This morning on Health Matters I spoke with Dr John Darcy about my progress since being “banded” 9 months ago… This time last year, I was in the serious contemplation stage of getting the band and doing all my research about it… Obviously some of that research included the cost for the procedure, and how much of it was covered by my Health Fund, or if in fact like some people I applied to my Superannuation fund to withdraw the amount to cover it.
I chose the Health Fund option, but now 12 months on, the uncertainty continues about Health insurance funds and their continuing coverage for this and other forms of ‘life-saving’ Bariatric Surgery.
Why are they doing this? - The effects and benefits of weight loss by people who have this surgery now, will cost them much less than if they refuse to cover this surgery
Without this surgery to help the morbidly obese loose weight - they face a certain future, which could include the risks of heart attack, disease and relegated problems; stroke; high blood pressure; Diabetes; Osteoarthritis, and sleep apnoea to name a few… All the costs related to these diseases and their management far outweigh the $10,000 it costs a health fund per person to get ‘banded’.
The cost of a band without Health insurance is in the vicinity of $12-$15,000. The cost to those with Health insurance (me included) is $5,000. Now while that seems a lot (and it is), the health benefits of the weight loss is enormous.
I can calculate conservatively that over the last 22 years of my working life I have probably contributed over $50000 to my health funds, which I changed over to from my parents once I started working. Apart from the lap band surgery, I might have claimed another $5000, over the 20 years for specialist, pharmaceutical and other related claims – when you look at it that way, it sometimes makes you wonder why you’re in the fund.
The Government and Health Funds continuously go on about the need for us to become a healthier society. We’ll some people need a hand – me included. I tried everything before this, with little success. Since the Band my life has changed.
Apart from the physical benefits of weight loss following surgery, the psychological benefits too are enormous.
It changes people’s lives for the better.
No longer are they in danger of becoming a burden to the already crumbling heath & welfare systems; or their families with many and varied ailments relating to obesity.
I will admit, I had some pretty low days when I was a big boy. I wouldn’t want to do anything; I didn’t like the look of myself. I had the potential to head for that spiralling downhill depression.
No I go out and grab life with both hands… I am happier and more content within myself, and even contemplate doing things that in the past I would never have done.
Health funds need to take note - $10k is a SMALL price to pay to give back a life.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
From 3XL to Large!!!
Prior to my recent overseas trip I had a bit of a clothing purge… Nothing I had fitted me anymore and almost everything was like a tent – except for some of those clothes I kept from years ago, hoping I might get into them again… well they do fit me now; but even some of them still swim on me…
I didn’t have time for much of a shop before I left so today I decided to pop over to the local Rivers Outlet store and see what they had… I knew I had gone down a couple of sizes, but when I tried on some button up shirts, even the XL’s still swam on me out the front and even in the shoulders. So off I went and got a “L”arge and went back to the change room too try that on… Perfect – almost, but definitely better than the XL. If I decide I want to try and do aerobics in it, it’s a little restrictive but otherwise it will do… I still bought a couple of XL pullover shirts but they fitted well.
Since I’ve been banded almost every week something; like this, reinforces my new positive attitude to life…
While I expected to go down a couple of sizes I never expected to get into a large. Only 12 month ago, clothes shopping was a nightmare. It would take forever to find something that both fitted me (normally in 3XL and 112cm waist – and even then that was ‘snug’) and I liked; now clothes shopping are a breeze with so many options – where do you stop.
Add today’s experience to my 97cm pants I had to buy before I went away, and in all it just makes me feel so much happier in myself…
Now to go through the wardrobe again and get rid of some of those ones I kept until I could find the time to go shopping and then drop all the old clothes down to the local charity store.
Until next time
I didn’t have time for much of a shop before I left so today I decided to pop over to the local Rivers Outlet store and see what they had… I knew I had gone down a couple of sizes, but when I tried on some button up shirts, even the XL’s still swam on me out the front and even in the shoulders. So off I went and got a “L”arge and went back to the change room too try that on… Perfect – almost, but definitely better than the XL. If I decide I want to try and do aerobics in it, it’s a little restrictive but otherwise it will do… I still bought a couple of XL pullover shirts but they fitted well.
Since I’ve been banded almost every week something; like this, reinforces my new positive attitude to life…
While I expected to go down a couple of sizes I never expected to get into a large. Only 12 month ago, clothes shopping was a nightmare. It would take forever to find something that both fitted me (normally in 3XL and 112cm waist – and even then that was ‘snug’) and I liked; now clothes shopping are a breeze with so many options – where do you stop.
