Life on Maui... Well, just Visiting for NOW

Feb 20, 2013

I have swam an additional 22 miles of just lap swimming, and countless miles & hours in the Ocean, which is so much easier with 2/3 of my excess weight gone (over 200 pounds).  Sure, being fat makes you buoyant, but for distance or "free diving" (swimming deep without a tank), you need more lean body mass.  For those of you who have been following my journey, thank you - MAHALO - for making the trip with me!  Sharing the journey makes it a whole lot easier.

Okay, blatant shopping comment, I can now buy shirts/clothing in most stores!  No matter how little I bring with me when I travel, I always seem to end up with so many items that will have to be shoehorned into the suitcase. Good thing that one suitcase is just snorkel equipment, I have to add the weight of new clothing, creative packing is my specialty!

For those of you out in this great big world who use their size to keep them from going out & being active, I ask you to go look at my photos.  I was closing in on 500 pounds and still out in the ocean, up a volcano, and living life as fully as I could.  Sure it is more difficult dragging along all the extra weight, not to mention it is embarrassing, but do not stop living "until (you) lose the weight."  Too many folks have asked me how I did it, simply put, one step at a time.  Start with small steps, and keep pushing further.  Trust me, I still am fat, I still feel the eyes on me, but I also have strangers interacting with me daily.  Being open is one key, staying positive is another, add activity, and you are on your way!

Two years out from surgery, I am able to eat many of the healthy foods I ate before, and I laugh at the exceptions I cannot eat.  Trust me, if you are fearing surgery because you are limited in what you'll be able to eat, DON'T!  I have found my tastes have completely changed.  I stopped drinking Original V8 I think 18 months or more before surgery, because my doctor chewed me out, "Brenda, only Low Sodium V8 from this point on!"  I bought a can of Original V8 while out - not only does it have less potassium, I missed the flavor I love.  I had a friend ask me if I am jealous over folks eating Hawaiian Shave Ice - I was happy to say it brought me pleasure to see others enjoy it, but it didn't make me feel bad at all.  Life is still enjoyable without certain foods, so please do not use that as a reason to not improve your health.

Okay, I am going to post a couple photos of me on Maui - and if this isn't too rude, can I ask folks who are on Facebook to toss me a vote for Chike Nutrition's Photo Contest?  I would appreciate it, as I really do drink the stuff daily, and love it.  Just click the link on the bottom - or do a search for Chike Nutrition on Facebook, and toss Brenda a vote - mine is the Snorkel Mask over the tub!

Do not let life be lived at home away from the fun!!!  Face each day with at least one fun goal - mine are goofy most days, including counting a certain car of a certain color.  But if you add more activity to your day, you will enjoy yourself so much more - I promise!!!

Stay Positive!

Brenda : )~

https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=275753&u=181681&a=254553244581393&p=220276161320146&rest=0&v=View

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