many other things go. I am focused on my food log, keeping my macro nutrients in the proper balance and making sure that I getting to the gym everyday possible. I have found myself declining invitations or showing up late to events so it does not interfere with my gym schedule. • Monday – Personal Trainer Day (Weights and Cardio Intervals) • Tuesday – Boot Camp Class • Wednesday – Personal Trainer Day (Weights and Cardio Intervals) • Thursday – Boot Camp Class • Friday – Weights and Elliptical • Saturday – Weights and Spin Class • Sunday – Yoga and Elliptical We have our quarterly sales review next week, and I declined the team dinner invitation for Tuesday night because I did not want a big meal (but now that I have restriction it would be very small) nor did I want to skip my training schedule. I know it is a bit obsessive… I don’t feel like I am giving up life, it is simply a high level of focus on a major goal in my life…much like pursuing an MBA at night. Sacrifices have to be made to get to the goal. So, right now I am living my life 10 pounds at a time.

April 11, 2010

3

Lead Me Not Into Temptatoin

Back to work on Monday and had to face the first lunch on the liquid diet. I took my Slim-Fast with me to Red Robin and ordered an Iced Tea to drink. It was odd, since everyone felt the need to feed me, when I was fixed on having just my protein drink. I got through one of the first hurdles, on dealing with public eating. Just a short post for today.

March 30, 2009

3

Lapband Decathlon

I feel like I am in training for the Olympic decathlon, trying to balance the ten events of LapBanding: 1. Seminar – A hurdle cleared with ease… 2. Doctor Visit – A short, but grueling barrage of questions… 3. Head Doctor – Yes, it is just a cigar…Get over it…No I don’t want to talk about my mother… 4. Blood and EKG – 100 Yard dash of testing, seemed to be done to quick to matter, but who cares we move forward 5. Payment/Insurance (Self pay in my case) – Need to pay off my biggest CC so I can use it, getting Cashier’s checks are too much of pain and this way I can’t get the amount wrong. 6. Pro-op Fasting (Shrink liver…Shrink) – In process, but this is a longer run… 7. Pre-op day prepping – Set for April 21 8. Surgery – Set for May 6th 9. Recovery – Got the big body pillow to sleep on…My wife calls it my new mistress…further comments on this subject can only result in me saying something self-destructive. 10. Be a good Lapbander and follow the program – Making plans, as Bobby Knight would say, “Prepare to Win!”

April 8, 2009

1

It?s Not Bandster Hell?It?s the Waiting Room of Band Opportunity

I read few blogs today of folks that are in the proverbial Bandster Hell. Some are eating and frustrated, some are using Weight Watchers to fill the void and others are just hungry. I do think that LapBand medical community needs to be a little more effective in helping people through this phase of the process. My take on things is they do a great job upfront with the sales pitch and the pre-op prep. I think most doctors do a good job with the operation day and the basic post-op recovery. However, there seems to be a decided gap between the operation and the restriction phase of the band process. Which as we all know has been labeled Bandster Hell or BH for this blog. So for those of you in, or approaching BH, here is a check list to think about: 1. Avoid Consumption as Usual – it seems fairly common that once you are basically healed, many people can eat all they want and some like to test the limits of what you can eat. Needless to say this is not what we want to do. Just, assume that you can eat like the old you, but don’t do it.  2. Prepare a BH Menu – Knowing the BH is coming, plan a special menu that is healthy and helps you keep the right habits until you have restriction. I would plan it just like you were at restriction just don’t beat yourself up if the portions are bigger during this time. One person was doing Weight Watcher, some do South Beach, but whatever it is knowledge and planning are power here. 3. Focus on 5-6 Meals a Day – For me the best way to manage BH is to get some 8oz dishes with lids (I got mine at Smart and Final) then plan on eating every 3-4 hours. This keeps me focused on small meals, but allows me to have some extra healthy food. 4. Get Your Protein – Use Whey Protein to help you get enough protein. I mix mine with yogurt and blueberries, oatmeal and other foods to load up on it. 5. Focus on Exercise – This is a great time to get your exercise program going and that will help you interim weight management, and make the time when you do have restriction more productive. 6. You Are Not Failing – BH is part of winning in the long term. You are supposed to go through this part of the journey. Don’t beat yourself up. This time is available to you to prepare for the restriction phase of the process 7. You Did Not Do This For Nothing – Reading hundreds of these threads from folks who have walked through the valley of BH, all agree when you get to the other side it will be worth it for you. You did not deal with Pre-Op, spend the money, or go through surgery for nothing. 8. Embrace the Process – This is one of the stages of BH, don’t fight it, make it work for you. Focus on picking good foods, get your body in better shape with exercise and focus on the positive. Like many of you I am trudging my way through BH. I am staying focused getting to the other side and finding the promised land of restriction.

