Are You Crazy???? / Shocked!!!

This posting is a twofer.  

The title of this post comes from my trainer.  He name is Tony.  We've been working out for a few weeks now and he issued me a challenge.  What kind of challenge, you ask?  He wants me to run one mile in 10 minutes or less.  When he told me that, I asked him "Are you crazy???"  He laughed and said, "No at all."  

So, I accepted his challenge and went to work.  My first mile came in at over 20 minutes.  After several tips and suggestions from everyone -- especially my dear friend Katishia Cosley, @KatCosley -- I'm now running a mile in 14:22.  Call it progress. I'm pleased.  

From my last post, I'm down 6 pounds.  I think my trainer, Tony, is taking measurements today.  This should be an interesting session.  

Now to the second topic "SHOCKED."  

This was one heck of a weekend.  So, some good friends invited me to breakfast Saturday morning.  I was very, very, very close not to going, but I decided to get up and go.  Boy and I glad I did.  As I walked into J. Christopher's in Brookhaven who walks out of the bathroom .... drum roll please .... Wendy Sattiewhite ... my big head sister.  Imagine how shocked I was considering she was supposed to be on a party casino bus in Louisiana.  According to my friends, I looked like I saw a ghost.  That's how I felt.  Seeing her was such a surprise.  She was what I needed this weekend.  This was my first father's day without my dad.  I decided to work on Sunday to try and keep my mind busy and having her here was a great distraction.  

There was a second shock this weekend too.  While at dinner with friends -- scratch that -- family Saturday night I managed to shock someone when I told her I had Gastric Sleeve last year.  (Sometimes, I can't believe it was just 16 months ago.)  When I showed her my before picture she had the look on her face.  After sharing my struggles with her I think she was more happy about me having the surgery than I was.  LOL!  She is now one more person who will help me stay on track so I can meet my goals and continue on the path of success.  

I have to give a shout out to one of my tweeps: @DelonFerdinand.  He's always providing good healthy eating tips.  If you're on twitter be sure to follow him.  

I love you all.  I haven't said this in a while, if you know someone who's struggling with the decision to have weight loss surgery or someone who just has questions please give them my contact information.  I hope to help someone reach the decision that's best for them.  

Have a great Monday and make it a great week!!

Travis 

I'm Back! Things Have Been Rough.

I know it's been a while, a long ... very long time, since my last update.  This year has gotten off to a rocky and challenging start.  Where should I begin?  Let's see, I spent the first five months of the year working the overnight shift.  I hate working overnights, but it's par for the course, right?

Then, in March my life threw me a huge curve ball.  It was one I was expecting, but didn't want to face.  My mother called me on March 8th telling me to come home because the doctor told her my dad was dying.  That call came as I was leaving IKEA and about to go see "The Assignment Bureau."  Needless to say, I didn't see the movie.  I rushed home and got on the first plane to Texas.  

Thankfully, I made it home in time.  When I made it to Houston, Troy (thank you so much) picked me up from the airport and drove me to Sugar Land Methodist Hospital. When I made it to Houston, my dad was still aware and was able to talk some trash.  However, that didn't last long.  My father was discharged from the hospital a few days later.  He did hospice care at home until Monday, March 14th, when he died.  Dealing with my father's death has been tough for me.  I can't even imagine how tough it is for my mom.  My parents were married for 36 years, together for about 38.  Even though, I knew time was running out for my dad, I figured nothing would/could happen to Superman!  

While in Houston, I knew making sure my father was given a proper burial and making sure my mom/sister (and her kids) are okay were priority number one and two respectively.  I'd deal/worry about me when I made it back to Atlanta.  Well, I thought I was doing that, but turns out I wasn't and didn't.  Bad and old habits started creeping back into my life.  Eating the wrong stuff and not exercising just to name a few.  In the process of that, I've gained a few pounds.  Not, a lot, but a few.  

I've been thinking about writing this post for the last few days, but I didn't want to because I knew it would be tough.  I'd have to face some things I didn't want to face.  However, I have to put a period and move forward.  So, there are a few things that I'm doing to get back on and stay on track.  

I'm going to do a better job of updating my blog.  I can hear my friend Danielle (check out her blog http://becomingabettermethroughvsgsurgery.blogspot.com/) saying "We've heard that before!"  Yes, you all have, but I'm going to do better.  

Well, I'm off to the gym.  

Taking it one pound at a time. 

Personal Best

Welcome to 2011! 

I'm about 30 days late, but better late than never right.  So, I have to start off with an apology.  I promised to do a better job of updating my blog and using it as a way to stay motivated.  Strike one for me. 

