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. 

It's Been A While....

Before you all jump on me, I know it's been a while since I've updated my blog and I promise I will do a better job of updating it. 

So much has happened since my last update.  I will start with the recent stuff and try to work my way back (if my brain will go back that far). 

I had my 3 month post-op visit last Thursday, before boarding a plane for the ATL (I'll get to that in a few), and everything is good.  I have lost about 85 pounds.  I know it's a lot.  I was pretty overwhelmed when I got on the scale.  The doctor wants me to do a video for his website.  I'll send out the link once it's posted.  While, I don't have a whole lot of loose skin, I do have flab under my arms.  So, when I wave to people I'm sending them some extra love.  LOL!  Before going to my surgeon for a follow-up, I did go to my PCP, primary care physician, and he too gave me a clean bill of health.  All of my blood work was good and in the normal range.  I guess he didn't check to see if I was crazy, because that test would have been off the charts. 

I am still having a hard time holding down certain foods.  Which is to be expected.  My doctor and several people who have become family have told me it's going to take a bit before I can hold some foods down.  I'm also having trouble getting in my fluids.  Yes, I know it's important, but not being able to eat/drink at the same time is what throws me off.  So, that's something I have to work on. 

As I mentioned earlier, I flew to ATL for the weekend.  For the first time in a number of years, I didn't have to ask for a seat belt extender.  Not only did I not need one, I was able to sit in the seat with a little, and I do mean little, wiggle room, put on the seat belt and pull the strap tight.  YEAH!!!!  I haven't been able to do that in a while.  Another bonus, I bought some clothes, just a few things, and for the first time in a number of years, I was finally able to get into a size 46.  However, I bought them on Wednesday and by Friday they were too big.  Thankfully, I can get them taken in.  As far as shirts go, I can get into a 2X and breath, but I just don't think it looks right so for right now, I'm sticking with a 3X shirt, but it too doesn't look right ... I guess I'm at the awkward stage people talk about. 

I'm actually starting to noticed in pictures that I've lost a considerable about of weight.  By the way, check out the pictures I took in ATL.  I had a blast. 

2010 is the year of The NEW ME! I have to give all credit and praise to GOD.  Without HIM I would not be where I am today. 

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....