March 5, 2010

4

Intimate Insecurities

The past week has been a bit trying for my wife and myself. We are both big people and as it turns out she has many medical issues that might preclude her from having the band. However, she did not want me to skip it the opportunity to be banded. I very grateful for this, however, as we were in bed a few nights ago, she seemed distant and distracted. I asked her what was wrong she said nothing. I did not believe her, but I let it lie (no pun intended). I have read many threads about couples who struggle to adjust to new bodies in relationships. I was beginning to sense that we might be starting to find some of those issues. I have dropped 80 pounds so far (pre and post op combined) and have another 90 to go, but obviously my body has changed. I have been shopping for new clothes and she has commented on how much the changes are noticeable. (Yes, the red flags should have been going off, but I am male…we can be oblivious sometimes) After a few days of thinking about it, she sent me and email saying that as we were in bed she could feel the changes in my body and she felt intimidated. We have been married for 26 years and the last thing I want is to have the band, or the results of the band, come between us. I told her not to worry…that I was not going anywhere, everything was fine…needless to say, that did not help. As our minds can do, we both started to feel a bit insecure and our imaginations started to get ahead of us. Last night, I was on my way to a Bon Jovi concert and it all kind of came crashing in around me. Before I left, she told me… you look so good, make sure you keep your hands to yourself. We laughed, but it was very strained. As I ran this over in my mind, this interaction and a number of others this week no longer felt right. I called her and asked if she was really OK. I am glad to report that she said yes, but she was also a bit freaked and, as it turns out, we both needed reassurances that nothing had changed between us. We both agreed that as we enter this new territory, it is vital that we are very clear about the internal reactions and thoughts that creep up with this kind of life change and that we need to share them so they don’t fester. The physical changes with the band are both amazing and exhilarating, but if they hurt our relationships with those we love the most, it can defeat the purpose and the value of doing the band. I still love my band and the progress I am making, but this week’s discussions and thoughts were a great reminder of how important it is to recognize that the mental changes are hardest and most challenging in this process.

February 28, 2010

8

I Will Not Go Quietly Into Bandster Hell

We all know that the proper expectations with the band is to take things slow…have no weight loss expectations before the first fill and then expect slow, constant weight loss when we hit the “sweet spot.” My reaction to this sensible and well support council is a defiant NO! I am fully aware that this is a long term process, but I intend to accelerate it along as quickly as possible. I am not going to go through this process and personal costs (I am self pay) and not fight this battle as hard as I can with every weapon at my disposal. I am only speaking for myself, but I will not accept that I have to wait months to make progress after surgery. If I can make through almost 3 months of pre-op dieting then, I can make it through “Bandster Hell” bring on the devil, I will vanquish him with faith, determination and a single minded purpose. Yes, these are big words from a guy who has failed in the past, but I cannot and will not fail this time. I know it is easy for me to say this as a pre-op bandster…who has not been sitting up at midnight drinking broth that is not helping the hunger. However, we all know this measure of hellish circumstances is temporary and the empirical evidence supports that it can be overcome and this phase of the bandster cycle and have the success we all seek and need in our lives. OK off my self help soap box :w00t:

June 2, 2009

6

I Have Met The Enemy and...

