Tony's Jeans



 My old jeans from 7 months ago (from 391 lbs. to 256 lbs.).





Yes I have both legs in one leg. LOL. There is room for another person in the other leg.




So very, very happy for you, Brother. =)

Back To Tony: Volume 9

Nothing like logging on facebook to see you brother smiling back at you. Well, for him anyway, this is a smile. You can see it in his eyes. Check out these remarks and pictures.

August 19, 2011

Well after being off of here for 3 weeks I figured I would get back on. I will use this as an update on my weight loss. As of today I am at 265 pounds. That is 126 lost since Feb. Hard to believe I weighed 391 pounds 6 months ago. I have 40 more pounds to lose and I will call it quits.

August 22, 2011

This is for MOM and SIS, showing you my new shirt, it is a 2XL. I will have to get one of my 4XL out of the closet and hold it up and show you all how big it is now. And now that I am letting my hair grow out, it sure does show a lot of gray. LOL

Here you go SIS, this is a 4XL and it was a very tight fitting one at that, This should show how much 126 pounds will change a person looks. I can't get rid of this one though, I got it for Grandma's funeral. So it will always be in the closet.

And one more with me wearing the shirt. LOL this thing is like a blanket.

Pretty neat, huh? And if you're interested in the whole wearing red to grandma's funeral thing, well... my grandma loved red. I thought I had written something about that, but can't seem to find it. I'll write about that someday... how she was laid to rest in a red dress she had made just for that occasion. It's quite the story how well prepared that little lady was for her going-away day.

But this one is all about my brother. And if you haven't read any of his stuff, just choose the gastric sleeve bypass link found somewhere on the left and go back to the beginning. You can't get more inspired than getting lost in all that.

What A 109 Weight Loss Looks Like

Not the usual title for Tony's whole weight loss journey story, but fitting enough. He took the time to send me a picture last night so I thought I'd take the time to share my good looking brother. Well, technically I can't share him (the wife would not like that, you understand).

Not too shabby, huh?
For a brother, that is. =)

Tony's Journey: Volume Seven (Over 100 Pounds Lost)

When I first started this whole series about my brother and his journey through an elective weight loss surgery, I really didn't know how long it would go on. Even now, I still don't. It's not that I get tired of hearing about it (and you have the choice whether you read it or not)... it's just that as time goes by his life is getting back to what I would call normal. He is doing extremely well, I think, and I believe he would agree. If this is a new topic for you, your best bet would be just to click on the gastric sleeve bypass link under Specific Topics (you'll find that on the left of this page). If you know of anyone who has had this surgery or if you're thinking about it yourself, Tony's been pretty upfront about all the ups and downs of the whole process. It's definitely worth the read.

As usual, here's an update in his own words.


May 16, 2011

OHHH SO CLOSE, I weighed in at 301 that makes 90 pounds so far, I am knocking on the door of 2 of my goals. 1. to get under 300 and 2. was to loose 100 pounds in 90 days. The 21st of May will be 90 days since surgrey, I was hoping to weigh 291 on that day. I had to put another notch in my belt that is 3 new notches now. LOL.


May 20, 2011

Today is a good day even with all the storms. I weighed in at 299, finally made it under 300 pounds. 8 pounds away from losing 100 pounds.


May 21, 2011

Well today has been 90 days since my gastric sleeve bypass surgery, I weighed in this morning at 297, that is 94 pounds down from 391, only 6 more pounds to hit the 100 pound mark. Then my next goal will be to weigh in at 225, that will be a total of 166 lost. I am hoping for this to happen by the mid to end of Sept. of this year, only 72 more pounds to go.


May 30, 2011 

May 30th is an important day, Don't forget to thank a VET and tell them thank you for putting it on the line, so you could sleep peaceful at night.

I still think back to my time I spent on the other side of this big blue marble we live on. I seen some things and done some things that I don't care to share and probably never will. But I am glad I had a chance to do my part. I was proud to be a soldier and I am proud of our troops that do the grind day in and day out. THANK YOU TO ALL THAT HAVE SERVED AND TO THE ONES THAT ARE SERVING AT THIS TIME.

WHOOO HOOO, I made the 100 pound mark. I weighed in at 291 today. Only 66 more pounds to meet my goal of 225. The crazy doctor wants me to get to 170. I think that is tooooooooooo light. LOL. I might go to 200 but we will cross that road when I get there. Oh I have also had to move my belt in 6 inches, it has alot of new holes in it.