Add today’s experience to my 97cm pants I had to buy before I went away, and in all it just makes me feel so much happier in myself…
Now to go through the wardrobe again and get rid of some of those ones I kept until I could find the time to go shopping and then drop all the old clothes down to the local charity store.
Until next time
Monday, May 24, 2010
No Medications
Following my recent (well 3 months ago) blood checks, my cholesterol had dropped to 3.6 – I have never known it to be this low… Today I had to pop along to the GP to get a couple of referrals and have a chat about my progress. Not putting to finer point on it, he was (very) pleased by my progress to date… He knew it would be good for me, otherwise why would he have given me a referral; but he like myself, didn’t expect the results as quickly as they have been. Over 40kg in 12 months, makes it about a kilo a week I have lost… It’s slowed down now, although I am back to my pre-trip weight at 92 ½ KG’s
We got onto the subject of my cholesterol medication, which ran out about a month ago, and he agreed it was worth seeing how I go without it. My next blood test is Early July so it will be very interesting to see if I can stay off it.
As I said at the beginning of all this, as long as I can come of the Diabex and reverse my insulin resistance I’ll be happy.
My GP took me of Diabex in August 09 and my last blood test confirmed that my insulin resistance had gone; but with a family history of Cholesterol, never in my wildest dreams did I think that mine would go down to 3.6 – OK that’s been with both the weight loss and Crestor – but the proof will now really be to see how far it can stay down (and there is no doubting without the Crestor it will rise, but to what point; it will be very interesting.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
What a difference a year makes…
My annual Advanced Resuscitation recertification always comes around so quickly and this year was no exception. Generally in the past by the end of the day was so exhausted as I felt like I had gone 12 rounds with Danny Green…
For any of you who have done Advanced Resus, either in training, or for real, knows it can be exhausting… 2 breaths and 30 compressions on your knees every 2 minutes… and when you do the training its up and down and changing around all day.
Normally by lunch I’m exhausted and haven’t got anything left for the assessment in the afternoon.
This year however, I didn’t feel like that. My knees felt fine – on the carpet with the usual lack of padding and underlay for a commercial property; and energy wise I still had a heap in reserve – and that was after the instructor let us go for about 6 minutes before asking us to change and that’s when I was doing the CPR
And why wouldn’t feel good – I’ve dropped over 40kg since last time, increased my exercise and am leading a much healthier life in general
Monday, May 10, 2010
The UK and my other family
Its midnight in Sydney and I’m sitting on the plane with just over 6 hours to go before I land.
I’ve just spent the last hour and a half writing emails to my family in the UK to send once I get online again in Sydney.
Its been over 10 years since I was there and saw everyone… the purchase of my house in 2001 took all my disposable income; and the last few years its just been difficult finding the time (and not to mention money because of the exchange rate) to head over and see everyone; so my recent trip to Gallipoli was the perfect opportunity to extend my trip and see them all…
I had a great time – a mix of work and family – but I’m now looking forward to getting home. 2 weeks at work and then 2 weeks of leave to stay at home and catch up on stuff as its been over 12 months since my last lot of annual leave.
I must admit the last week in the UK was very difficult to stick to my normal band regime. Even though its Spring over there, its regularly still less than 10 degrees out and about (and even less with a wind chill factor) so I found myself drinking much more coffee and snacking on warm food more often than I would normally do… I’m not popping the buttons on any of my new clothes, but I recon I’ve possibly put on a couple of kilos while I’ve been away… I guess I’ll know on Wednesday morning at my next weigh in… I don’t feel guilty or disappointed in myself, just a desire to get back on the wagon when I get home.
Until Next Time
I’ve just spent the last hour and a half writing emails to my family in the UK to send once I get online again in Sydney.
Its been over 10 years since I was there and saw everyone… the purchase of my house in 2001 took all my disposable income; and the last few years its just been difficult finding the time (and not to mention money because of the exchange rate) to head over and see everyone; so my recent trip to Gallipoli was the perfect opportunity to extend my trip and see them all…
I had a great time – a mix of work and family – but I’m now looking forward to getting home. 2 weeks at work and then 2 weeks of leave to stay at home and catch up on stuff as its been over 12 months since my last lot of annual leave.
