Random Musings #11

Happy Autumn to all of my pals on OH! (Or, happy Spring to all of you who may live somewhere south of the equator... uh, yeah... I think that's how it works.) Okay, I'm doing my very best to take the time to keep participating here and post some more of my rambles as well as impart some of my half-baked wisdom and bar room philosophies. And, as usual, I certainly have more to say than most might like to read... but, here goes anyway. ? When I first started looking into WLS more than a year and a half ago, I received a TON of great information and support from a business acquaintance. At the time, he was a year post-op himself and at goal. In passing, I told him that I was looking into WLS. He immediately sat down and answered every question I had for over an hour - and the next morning, there was a HUGE packet of information waiting for me at my office. I poured over the months and months worth of research that he had done and eventually ended up going to the same surgical group that he used. It really made the decision-making process a whole lot easier. I promised myself that I would do the same for someone else someday. Well... today is that "someday". I got a call this morning from someone that I have been helping through that scary pre-surgery decision. He told me that my surgeon will be performing his RNY before the end of this year. He even wants to tag along for a support group meeting. I could not be happier for him and his family. ? As of 2 weeks ago, I'm completely off all blood pressure medication. 120 over 80 - consistently. And for extra bonus points, I no longer have to shell out a hundred bucks every 2 months for a bottle of 100 mg Toprol XL. (Cool... now, what can I spend an extra $50 bucks a month on?) ? I know that, considering the fact that my big 5K charity run is still about 6 weeks away, this is gonna sound weird, but, being able to run a full 5K is already becoming boring for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that I can do it and I'm still looking forward to the event... but, a week or two ago, I started looking for a new fitness goal. It didn't take me long to find one. At the end of July, I'll be competing in the New Jersey State Triathlon. 500 meter swim / 13.5 mile bike / 5K run - in that order, one right after the other. The running part has already been addressed, my bike is now at the local shop getting a tune-up and new road tires, and thankfully, my gym's got a great big pool for doing laps. I've got a meeting with my trainer on Thursday night, and he'll help me put together a reasonable training schedule. It's only 10 months away... whoa, I'd better get crackin'. ? This past Sunday, a great group of post-ops, pre-ops, family and friends got together for a nice 3 mile walk on the boardwalk. It wasn't sanctioned by any national organization, we didn't raise any money, and we didn't get any mention in the local papers. The walk was a breeze for some folks and harder for some others. But, we all did it together for the camaraderie and just for the health of it. My sincere thanks to all of my friends who were there to share the experience with me and my family. So, that taps me out for today. Lastly, let me express my gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to e-mail me directly or post such positive responses regarding these board contributions. I'd probably still post even if the responses were negative... but, I'm glad that they're not. Be Well, A.J.

Hey sweetie -- you know where I fit in -- definately love your posts -- and you! It was great on Sunday -- Thanks again for the t-shirts. I really enjoyed chatting with your Melissa and getting to know her a bit better -- you're a lucky guy! I was gratified by the turn out we had for our "walk" and for all the supportive family members who also came to join and support us too! Also, as you know, I have done "your help somebody" twice already with positive results. On Saturday, I once again bit the bullet and approached someone, and she has now asked to come to a meeting to ask more questions. We'll see. See you on the 6th! Hugs, Nannette

and your METS clinched the division!!!!! and where and when do we send donations for the 5K walk/run?? congrats to everyone who did the walk on the boardwalk!! it must have been a great time!! ross and i will be there next year!!!!!!! this saturday we are doing the Autism walk in philly -- i need someone to drag my ass down the streets a triathalon????? are you crazy???? you lose your mind????? i'll go and cheer you on!! wonder if the Hoyt team from MA will be there????? i'll have to check it out father & son team who do a bunch of marathons and triathalons all over the nation -- son has Cerebal Palsy and other problems -- the father pushes him and carries him and has a special boat to swim with and a special bike too -- VERY inspirational family good luck AJ Roberta i always look foward to your writings