In the last 12 weeks I’ve lost 55 pounds.  At left is my “before” picture.  I joined a weight loss program at Lutheran Hospital called Optifast.  This is a 21 week program and here’s the breakdown:

* 1 week 1200 calorie diet

1. *Phase I
   

  12 weeks of nutrition bars and

   shakes only

1. *Phase II
   

   8 weeks of learning how to eat

   for a lifetime, slowly

   incorporating food

After 8 weeks on Phase I they graduated me a month early to Phase II.  I was near my goal weight and they wanted to ease me into my final weight.

After 4 weeks of Phase II I was at my goal weight so they moved me into the maintenance mode.  This is where I sustain my weight.  Along the way there have been weekly meetings to teach me a lot about weight and eating, weekly nurses visits, monthly blood tests and meeting with doctors.  I can go to weekly meetings at the weight loss center forever if I need the support.

I used to wear 38 relaxed fit jeans (which probably means 40 in reality).  I now wear 32 regular (same as I wore in high school) and all my shirts are medium.  Kim took 2” out of each side of my old shirts and some are still a bit loose.

My heart rate has gone from 82 to 52 beats per minute.  That’s 1.74 million fewer heartbeats a year.

I learned quite a few new things.  One was that while I wasn’t hungry on the shakes and nutrition bars, I sometimes wanted to eat.  These circumstances are called triggers.  My main trigger was sitting in the evening watching TV.  I wasn’t hungry but wanted to eat.  I decided to change my routine.  I bought some woodworking equipment for the garage and after dinner Kim and I usually head out there and while I work, she sits in a lawn recliner and reads - and we sometimes talk and I occasionally need her help or ask her opinion on something.  The next thing I know it is bedtime and I haven’t even thought about food.  At left is the main work table I built to do my projects on.  It is very well thought out and incredibly practical to work on.

At left - I had some bibbed overalls that were too big so I cut them up and made a shop apron out of them.  They are very practical.  Kim even let me sew them.  Thanks hon.

Here’s a few pics of me now.  I was 240 and am now at 185.  I thought I’d lose 10 more pounds but the family and my friends are unanimous that I stop here.  I may lose a few more pounds and see what I look like.

I can’t believe I have eaten for 57 years and knew so little about food and nutrition.  I have learned that I can have great food in fair portions and be a lot healthier than I was.  At left is a shrimp salad and below left are my fajita’s - steak, shrimp, chicken breast and pork chop along with onions, green, red, yellow and orange peppers and mushrooms.  All this in a wrap and it is not only delicious, but good nutritionally!  I love to cook so Kim and I have been spending time in the kitchen (of course I am always creating new things and altering others).

I got a treadmill three months back and have decided walking is my thing.  Monday - Saturday I walk 45 minutes at 3.6 MPH which translates to about 2.5 miles and 275 calories per day.   I have walked over 170 miles and very much enjoy the exercise and all it brings to my life in health and mental well-being.  I have a saying that I am only one workout away from a good mood.  Walking is something I can do for years to come.  I think I am addicted to it, but that’s OK.  It’s good for me.

At the Optifast program they told us about rewards.  I wasn’t much into weekly rewards, but I did think of a final goal reward.  I know a man who has some exotic cars.  I asked him if he would take me for a ride in one of his cars as a reward.  He said, “Sure, he’d be glad to.”  I was at his dealership last week and snapped these pics of a red Ferrari and yellow Lamborghini.  I’m salivating!!!

Our son Silas and his girlfriend Grace flew into Indiana for a visit last week.  We hadn’t yet met Grace.  It was good to see them and spend time together.  They are back in Redding, CA.

When Kim and I became grandparents we didn’t know what the exact requirements were, but we think we’re pretty good ones.  Eden is a joy to be around and we appreciate having Jared and Hannah close by.  Ben comes most weekends and stays with us. (We think a lot of the reason is Eden.)  It is good to spend time together.

Eden is 22 months and is showing some interest in the potty.  She loves the mirror and entertains herself with that.

I had my 1-1/2 year prostate cancer check this week and still show no PSA.  This is a blessing.  Kim and I are at a very special time in life.  We so enjoy being together.   We are truly blessed indeed.

We just planned a vacation for September in Tennessee.  It will be our 33rd anniversary.  I love her more than ever.