Thank you to everyone that has been following my up's and down with this weight loss. It is nice to share it with you all. Judy tells me all the time that I am looking good, but sometimes I think she just says stuff so she can go gambling. LOL Just kidding on that part.


June 12, 2011

UPDATE on the weight loss, 285 is what I weighed in at today, that is 106 pounds lost. not too far from my goal of 225. I think I am getting to where I can't have milk. Last 2 times I tried to eat cereal I yak it up once and felt really ILL on the second one. Other than that I have pretty much done really well. Oh, and I have moved my belt in 7 inch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was looking for a recent picture to upload, but couldn't find a good one where a fish is not blocking his face. Haha. He has been doing a lot more stuff lately including fishing, working his shop, and babysitting his granddaughter. All in all, I would say life is pretty sweet for him at the moment.

And if you're a frequent visitor to this blog, your eyes are not messing with you. I've been tweaking some things a bit with a new layout and trying to find the best way for easy reading. There's a new feature added to the left that will allow you to follow blog updates via email. I think you just type in your email address, submit it, and presto! It's kinda like delivering me straight to your inbox. (Creepy vibes, I'm sure).

You see what's going on, right?

I've got this extra free time from what once was an overloaded school schedule to what is now a quiet house.

I might as well have a little fun while I can.

Tony's Journey: Volume Six

I was asked the other day how my brother is doing.

Very well, thank you.

I happen to think he is making pretty good progress. Although I don't think I've got the energy to search for pictures tonight (and I know that's his favorite part), here's an update on how he's doing. If it's been too long or if you're new to the game, backtrack here to catch up on why we're going down this road anyway.


April 7, 2011
Well yesterday was my 6 week check up since the surgery, Doc said blood work all looked good, Except my protein count was to low. Wanted me to either drink 1 extra protein shake a day or eat at least 5 times a day. I weighed in at 327 start at 391 so 64 pounds in 54 days. He said I am on track to loss a total of 190 pounds by end of Sept. We shall see if it keeps coming off. I sure hope it does.


April 18, 2011
Well it has been 56 days since my surgery. And all is going well, I am back to eating real food. That is a big plus, but I just don't eat as much of it. Dr wants me to eat 5 times a day, I am lucky to get 2-3 times a day. So my weight is now 319 started at 391 that is 72 pounds total.


April 24, 2011
‎63 days after surgery, weighed in at 315, lost a total of 76 pounds. Best thing yet, I went and bought 2 new pairs of jeans, I was in a tight size 50 and I mean tight like the kind where you lay on the bed to try and get them buttoned up. I now wear a loose size 46 probably could have bought a size 44. Shirts was tight 4XL to a loose 3XL.


April 29, 2011
Well for those that care and haven't grown tired of my weight loss. I am now down to 311, that makes a total of 80 pounds. It has been 69 days since my surgery and everything has been going great. I have my eye's set on that 100 pound mark. I tell myself I am going to shoot for 225 and see how things are. that will be 166 pounds lost, that is more than most of you weigh. LOL


And this last part has absolutely nothing to do with his weight loss, but it just makes me laugh.

April 19, 2011
Things I love about my job: 1. Young kids that think they know everything there is to know about how to do sheetmetal work. 2. Young kids that stick their foot so far down their throat they have to scratch their BUTT to tie their shoe laces. 3. The expression on their face when I tell them I have been doing this type of work longer than they have been alive. Kids I swear. LOL Ok, off my soap box.


I have the best brother ever.

Tony's Journey: Volume Five

I figured it was about time to post an update about my brother. I know from the comments and emails I've received that people are interested in this journey of his. If you're new to the trip, backtrack here to get up to speed on his story and progress.

And I wouldn't be a good sister if I didn't dig through the photo albums to find little kid pictures of him to share.

At any rate, here's an update in his words.

March 17, 2011
Well I have really learned what not to do on this gastric sleeve bypass, and that is MAKE SURE YOU EAT ENOUGH PROTEIN OR YOU WILL BE SICK,TIRED,HURT ALL OVER, AND NOT LOSE WEIGHT. How do I know this because I was so obsessed with getting down to the 330's that I just decided not to really eat anything for 5 days.

