September 5, 2008
A picture worth a thousand words
Yesterday, I finally had my firm bio picture retaken. It was definitely time for a new one and I think sums up my progress so far in my weight loss journey.
Here is the old picture
Here is the new picture
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July 21, 2008
16 Months Post-Op Update and delivery of the SLK 350
Well today is a great day. It has been 16 month's since my gastric bypass surgery and I have crossed below the 270 pound marker weighing 266.8 this morning. The weight loss continues as does my work-out routine. I need to buy some more clothes again - as I keep dropping inches as well as pounds. My waist size has now dropped 24 inches - two feet!! Wow. It was very interesting this weekend, as I attended a party at which I had not seen some people in probably a year - they kept coming up to me and said they could barely recognize me. Felt great but after a while it became a little embarrassing. The most common question I get is how do you feel - well how do you think I feel - I have lost over 330 pounds, no longer have high blood sugar, have normal blood pressure and cholesterol level and can play a round of golf and be ready for more. Yes - I feel amazing and am excited about what every day forward brings. I love wokring out and look forward to running a 5K run sometime in the near future - imagine that me running in a race without someone behind me pointing a gun. Oh well - just to sum up - I feel great and am doing awesome.
The other big event today is that I take delivery of my SLK 350!! It took about 4 weeks to travel across the ocean from Frankfurt, Germany where I dropped it off on June 16th. The car was actually delivered at my local dealer on Friday July 18th and I could have taken delivery that day but I was in Louisville for the weekend for a party. So today after work is the big day - definitely looking forward to getting the car back!
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May 27, 2008
Heading to Europe in 2 Days!
Only 2 days until I head over across the pond for my trip to Europe. I get my new SLK 350 on June 2!! Should be a great time. I will be posting photos during the trip so be sure to come back to this page for the goodies!
Auf Wiedersehen!
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May 1, 2008
Initial Goal Reached!
Its been a little over 13 months since my gastric bypass and I have reaches a significant milestone. 300 pounds lost. I now have lost more pounds than I currently weigh!! Having reached the initial goal - I am not sure how many more pounds I will lose - I would guess between 30-60 pounds (some of that as a result of a tummy-tuck in a year or two).
The other exciting news is that I head to Europe to pick up my new 2009 Mercedes SLK 350 in four weeks! Last night I completed all of the paperwork and now am just waiting to head across the pond and pick up the car.
Here is a picture of the car (although mine will be Iridium Silver - not white).
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March 21, 2008
1 Year Post-op & Issue 15 of The Update
It has been one year since my gastric bypass surgery. Things are going amazing and my weight loss continues (although at a slower pace). Check out the latest edition of The Update
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February 11, 2008
The Update - Issue #14
Here is another issue of The Update - Issue #14
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December 12, 2007
The Update - Issue 13
Here is another issue of The Update
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November 26, 2007
Thanksgiving 2007
Another great Thanksgiving is in the books. This year I did not head out in the early hours for any of the Black Friday Doorbusters. I didn't find anything that great that warranted such efforts. My sister did head out to Best Buy at 3am. I went to Circuit City later in the morning and it was still a madhouse - and they had sold out of the 1TB External Hard drives. Oh well.
Its been about 8 months since my gastric bypass surgery. I have lost 230 pounds since the start of the year! Things are going great and I feel great.
Today - my mom is having surgery (cosmetic lower body lift) as a result of her successful gastric bypass about three years ago. She looks awesome and hopefully the surgery proceeds successfully without any issues and she heals quickly.
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October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween
Wow - its the end of October already. Tonight is trick or treat night. Kind of different this year buying all the candy to hand out to the kids and knowing that I am not going to eat any of it. In years past - I would usually "test" the candy before I gave it out and then enjoy the leftovers. But now I have no such desire and plan to give any leftovers to the neighbor kids or take into the office.
How about them Buckeyes!! Getting the job done week by week and really looking like they could be headed to another BCS Championship game. While yes - that silly team up North that managed to lose to Appalachian State is on the schedule - I think the Bucks won't have any problem with MeatChicken and good old Lloyd Carr (soon to be enshrined in the Buckeye Hall of Fame for his coaching skills against OSU).