I must admit the last week in the UK was very difficult to stick to my normal band regime. Even though its Spring over there, its regularly still less than 10 degrees out and about (and even less with a wind chill factor) so I found myself drinking much more coffee and snacking on warm food more often than I would normally do… I’m not popping the buttons on any of my new clothes, but I recon I’ve possibly put on a couple of kilos while I’ve been away… I guess I’ll know on Wednesday morning at my next weigh in… I don’t feel guilty or disappointed in myself, just a desire to get back on the wagon when I get home.
Until Next Time
Friday, April 30, 2010
London Calling
What a month… Easter Show, Gallipoli and now London, who said working in Television News wasn’t interesting…
Since I last blogged, we finished our 9 day OB at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, had a few days back in the office; before jumping on a plane and heading towards the volcanic ash cloud; stopping short of it in Istanbul Turkey; where we headed out to the Gallipoli Peninsular to cover the 95th anniversary of ANZAC day… It’s something I have always dreamed about doing (on my bucket list), and finally my dream came true… Arriving in Istanbul on Monday, we overnighted there before being driven down to Eceabat, which is about 20 minutes from Anzac cove on the western side of the Gallipoli Peninsular… Not long after arriving at our hotel, the rest of the crew arrived (who flew in the day before) and we headed out to see Anzac cove for ourselves…
We’ll words can’t describe the feeling when I arrived at this hallowed site, where so many Australians lost their lives, in the first of the battles of WW1.
It was here I pulled out my new camera and started snapping, and kept on snapping for the rest of the week… in the 5 days, I think I took over 500 photos of the various sites and events surrounding Anzac Cove and Anzac Day. It’s a beautiful place where images are aplenty. Every where you turn there’s a shot; be it the beach; the cemetery’s and memorials, or just Aussies paying homage to the fallen.
And for the first time in a long time, I actually wanted to get my photo taken in all these places… I’m now happy with the way I look (as well as feel) so I want to be able to remember these places I’ve been; not to mention have photos of myself I am happy with.
Over the next few days we shot and interviewed Aussies that had made the pilgrimage to Gallipoli for one reason or another… Listening to their stories it emphasises why as Australian we have a deep interest in somewhere so far from our home shores.
I also took the time to lie on the grass in Beach cemetery, while the rest of the crew interviewed one of the school kids that won the Simpson prize; and tune out to everything except the sound of the waves breaking on the shores, and thinking what it might have been like for the diggers 95 years ago…
Saturday morning saw us all pack ourselves up to spend the next 30 hours at Anzac Cove in preparation for the Dawn service at 5.30am on Sunday morning; as the sun came up over “the sphinx” and those gathered at Anzac Cove… The air troubles of the previous week didn’t seem to deter anyone’s plans to be there. Those who’s flight plans got interrupted, drove days and night across Europe to get there… and the service didn’t disappoint. It was very different to the Dawn services I have previously attended in Sydney and Melbourne, but you’d expect it to be with what happened on those very shores all those years ago…
After Gallipoli, it was back to overnight in Istanbul; before an early flight to London Heathrow for a couple of weeks in London and the UK, this time though; both work and pleasure…
Since I last blogged, we finished our 9 day OB at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, had a few days back in the office; before jumping on a plane and heading towards the volcanic ash cloud; stopping short of it in Istanbul Turkey; where we headed out to the Gallipoli Peninsular to cover the 95th anniversary of ANZAC day… It’s something I have always dreamed about doing (on my bucket list), and finally my dream came true… Arriving in Istanbul on Monday, we overnighted there before being driven down to Eceabat, which is about 20 minutes from Anzac cove on the western side of the Gallipoli Peninsular… Not long after arriving at our hotel, the rest of the crew arrived (who flew in the day before) and we headed out to see Anzac cove for ourselves…
We’ll words can’t describe the feeling when I arrived at this hallowed site, where so many Australians lost their lives, in the first of the battles of WW1.
It was here I pulled out my new camera and started snapping, and kept on snapping for the rest of the week… in the 5 days, I think I took over 500 photos of the various sites and events surrounding Anzac Cove and Anzac Day. It’s a beautiful place where images are aplenty. Every where you turn there’s a shot; be it the beach; the cemetery’s and memorials, or just Aussies paying homage to the fallen.
Over the next few days we shot and interviewed Aussies that had made the pilgrimage to Gallipoli for one reason or another… Listening to their stories it emphasises why as Australian we have a deep interest in somewhere so far from our home shores.