(I asked him if he was still losing weight).

Sis, in 5 days I only lost 1 pound, I was so frustrated. Until I got my book out (the one that tells me the do's and don'ts) And of course right there in front of me it says, YOU MUST HAVE PLENTY OF PROTEIN OR YOUR WEIGHT LOSS WILL STALL, A...ND YOU WILL NOT LOSE ANY WEIGHT. I have also learned that when you don't intake protein your body begans to eat it's self, and what it is eatting is the muscle not the fat. That is why I would hurt all over. I learn things the hard way,but at least I have learned not to do that again. Also started walking tonight, Judy Me and the dogs went to the track at the school and walked 1 1/2 miles. I figure I will start doing this every night. It wasn't that bad, and Yes MOM I am back to drinking my protein shakes like I am suppose too. LOL

March 19, 2011

Well today I have reached 2 of my goals, 1 was to loose 50 pounds, 2nd was to lose 30 pound in a month. (did that one in 27 days) so all together I have lost 50. Next goal is 75 pounds and to still keep losing 30 pounds a month. Ultimate goal is to weigh 200 by August. that would be 191 pounds in about 7 months.

March 21, 2011

Well I made it into the 330's, I weighed in at 339 today, WHOO HOO, and I also up my walk to 2 miles today. I am thinking about keeping it at that for the week. I told Judy we would do 1 3/4 miles this week but I might just raise it to 2 miles. LOL

March 23, 2011

Well I got to eat my first bit of real food, and of course I have to break in the new stomach with a 1/2 cup of chili. Man that chili sure tasted good, It beats puddin' anyday of the week. LOL Next up to try is baked fish, another favorite of mine. The steak will have to wait until 24th of April, then I can have it. whoo hoo. Oh and by the way 1/2 cup of chili and I was STUFFED.

March 29, 2011

Well I am slowly but surely making progress on my weight loss. Back in feb. my max weight was 391 this morning I weighed in at 334 not to bad. I am getting to eat 1/2 cup of chili, 4oz of baked fish,4oz hambuger (no bread). So things are alot better now that I am eating good stuff again. I am still averaging about 1 pound a day, some days none, some days 2. goal is still 200 by august/september time. Oh and I have only thrown up once, that was last friday. i tried to eat a boiled egg to fast. And my stomach said I don't think so. So lesson learned on that mistake. I am glad I decided to do this surgery, I do feel better. I will be happier once I get my strenght back. but it will happen.


Thanks to all who have been thinking of him. I would ask for an update for today, but the computer and I aren't getting along very well as of this moment. I know when to cut my losses and move on with life. In this case, I'm going to move on with another cup of coffee. Until next time, here's hoping Kentucky brings it home this weekend (that would be basketball for all you what-the-heck-is-the-Final Four-people).

Tony's Journey: Volume Four

I'm sitting here thinking about my brother tonight. Today was his first day back to work since his surgery a few weeks ago. His updates via Facebook have gotten fewer and farther between. Like he says, though, there are only so many ways a person can say the same thing:

March 1, 2011
Well I found my limit on my new stomach being full. 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of sugar free jello. It took about 1 hour to eat it all. And man am I stuffed. Seriously, I am stuffed. LOL That is just wrong. Oh by the way down to 355 that's 30 pounds in 19 days.


March 7, 2011
Well here is an update on my weight loss, started out at 385 on the 11th of Feb. This morning Mar 7, I am down to 349. Since my surgery I am losing a 1 pound a day. I am really bored here at the house. I am ready to go back to work. Man did I just say that. So that is 36 pounds in 25 days. And I haven't been able to exercise yet. I guess that isn't to bad.


March 11, 2011
Well it has been 1 month since my weight loss started, and 19 days since my surgery. I have went from 385 to 345 in this amount of time. I am down to losing 1 pound a day and I am not exercising yet. I start back to work on Monday, so I will be getting alot of walking in so hopefully the weight will come off even more.