My weight loss continues and everything is going great.
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October 10, 2007
The Update - Issue 12
Here is another exciting issue of The Update
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September 24, 2007
6 Months Post-op
It has been just over six months since my gastric bypass surgery. My weight loss has been proceeding at an excellent pace. I have now lost over 192 pounds since the start of the year and over 153 pounds since the date of the surgery. I had a sixth month check-up with my surgeon and dietitian and everything is going great. It is great to have so much more energy.
I went to NYC about two weeks ago for a conference and had a great time. I went to a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman - guest was Dr. Phil. It was very cool. Then I saw Hairspray on Broadway and ended the evening with drinks with my cousin.
Well its football season - although the weather last weekend would not have indicated such. OSU is 4-0 and looking stronger each week. That silly team up North has managed two wins - one against Notre Lame who is 0-4 and probably couldn't beat any high school team in the top 10 in Ohio. Finally, Louisville is really struggling. It looks like the change of coaching staffs have had an effect - sure Kentucky is much better - but the performance again Middle Tennessee State was the warning sign of a long season to come. The defensive coverage schemes are not working and many times it appears that the coaching staff is unaware of what is going on.
Finally got my new driver, Callaway FT-5 - very nice club. I played 18 holes yesterday in the oppressive heat - hit a few nice drives - hopefully I will get a few more rounds in yet this year.
I will have a video update in a day or so - until then take care.
Posted by Geof at 8:44 AM | Comments (1916) | TrackBack
August 17, 2007
The Update - Issue 11
Here is another issue of The Update - 5 Months Post-Op
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July 31, 2007
Working out and the iPhone
I have been working out at my new gym for the past 3 weeks. The gym is LifeTime Fitness - it is simply an amazing place with great staff, tons of machines, nice locker rooms and excellent protein shakes. My iPhone has been a great addition to my workout routine. I often watch a TV show while I am working out which makes the time fly by. My favorites lately on the iPhone are: The Office, Flight of the Concords and NBC Nightly News. It definitely is nice to watch the shows while avoiding looking at the time and distance display.
I am still waiting for my new golf clubs to arrive, but in the meantime my old driver must have discovered it is on its way out of the bag as I am now hitting it better than I have in many years. Our firm outing last week was partially rained out and we only completed about 12 holes.
Looking forward to this weekend as I am heading to Defiance to see a couple good buddies for the weekend. Today is Media Day for the Big Ten - Bucks picked to finish third behind that team up North and Wisconsin. Should be an interesting season. Especially with the Big Ten Network in HD on Directv
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July 20, 2007
Issue 10 of the Update - 4 Months Post-Op
Below is another exciting issue of The Update
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July 2, 2007
Issue 9 of The Update
Happy 4th of July Week! Below is another issue of The Update
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June 26, 2007
14 Weeks Post - Op
It has now been 14 Weeks today since my gastric bypass surgery. I have lost 93 pounds since surgery day and a total of 132 pounds since January 3, 2007!! Last week at Disney was a great experience as I could walk without getting tired! Just had to buy a new belt and some more new clothes!! I will do a video update in a few days. Take care!
On the way home from Orlando - my parents and I stopped in Lynchburg, TN to tour Jack Daniels!! I have toured the facility several times but it was the first time for my parents. The picture above is a free shot of Jack Daniels on the rocks!! We also visited the Squires Room which is always a delight!
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June 13, 2007
Issue 8 of The Update
Below is another fascinating issue of The Update! Enjoy!
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May 29, 2007
10 Weeks Post-Op
Today marks the 10 Week Post-Op point since my gastric bypass surgery. Things are going great and I feel awesome. As noted by the updated ticker below, I have lost 110 pounds since the start of the year and 71 pounds since the day of the surgery.
It was a great Memorial Day Weekend! I went down to Louisville to see my parents. We went out of the Cardinal Club to hit some golf balls. Then later we went to the Turf Club at Churchill Downs to bet the ponies. I didn't have the best wager effort at the track, but hopefully that will improve next weekend during the firm's outing at Churchill Downs.