I also took the time to lie on the grass in Beach cemetery, while the rest of the crew interviewed one of the school kids that won the Simpson prize; and tune out to everything except the sound of the waves breaking on the shores, and thinking what it might have been like for the diggers 95 years ago…
Saturday morning saw us all pack ourselves up to spend the next 30 hours at Anzac Cove in preparation for the Dawn service at 5.30am on Sunday morning; as the sun came up over “the sphinx” and those gathered at Anzac Cove… The air troubles of the previous week didn’t seem to deter anyone’s plans to be there. Those who’s flight plans got interrupted, drove days and night across Europe to get there… and the service didn’t disappoint. It was very different to the Dawn services I have previously attended in Sydney and Melbourne, but you’d expect it to be with what happened on those very shores all those years ago…
After Gallipoli, it was back to overnight in Istanbul; before an early flight to London Heathrow for a couple of weeks in London and the UK, this time though; both work and pleasure…
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The 12 Days of Easter!!!
You’ve heard of the 12 Days of Christmas; we’ll I’m about to start work on the 12 Days of Easter… After 6 weeks of planning, tomorrow we start the final stage of the rig for the 7News Studio at the Sydney Royal Easter Show which begins this Thursday.
I’ve been a little quiet on both my blog and Facebook over the last month as most of my spare time and RDO’s have been spent planning and putting together our biggest outside broadcast since the Sydney Olympics in 2000 – and that one I had 6 months to plan.
We’re taking the Martin Place Studio to the Easter Show… and the public can come and see our studio and chat with our presenters and crew (not me though - I’ll be curled up out the back under my desk catching up on sleep). Were located in Davidson Plaza next to the Hordern Cattle Lawns, the Giant Slide and the Racing Pigs – so there’s something for everyone.
Drop by and say G’day; and see for yourself how I’m going.
And I’m determined not to give way to temptation with all that food around… I’ve actually been working at the site now on and off for the last 10 days, and the worst I’ve gone is Macca’s yesterday with a Grand Angus Burger. That said though, the amount of walking around and activity I’ve been doing in the setup has had an effect on my plateau of the last couple of weeks and I’ve dropped another 1.5kg since Wednesday.
Anyway a couple more things to do before I’m off to bead and up for a 7am start at the Showground’s in the morning.
Until next time…
I’ve been a little quiet on both my blog and Facebook over the last month as most of my spare time and RDO’s have been spent planning and putting together our biggest outside broadcast since the Sydney Olympics in 2000 – and that one I had 6 months to plan.
We’re taking the Martin Place Studio to the Easter Show… and the public can come and see our studio and chat with our presenters and crew (not me though - I’ll be curled up out the back under my desk catching up on sleep). Were located in Davidson Plaza next to the Hordern Cattle Lawns, the Giant Slide and the Racing Pigs – so there’s something for everyone.
Drop by and say G’day; and see for yourself how I’m going.
And I’m determined not to give way to temptation with all that food around… I’ve actually been working at the site now on and off for the last 10 days, and the worst I’ve gone is Macca’s yesterday with a Grand Angus Burger. That said though, the amount of walking around and activity I’ve been doing in the setup has had an effect on my plateau of the last couple of weeks and I’ve dropped another 1.5kg since Wednesday.
Anyway a couple more things to do before I’m off to bead and up for a 7am start at the Showground’s in the morning.
Until next time…
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The big Four 0
No I haven’t reached the age milestone yet; it 40 kilos’ lost since I started my new life…
This mornings weigh in was 94.7kg – meaning 40kg’s dropped in just over 7 months… What an achievement… Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have been 40kg’s lighter – and still going… especially in the time frame I’ve done it in as well.
The other night I had a bit of a throw out too… Got rid of some old shorts and jeans that no longer fit; but there’s still a full wardrobe to go when I can find the time…What’s even more encouraging is that some of the new shorts I bought back in December are now falling off me as well… So I guess it will be a whole new wardrobe again next summer.
While my blogs have lessened in the last month or so; my will to succeed certainly hasn’t and this latest milestone is a great feeling. I’m getting used to what I can and can’t eat and when (bread and any doughy stuff is a no no before lunch) blockages are becoming less… As I explained to someone at work; I’d rather know what I can and cannot eat when I’m in a controlled environment at home or work, than being stuck on the road and have the wrong thing, simply because there was no other choice.
My next challenge is 2 weeks at the Sydney Royal Easter Show where I will be working from Monday – the good thing about it is the prices of the food means there won’t be much eating of the traditional crappy food of the fair.
Until next time
This mornings weigh in was 94.7kg – meaning 40kg’s dropped in just over 7 months… What an achievement… Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have been 40kg’s lighter – and still going… especially in the time frame I’ve done it in as well.
