Random Musings #8: Six Months Edition

Big ups and mad props to all my homies! (man, what the hell is wrong with me?) I hope you all had a lovely weekend - mine was nice, and fairly uneventful. So... Since I can't really think of any clever or witty opening remarks today, I'll just get straight to it. ? It was 6 months ago today that Dr. Hans Schmidt cut me open, stuck some mechanical-type gadgets in through the incisions and re-arranged the ol' plumbing. Since then, every day has gotten better and better. I think, that instead of going on and on about it (as I certainly am known to do), I'll let this picture do the talking for me. http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/Gyrofork/6MosBeforeeAfter.jpg Sometimes I need that side-by-side comparison to really wrap my head around this whole thing. ? Growing up, I was allowed to eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I never had to ask permission to go to the fridge or the pantry and shove whatever crap that was there (and believe me, there was a lot) into my chubby little face. Now, I'm not blaming my parents here... but, proper nutrition and exercise were not top priorities in our house. I refuse for that to be the case for my daughter. I realized before she was born that having me for her father automatically increased her chances of becoming obese. Vivian will be two years old on September 12th and has NEVER had any of the following: cookies, candy, lollipops, cake, soda, white bread, McDonald's (or any other fast food), Kool-Aid, and a long, long list of other foods that almost killed her Daddy. When you ask her what her favorite food is, she doesn't say "ice cream" or "pizza"...she says "bananas" or "string beans". The other day, my mom told me that when she sees how we feed Viv, she feels guilty about how she did it when I was a kid. I decided not to disagree with her. ? On the Jersey boards, there's been alot of talk about these new Mexican-style restaurants called Surf Taco - So, I figured we should give it a go. We checked it out on Saturday and everyone enjoyed the food as well as the casual, laid-back atmosphere. All of the food is fresh and not expensive at all. I had half of a California Chicken wrap on a whole-wheat tortilla... tasty. We got a kids sized meal for Viv that was supposed to come with a soda - I asked the guy if they had apple juice. After he told me that they did, I asked if it was 100% juice. Stunned, he said, "yes, and that's the first time anyone has asked me that question." I was surprised by that... but, then again, maybe not that surprised. Here's a pic of how much fun we had: http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/Gyrofork/DadVivSurfTaco.jpg Vivian and Daddy love salsa. She doesn't eat the tortilla chips... she just uses one to scoop up the salsa and then slurps it off. Well, that's it for me - I'm off to actually do some work and earn my paycheck instead of musing on company time all day. Have a good day. Be Well, A.J.

I thourghly enjoy your musings. Your before and after pictures are Amazing! You've done a terrific job on your weightloss. I love the way you are with your daughter..you can see the adoration in both of you for each other...absolutely wonderful!!! Anna

You know what AJ........I see the love you have for your daughter and you really make me reevaluate my own actions. I do allow my children to eat junk on occasion...and the occasion is when I don't feel like being bothered in making them something nutritious to eat. Your musing slapped me in the face with the reality that it's not about what I "feel" like doing, it's about what I "have" to do and what I "have" to do is break the vicious cycle of obesity that has plagued my family for several generations. BTW...your before and after pics are amazing! It looks like 2 brothers...in no way does that look like the same person! Way to go!! Dawn

I really enjoyed reading this post, AJ. I like all your posts (still waiting for the answer to, what's the big deal about Jersey? question I asked you last week ), but this one was especially good. My daughter is 2,also. I ,too, am super careful about what my daughter eats but I do allow junk on occasion because I was starting to see that she would accost other children for sweets! It was becoming a sort of 'forbidden fruit' thing and I thought perhaps I was giving the food too much power. I hope to teach her to eat a basically healthy diet with the sweets and junk in moderation. I find it very difficult as I am just learning about a healthy lifestyle and food attitude myself. It makes me feel proud to see my daughter's healthy, strong body--so active and lithe. Your daughter is a doll--perhaps you and I and the rest of us can raise 'the next generation' of kids without weight concerns--wouldn't that be spectacular? PS---not to dogpile any of my people (the chunksters of the world)--but I have noted with one of my very close friends (who is extremely obese) how often she offers her kids junk, how they never have a meal-- and the snacks are usually gooey, sticky stuff. She is such a fab mom, but I hate seeing her do this--she offers it when they haven't even asked, when they're upset, happy--whatever, all day long. I didn't even notice this before and now it's upsetting to me when we're together. I could never say anything because I really love and admire her and she would be hurt and offended. Anyhow--just a PS or an aside--- Cathy

Hi Cathy! Wow... I thought your Jersey question was rhetorical! You see, for so long, New Jersey has been the butt of many jokes. (re: Welcome to NJ - The Armpit of America!) But, folks who live here know better. Yeah, we've got our share of toxic waste, traffic, and mafia... but, there's also alot of cool stuff packed into such a small state - Cities, Beaches, Boardwalks, Mountains & Forests. I live right on the water and I'm only an hour away from Philly and less than an hour and a half away from NYC. Plus, Sinatra is from Hoboken - and who's cooler than Frank? Be Well, A.J.

rhetorical?!? Nah--I was a seeker-- I knew nothing about Jersey (other than big hair jokes ) so thanks for enlightening me!!! You live on the water? as in by- the-ocean-water? sigh....(although I'm close to the beach myself--but not ON the beach).... Lucky fella! PS: Elvis is a little cooler than Frank, despite the cheese factor- Cathy

HOLY _____ I cannot believe the difference in you! You look fantastic! Great Job AJ!!! Thanks for the musings today. Dana

Hi AJ, Boy are you looking terrific What an amazing change. Also Vivian is just adorable Keep up the good work my friend Regards and hugs, Ronna

AJ, I really enjoy reading your musings and although i don't always reply, this time I just had to. for raising your daughter the way you are. I am trying very hard to do the same, although not always successful, I know I ended up being huge for the same reasons, was never taught to eat healthy or exercise. i hope i am able to show my daughter better habits now that I have had this surgery...we already limit junk food and fast food, but not entirely, and she loves fruits and veggies(THANK GOD) so we dont have to force them on her! As a parent this is one of the most important things we can do to be sure our kids are happy and HEALTHY! Karyn ps-awesome pics, you look great!

I enjoyed your musings as well. Happy Six Months! Your pics are awesome I agree it does look like pics of brothers not the same guy! congrats and keep up the good work! Jen