I am learning not to panic. So what I've gained a couple of pounds.....I am still the healthiest I've been in a long time. I just finished working out. I feel great! The last couple of weeks I've done BAD about taking my vitamins. I've been feeling the effects too. Been feeling extra tired and drained.......So I went and bought some  b-complex, I'd run out.  So I am taking that again along with my multi vitamins. I am out of calcium citrate so I will get some really soon. I believe that vitamins is an under rated part of this whole journey. I think it's very important. So I am yet encouraged. I'm not gonna trip about these couple of pounds, but neither am I going to settle for them. Gotta stay on top of things............I AM A WINNER!!!!!!

Well, since my surgiversary I've kind of slacked up......but I am still maintaining. I still hope to reach that 200lb loss mark and I will continue to work towards it. Over the holiday I ate more than normal and worked out less than normal, but I am still in good range (thank God). We still have a little bar b Q left, gotta get that stuff out of the house!!! Haven't rode the bike in about a week, but I plan to ride to work either tonight or tomorrow. I am pleased with where I am, just don't wanna slip backwards. Mintaining is the key.......everything in moderation. I am staying foused, I am winning!

Well, today is my 2 year wls anniversary. At this moment I am feeling different emotions. On one hand I am extremely disappointed because I did not reach my goal of 200lbs lost in two years. I am at the gym right now and weighed in at 251lbs......3 pounds off my mark. I really wanted to make that goal, it actually meant alot to me (I am so emotional these days).  However I do realize that this is a lifetime journey and that it doesn't stop at today, but I really wanted this. I feel like running to Wendys and having a triple cheeseburger and then to KFC fo 20 honey BBQ wings..............of course I won't, and I realize that that's just escapism. The answer to this is, shake it off and don't get stuck!!! Get up, keep working out, eating right and making me the best me I can be. And that's what I'm going to do.
On the other hand, 197lbs/ gone out of my life is a beautiful thing. I do not take it for granted at all. And I thank God for the opportunity to renewed health. I appreciate my family for continued support. My wife, my children, cousins, aunts and uncles.......my parents, sister and niece, everyone has played a role in my success. And my friends, those I've known for years and for those I've met along the way. The ones I have met on OH, in particular through BAF......Chicago and abroad, thank you for your support, the laughs and for sharing a piece of you with me. All of this contributes to me wl success. So in conclusion........I THANK GOD FOR LIFE, HEALTH AND STRENGTH.......AND I AM STILL A WINNER!!!!! A WINNER FOR LIFE....W4L!!!!

Oh yeah, I plan on getting my tatoo very soon......on my left arm......a lion's face w/locs as a mane........I am KING OF THE JUNGLE!!!!!!!

Ok, today is June 1st. I have until June 28th (my two year anniversary) to get down to 248lbs. That will be two hundred pounds lost. Today I weighed in at 259lbs. So I am going a liquid diet this week. ALREADY this has been HARD!!!!!! But I will stick with it as long as I can.  I really want to reach this goal, so I am going to do all that I can this month to make it happen. Anyway, for those who may read this, please pray for my success.

Blessings to all of my friends......we are still WINNING this battle. Even when there is setback, don't get stuck and soak in discouragement. Get up, gird up and get back in the race.....the victory is is staying the course!!!!! WE WIN!!!!!!!!!

Life is pretty good. My wife and I just celebrated 17 years of marriage. Yep.....17 years, y'all pray for her, lol. It's so funny that at 10 and 15 years, it sounds cool, but at 17 years it sounds like you are an old married couple, lol. We celebrated by going to Cancun, Mexico. It was a nice trip. It was our second time going. We stayed at an all inclusive resort (Park Royal Cancun).....the place was alright, nothing fancy. Clean and the food was pretty good. Not enough "included" activities there though.  Here's the question......since we don't eat like we used to, does it make sense to do an all inclusive package? One, we don't eat as much as we used to.....two, the temptation to over do it is HUGE since there is food everywhere all of the time. The variety is nice to have though. We don't drink alcohol, so we don't take advantage of that benefit either. So what's the advantage? Anyway.....

                                                                               I WENT SCUBA DIVING

It was cool!!!! Now the last things I need to do are redeem myself in horseback riding and go SKY DIVING!!! That will be the ultimate.
As far as my weight is concerned.....it's a daily battle. While in Cancun, I only went to the gym once (it wasn't included in the package, go figure). And I haven't been to the gym since I've been back, but I am going today and will be sure to go tomorrow. So I don't know what I weigh. I still hope to reach 200lbs lost by my 2 year mark. That means I have to get to 248 by June 28th. Special thanks to my friend, you know who you are, for working with me in trying to reach this goal. Your help has been priceless!!!!!
I guess that is all I have to say for now. Just want everyone to be encouraged..........WE WIN!!!!!

~Darwin G. Jackson~