The title for the posting is "Personal Best."  I decided to give it that title because today -- well yesterday 1/29/2010 -- I reached an all new personal best. I have started working out on a more frequent basis.  I'm used to going to the gym and taking a nice brisk walk on the treadmill.  But more recently, I've started trotting, then jogging.  That's where I'm at now...jogging.  I'm sweating like I was running, but was only jogging.  So, yesterday -- before coming to work -- I wanted to get in at least two miles (jogging/walking).  I did that.  I managed to do it in 30:02 and burned 192.7 calories. 

Here's the proof. 

Let me tell you, I feel, felt so good afterwards.  That was until I had to climb three flights of stairs to get to my apartment.  LOL!  Thankfully, I made it. 

OH yeah, I'm my birthday is coming up.  The new Travis will be one year old on Feb. 17th.  I can't believe it's been a year.  WOW!  What a difference a year makes.

Inspiration!

What's up! 

My first major holiday, Thanksgiving, post weight loss surgery has come and gone.  It was much easier than I expected.  Real talk ... I thought I was going to be pissed because I thought after a few bites I would be full and couldn't get to taste everything on the plate.  It might sound crazy, but I ate in a circle.  I took a bite of turkey, a little dressing and some green beans and just repeated that process.  Who am I kidding, on the second go round I was -- as my grandmother, may God rest her soul -- full as a tick!  Now, I'm ready for Christmas.  Christmas is going to be extra special this year because I'm in Atlanta and my family (parents, sister, niece, nephew and my cousin) are coming to spend Christmas and my birthday with me.  I can't wait to see them. 

So, now to the INSPIRATION!  That's the title for this blog entry.  You never know it, but God brings people into your life for various reasons.  Last night (Monday) I got two messages from two friends.  I'm not going to name you, but I worked with both of them.  One has gone through the surgery and the second one is going through the process to get approved.  ***PLEASE SAY PRAYERS FOR BOTH OF THEM ... ALL THREE OF US ***  One of them had some questions and told me in a round about way -- I should do a better job of updating my blog -- which is funny she mentioned that because I was just saying to myself a few days ago I needed to update my blog.  So, your wish is my command.  I'm going to do a better job of updating my blog.  I'm going to try and write something at least three times a week.  One way to keep me updating my blog is I'm going to start blogging my exercise routines.  I will keep them brief, won't go into details, but this is a way to keep the few followers I have informed on my progress it will also help me stay on track and do the right things.  Because I know the first time I don't update 3 times a week my sister Wendy -- yes, I'm calling you out -- will be texting, emailing, Facebooking, Tweeting and any other form of communication to call me out/put me on blast.  I know what you're thinking: NO I HAVEN'T FELL OFF THE WAGON.  More real talk -- I'm going at about 90% instead of the 100% I was/should be doing.  I think getting the job, moving and getting settled here in Atlanta was a lot all at once.  Now that I'm here and getting more comfortable with the job I can stay in my lane ... I'm drifting into the slow lane. 

Also, I have to remember to stay PRAYED UP!  That brings me to the second message I got.  Man, those messages were back-to-back.  GOD is always looking out for me.  Thank you for putting those people in my life.  I have to stay prayed up.  I prayed and prayed to GOD asking for him to allow me to have the surgery.  I was saying it was what I needed to live a longer and a more fulfilled life.  HE gave me the desire of my heart.  Now I have to stay prayed up everyday.  Ask HIM to give me the strength I need to make it through the day, to exercise, make the right food choices, etc...

Thank you for your continued support. 

As always -- if you or if you know someone who is considering weight loss surgery please share my blog with that person.  Also give them my e-mail address.  I'd be more than happy to answer any questions/concerns that they may have. 

Love & Peace

My Light Bulb Moment!

Hey!

Yes, I know it's been a while since my last update.  Don't worry. Everything is fine!  Everything is OKAY! Everything is GREAT! 

When I titled this blog "The New Me" I had no idea what was in front of me.  For those of you who know me know God is the head of my life.  I can't do anything without Him.  He is the reason why I am where I am today.  I had no idea that naming this blog "The New Me" how much change I was speaking into my life. 

I had no idea that my insurance company was going to finally approve for me to have weight loss surgery.  Can you believe it's been 9 months!  WOW! No major weight loss to report, but I am losing inches.  Every time, I go to the store I'm shocked that I can fit an XL shirt.  That's insane, but GOD is good. 

So, aside from the weight loss surgery and the success I'm having with it, GOD continues to bless me.  I was ready to take the next step in my career and GOD showed up and showed out!  Not only did I have interviews/offers at TV stations in Hartford, CT and Rochester, NY ... but CNN -- yes CNN -- gave me a job.  I have to give all the praise, honor and glory to GOD!  Needless to say, Travis did win in 2010.  I try and come up with a positive statement (thanks to a bumper sticker for Holman Street Baptist Church in Houston) every year.  "Travis is going to win in 2010" was the statement I came up with back in September of 2009. 

I said all that to say this -- Be careful of the vibes you put out there because there is power in the words you speak.  I've heard that for years now, but NOW I have an understanding of how important that is.  I'm a witness.  A statement I made about 3/4 of the way into 2009 about what was going to happen in 2010 comes true. 

I wish you all the best.  I pray that all of you will get to experience the joy and happiness I have experienced this year. 

Life Goes On

Hey Readers,

It's been a while since my last post.  I think I'm well overdue.  Not a lot has happened since my last post.  Obviously, I've lost more weight.  I'm about 230.  For the first time, in a very long time, I feel great.  I recently had to go out and purchase two suits for a few "meetings" (read between the lines) and it was great to purchase a suit and not have to get MAJOR alterations.  Before my surgery I was wearing about a 54-56 in the chest.  This time around, I was able to buy a 46.  It may not seem like much to you all, but it was a big difference to me.  I was actually able to take the suit off the rack, go in the dressing room, put it on and it FIT.  The only thing the tailor had to fix was the cuff on the pants.  I wanted to scream from the rooftops.  Especially since, the first suit I bought was just like the one my late uncle, Harold Brown, -- who was one hell of a dresser -- bought and it's now my good luck suit. 

Me (at a "meeting") & one of my dearest friends Yvonne.
She's the morning anchor at NBC 30 in Hartford, CT.

Since I'm talking about sizes, I bought some jeans a few weeks ago and for the first time in a very, very, very long time the waist size was a 38.  That too is one hell of a jump considering I was a 52 or 54 before. 

As I approach my 7th month celebration of "The New Me" I have to say life is good.  I can't complain. 

As always, if you know someone who's considering weight loss and they need someone to talk to, feel free to send them my way.  I'm happy to talk to and help people in anyway possible.

Thank all of you for your support, kind words and prayers.  I really appreciate it. 

Love and Peace. 

Working Through It!

Hello everyone.  It's been a while since I've updated my blog -- about a month and a half -- so here goes.  For the most part my blog posts have been pretty good and upbeat, but this time I'm going to talk about a few serious issues I'm dealing with.  Don't worry, I'm not regretting my decision, just somethings I'm going through.  Remember, when I first started this blog, my goal was to be upfront and honest about what I'm going through with my readers/followers. 

As many of you know, my decision to have weight loss surgery and to actually go through with the procedure was a long process.  Growing up, I was always the little chubby kid that was running around and keeping up with my friends.  For some of you who knew me as a child I dealt with some self-esteem issues.  Around the age of 20 ... maybe 21 ... I had reached the point in my life where I accepted things.  I accepted the fact that I was going to be a big guy for the rest of my life.  For once I was happy with my life and where things were going.  (Allow my to go off course for a second or two... I had the surgery for health reasons, type 2 diabetes.  I didn't have the surgery to get skinny or be more appealing to others.)  After I getting my surgery approved I just figured my life would only get better ... remember I was at a point to where I was happy with things.  But, I'm dealing with an ugly demon ... one I WASN'T expecting to rear its ugly head.  SELF-ESTEEM! 

This may sound crazy, but now, to a certain point, I'm dealing with self-esteem issues again.  I hear a lot of people tell me that I look great, nice and all that stuff, but I just don't see it.  Most of the time, I put up a good front b/c I think that's what people expect, but it's tough.  Remember, I had accepted the fact that I was going to be the "old" Maestro ... sorry Travis ... (my entire family and childhood friends call me Maestro) the big guy, more than likely single for ever.  I made peace with that and was ready to live my life to the best of my ability.  Now, when I pass by the mirror or see pictures of myself, I feel uncomfortable with what I see staring back at me (in the mirror) or the person posing in the picture.  I don't see the handsome, good looking guy people say I am. 

Is that crazy or what? I'm not exactly sure how to handle it.  I didn't think it would be so hard to accept the "new" me.  I guess it's just a part of the process.  I'm sure things will get better. 

I didn't write this post to get people to feel sorry for me, but I just wanted to get it off my chest. 

That's it.  To quote my good friend Sherry Williams.  Good Night Friends & Neighbors.