Day 175 Turns Out, I Like Booths and One Life, Two Parts

Day 175

Turns Out, I Like Booths and One Life, Two Parts

I'll never forget 176 days ago. On that cool September morning I was with my daughter in Weatherford looking for a place to have breakfast. We weren't looking for a place with the best food or atmosphere, no, on that day, with me weighing 505 pounds, our main concern was finding a place with “fat friendly” seating. Booths were definitely out of the question and chairs with narrow arms, forget it. I spotted Jerry's, a historic diner with a history dating back to 1966, but Amber quickly informed me “Uh, Dad, they only have booths and fixed seats at the counter.” OK then, Jerry's was out. What about... “uh, no...chairs with arms.” OK, then what about that... “booths again daddy.” How do fat people eat out in Weatherford? We settled on a place that day that was unknown to the both of us. Our plan was simple: Go in, scan the dining room for fat friendly seating, if it was good we'd enjoy a meal, if not, we would turn around and walk out. I really thought we would end up in a drive through lane and eating in the vehicle, but The Mark had chairs without arms, and a breakfast buffet! We had hit the jackpot! Fat friendly seating and a buffet? I remember thinking, “so this is where all the fat people in Weatherford eat.”
Now, fast forward 176 days later, it's day 175 and once again I'm in Weatherford with Amber, and we're looking for a place to eat breakfast at three in the afternoon! We decided on Jerry's without any hesitation whatsoever. We walked in, went straight to a booth and sat down. I had a good three inches or more between me and the table. I not only fit, I had room to spare! It's amazing the difference losing nearly 130 pounds so far has made. We enjoyed breakfast without any seating discomfort, and that's an awesome thing. If you've never had any trouble fitting in seats, it might be hard to relate to the joy I felt today. It was incredibly enjoyable.

After our mid-afternoon breakfast, we decided our fun wasn't about to end just yet. Amber had a couple of free bowling passes they gave her at SWOSU, and by golly we were going to use 'em. We hardly ever went bowling when Amber was little because daddy didn't want to mess with taking off, then putting on, then taking off, then putting on the shoes! At over 500 pounds, just taking off and putting on shoes becomes a workout pure and simple. If an activity requires shoe removal, we just didn't do it. But not today, we were going bowling by golly. I'm a really bad bowler. The kids a couple of lanes down from us couldn't have been more than 6 years old and they were beating me! Of course I wasn't kiddy bowling with bumpers, but maybe I should have been. Amber beat me without trouble 64 to 56. It wasn't pretty, but it sure was fun, and I guess it counted for some exercise, right? The shoes were not even the slightest trouble at all. I didn't even have to ask Amber to tie them. I easily tied them like anyone else. Isn't it amazing how something so little is such a big deal? I love results! And the results we benefited from today made it a wonderful Sunday indeed.

I arrived back in Stillwater by 7:45pm, to meet up with Irene and Courtney at grandmas house for a brief visit with Kelli, my mom, Keith, and grandma. Kelli had found some more old pictures. I've posted one below with my late grandfather. Grandpa never really had a weight problem, he worked too hard his entire life to have one. As a kid he would work in the fields for a dollar a day. He was paid once a week and gave most of that money to his parents so they could help make ends meet, keeping back just enough for a candy bar, a soda pop, and a trip to the local picture show. His work ethic was rock solid his entire life, as was his integrity. I've never known a more honest man than my grandpa. He found joy in the most simple of activities, like eating an apple and watching baseball. He loved baseball. I always wondered if that was his dream as a child, to be a ball player. He could have done it and well I'm sure, but he had to work, and when World War 2 started, he had to defend his country in the Pacific Ocean aboard a battleship. We lost grandpa a while back. He was always very concerned about my weight, and I know that if he were here today, he'd be proud of the progress I've made and where I'm headed. I still can't get over the amazing difference in my appearance so far. My face was so huge back then!