I am off for a short trip to San Francisco. As I was driving to the airport, I was thinking to myself...ok I can stop by the Admirals Club, they have great chocolate chip cookies, have nice snack...get some email done... Oh Shit my mind is screwing with me again, DAMN! As my rational side took over again, I thought to myself, this is the real battle of the Lapband. We all know mind-hunger is the great trickster. Why is our own mind our greatest enemy? I now find myself moving beyond rationalization to confrontation. Before deciding on the Lapband my mental efforts were focused on justifying why my food consumption was OK...it was not that bad...I can make up for it by eating better tomorrow...I had a really stressful day...it is not fair that I am fat and others who eat the same or more are skinny...and the list can go on. Now, I find myself in mortal combat with my own mental demons, saying...ok you bastards stop trying to trick me into bad choices...who's side are you on anyway...I will not listen to the voices in my head...not this time, byte me, you SOB. (I cleaned up the language to protect the innocent, my internal discussion really sound like a George Carlin on one of his more colorful rants.) The few people I have told about the Lapband have asked me why I think it will work, or why this diet will be different (I know it is not a diet, but I just smile and move on), I do believe it is the mental shift from justification to confrontation that is my secret weapon. Because, in the end it is our ability to manage choices, change innate and ingrained behaviors that will enable our success with the band. It is also why I was not really upset about my banding date being pushed out. I have begun to view this battle like a great game of chess, if you are not thinking 3-5 moves ahead, you will lose. Bobby Fischer was famous for sacrificing his queen, and other odd behaviors, to set up elaborate traps for his opponents. I find myself thinking, or at least trying to think like Bobby Fischer, trying to anticipate how my demented mind will use seductive traps next, how I can repel those attacks and finally trap those demons into dead end moves. It is a laborious process, but it helps me know the enemy and defeat those demons without defeating myself.

May 8, 2009

1

I Have a Lap for the Laptop?

I had a shocking revelation today. I was able to use my lap for a laptop. I have never done this before. Then it dawned on me, I have been fat since before there were laptops…ouch. I really should not be surprised, but I am. I believe this qualifies as one of those NSVs, but it was still somewhat disturbing that I have been fat longer than laptops have existed. I do travel almost every week for my job and I have over 3,000,000 miles on American Airlines alone, and about that many on United and other airlines. I even bought my roll-aboard suitcase because it made a good table for my laptop when I was on the road. OK…probably not the most earth-shattering event ever, but very helpful anyway.

March 2, 2010

1

I Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Doctors

So I got up this morning expecting to go Dr. Oliak’s office for my pre-op day and shit happened. I got a call from my PR firm says that my company had just received an unsolicited take-over bid. As you can imagine we had a firestorm of activity and communications work that have to be done with industry and financial analyst, customers and partners. Since, I run the outbound marketing group; needless to say, I had to make a change of plans and go to work instead. I called the Dr.’s office thinking my surgery date would get pushed out; fortunately they moved my pre-op day to May 5th, the day before my surgery. Today is a great example of learning to roll with the punches and taking life on its own terms. You never really know when life will change direction on you. Regardless of whether this acquisition deal goes down or not is not really material. What is amazing is how many meetings and actions seemed vital last night, got dismissed as irrelevant today. I think this is a great perspective check. You have to ask yourself what is really important and how is just activity to fill the void.

April 21, 2009

3

I Bet $16,000 on 30...

So the number 30 is looming large in my mind today: • 30 Bites – Chew, Baby Chew…this is going to be one of the biggest items for me. I am sure if I don’t , the Lapband will let me know. I just worry about forgetting to eat slow and swallowing to soon. • 30 Sets –of weights for my muscle workout days across 3 body parts per/day. Gotta, keep up the Vin Diesel look. :wub: • 30 Minutes – or more of cardio everyday seems to be the biggest key to success factor after eating right. Based on what I have read, this is seems to be what separates those who succeed with the Lapband from those who struggle. • 30 Hours – to get the surgery done, get some sleep and start recovery. Walking, stationary bike and good broth. I can’t wait… • 30 Days - until my surgery occurs, I have been making good progress on dropping the required twenty pounds for my banding. All I can say is…Shrink Liver…Shrink Damn YOU! • 30 Weeks – Needed to drop 100 pounds and reach my first major goal of returning to my MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighting weight 271 Lbs, then another 30 weeks to reach my second goal of 197lbs my wrestling weight. • 30 Years – Time to make up for 30 years of eating sins, caloric substance abuse and psychological games. I was 15 the last time I had my weight where I wanted it. 30 is my new favorite number…I think it is time to go to Vegas and find a roulette wheel.