Later, I went shopping for some more new clothes. Due to the ongoing weight loss, I need to continue buying new clothes. This is exciting due to a greater selection and at the same time expensive. The new clothes will probably be too big in 1-2 months - then I will donate them to Goodwill. I did discover another company that targets their products to large folks like me - its called Living XL. Some great products.
Thats about it for now - short work week as I am golfing on Friday at the firm's partner retreat.
Posted by Geof at 10:34 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
May 21, 2007
Issue 7 of The Update
Below is another exciting edition of The Update!
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May 10, 2007
Bariatric Scale
One problem by being a very large obese person is that it is difficult to get an accurate determination of how much you weigh. This can be extremely frustrating when you are on a diet and have no way of knowing if you lost weight. Even most doctor office balance beam scales only go up to approximately 250-375 pounds. The bariatric programs have very deluxe bariatric scales which can cost up to $2000. A few days ago, I discovered a company that sells scales made for bariatric patients that are very economical. I just got my new scale which means that I can now keep better track of my weight loss.
I bought the MedWeigh MS-3200 Digital High Capacity Scale from HeathCheck Systems It is great and easy to set-up and use and is very lightweight considering its ability.
And as of tonight I have now lost 89 pounds since the start of the year!! Only 11 more pounds to hit the century mark!
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May 6, 2007
The Update - Issue 6
Here is the latest edition of the Update - about 7 weeks post-op
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April 30, 2007
6 Weeks Post-Op
Well, it has now been 6 weeks since my surgery. I has appointments with my surgeon and dietitian today. I also got on the scales .... I have lost 78 pounds since the start of the year and 39 pounds since the day of the surgery. I have also been cleared to start exercising. Plan on dusting of the golf clubs later tonight. In the next couple of weeks my diet will also continue its progression introducing more foods and some red meat (most likely chili at first). I can also start protein bars in about two weeks and introduce more fiber into the diet. Things are going great.
Posted by Geof at 3:37 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
April 27, 2007
Issue 5 of The Update
Here is the latest video of The Update
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April 15, 2007
Moving on up!
Yesterday I started the next phase of my diet. The Soft Cooked Food Phase. The big addition to this phase is Cheese!!! Its amazing how good one slice of American Cheese can taste - plus it has 4 grams of protein!. I also can now have many soft meats and vegatables (no red meat). So fish, chicken, turkey, etc. as well as cooked vegetables. I can even have a slice of toast (haven't tried that one yet).
I have had no problem getting my daily intake of protein. I love making a creamy vanilla - banana shake. I use the Isopure Creamy Vanilla protein mix, a little skim milk, a chunk of a banana and some ice cubes in the blender and it is fabulous. I also tried a new product called a Protein shooter. Kind of like the shooters in test tubes in a bar - but this is three ounces of a somewhat thick liquid that has 42 grams of protein and zero carbs. I only have the orange flavor and its not the greatest taste - not bad but certainly not that great.
I visit my normal doctor this week for a check-up on my vitals after the surgery. Its hard to imagine that it will have been a month since the surgery this Tuesday. Time sure does fly. I am getting close to the point of having to buy some new pants and a new belt. I have really started to notice the weight loss when I wear my dress clothes - shirts much looser and pants keep wanting to fall down - thankfully I wear suspenders to keep any accidental moonings from occuring.
Everything else is going great. The wound from where my G-tube was is starting to heal. I haven't taken any tylenol in the last 2 days as the discomfort has really gone away. Looking forward to the weather improving and getting some sun - its been absoultely misearble weather wise lately. Take care!
Posted by Geof at 9:04 AM | Comments (74) | TrackBack
Back to Work
Last Tuesday I went back to work. It was good to get out of the house. Anytime someone is away from work for a week or more - the mail, voicemail and emails can build up to such an extent it can take a day or so just to read them and follow-up on them. But it is great to get back to work!
I had my first and to date only nausea issue my first day back to work. I basically broke the two big rules. First I was drinking water before and while I was eating some blended turkey and mayo. Second, I didn't chew it that well. I was talking to a friend in my office and just by old nature I gulped the turkey down without chewing it. Wow - My pouch (aka the new stomach) sure let me know that it didn't appreciate that. After about 4 minutes of nausea and a quick call to my mom - I made a quick trip to the bathroom and after making an offering to the porcelain goddess I was fine. Good learning lesson - I now make sure to chew everything extensively.
