Ch Ch Ch Changes!

So here is a sample of some of the many, many ways life has changed for the better since the weight came off:

Athletically:

• I hadn't done a push-up since 8th grade. Even then, I only did one and with great difficulty. Just before my recent surgeries, I was doing 20 full range of motion, chest to the ground, straight-backed push-ups at a time. And I'll be back to that as training progresses and my strength returns.
• At my worst, climbing a flight of stairs left me winded. Walking as far as a quarter of a mile was exhausting. These days I am routinely taking 3-5 mile walks without breathing hard. It's a great way to collect my thoughts, develop ideas, or just clear my head of the day's stress.
• In my 20's, my bowling average was in the low to mid 180's. I thought I was a real hot shot at the time. When I got to my heaviest weight, I wasn't bowling at all because I couldn't get out of my own way. Currently my average is 205 and the sport is more enjoyable than I could've imagined. This level of ability could only be attained as a result of my training.

Fitting into spaces and places:

• One unforgettable moment was the first time I slid into a booth at a restaurant. For decades there was no choice except to sit at a table on a chair that perilously held up my bulk. Now, when I do dine out, I PREFER to sit at a booth and marvel at the space between me and the table's edge.
• Driving used to be an absolute chore. First, I had to carefully wedge myself into the car. As my middle crowded the steering wheel, steering was a challenge. Then getting out was the toughest as I had to push myself up after dislodging from the driver's seat. And, of course, I had to park with enough clearance to be able to get out without hitting the car next to me with the door...or my body. Now I can easily get in the driver's seat of any car, big or small. It's a wonderful feeling!
• Being on an airplane was total embarrassment. I dreaded asking for a seat belt extension. And I was always the guy nobody wanted to be stuck sitting next to. In October 2010 I flew to Las Vegas with family members. As soon as we boarded, I insisted on having my picture taken as I easily fit into the seat and actually CINCHED UP the seat belt!
• At amusement parks, I had the mortifying experience of having to get off the roller coaster when the bar couldn't fully come down. The last time I went, it was pure joy as the bar clicked into place and we whisked away.
• When the need to use a public restroom arose, my only option was to use the more spacious handicapped stall. The regular stalls left me no room to maneuver if I could actually get into them at all. And I won't even get into what was necessary to clean up afterward. Well, no more of that. I'm slim enough and flexible enough to do whatever I need to do in the closest of quarters.

General Health:

• I used to have a raging case of sleep apnea. When sharing lodging with someone, I could snore a person right out of the room. Many times I woke MYSELF up with my snoring. These days I'm getting quiet, quality sleep that is only interrupted when my bladder insists.
• Headaches of varying intensity would plague me at least once a week. At times I would wake up with one. There was always a bottle of Advil on my headboard within arm's reach. Lately, I can't even remember the last time I had more than a mild hint of any real head pain.
• At age 13, I hyper extended my knee. Eventually, I developed 2 "trick knees" that would do their tricks doing the most mundane things. This was because I tried to do things and play sports that my weight would not accommodate me for. And every time it happened, it hurt like hell! I'd wrench a knee stepping off a curb, swinging a baseball bat, swinging my leg to kick something, whatever. There is now some arthritis in my left knee and it twinges on me quite often, but as long as I'm careful, my knees are sturdy and there's been no real threat of any new injury.

I'm sure I can think of many more subtle changes big and small and I'll share them in time. But the big picture here is that your quality of life is INFINITELY better when you get healthy. Believe me, the above points only scratch the surface.




I'm no drummer; it's my buddy's set. It's fun to try. But one song and I would sweat like there's no tomorrow.



I've said it before and it bears repeating: It took me 2 years to reach my goal weight and another 6 months to reach my record low. But it was SO worth it! I'll bet if you need to drop weight, it won't take that long. The time is going to pass whether you do something about it or not. So a year from now, will you be in a beautiful new place...or just another year older? Your choice.

How Time Flies!

     It has been 4 years to the day since I walked into that gym and unexpectedly began this magical mystery tour which has happily turned my life upside-down (or should I say right-side up). In many ways 4 years can seem like a very long time. For me, it has been a less than 8% sliver of my life that has fast-forwarded me to the best part.

     Yes, I did all the work and lost all the extra hundreds of pounds that I’d been packing on for close to 50 years. But if not for the kind-hearted professionals who took me in and showed me how to do it, I’m certain I wouldn’t be around to write this or any other post.

      In my mind, there are very few events that happen purely by accident. People come along in our lives seemingly by chance and make an impact that we couldn’t begin to imagine. My belief is that for most of us these special, life-changing individuals are divinely placed to prompt us into fulfilling a major purpose.

     All this being said, I can only theorize that languishing in super-obesity for over 90% of my life was meant to serve as an example of how a person can come out of an awful life situation and change into a more positive existence. How ironic that not so long ago I didn’t much care about what the future held. This is certainly no longer my attitude towards life. Now, if it is meant to be that there is something even better and more challenging on the horizon that all the past has been preparing me for, then let’s get TO it!

Notice how in the first 3 photos I'm constantly hovering around food. Do I look happy?

Now check out these pics. No food around. Do I look happy? 

One last silly bragging little thing (just can't help myself). Another dream bowling night last night. 279+234+228=741 series! The point is before, I wasn't even trying to do the things I love to do. Now everything's off the charts...in a good way!