One year out

  And...... yes it has been one year. I have lost 190 pounds, nearly half of my self. I saw the pics from the day I started my journey at the hospital. Four hundred and fifty four pounds, let that just sink in for a minute, 454 pounds one year ago. Today, I weighed 264 pounds, nearly 200 pounds gone. I could not have done it without support from family. The fact that they realized this was something I wanted so I could feel better and be more active and were willing to help means the world to me.

  How have things changed? Let's see here, I have gone from a size 54 waist to a 38, lost two shirt sizes, 5XLT to 3XLT(I prefer the baggy shirts), here was one I wasn't expecting a shoe size. I dont eat bread, white bread anyways. Sugary foods are now gone from my diet, they would hurt me as it is. I very rarely eat pasta now, which that was a huge staple for me before surgery. I can play golf pretty much all day and not get tired anymore, well my body can, wallet on the other hand. I spend a lot of time in the gym as well as going back to school, plus work full time. I feel like crap if I do not get to the gym everyday, even after playing golf and school or work. Here is one that still kinda baffles me a little bit, I can be very tired and go to sleep but after a few hours my body wants to go. My mind isn't so sure.  There are days where getting my back off that bed is rough, but I do it and never regret getting up and doing what I need to do to be healthier.
  Yes, I still crave sweets from time to time. I don't dare touch them though. I have found Quest Bars from Quest Nutrition. The cravings Peanut Butter Cup and the Cookies and Cream are the best at killing a sweet tooth. they have 20grams of protein, 1g of sugar and gluten free. I don't worry about the gluten free part, but I know there are some who read this that are looking for gluten free items and are loving these. I do have to keep my protein intake up, I drink at least 2 shakes a day plus a bar. When I am feeling low on energy I have another gluten free, sugar free drink I fall back on, Gamma Labs GFuel. I usually get the Lemon Lime or watermelon, but they have a Peach Mango that is incredible.

  The G Fuel doesn't make you jittery or let you crash after a couple of hours. I usually take a Gamma Pre Training Formula on my heavy days at the gym, I will drink that mixed with a protein from Syntrax (kiwi strawberry) while I am doing my cardio then mix a G Fuel right behind it to sip on during my workout. Love the energy. My focus is also better while I am drinking those, so yes I have them in my classes as well.
  I love finding the portion control helpers for myself. It takes the guess work out of getting the right amount of food and not over doing it. I still to this day, sometimes have eyes way bigger than my stomach. They are old habits that you do without thinking. Whats funny is when that happens, you look at it when you sit down and basically go "What the hell is this?" how did I just do that to myself? Good news on that you just portioned off your leftovers for later. I love when I go out to eat with the wife and friends. We order and are having a good time, the food arrives and the server asks if there is anything we need and I ask for a to-go box right then. The look on their faces is nearly priceless. Most ask if everything is alright, then I have had one ask me if I had to leave or if I had something done where I can't eat a lot and need to hide the rest. Well I am going to wrap it up here and come back for another post soon.