I have to be honest about one thing, if anyone is every thinking about this. YOU BETTER BE SURE YOU WANT TO LIVE THIS LIFE STYLE. I really love food, I was obsessed with food. and here lately it has really taking its toll on my mental head ...games. I know it is all in my head but man it is really hard to watch people eat what you love to eat. My side kick keeps telling me that I will be able to eat these foods again in about 6 weeks, but I just won't be able to stuff myself. Am I happy about losing the weight, YEP. Would I have been able to do this on my own with no surgery? NOPE. So yes I did the right thing I just have to make myself understand it will get better and I will feel better.
I hope to lose 30 pounds a month. I am hoping to be down to 320's by the end of the month. As always I will keep you all up to date. DON'T GET ME WRONG. I am happy I did this, it is just tough sometimes to understand that it is the real deal and there is no turning back.


So Tony, although I can't say I know what you're going through, I can say that I firmly believe you will finish what you started. I remember what you said your goal was... to get healthy and stay that way.

And I know you've got all the motivation you need.



I don't think we need any more pictures tonight.
This one says it all.
Love you, BROTHER.
Hang in there.

Tony's Journey: Volume Three

Today marks one week since Tony's gastric sleeve bypass surgery last Monday, February 21st. You can catch up on his story by going back here. Thanks to all who prayed for an uneventful surgery and for continuing to support him as he is back home now and as he says it, is preparing for his new life.





February 20, 2011

Well, son, in the morning is your big day, I wish you the best of luck on this journey and will be praying for you, I know everything will go just fine...love you, MOM

February 21, 2011

Well the time has finally come. Surgery Day. I weighed in this morning at 368 so that is 17 pounds lost in 10 days on their crazy diet before surgery. I had a rough time sleeping. Pretty much worried about this day all night. All my family called me last night and wished me well so that made me feel better. I won’t be on here (Facebook) for a few days but Judy will let everyone know how I am doing. I give her a hard time, but I gotta say she is a good woman who has been beside me and is willing to take care of me. So I gotta love her for that. LOL. Yesterday I really, really pondered over whether or not this surgery was for me. Well, I made my final decision and said, yes, it is for me. My goal weight for me is 200-210. We will see how it goes. They say if all goes well and I exercise I should lose 160 pounds within 1 to 1 ½ years. Well if I don’t kick the bucket on the operating table this morning I’ll be talking to you all on Thursday. Sorry, Mom. Have to have some sense of humor in there. LOL. C-YA ALL and thanks to everyone that is thinking about me.

TONY

February 22, 2011

Well it's 4 in the morning, they keep waking me up every 2 hours to check my vitals and my rose bud drain (it is the tube that is running out of my body cavity). Today is a big day I get to have blue ice all day so they can see if I have any leakage in my new stomach. If that all goes well then alot of things get unhooked from me. whoo hoo

This has been quit the experience for me, I know we all have had big things happen in our life. This is one of the biggest for me. I got to see my little buddy (Lily) yesterday and that really cheered me up it; just sucked cause I could not hold her. But at least she smiled at me, and that made my day. Well the morphine drip is kicking in time to sign out. A BIG THANKS FOR ALL THE WELL WIHES AND PRAYERS FROM EVERYONE.

And a really BIG THANK YOU TO JUDY for staying with me a taking care of me.

Well got to go for my first walk, everything is going great. Hope to go home tomorrow

February 24, 2011

Well I am finally home. This is my first full day of my new life. I have to say one thing that is weird, is it takes me a good half hour to drink 8 oz. of fluids. I haven't got sick or anything like that, but I notice when I rush the drinking my stomach really starts making noises. Everything is feeling pretty good EXCEPT my 6 incisions, they really hurt. The biggest one (where they pulled my stomach through) really hurts. It makes it painful to move around. Judy has to give me a blood thinner injection in my stomach for 10 days straight. I think she just likes to stab me with the needle. LOL

I am still on liquids only, for the next 14 days, I get 3-8oz protein shakes they have 35 grams of protein each, and 3- 8oz protein drink mixes, they have 10 grams of protein each. That is all I get for the next 14 days. Oh and I can ...have sugar free popsicles, but they have no value at all. They are just there for my mind games on when I think I am hungry. I am not really hungry at all, once the soreness goes away I think everything will be fine. I am up walking every hour for 3-5 minutes, and I am doing my breathing treatment every 2 hours so I don't get fluid in my lungs. Sleeping is really hard for me, because I like to sleep on my left side and that is where the big incision is at. So I can't sleep on it. I weighed in at 365 this morning. It was funny when I came home from the hospital I had gained 2 pounds from all the fluids they pumped in me. I beat by Sunday I am in the 350 pound range. I’ll just have to see.

