My Vacation

I haven’t had a vacation in several years. This is the first one where I was able to do things that I wasn’t able to do when I was 357 Pounds.

Let me step back by saying that I had every attention of going off plan. I even tried to create sufficient buffer room so I could splurge. And splurge I did.

I actually hit Onderland a couple of days prior to going on vacation. I weighed in at 199.5 Lbs on the day that I left.  I created a ten pound buffer so that I wouldn’t go that far over goal.

Today I weighed in at 205.5 Lbs.  That means that I only gained 6 pounds (still at the botom of my goal range). I must say that I’m happy considering the way I ate.  I started off doing protein first but by the 3^rd day of the cruise that all went to hell. I was constantly grazing all day on carb loaded, sugar filled foods ie cakes, donuts, Ice Cream, etc.

My only saving grace was that the ship had a wonderful fitness center. I did about ½ hour of cardio every day.

So if I didn’t mention it; took the family on a cruise. My Mother and Mother-In-Law also joined us. Went on the biggest ship I could find, Oasis of the Seas. The ship is like a floating city. I did the Rock Climbing Wall, Zip Line, Flow Rider (Surfing) all kind of fun physical activities. Here’s a few Pics: http://www.obesityhelp.com/myoh/photos/752215/Vacation-2011/Surfing-on-the-Flow-Rider/#photo.

I have to admit that when I saw how high the zip line was, with no safety net; I backed out at first. My twelve year old son went. For the next two days I had to listen to how I punked out. I had to defend my honor and regal role as super dad and was shamed into going through with it. I have to admit it was very fun.

My Mother lives in Florida and met us at the ship. I haven't seen her in about 8 months. She said that she didn't recognize me. She made a big deal about it. She actually felt bad that she didn't recognize her own son. She then said she didn't like the way I looked. After a couple of days together she said she got used to the new me and that she thought I looked good. She also added that I shouldn't lose any more weight and that I should try to build more muscle. I agree with her.

As a NSV I was able to walk around and go shopping in all ports  without fear of sweating like a stuck pig. I’ve notice that I can tolerate the heat much better than I did 160 pounds ago. I’ve notice that I barely sweat now. 

I’m back on plan now. And I’ve decided that Onderland is not for me. I’m going to focus on weight training and building muscle. Therefore I guess I’ll put on some healthy muscular weight.

Good for you Mike!  I'm sure it was  the vacation of a lifetime and you enjoyed it more than any vacation you have ever taken, or will take again.  Mainly because you were able to realize the enjoyment for the first time in so long!

Congratulations for getting right back on track.  My DH and I are going to take a road trip in November, hitting 13 states in 14 days.  I'm a little worried about how I'll handle the food issue. 

 Sounds like you had a wonderful time and the pictures look amazing!! 

 It looks like a wonderful vacation and you look TERRIFIC!  Congratulations and I'm glad you had a good time!

 
Right on Mikey !!!!

Livin Large !!!

frisco

Sounds like you had an amazing time! How wonderful!

and surfing looks amazing. One of my friends is crusing on that same ship in Oct. I'll have to tell her how much she has to look forward to. :)

You are AWESOME "dude" and yes time to build muscle!!

Great picture and great post on a well deserved vacation. It really brings home how life changing this surgery can be. You are such a great example of how to do it right. Keep reporting. And take more frequent vacations!!!   Diane