April 7, 2009

2

Half Way There - 88 Down?88 To Go

I weighted in this morning at 285 pounds, otherwise known as the half way point…88 pounds down and 88 to go. Not to say that the next 88 will be easy, but finally being able to see the downhill side of this is program is an amazing feeling and very motivational. I could not have done this without the help and support of many people, my wife in particular. The funny thing is I have not really even hit restriction. I am at 7CCs in a 14CC band and just beginning to find the edges of restriction. I have another fill planned for April 9th and that should take me to 8CCs and hopefully put me into the green zone. My doctor insists that the green zone means that three 8oz meals will keep you satisfied for the day. I am still not sure about that, but we shall see as the band gets fuller. I had hit my first plateau in early March and was stuck for about 2 weeks at 290. I made a major change to my exercise program PX-90 Boot Camp Classes and higher reps weight lifting, versus heavy weights and elliptical. This change really got things going again. I dropped 5 pounds this week and can really feel my body is charged up again and moving in the right direction. I had been doing the previous work out routine for the better part of 6 months so it was definitely time for a change. I look forward to finishing the second half of the game.

March 26, 2010

4

Give me the Juice Baby?Seeking the Right Energy Drink Replacement

OK…let me dispense with the rationalization. I understand the many pros, cons, limitation and issues with caffeine. I am will to submit to vast majority of good ole’ common sense items with being banded, but I want my caffeine fix…I don’t drink coffee, tea lacks the punch and banders can’t really deal with carbonation which kills Red Bull, RockStar and almost all the other energy drinks. So how to get my legal dose a speed when required. I have started using 5 hour energy shots and they seem to fill the gap, non carbonated, only 4 calories and plenty of kick. The site below review over 300 energy drinks :tounge_smile: http://energy-drink-ratings.blogspot.com/2008/03/extra-strength-5-hour-energy-drink.html Any other thoughts out there on band friendly energy products…that will not land me in a Turkish prison.

April 20, 2009

2

Fuzzy Wuzzy was a Bear?

So I will warn the ladies this is guys blog…I came across a real unexpected side effect of the LB surgery…the hair grows back. I can hear the collective “EEEEEWWWWWHHHH!” from the ladies, but I am hairy like a Wookie. Chewbacca could be my long lost brother. I new they would have to shave me for the operation, but it forgot how much it would itch growing back and the damn stuff is poking through the clear bandages like grass growing through concrete. Of course I can’t itch it very much and it is driving me crazy. I am sure my wife, who read these blogs as well, will be laughing and telling me this is what my beard feels like when it is cut to short and it is rubbed against her. So how does a bear itch in the woods…very carefully …with a fine grain emery board. Yes, this proven manicurist tool is the right tool for the job. It provides relief and does not seem to affect the bandage device. Bowling for Soup has a great line in one of their new songs. “Fuzzy wuzzy was a bear/Fuzzy Wuzzy had to much hair/so Fuzzy wasn’t fuzzy…was he?”

February 3, 2010

2

Frozen Yogurt?Essential or Evil

I have not seen much posted about non-fat frozen yogurt? Which I must confess, I find somewhat surprising...so it has led me to ask. Is there some inherent evil associated with this diet friendly treat and the Lapband? An inquiring mind wants to know… I am planning on it being part of my post-op repertoire…or so I think? Second, it may just be my imagination, but it seems (no scientific data), that many of the newer banders are struggling with post-op weight gain and slow starts. While a few fortunate souls are making rapid progress, again the individual variable strikes…no two banders are the same. No real point to make…just an observation. Other than that it was a good gym day and we went to the Long Beach Grand Prix and got to meet Danica Patrick. Yes, she is as adorable in person. I am sorry to report, that they had the good corners of the drifting competition reserved for the VIP seats. The events held at Irwindale Speedway are much better, the venue is easier to get to and the layout is more crowd friendly. I everyone had a good weekend.

April 19, 2009

2

From Fat to Furious

I just saw the fourth installment of Fast and the Furious. I am a gear head, so this movie was easy for me to like, but even my wife liked it as well. It certainly is not high theater, but for what it was supposed to be I gave it a “B+.” All of that aside, I looked at Vin Diesel in the movie and said, to myself, for once in my life I could look like that…wear clothes like that and look good doing it. I was so pumped up I went to the gym again after the movie. I know styling you goals after actors is a bit shallow but, hell…2/3s of the reason I am doing this the vanity factor. Does health matter? Yes. Do I need to lose weight for my joints? Yes. However, I am still focused on the results, it is a key motivator for me. I know my size has hurt me in my career, I know it has cost me promotions in the past, and I do believe it will hinder me going forward if I don’t get it fixed. Despite, all of those rational reasons, I am sick of being fat and I want the emotional and psychological benefits of improved looks…I think I here Carly Simon singing a song 

April 6, 2009

3

First Fill Freedom

I have been anxiously waiting for my first fill, which I got today. I went from 3.5 CCs to 5.5 CCs. We will see how that feels. I am glad to report the first fill was simple and uneventful. However, the real reason I am excited is I been cleared to start lifting weights and pushing the exercise limits beyond the elliptical or stationary bike. I know the 4-6 weeks after surgery is the norm, 4 weeks in my case, but I really feel like I have been missing something in band journey without the ability to really rev up the exercise. Needless to say I am thrilled. So tonight I feel like I can finally begin the real fight to slay the weight dragon and drive towards my goals weight and clothes sizes. Attached is my work out plan for any who are curious, I also plan to drop in 2 spin classes a week as a cardio option.

February 26, 2010

1

Eat This, Not That?

Now that I can start to eat again, one of the biggest challenges is eating out or getting out and finding yourself getting hungry. I think the best tool I have found is an iphone app from Men’s Health called Eat This, Not That $4.99. The key thing I like it is provides an encyclopedia of hundreds of restaurants and thousands of grocery store items. It will allow you to look up a specific eatery and it will show you the best food items on the menu. It will also allow you to select multiple food items and compare them. It provides not only protein/carbs and fats but sodium and other key food composition tid bits. I have also found that almost every place has a grilled chicken sandwich, sans bread that can work for a good protein meal. The really cool part is you can enter the food you want and it will then suggest a lower calorie and fat option. This might change where you go to dinner, but it will help keep you on track without making huge sacrifices to taste. Online it has gotten some harsh reviews because the books can be more complete, but it really works for me.

February 15, 2010

2

Drinking?Not the Hooch?Real Water

One thing I still have not completely mastered is not drinking during meals. I don’t guzzle stuff, but I do still drink a bit after I am done. Even if it is soup or stew or chili, typically it is water or iced tea. I just feel the need to have few decent sips of something to drink. Since I have not reached full restriction I have been able to get away with it, but I am sure it will catch up to me. Like most of the rules or guidelines related to the band I understand the reasons and implications. I will continue to work on this challenge.

March 8, 2010

1

Dear Food, I want a Divorce...

It is not that I don’t love you, but you’re not good for me. As they said in the movie…I just not that into you. I am sure you won’t take this news well and fight the inevitable. Please don’t. We got together when I was young and stupid and did not understand what I was doing to myself. Yes, we will have to see each other on occasion, but I promise it won’t be awkward. We will have a more business like relationship. I wish you all the best, but it is time for me to move on and correct the mistakes of my youth.

March 28, 2009

1

Changing the Final Goal from 240 vs. 197Lbs

In one of my earlier blogs, I had set a target goal of 240 lbs, and later I changed it 197lbs. My wife asked me why I had made the change. The answer if both simple and complicated at the same time…From a logical engineering point of view I looked at my lean body mass measurement (206 lbs) and added 15% to that picked 240 as a target. Then as I thought about the likely fact that my lean body will probably drop, I began to rethink the target and changed my expectations to about 200lbs and those are the data driven reasons behind the change. Second, I thought about some of my historical, desired and emotional targets and remembered that 197lbs was my high school wrestling weight and since that was a) close to my technical target :tounge_smile: it would break 200lbs and get me into “onederland”…it seems like a good thing to shoot for. The other thing I was thinking about benchmarks of weight for my height, build and desired configuration. I am 5’ 8” tall and have always, even while being fat, been an avid weight lifter so I am not going to be scrawny guy. The best target analog I could come up with was an NFL running back. Most of them are 5’ 7” – 6’ 0” and weight between 190 and 230 lbs. Finally, as a really big stretch goal (and some PS will probably e required) was to look at my all-time favorite body—Frank Zane. Frank Zane was not the biggest, but he had tremendous symmetry, balance and grace. So here are my key targets for the journey: • 1. Break 300 (I have not been under 300 since 1992) • 2. Break 271 (The highest weight I weighed when I fought competitively) • 3. Break 225 (Average NFL running back weight at 5'10") • 4. Break 197 (My high school wrestling weight) • 5. Hit 174 (Frank Zane's weight when he won the 1977 Mr. Olympia)