February 25, 2011

I am doing pretty good, still sore. But that will soon pass. I am down to 362 this morning. Funny thing is I am not hungry, but I make sure I eat when I am suppose too. And Lily is coming out today to see me. I will enjoy seeing her that is for sure.

February 26, 2011

Well today my main incision has stopped draining. So Nurse Judy said I need to let it air out today and see how it does. 16 days ago I weighed 385; this morning I weighed in at 359. That is 26 pounds in 16 days. The funny thing is I don't feel hungry at all. I have to remind myself to have my protein drinks. I am going to try and walk a little more today. Hope everyone has a good day.

February 28, 2011

I am now down to 356. That is 29 pounds in 18 days. My problem that I am having besides the soreness of the incisions. Is that I am not hungry. I am supposed to have 3 shakes a day and 3 protein drinks a day and I am getting only 2 shakes and... 1 protein drinks a day. I forget that I have to eat. I have signal to the brain anymore that I am hungry. And it is really weird. I sit and watch the food channel and I just think I bet that will be good. But it doesn't make me hungry. I have my first check up with the doctor on Wednesday the 2nd. Everything is going good, I am just bored here at the house by myself and I can't get out and really do the things I am use to doing. I will go back to work on the 14th of March if the doctor ok's it. That is really all there is to update, I seem to lose a 1 or 2 a day. I figured by Saturday the 5th I'll probably be in the 340's.

Tony's Journey: Volume Two

Today continues Tony's journey to the gastric sleeve bypass surgery this coming Monday, February 21st. If you missed the beginning, go ahead and backtrack here to catch up.

And yes, I wouldn't be me if I didn't sift through old pictures to see what I might find. That's just part of the fun.

And why is it that practically all moms take pictures of their kids asleep? I know I've got mine own to share, but I would face a possible rebellion if I posted them now (gotta wait till they pass these fragile teenage years).

Anyway, back to Tony and his words from this past week:

February 11, 2011

Well, this is what 1.4 oz of cheese, 2.6 oz of roast beef, and 1 oz of raw carrots look like. This is pretty much what I get to eat for the next 7 days. Man this is a far cry from the monster porterhouse steaks I am use to.

 I practiced tonight on chewing my food 30 times before I swallowed it. If you think HMMMMM that is no big deal. I challenge you to try it. And this is with every bite. But the hardest thing I have to learn to stop doing is. When I drink I can't gulp, I have to sip. If I gulp it will create air in my stomach which will cause gas. And Gas is a bad thing for the new stomach. So I have a lot of practicing to do on chewing and drinking. Oh and one more thing, I can't drink 30 minutes before eat and I have to wait 30 minutes to drink after I eat.  I have to pretty much give up sugar, if I don't and I try and eat something sweet, they say I will have what is called "DUMPING SYNDROME". Now I'll let ya all think about that for a minute, and if you can't figure it out I will tell you, but I'm sure you all will get the idea.

February 13, 2011

Well the not eating very much food is starting to take its toll on me. I think most of it is mental, but my BIG belly keeps making noise and saying "hey what did I ever do to deserve this" Oh before I forget on the morning of the 11th I had said I weighed in at 385.0. Well this morning, the 13^th, I weighed in at 377.8

I have to be honest, this is becoming harder than what I thought it was going to be. I keep telling myself that if I can make it to the surgery I will be able to do it. Like I told my mom today, once I have my surgery it is a done deal and I won't be able to eat as much as I want to anyways

Sis,  my will power was tested today. I went to Gore, OK.  By myself, it was a 3 hour drive one way. I did good until I stopped for gas at Love's and the sweet smell of Godfathers pizza hit my nose as I opened the door. I just wanted to stand there and smell the pizza's all day. But I got me 2 bottles of water and headed out the door. I left the windows rolled up, because the pizza smell was in my shirt. After I got off that pizza smelling High, I was good to go. LOL

February 15, 2011

Well as my 5th day starts off on this 10 day diet before the big day, I got on the scales and it said "get off your breaking my back" LOL. No really it said 375.0 so that is a total of 10 pounds in 5 days. Last night was the hardest night I had, as far as staying honest with myself and not cheating. But yet somehow I pulled through it. I go see the doctor tomorrow for the final consultation. More to come as always.