The other night I had a bit of a throw out too… Got rid of some old shorts and jeans that no longer fit; but there’s still a full wardrobe to go when I can find the time…What’s even more encouraging is that some of the new shorts I bought back in December are now falling off me as well… So I guess it will be a whole new wardrobe again next summer.
While my blogs have lessened in the last month or so; my will to succeed certainly hasn’t and this latest milestone is a great feeling. I’m getting used to what I can and can’t eat and when (bread and any doughy stuff is a no no before lunch) blockages are becoming less… As I explained to someone at work; I’d rather know what I can and cannot eat when I’m in a controlled environment at home or work, than being stuck on the road and have the wrong thing, simply because there was no other choice.
My next challenge is 2 weeks at the Sydney Royal Easter Show where I will be working from Monday – the good thing about it is the prices of the food means there won’t be much eating of the traditional crappy food of the fair.
Until next time
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Clothes shopping…
After putting it off for ages, the change of season tomorrow forced my hand and I had to go shopping for some clothes that fitted me. Those old Size 44 jeans (and even my old 42 and 40) are about to be retired in favour of some new 38’s… (and slim fit ones at that). While the 38’s are snug; I thought it best to buy ones that will last longer; rather than some more 40’s that might only last a couple of months. Apart from the jeans and a new belt; I also got bought some new jocks and socks; as well as shorts and shirt for walking and that…
I think its now time to clean out the wardrobe and ditch those old closthes that don’t fit me anymore as I’m fast running out of room in there.
Next is to get my bike serviced, so I can go riding… As a kid and teenager I used to love riding; but over the last few years, despite buying a new bike about 10 years ago I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I’ve ridden it; so now I can actually get on it without deflating the tyres; or feeling the effects of chafing for the next 24 hours; I think its time to get back on...
Until next time
I think its now time to clean out the wardrobe and ditch those old closthes that don’t fit me anymore as I’m fast running out of room in there.
Next is to get my bike serviced, so I can go riding… As a kid and teenager I used to love riding; but over the last few years, despite buying a new bike about 10 years ago I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I’ve ridden it; so now I can actually get on it without deflating the tyres; or feeling the effects of chafing for the next 24 hours; I think its time to get back on...
Until next time
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Another one for the too hard basket
I just had my last toasted turkish bread with peanut butter...
I got into work early this morning and had this taste for Turkish peanut butter - It was one of my favourites; but it's the first time I've tried it since the band... I got half way through and that was it... blockage
So I guess this goes into the same basket as Sausage on bread! - too hard
And this is my 100th blog post... I cant believe it; it's been over 7 months on since I made the decision and now I'm over 35kg lighter... Weigh in tomorrow so hopefully a little bit more on the lighter side as well
Until next time
I got into work early this morning and had this taste for Turkish peanut butter - It was one of my favourites; but it's the first time I've tried it since the band... I got half way through and that was it... blockage
So I guess this goes into the same basket as Sausage on bread! - too hard
And this is my 100th blog post... I cant believe it; it's been over 7 months on since I made the decision and now I'm over 35kg lighter... Weigh in tomorrow so hopefully a little bit more on the lighter side as well
Until next time
Monday, February 15, 2010
Another top up
Today was my fist visit to the clinic in over 8 weeks. Dietician and Doctors review today, along with the obligatory weigh in…
In all both were very pleased with my progress, even with my 3 week “plateau” while I was away in Melbourne; not to mention Christmas. Weigh in was 98.6kg meaning a 5.4kg loss since 8 December (9 weeks).
Dietician group (D4) was not only reinforcing what we had already learnt, and checking on how we were going; but also a lesson in reading food labels in the supermarket and how to make the best decision on the best types of foods to but (its not always about the fat content). While I have been reading food labels now for a number of years; I haven’t always been reading them right. I can now go shopping (which I am going to do this afternoon) armed with a better knowledge (along with a wallet card) of how to shop for the right foods. This was the last dietician’s appointment for now; but Mandy said we can always make an appointment if we feel we need assistance.