I have also progressed far enough in my recovery to start eating at restaurants. I eat mostly soup but starting next week I will expand the menu to some fish items and other soft cooked food. On Tuesday I had a Turkey Noodle Soup at Culvers with My mom and sister and my two awesome nieces - Libbey and Paige!. It was great!. Later in the week I had some rice and creme chicken soup in the deli in our building and even got out to lunch at PhoParis with another partner in the firm. I am definitely heading to PhoParis many more times. Quick access and great food.
Posted by Geof at 8:44 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
April 10, 2007
The Update - Issue 4
Its been three weeks since my gastric bypass surgery. Check out the latest update.
As I mentioned in The Update, my law journal article was recently mentioned in an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court. My law journal article was on Flow Control of Waste and the Dormant Commerce Clause. I actually won the Albert P. Blaustein Memorial Award for the highest legal scholarship published in the Rutgers Law Journal for 1997-98. Here is a link to the amicus brief. My article is referenced on page 23 of the brief. Download file
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April 2, 2007
Cigars!!
Today I also got the approval to resume the cigars!!! I have not had a cigar since March 16th, 2007. Its been really tough not smoking with the recent great weather.
So tonight it will be Cigars and Buckeyes!
Go Bucks!
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Two Weeks Post-op
Well its almost been two weeks since my surgery. Things are progressing very well. Today I had an appointment with my surgeon and my dietician. Still have the G-tube, but it will be removed next Monday!
Today, I also passed the 50 pound weight loss mark since the beginning of the year! I have decided to add the following ticker to track my weight loss. Still a long way to go - but the fun has begun!
Posted by Geof at 5:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 29, 2007
Issue #3 of The Update
Here is the latest edition of The Update! Thanks for all of your support!
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March 26, 2007
Full Liquids Started Today
Today, I progressed to the Full Liquid Phase of the post-gastric bypass surgery. Prior to today, I was on clear liquids only. Clear liquids comprised broth, water, sugar-free jello and diluted juices. Now under Full Liquids, I am back on protein shakes, sugar free pudding, creme soups, yogurts, etc. Much more diverse menu! I was really starting to get tired of the diluted juices. The protein helps healing and kicks off the weight loss phase. It will be a few more weeks until I get to any type of solid food. We need to ensure that the connections in the new pouch and the small intestines are healed before sending down more solid items.
The weather outside has been great which helps when I need to talk a walk to keep the circulation moving. I feel better today than yesterday and hopefully that trend will continue. Thanks again for all of your support!
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March 25, 2007
I'm Home!!
Just want to let everyone know that I am home from the hospital and on the road to recovery. The surgery went very well and the doctors were very happy with my recovery so far. Its good to be home. I will post some more details in the next day or so - but just wanted to thank everyone for their support and prayers.
Posted by Geof at 12:10 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 19, 2007
Tuesday is the big day
Tomorrow, Tuesday March 20th is the day of my gastric bypass surgery. I have to be at the hospital at 5:30am. Surgery is schedule to start around 7:30-8:00am. I will post an update once I get home from ths hospital which will most likely be sometime this weekend.
Thanks for all of your support!
Posted by Geof at 8:39 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 14, 2007
Less than a week to go!!
Well its T-6 days and counting. I had my pre-admission testing and physical yesterday. I have lost 25 pounds since the beginning of January 2007! I have cut out the sweets, eliminated diet coke, drink more water and before the two-week liquid diet tried to eat somewhat more healthy. Although I did enjoy a trip to Amor de Brazil and a last pint or two of Graeters ice cream.
Week two of the liquid diet - its not that bad. It actually many more carbs than the Atkins Diet - I consume approximately 100-119 carbs per day compared to 20 carbs under the Atkins diet. The difference - quantity. Under Atkins I could have lots of eggs, cheese and steaks and hamburgers. Not under this 2 week liquid protein diet.