I want to thank Blue Bell for making sugar free popsicles that is the only way I got through last night. LOL. I felt like I ate half a box. You know when your starving I think a dog (poo) would taste good. But I haven't got that desperate, just can't get past the smell. LOL  Sometimes I crack myself up, as I know I am probably the only one that see's any humor in that. I have eatin' a lot of things, dogs, cats, rats, camels, horse, and other stuff the third world countries wouldn't tell me what it was. But no (poo) for me. LOL

(Note from Angela: Okay, this was not the curse word for poo that you might be thinking of, it’s the poo that rhymes with word or bird. I’ve got some standards, and my daughter will never let me live it down if I use Uncle Tony’s word).

You all have a good day. Mine is going pretty good.

February 16, 2011

Well today didn't start off too good, I think I am getting dehydrated. I noticed yesterday everything was getting blurry on me and my urine is really brown and my legs are really cramping up. So I get out my book that the doctors gave me, and see where it said it was a sign of dehydration. So I stayed home today to try and get some fluids in me. I have to see the doc today so I reckon we will talk about this.

Oh and on the weight loss note, I am now down to 373. That is 12 pounds in 6 days and I am following their rules to the tee. Well, except for the drinking 64 oz of water a day.

I have drunk 3 big big glasses of water so far this morning.  Yep I am feeling better, I went to the doctor today for my final meeting before the big day. They answered all the question I had, so I am kind of worried, but not so much. I doubt that makes any sense but it is still going to happen on the 21st.

While I sat in the waiting room there was 10 women ranging from mid 30's to mostly 50's and 60's  and they all have had their surgeries. One lady was in her 60's she was 10 days fresh from her surgery. I asked her if she regretted it and she said no, I need to get healthy because my days are numbered. I told her I thought that was a good way to look at it. But 3 others were talking about how to beat the system and still eat. Now mind you all 3 of these lady would dress out at least 350 pounds plus. They were all 2 years into their new life. All had lost 100 plus pounds, BUT put back on everything plus more. They were there to get ready to have the surgery redone to make their pouch back to the size it was suppose to be before they stretched it out. NOW WHY WOULD YOU GO THROUGH THIS JUST TO TRY AND BEAT IT AND THEN WANT TO GO THROUGH IT AGAIN. This is why I am doing what I am doing. I am going BIG OR TAKING A DIRT NAP. It is my way of saying "HEY I DON'T WANT TO BEAT THE SYSTEM". There is a lot more to be said about this but I will stop because I could go on and on.

Let me clear up the going big or taking a dirt nap. With the Sleeve they take your stomach out and pretty much throw it in the trash. (And yes that is the doctor’s words) it is non reversible. The y that everyone has can be reversed. So if I... don't follow the rules I will blow out what is left of my stomach and it won't be pretty. They said my stomach will be the diameter of a dime and hopefully in 4-5 years it will be the diameter of a quarter. And that is pretty much its limit.

Ok I'll shut up now. LOL

(Note from Angela: I asked Tony what he meant by the “y”).

Sis, the Ruin Y is where they cut your intestines into, and route one end to your upper part of your stomach, they make a pouch that is your new stomach. Your old stomach is still there, just no food passes through it anymore. Look it up you will see what I mean. You can actually see all the surgeries on you tube. They are pretty interesting.

A normal person stomach holds 4 cups of food NORMALLY unless it is really stretched out like mine. LOL. The diameter of a dime it will hold 1/2 cup food, and hopefully grow to the size of a quarter then it will hold a cup of food.

February 18, 2011

Well,  today I have started my 3 day liquid diet part. Only things I can have is my protein shakes, protein drink mix. And some broth. No food at all. I was 373 this morning. I am interested to see what this 3 days of liquid is going to do to my weight. Today I find out what time my surgery is on. Don't really have much to add, everything has been pretty much the same all week. Though it will be hard not eating anything for a while.



And so that has been his week. You all keep in prayer through this weekend, and then especially on Monday. We'll see what the next week brings.

Tony's Journey: Volume One

I've been giving this entry some thought for quite a little while now and for once, it has nothing to do about me, my kids or husband, my unemployment status or my financial woes. It does, however, having everything to do with someone that I happen to think a lot about.

Yes, I realized that for something that has nothing to do with me, maybe my picture should not be included. But you know, I've got a mom who will love stuff like this.