Then it was onto the doctors’ review. Dr Tony was really pleased with my progress and not worried about the Melbourne trip. I was still in the range of success and he let me make the decision about if I needed a band fill or not. I’ve been a bit to and fro about if I really needed one, but with portion size and snacking increasing over the last few weeks; so I decided to go for a fill. Now I have 5.5ml in the band, and am back to fluids and mushies for the next day or so… This fill may well be my last for the moment if I keep going the way I am with my weight loss… I also spoke with Dr Tony about my Cholesterol results (3.7) and my fasting insulin (7) both of which are great. He was very happy with my latest lots of results. We also spoke about if it was worth discussing with the GP about trialing some time off Crestor (Cholesterol tablets). He said sometimes if there is a family history it might not work, but it could be worth a try. Something to chat with the GP about at my next visit
Until next time
In all both were very pleased with my progress, even with my 3 week “plateau” while I was away in Melbourne; not to mention Christmas. Weigh in was 98.6kg meaning a 5.4kg loss since 8 December (9 weeks).
Dietician group (D4) was not only reinforcing what we had already learnt, and checking on how we were going; but also a lesson in reading food labels in the supermarket and how to make the best decision on the best types of foods to but (its not always about the fat content). While I have been reading food labels now for a number of years; I haven’t always been reading them right. I can now go shopping (which I am going to do this afternoon) armed with a better knowledge (along with a wallet card) of how to shop for the right foods. This was the last dietician’s appointment for now; but Mandy said we can always make an appointment if we feel we need assistance.
Then it was onto the doctors’ review. Dr Tony was really pleased with my progress and not worried about the Melbourne trip. I was still in the range of success and he let me make the decision about if I needed a band fill or not. I’ve been a bit to and fro about if I really needed one, but with portion size and snacking increasing over the last few weeks; so I decided to go for a fill. Now I have 5.5ml in the band, and am back to fluids and mushies for the next day or so… This fill may well be my last for the moment if I keep going the way I am with my weight loss… I also spoke with Dr Tony about my Cholesterol results (3.7) and my fasting insulin (7) both of which are great. He was very happy with my latest lots of results. We also spoke about if it was worth discussing with the GP about trialing some time off Crestor (Cholesterol tablets). He said sometimes if there is a family history it might not work, but it could be worth a try. Something to chat with the GP about at my next visit
Until next time
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Me time
Finally after 31 days straight of working between Sydney and Melbourne I’m on 5 days off… It’s been a long haul and the most days straight since the Beijing Olympics; but I don’t think I would have done it as easily without the weight loss… Normally by about the end of the 2nd week I’m starting to get a little on edge and snappy; but this time I pretty much breezed through it easily
And that last week in Melbourne wasn’t easy; having to deal with the delicate situation of arranging our coverage of the Black Saturday Anniversary
That was a real challenge dealing with people in Kinglake and Marysville that are still grieving 12 months on and all they just wanted to get through the first anniversary with little attention on their own. We did it; and did it with the respect it deserved…
I must say it was so eerie every time I went up to either Marysville or Kinglake in the lead up to the Anniversary. I had never been to either town before; and because of the tragedy that unfolded up there 12 months ago, didn’t get to either town then because they were taped off as crime scenes, so to drive in there 12 months on it made me think what the place would have been like before; and on the Saturday when I was driving into Kinglake for the news what would have been going on there 12 months ago, seeing all the burnt trees with the regrowth, or the empty blocks where houses once stood… it was a very strange feeling.
It was a long month (130+ hours of overtime) with 3 trips to Melbourne (the last one being 16 days) and it was great to be home.
How did I go with my food intake…? Well I thought I’d stuffed it completely, I had a couple of blockages and regurgitations (I think I’ll give up on ever being able to eat sausage on bread again); and It probably wasn’t always the healthiest options; or I ate more than I should have; but all in all I only put on ½ a kilogram over the 3 weeks; so I’m pretty stoked with that… My daily walking to and from the tennis; as well as the odd “stroll” into town from the Seasons also helped; but all in all I hope the doctor and dietician are happy when I go and see them on Monday… I’m probably ready for a fill this time round
Now I’m back home and the last few months of mayhem at work have passed; I’ll hopefully find the time to update my blog more regularly.
Until next time
And that last week in Melbourne wasn’t easy; having to deal with the delicate situation of arranging our coverage of the Black Saturday Anniversary
That was a real challenge dealing with people in Kinglake and Marysville that are still grieving 12 months on and all they just wanted to get through the first anniversary with little attention on their own. We did it; and did it with the respect it deserved…
I must say it was so eerie every time I went up to either Marysville or Kinglake in the lead up to the Anniversary. I had never been to either town before; and because of the tragedy that unfolded up there 12 months ago, didn’t get to either town then because they were taped off as crime scenes, so to drive in there 12 months on it made me think what the place would have been like before; and on the Saturday when I was driving into Kinglake for the news what would have been going on there 12 months ago, seeing all the burnt trees with the regrowth, or the empty blocks where houses once stood… it was a very strange feeling.
