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 

Eating Is Overrated

Yes, the title of this blog entry is "Eating is Overrated."  Now, I can start eating food again.  Most people would be excited about eating for the first time in eight (8) weeks ... yes eight (8) weeks, but let me tell you ... It is overrated. 

I am at the point -- post surgery -- where I can start eating again.  I have to admit, I was pretty excited about eating something for the first time on Sunday.  It went down, but didn't want to stay.  Eating has been pretty tough.  I have moments when I'm really hungry, but when I eat a few bites of something I am super stuffed.  The best way to describe the feeling is this:  imagine how you'd feel after eating 2 big plates on Thanksgiving/Christmas afternoon.  The first time you want to do is go to sleep.  At least that's how it was for me prior to surgery.  This morning I had a bowl of instant grits.  One of the individual packets.  I had about 2.5 teaspoons and was stuffed.  For me being stuffed is a feeling of misery. 

One thing I'm having trouble with right now is remembering not to drink 30 minutes before/after and during meals.  That's tough.  Most -- if not everyone -- does that.  I have had a difficult time getting my fluids in.  After eating something, I'll look up and 2 or 3 hours would have passed and I say to myself, "damn, I forgot to drink something." 

I'm still very happy with me decision to have the surgery.  If I knew then what I know not, I would not change me mind.  I'd still go through with the surgery. 

That's all folks....

One month and a few days...

I have hit the one month post-surgery mark.  I actually hit it back on March 17th.  Instead of typing out the post, I'm uploading a video.  Hopefully it will work.