Here is a typical day under this diet: 1) Morning - 8oz of skim milk with Unjury protein mix, 1/2 cup of oatmeal (Artificial sweetener added to make it have some taste) and a banana or orange. 2) Mid morning snack of either sugar-free pudding or unsweetened applesauce or Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt or Yogurt Smoothies. 3) Lunch - Unjury protein powder with 8 oz of water or Crystal Light lemonade and either sugar-free pudding or unsweetened applesauce or Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt or Yogurt Smoothies. 4) Afternoon snack of either sugar-free pudding or unsweetened applesauce or Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt or Yogurt Smoothies. 5)Dinner - 8oz of skim milk with Unjury protein mix, 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese 6) Bedtime snack - Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt Smoothie mixed with Unjury non-flavored protein mix.
The Unjury protein powder mixes are decent - not the best that I have tried but not unbearable. My favorite is the Vanilla with skim milk - very tasty. Next would be the Chocolate with skim milk. Least favorite is the strawberry sorbet - especially with water. I typically have the strawberry sorbet with water or Crystal Light Lemonade for lunch - it goes down - but not that enjoyable. Another great way for the Unjury protein is to mix in the yogurt smoothies!
Its March Madness - should be a great tourney - good luck on your brackets!
Posted by Geof at 7:30 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
March 6, 2007
The Update - Volume 1 Issue 2
Two weeks to go to the big surgery. As noted in the update, today I started the presurgey diet which consists of mainly a liquid protein diet. The protein product is from Unjury.
Enjoy The Update!!
Posted by Geof at 8:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
February 20, 2007
The Update
I have decided to start The Update - which will be a video which will supplement my blog. Afterall, what could be a biggest waste of bandwidth than video?
Here is the premier edition - I am sure that my editing and camera techniques will improve in the future.
Enjoy!
Posted by Geof at 8:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 17, 2007
No more caffeine!!
After the surgery I will not be able to drink carbonated beverages or beverages with caffeine. I thought this might be one of my biggest hurdles to overcome. Afterall - I love soda pop. I have a fountain soda machine in my basement. I used to drink approximately 2 liters of diet soda every day. First thing in the morning and then all day long. So about three weeks ago - I stopped cold turkey - my dietitian told my that some people get caffeine withdrawal headaches. I didn't want them as part of my recovery process so that is why I stopped the caffeine intake. I had a slight headache about two days after stopping. But since then no problems. I drink much more water - love the crystal lite powder mixes for the water bottles. So if I can stop drinking caffeinated beverages - anyone can.
Posted by Geof at 7:36 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Sleep Study
As part of my approval process for the surgery, my surgeon wanted to determine if I have sleep apnea which is common in people my size. So I scheduled a visit to a local sleep diagnostic center in Mason. I arrived at the center and was connected to about 10-20 wires on my head, face, chest and legs. With all these wires attached and the strange surroundings (room was similar to a hotel room), I had great difficulty getting to sleep. It was torture - I slept a total of 1.8 hours according to the technicians and the computer monitoring my every move and breath. Even though I slept very little they were able to diagnose me as having sleep apnea, so I had to head back to the sleep study place the next week to have a CPAP titration. Basically this involves finding the correct setting on the CPAP machine for my conditions. The process was not as bad as the first night and I eventually was able to get some sleep. Since then every night I sleep with my CPAP machine and I have never slept better. I used to get up several times every night as I couldn't fall asleep or maintain my sleep. Now I sleep 7-8 hours with minimal wakings and I feel very refreshed (even for early morning meetings). I no longer become tired in the afternoon - an added benefit when reading patents all day.
Posted by Geof at 7:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Gastric Bypass
As some of my readers already know, I have decided to have gastric bypass surgery. Technically the procedure is called a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. I am scheduled to have the surgery on March 20, 2007 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. The surgery is part of Tri-Health's Bariatric Surgery Program. It is an excellent well-rounded program with dietitian, mental health and exercise/fitness elements.
I plan to document my journey over the next 18-24 months of this procedure and results from it. The link above for the Tri-Health program has many excellent pages of information on the procedure and results.
Posted by Geof at 7:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack