Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!!!

We make decisions everyday of our life. What will I wear today? What route do I take to work? Which bill gets paid first? What do I need from the grocery store? Which movie do I watch? Etc. etc. etc! You see, decisions are just a part of life.

I am the father of an almost 10 year old! Wow, where did the time go? Everyday, I try to be the “super dad”. In other words the best that I can be! I think I do a decent job. Anyway, the one thing I have tried to do, even before I knew we were expecting, was to be the dad that was there for him.

I want to be the father that is there when my child makes a choice. If a bad choice is made, I want to pick him up, dust him off, and talk about what we learned from the experience. When he makes a good choice, I want to be there to rejoice and celebrate his decisions. You see, I know where my son is heading before he gets there.

Why? Because I have walked that path before. I know how hard that brick wall is when you hit it at 60 mph! I know the damage that can occur when bad choices are made. But would I be doing an injustice by making those decisions for him? Probably!

I believe it’s the same with weight loss. Would I be doing an injustice to you if I told you what to eat everyday? Probably! That is why we give advice. That is why we share what we have eaten the day before. It gives people who are new to this sport some examples to live by. Will I ever tell you what to eat? No I won’t, that’s not my job. See your Nut for that one!

I will share with you though! I will share experiences that have succeeded as well as failed. I will try new things, just as you will. I believe we are here for a reason. We are here for SUPPORT!!! Support in our endeavors. Support in our failures. Support in our successes.

This is a mantra that I have long lived by, and I think it fits well right here at the Tennessee Board:

Give a man a fish and feed him dinner. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime! We’re teachers…you, me, and that person sitting there reading this post!

Have a great day!

Candle burning!!!!!

Well, it’s been 4 months since surgery! Can you believe it’s been that long? Anyway, things are going well.

I am still working 2 jobs (Home Depot & RIP). At times it can get very exhausting! Especially on Mondays and Wednesdays! Just so you know what I talking about, here is my schedule:

Mon:
Home Depot 4a.m.-8a.m.
RIP 9a.m.-7:45p.m.

Tues:
Home Depot 4a.m.-8a.m.
RIP 9a.m.-3p.m.

Wed:
Home Depot 4a.m.-8a.m.
RIP 9a.m.-7:45p.m.

Thurs:
Home Depot 4a.m.-8a.m.
RIP 9a.m.-3p.m.

Fri:
Home Depot 4a.m.-8a.m.
RIP 9a.m.-2p.m.

So you can see, I am one busy bee! But that’s Okay! You see, I am still off every weekend. This way I can spend time with my family, take care of things around the house, and of course stay active in Church! Gee Whiz Batman, I’ve got the best of both worlds!

As far as weight loss goes, things could not be better! I am down to 230 pounds. That’s a loss of 132 pounds since Feb. ’07, and a loss of 73 pounds since surgery. My BMI has dropped from 46.67 (morbidly obese) to 29.53 (overweight). Wow, I’m just overweight! Watch out world, only 28 more pounds till I become normal! Who would have thunk it? Me, normal!!!! Okay, I know what your thinking, I will never be normal in the sense of the word. But I can be normal as far as weight is concerned!

I know it’s been a while since I posted, but I’m gonna try and do better! I promise, okay I won’t promise, I’ll just do the best I can!

I’ll have new pics up by the end of the week. You see, once again its prom season in Tennessee. Guess who has to get gussied up this Friday? Film at 11:00!

Have a great week!

Old habits die hard....

…and some refuse to die altogether!

Beth and I have been married for 12 years. During that time, we get to house sit for my in-laws when they travel. You see they have 3 dogs, a bird and a partridge in a pear tree. And we all know how hard it is to pack a partridge in a pear tree in a car! Anyway, when RJ was a baby it was a really cool thing. We pretended we were on vacation in Gatlinburg. As the years progressed, it got to be impossible having to carry all his “STUFF” with us. So, we decided on those house sitting days, only one of us would go and the other would stay home.

Now to the old habits refusing to die! This past weekend, right after the Lunch Bunch, Beth headed off for her parents house. We view this now as a mini business trip instead of a vacation! RJ stayed with me for a guy’s night out. Not long after dinner, these habits I speak of decided to rear their ugly head. In the past when Beth was away house sitting, it was a chance for RJ and I to “pig out” so to speak. It was nothing for us to grab a gallon of Blue Bell ice cream, hot fudge sauce and all the other necessities that Satan has surrounded us with, and finish the half gallon in one setting. So what did I do? As soon as dinner was completed, I headed to the “aisle of shame” as RJ calls it. That’s right; I went to that “den of sin” known as the candy and ice cream aisle at K. Rogers

I decided to stay away from ice cream, but hit the sugar free candy hard! I walked away with 3 bags of sugar free candy and one bag of sugar free cookies! When I came home, RJ was on the couch watching TV. He immediately knew what this was, a chance to have a “boys night out”. We picked a good movie and picked our first object of obsession, the Russell Stover Caramel Drops.

Let’s put it this way, we finished the bag within 20 minutes and that was all she wrote. I felt terrible. Mel was not a happy camper! Oh yeah, Mel is the name for my pouch (stomach), as in “Mel’s Diner”. Beth’s’ pouches name is Alice, from the same TV show! Anyway, Mel was not doing well. I never had the gastrointestinal distress that a lot of people have from sweets. This was the first time since surgery that I did have an acid reflux attack. If you have never had one, they are painful. The rest of the candy was disposed of. What was so supposed to be a fun night out for the guys, turned into a disaster of epic proportions!

What did I learn from this episode “Boys can be pigs”? Once again, surgery was done on my stomach, not my head! I feel like I have come a long way in making good food choices. But I also figured out that it’s a long and winding road that leads to a healthier me!

So, what “old habits” are you dealing with? And most importantly, what are you doing about it. For me, it’s “Food for thought and moderation”. In other words, before something goes into my mouth, I will think about it and remember this night! I’m gonna try my best anyway!

Poor choices and stress!

Hey guys!

The last 2 weeks have not been the best since surgery. I feel fine, my body is healing properly, and the energy level is back to normal. In fact, I feel just as I did before surgery, maybe even a little better.

What's the problem you ask? Well, I feel so much like I did before surgery, that I am making some the same bad choices food wise. We are still eating healthy meals, at least a lot healthier than we did before surgery. The problem lies with sugar free treats. I know, I know, I have said the same thing you are thinking..."Sugar free, that's gotta be better...right?" WRONG!!!! At least for me it's wrong. My friend Melinda posted her feelings the other day on sugar free treats and it made a lot of sense! I know what is happening. Sugar free treats have become a comfort food. Before surgery it was ice cream and hot fudge sauce, last night it was Murray’s Sugar Free Shortbread Cookies. I feel better when I eat something like that. The problem lies with the ability to moderate these choices...I have none!

These last 2 weeks there has been a lot of stress in my daily walk. Money seems to be the biggest stress-or. But other things are there too. I should start my part time job this next week, and I'm looking forward to it. The stress comes from the fact that Beth will be with RJ in the mornings. They have a very unique relationship. RJ knows exactly what buttons to push in order to get his way. For me, I don't want Beth to have to deal with that right now. She is working at a job that she loves and does not need that extra stress. But what can I do? I have spoken to RJ, and we have set a plan in place that provides positive reinforcement when RJ is cooperative. All I can do is pray that this works!

So, what can I do for my other situation? You know the comfort food issue. I have an idea of what I can do…the only sugar free treat in my house will be…sugar free jello! I can only tolerate a little of this at one time. So, this way I can have a sweet treat and still work my tool correctly. I think I will also attend the lunch time counseling sessions my Dr.’s office provides. That just might help me get to the bottom of the problem!

By the way, these last 2 weeks, I have not lost any weight, that is another stress-or. I am still at 264 lbs., I only have 2 pounds till I reach that 100 pound lost mark! But on the other hand, I have not gained any either! I realize I am only 7 weeks out, and my body is still trying to hold on to every ounce it can, but this is frustrating to say the least.

Sorry about the long vent. I feel a little better just getting this off my chest! Have a great day, I think mine just got better! Thanks!

Running In Circles!

Morning all! I guess it’s been a while since I really posted an update? Things have been crazy around here lately. I have had to pick up a 2nd job just to make things come closer together. Right now I am not worried about making ends meet, just decreasing the space between! I am still working at RIP, but now I will be pulling contractors orders at Home Depot from 4: AM to 8:00 AM on Mon-Fri. The amazing thing is God saw the need for the weekends to be free, and He provided! So, this ole boy is not gonna complain!

A couple of friends of mine posted about their hectic lifestyle also. I guess it kinda brought things into perspective…It’s not only me that’s running around in circles, it’s the world! Bronie has requested a do-over for the month of January! If she finds one, maybe she’ll share where she got it. Kirsten stated the she is so far behind she thought she was in first! I think she is a little a head of me, simply because she just lapped me!

Oh well, at least I don’t feel like I’m alone anymore!

Everything is going well around the O’Neal homestead. Beth is now a full time employee of Robertson County Schools. That really helps out. I haven’t lost any weight in the last coup-le of weeks. This is what we call a stall. And for years I thought a stall was when an airplane engine stopped in mid air, or when a car ceased to move on the interstate. But I am in a stall. So, I have not lost any weight lately, but I have lost inches. I have gone from a size 52 pant to a 44. I think that’s progress. RJ is doing well in school, because of job constraints and finances; he will not be playing baseball this season. But, he has a personal trainer who is working with daily at the YMCA. Thank God for grandfathers!

Well, it’s time to get back to work! I have 7 PowerPoint presentations I need to finish by next Saturday! If you pass by someone stalled on the interstate, don’t worry! It’s probably just me taking a quick catnap!

Have a great day!

Who helps you stay accountable?

Everyday I read several different weight loss blogs. Yesterday on Carbwire, they had a great article and video dealing with buddies or support groups. The main focus was on who is helping you succeed at weight loss?

Now they are not a WLS type of blog, but deal more with weight loss through low carb. I think the catch phrase is a good one, "Livin La Vida Low Carb" lifestyle. The blog itself has some great information on low carb products and recipes!

They discuss the aspect of on line support groups and physical support groups as well. Jimmy looked at the importance of blogging about your journey through a blog or videos. I really enjoyed their video that coincides with the article. I don't agree with all aspects of their discussion, but the focus of support and success was a very important one. So, who in your life is helping you succeed at weight loss? Is it your spouse, a special friend, or just some Jimmy Joe Sue bob you met on the street?

For me that special person is my wife and son! Reason being, she got a head start and is a great example. When I had my surgery, she was there for me. When I hit that roadblock or stall, she was and is there for me. Every time I ask or suggested that we try this or experiment with that, she is there for me! So who helps and supports me...my wife! RJ is a great motivating factor in my life. He supports, defends, and even is ready to help me exercise. I think he might go on to be a Drill Seargent! He's got the voice for it!

Who is that special group...Well duh! It's you guys! With the wealth of knowledge that you have, the compassion, the support. I will put this group on the Tennessee Forum up against anyone in the world. Simply because...YOU ROCK!

SO my question is this? Who helps you stay accountable?

Have a great day!

Can I be any prouder?

When we started this weight loss journey, I knew my wife would be involved. I knew I would be involved. But never in my wildest dreams did I think my son, RJ, would be involved. He has embraced outr lifestyle of healty foods, sugar free desserts and special foods. Occassionally he will ask for a soda, but for the most part he is drinking water. there's not much I can say, so I will let the pictures do the talking for me.

March '07

March '07

Jan '08

Jan '08

Hope everyone has a great week!

OK, It's Finally Happened!

Everytime I see someone post about changing clothes size, I'm happy for that person. But deep down, I wonder will this ever happen to me? Will I ever see regular men's sizes?

So, This morning, we went shopping at Wally World in Hermatige. I knew my 50 inch waist pants were getting a little baggy, but they still felt good to me. Just to be on the safe side, I bought 2 pair of 46 inch waist jeans. They were on sale for $8 bucks a piece. Well when we got home, I tried them on. Guess what?

Next payday I will be buying 44 or 42's! Life is good!

Have a great day!

Superman's cape is back in action!

Well the cape is out of the closet! Yes folks, Superman is flying high and feeling like a new man. The pain in my side is almost gone, I am doing well with my weight loss, and of course...God is good!


I went to my Doctor the other day for my 4 week check up. Since surgery (12/18/07), I have lost a total of 35 pounds. Whoo Hooo! All together in one years time, I have lost 93 pounds from my highest weight of 362 pounds. This morning I was at 268 pounds. My Body Mass Index is down 12 points. From a high of 46.5 (extremely obese) to 34.5 (obese). so things are going fantastic.

These pictures of RJ and I were taken last February at a work retreat in Pickett State Park. When I first looked at these pics, I was embarrassed. Embarrassed that I had let myself get to that point. I'm happy to say that RJ is doing well also. He is exercising twice a week at the YMCA with a personal trainer (his grandfather). He also has lost right around 40 pounds since those pictures were taken.

The other 2 pictures are my 1 month pics. We have found through Beth's surgery that is a great idea to track your progress through pics. so this was my first month's pics. These were taken on Sunday 1/6/07 and I weighed 273

I hope this post finds each and everyone of you well, and that you have a great and wonderful weekend!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho,It's off to work we go...

Well, today went a lot better than I thought! I took an Achieve One (Thank you Freddie!), a Carb Masters Yogurt, and a cheese stick. From my desk at work I had an Oh Yeah protein bar. And let's not forget 2 bottles of water. So today was fairly decent. Especially since I was only planning on working 2 1/2 hours and ended up staying 6.

The biggest thing today was all the leftover sweets and goodies everyone brought in. Their whole train of thought was "get it out of my house before I eat it all". So what did they do, they brought it to work! Dang their hide! Did I eat any? Did I want any? The answer to both questions is NO!

Thanks for all the prayers and support throughout out the day. It really helped!

Have a great day!

Life is full of.......

Well, I'm on my way back to work today! I've only been off for 2 weeks, but I am ready. Now, I'll only be there for 2-3 hours a day this week. Oh yeah, I only work 4 days a week at the best job on the planet. I am the Information Coordinator for the Regional Intervention Program. We are a Positive Behavior Management Program for parents of behaviorally challenged children. I love my job tremendously! For those that don't know me, I worked as a meat cutter for 32 years. From 2000 till 2006, I worked part time at RIP, and full time cutting meat. A prayer was answered and last year I was able to go full time at RIP. What a blessing! I work 4 days a week, and get off every state holiday! So, the next 2 days should not be too bad....I hope!

I guess my big concern stems from eating. What will happen when I put a bite of food in my mouth? Will I get sick? Will I fall out in the floor? Who knows! I plan on making good choice for my lunch (i.e. something safe and familiar!). And that's all I can do!

Life is about making choices. Let's pray that I will be making good choices!

So, here's to the first day back at work, and a life full of good choices!

Have a great day! I'm gonna!