It was a long month (130+ hours of overtime) with 3 trips to Melbourne (the last one being 16 days) and it was great to be home.
How did I go with my food intake…? Well I thought I’d stuffed it completely, I had a couple of blockages and regurgitations (I think I’ll give up on ever being able to eat sausage on bread again); and It probably wasn’t always the healthiest options; or I ate more than I should have; but all in all I only put on ½ a kilogram over the 3 weeks; so I’m pretty stoked with that… My daily walking to and from the tennis; as well as the odd “stroll” into town from the Seasons also helped; but all in all I hope the doctor and dietician are happy when I go and see them on Monday… I’m probably ready for a fill this time round
Now I’m back home and the last few months of mayhem at work have passed; I’ll hopefully find the time to update my blog more regularly.
Until next time
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Happy Australia Day
After travelling back and forth the last couple of weeks between Sydney and Melbourne; I’m finally back in Melbourne for the next week at least… January is always a busy month with Tennis, but last week I added a royal tour to my schedule hence making it a very busy time, and when its busy like this and on the road, you don’t necessarily tend to eat the best. Last Wednesday’s weigh in was testament to that… While I didn’t loose any; I didn’t gain any either, so I was happy about that.
Now I’m back in Melbourne, and it’s all calming down and falling into a routine, I’m actually walking to and from the tennis. It’s about a 20 minute walk across the Gardens between the apartments and Melbourne Park, and I must say it’s a great walk… A nice way to start and end the day
I’m all setup in the apartment too… I went shopping the other day and bought breakfast and dinner for the next week; which removes the temptation of going out and eating what you really shouldn’t… It’s bad enough at the Tennis with all the catering about and occasionally I have eaten something I really shouldn’t but in all I’ve been good…
Saturday was another story though… I arrived here late morning and had to pop into Bunnings to get some tarps just in case it rained again… I was a little hungry so I thought I’d just get a sausage on a roll before I got lunch a little later… That was the worst mistake I have made in the 4 months since I’ve had the band… All was going fine until the last bite, and then the pain started… I had felt similar before but a cough or a sip of coke fixed it… not this time though… it just kept going on and on and on… in the end; even though I bought most of it back up; the pain was till there; and it was so painful; it took a few goes to even get a sip of coke down… once I did manage to get that bigger sip down; it fixed it and the pain was gone…
As time goes on I’m learning more about how I feel at certain times with my band… You can actually feel a blockage or the hiccups coming on; so if I get that feeling I stop eating for a few minutes to let it pass before I continue… I normally manage to avoid the blockage; but sometimes the hiccups still come… but even they are starting to become less frequent
Anyway must head off and finish getting ready…
Happy Australia Day
Until next time
Now I’m back in Melbourne, and it’s all calming down and falling into a routine, I’m actually walking to and from the tennis. It’s about a 20 minute walk across the Gardens between the apartments and Melbourne Park, and I must say it’s a great walk… A nice way to start and end the day
I’m all setup in the apartment too… I went shopping the other day and bought breakfast and dinner for the next week; which removes the temptation of going out and eating what you really shouldn’t… It’s bad enough at the Tennis with all the catering about and occasionally I have eaten something I really shouldn’t but in all I’ve been good…
Saturday was another story though… I arrived here late morning and had to pop into Bunnings to get some tarps just in case it rained again… I was a little hungry so I thought I’d just get a sausage on a roll before I got lunch a little later… That was the worst mistake I have made in the 4 months since I’ve had the band… All was going fine until the last bite, and then the pain started… I had felt similar before but a cough or a sip of coke fixed it… not this time though… it just kept going on and on and on… in the end; even though I bought most of it back up; the pain was till there; and it was so painful; it took a few goes to even get a sip of coke down… once I did manage to get that bigger sip down; it fixed it and the pain was gone…
As time goes on I’m learning more about how I feel at certain times with my band… You can actually feel a blockage or the hiccups coming on; so if I get that feeling I stop eating for a few minutes to let it pass before I continue… I normally manage to avoid the blockage; but sometimes the hiccups still come… but even they are starting to become less frequent
Anyway must head off and finish getting ready…
Happy Australia Day
Until next time
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Double Figures!!!
That’s right, going on 4 months banded today and my weigh in this morning in is a first with double figures. 99.6kg.