April 22, 2009

1

Cash, Cathartics and Compensation

Hello, As noted before, I will have to self pay for the LB. I had been trying to figure out what combination of funds to jungle to make this happen and we figured that out last night. I find myself wanting to go in now and get this thing moving. I want to start and keep my motivation high. Second, despite not feeling the feeling a loss for foods I won’t be eating going forward I seem to be doing a final rush of eating in anticipation of the stringent changes to occur. The competitive side of me wants to peak my pre-op weight to set a “bigger loss” number. Intellectually, I recognize this behavior as childish and detrimental, but I have been thinking that way. In a twisted way, part of it is my competitive nature and part of it is the self destructive tendencies that got me in this whole in the first place. Go figure… Third, I think reading and car modification will become my new rewards system to celebrate vs. meals. That’s all for today.

March 25, 2009

1

Burning the Ships for a New World?Saying Goodbye to the Big Clothes

Like Cortez who burned his ships upon reaching the new world, today I clean out the closet of my fattest clothes. I had shirts in 3X and 4X, pants in 56, 54, 52, 50 and 48 waist sizes and suit coats in 60, 58 & 56. I did a quick calc and my best guess is that this represents at least $20K in clothing purchases. With the exception of my biggest suit, more on this later, I am sending this all to Goodwill this week. I have read a few threads about people having a tough time letting go of their old clothes for fear that they would need them someday. I am determined not to go back to the old world and ways so the ships must be burned. I also replied to another thread this week about what was the breaking point moment for deciding to get the lapband…for me that was when I bought the suit referenced above. It was February of 2009. My company was holding an investor and industry analyst event in the Board Room of the New York Stock Exchange. Needless to say, I felt that a New York class suit, was required for a Wall Street New York event. I wandered down to Rochester’s Big & Tall to buy a new suit and the old sizes did not fit, I had to get a size 60 coat. This, by the way, is the biggest suit they carry. When you have almost outgrown the fattest suit at the fat store it is time to do something. Hence the lapband, it did take me almost a year to get it done, but that is history for another blog. As we enter a new world, I have burned the clothing ship to my past and it is time to explore the new world. So we stuffed the fat clothes into plastic bags and they are in the garage waiting for a new home.

March 13, 2010

2

Bloodhound Blues

I was had a great day yesterday work was good, stayed on diet task with drinks, went to the gym. Then I went home and my son was making grilled cheese and chili for dinner. The smell was killing me, so I went up stairs hoping to escape the seductive aromas. That did not work…I could still caught the faint whiff of things tempting me below. I opened the windows and turn on the fan to draw it some fresh air…it still did not work. Finally, I left and went for a drive although I swear I could smell it on my clothes. By this point, I am sure it was sure my imagination was planning games with me, but it was stuck in my head. I remembered a scene from an old CSI where they put Vick’s vaper rub under their nose to get over the smell of decomposing corpses tried it…and it did worked. I am not sure what this means, but I may have to ban cooking the house for a few more weeks.

April 2, 2009

2

Been There, Done That?And Got the T-Shirt to Fit

I mentioned in one of my recent blogs that I went a Bon Jovi concert last week. The show was great and it was amazing watching women from 8-80 drool and swoon over Jon Bon. One of the rituals of going to almost any concert is getting the concert t-shirt. In the past, every time I pick a shirt I like, it is never available in my size 3XL or 4XL, which usually meant, I bought a baseball hat with the band logo instead. However, this time was different. Obviously, with the LapBand, I am losing weight so I asked what they had in 2XL and of course both of the shirts I wanted were available. So…thinking of the future I bought both shirts. I am glad to report that when I tried on the 2XL today it fit. I know this is a small victory, but it felt great and is one of those proof points that band is working and that I can do better in the future.

March 7, 2010

5

Sign in to follow this

Followers 0

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

×