Allow me to introduce you to my brother. I have another photo identical to the one above with the exception of the fact he is holding bunny ears up behind my head, bridal veil and all. I've got that one safely tucked away in my wedding album.

I've talked about him before and that same bunny ear picture. You can read here all about him becoming a new grandpa. He's been through quite a lot in his life and has got one remarkable testimony, in my opinion. One day I might try to talk him into sharing that. For now, though, I asked him for permission to share the current journey that he's about to embark on. He readily agreed, but I gotta warn you ~ he doesn't mince words. He says exactly what he thinks and doesn't hold anything back. That's one of the things that makes him... well, him.

Through Facebook, he has been sharing bits and pieces of a surgery he has been preparing for since last year, I believe. I thought it would be interesting to sort of document everything on here as well. I really think this is a story others will find to be informative; maybe there are those out there who are thinking about having the same kind of procedure done. He thinks that same way. In fact, he said that's why he has been sharing on Facebook and why he is so thorough in his details (and another disclaimer here, these accounts can be pretty detailed; he is my brother after all).

Anyway, I am not sure how often I will update via this blog. If he keeps me supplied with enough material, it could very well be a weekly thing. There is no plan here, just an opportunity to talk about someone I happen to love very much and am very proud of. And by the way, his name is Tony.

Here's a recent picture of him with his new grandbaby. He likes to call her his little buddy.

And here is a mini-journal of sorts about what is going on in his life (copied with his approval, although the grammar teacher in me cannot avoid correcting mechanical errors... Sorry! I've been without a red pen for far too long. The words, though, are definitely his).

January 25, 2011

Well, today is my 44th Birthday, And everyone that has called or text me, are SHOCKED that I am at work. I haven't worked on my birthday since 1991 and I was in the desert during the gulf war. In fact that night we were being bombed by Saddam. Oh what a fun birthday that was. For the record, I am getting ready to have my weight loss surgery so I didn't want to miss too much work. I am dedicated like that. LOL

Well, I got back from the Doctor, and the countdown is on. My Surgery date will be the 21st of Feb. My last really good meal is going to be on the 9th of Feb. And TRUST me it won't be a TV dinner. Oh, for those that don't know I am going to have Gastric Sleeve Bypass, they are going to remove 80% of my stomach. Hope they let me keep it in a Pickle Jar on the shelf. LOL

February 11, 2011

Well, the countdown is on for this really, really fat guy to have the “let’s make you skinny” surgery. I had a busy day today, EKG, blood work, X-rays, and the class on learning how to shrink up your organs so they can cut 80% of your stomach out.

For the next 7 days, my eating habits are going to really get hammered on. I get a protein shake in the morning, a protein bar for a snack, 4 oz. of meat, chicken, fish I get to pick one, and I get 1 oz. of stupid veggies. then I get another... protein bar for afternoon snack, the for supper it will be the 4 oz of meat, fish, chicken and 1 oz. of veggies. on my 8,9,10 day I will be on a liquid diet of 3 protein shakes and 3 protein drinks. That is it, nothing else. On my 11th day I go under the knife. From Sunday (20th) to Tuesday morning (22nd) I will have NOTHING to drink or eat. Tuesday morning I get 1, yes, I said one piece of ice every 30 minutes. This goes on all day. The ice has a blue dye in it. This way they can see if my new stomach is leaking. There is more to the story but I'll stop now. THIS SHOULD BE FUN

Today is the official start of my 10 day diet before my surgery on the 21st. I weighed in at a tip-toeing 385.0. It was 4:30 a.m. I was wearing just my drawers with about 4 inch of crack showing. I want you to feel like you was right there at the weigh in. LOL For breakfast was 7oz of 1% milk mixed with strawberry flavored protein mix (made by Chike).

So now you can see where this is going. If you're interested, look for the entries with this same title. If you're not, well, just move on to another cup of coffee and cozy up with this one about my two grandmas. If you have any questions and/or encouragement about the surgery (and notice I said questions and/or encouragement... this is not the time for opinions or doomsday predictions), ask away in the comment section. I happen to know my brother visits my blog often and has made a few comments of his own from time to time. He said he would answer any questions he doesn't cover in his Facebook updates.

And with that, my dad is calling me.

And a girl's got to go when her dad is calling.