That’s 21.5kg since the band and 35.1kg in total. Now according to the BMI indicator I’m now 32.15 which still puts me under the body classification of "Obese"; but that’s coming down every week. (I started with a BMI of 43.48)
Breaking the double figure mark is a huge psychological boost to the entire process. The next goal is to break the 30 BMI.
It’s working; and I know its working, and it gets rid of all my doubts as to whether I’m doing OK… I was only saying to a colleague yesterday that I’m sure when I go back for my next appointment on 2 Feb I’m in for a fill; but you know this morning I’m not so sure… I’m at the upper limit of the “success indicator” loosing 5kg a month so I recon if I keep going the doctor will leave me where I’m at. Its working the way it is, so why change it? The proof will be how I go over the next 2 weeks with the Royal tour and Melbourne Tennis
Some days I don’t feel like I’m doing anything right with it… Eating ‘too much’ (which is less than I used to eat) and probably not the best foods and the odd snack; but obviously its nothing to be worried about because of the progress
I haven’t had a double figure weight now for nearly 10 years (and even then with that failed attempt, it didn’t last long).
As I was saying to a mate last night I said I feel so much happier in myself, less stressed and when I look in the mirror I am liking what I see.
Well it’s off to work now; but I just thought I’d like to share the exciting news with everyone.
Until next time
That’s 21.5kg since the band and 35.1kg in total. Now according to the BMI indicator I’m now 32.15 which still puts me under the body classification of "Obese"; but that’s coming down every week. (I started with a BMI of 43.48)
Breaking the double figure mark is a huge psychological boost to the entire process. The next goal is to break the 30 BMI.
It’s working; and I know its working, and it gets rid of all my doubts as to whether I’m doing OK… I was only saying to a colleague yesterday that I’m sure when I go back for my next appointment on 2 Feb I’m in for a fill; but you know this morning I’m not so sure… I’m at the upper limit of the “success indicator” loosing 5kg a month so I recon if I keep going the doctor will leave me where I’m at. Its working the way it is, so why change it? The proof will be how I go over the next 2 weeks with the Royal tour and Melbourne Tennis
Some days I don’t feel like I’m doing anything right with it… Eating ‘too much’ (which is less than I used to eat) and probably not the best foods and the odd snack; but obviously its nothing to be worried about because of the progress
I haven’t had a double figure weight now for nearly 10 years (and even then with that failed attempt, it didn’t last long).
As I was saying to a mate last night I said I feel so much happier in myself, less stressed and when I look in the mirror I am liking what I see.
Well it’s off to work now; but I just thought I’d like to share the exciting news with everyone.
Until next time
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Walking is becoming second nature
As I was out on my morning walk this morning; I realized this is starting to become 2nd nature to me as part of my daily weekend schedule. Rarely do I sleep in past 7.30am on weekends anymore and once I’m outa bed I don my joggers and hit the road… As with most people it’s nice to get the odd day when you can’t do it, like if it’s raining or you have to head of to work or something; but otherwise it’s a great way to start the day and get the blood flowing…
I’m even doing more walking out and about at work too… Yesterday was a great example… I had a recce and meeting down at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. Normally I would have jumped in the car to head the short 2km or so from the office; but I walked and it took me 20 mins. Through the hospital and across the Domain down to the fleet steps and felt better when I got there. The on the way back to the office I walked through the Royal Botanical Gardens (something I haven’t done for years)… Afterwards I felt great – with the exception I forgot to stretch my calves before sitting back down at my desk for lunch. I felt it when I got up
Anyway I’m off to mow the jungle (aka back lawn) now… It’s been so wet the last few weekends the back lawn has now grown so much you can’t see the dog walking through it…
Until next time
I’m even doing more walking out and about at work too… Yesterday was a great example… I had a recce and meeting down at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. Normally I would have jumped in the car to head the short 2km or so from the office; but I walked and it took me 20 mins. Through the hospital and across the Domain down to the fleet steps and felt better when I got there. The on the way back to the office I walked through the Royal Botanical Gardens (something I haven’t done for years)… Afterwards I felt great – with the exception I forgot to stretch my calves before sitting back down at my desk for lunch. I felt it when I got up
Anyway I’m off to mow the jungle (aka back lawn) now… It’s been so wet the last few weekends the back lawn has now grown so much you can’t see the dog walking through it…
Until next time
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year (and decade) to one and all
May your year be filled with success and happiness
No new years resolution here; just continued success with my band; weightloss and the new me.
May your year be filled with success and happiness
No new years resolution here; just continued success with my band; weightloss and the new me.
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My Weight Loss Progress