I realized today that my life will forever be divided into two sections. My life before September 15th, 2008 and my life after. Many people have their memories divided like this. Normally it's a result of a tragic accident or major illness. Somehow I knew that after September 15th, my life would never be the same. This transformation period has been an incredible journey and I know it just gets better from here. When the transformation is complete, I hope to spend the rest of my days motivating and inspiring people to change their lives too. One life, two parts, completely opposite each other. It's hard to imagine feeling any better about this. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean


Grandpa and Me

Day 174 Burnin' Fat and Bustin' Caps with Amber

Day 174

Burnin’ Fat and Bustin’ Caps with Amber

What a fantastic Saturday. I traveled to Weatherford/Thomas alone today to spend some quality time with my oldest daughter Amber. We never do that! We didn’t know exactly what we were going to do, but we wanted to do something we’ve never done before, we wanted to have plenty of time to talk, and we wanted to enjoy a nice dinner together. We did all three and then some! One of the important reasons I started this daily blog, was to connect with Amber during her freshman year at SWOSU. I wanted to motivate and inspire her. I wanted to take her under my wing, hold her hand, and walk her out of the dark forest of obesity that I so carelessly led her into as a child. Is it guilt? In its purest form. Her entire life I taught her and showed her examples of how to become fat. A child only knows what they’re taught. And we’re responsible for making sure the influence and instruction, our example, is positive. The eating habits and complete lack of activity has taken it’s toll on all of us. So I feel a tremendous responsibilty to show my family that there is a way to get down to our ideal weight, stay there, and become healthier and happier than we’ve ever been. If you’re reading this blog, and you’re not related to me, consider yourself an honorary family member. Courtney has become my little workout partner and a fine student to everything I’m doing. Not being able to have that day to day contact and influence on Amber can’t be replaced with a few paragraphs on a computer screen. So I really needed this trip today, as much or more than Amber. Amber’s lost over 50 pounds since the beginning of the fall semester and now all of her clothes are loose. She’s doing fantastic, and I couldn’t be more proud. She fully understands that a life of obesity is a short road full of heartache, leading straight to an abrupt dead end, and that’s not what Irene and I, or any parent, would want for their kid. We want her to break free and realize all the positive effects of losing weight, getting in shape, and feeling better than ever. It’s much more than just fitting into a pair of jeans we’ve always wanted to wear. The positive effects of a journey like this touches everything we do. It changes our outlook, it makes possible things we were convinced impossible. And that positive energy spreads like wildfire through that “forest of obesity.” Amber is getting out of there and burnin’ it down my friend.

In our excellent adventure, we wanted to do something we had never done together, or otherwise. We decided that we should realease some aggression and fire a real handgun. First of all, I don’t like guns. Never have, probably never will. I don’t own one, I’ve never wanted one, and I don’t plan on owning one ever. I doubt that will change. And it’s not the guns that make me nervous, it’s the people holding them. Ok, it’s the guns too. My extreme caution tonight at the gun range might have been comical to some, but I wasn’t trying to be. We handled that gun like the entire world depended on it’s safety and containment. Like it was some kind of global threat that we were responsible for keeping in check. After careful instruction on how to load the ten round clip, and some basic safety precautions, we made our way onto the range with the biggest, well, the only gun we’ve ever handled, a powerful and rugged looking .22 pistol with a clip, just like in the movies! As soon as we walked in the range area we were startled by what must have been a cannon firing in bay number 7. That gun had a blast that you felt vibrate in your bones. We jumped like scared little rabbits, then gave each other a look of “should we really be here?” But we had come this far, so we made our way into bay number 12 and loaded up, still jumping everytime Dirty Harry in bay 7 jerked his iron. We must have provided some comic relief to every gun enthusiast on the range. Because they weren’t jumping at all. After fumbling with the bullets, and treating each one like it could “go off” any second like a short-fast fuse on a firecracker, we were fully loaded and ready. Then, we busted some caps! It was amazing! After squeezing off the first clip full, our nerves were gone, and we settled in and enjoyed the experience. After 100 rounds, I’m still not convinced I’ll ever own one, but it was certainly an experience Amber and I will never forget as long as we live. Look for a special “On The Go” bonus video blog on Day 175. It’ll feature videos of our experience tonight.

Before we ever made it to the gun range in Oklahoma City, we worked out on campus in the newly constructed, state of the art wellness center. What an amazing facility. It was a great time, and the perfect start to a fantastic evening.

We decided on dining at The Olive Garden. Amber has watched the commercials her entire life, but had never made a trip. How do we go to that place and still stay within range of our calorie budget? It’s simple really. First of all, the food was secondary to our conversation and overall enjoyment of being together. Before September 15th it would have been a completely different approach. Had we made the trip back then, it would have been all about the unlimited breadsticks and eating the biggest and most incredible amount of pasta ever. We would have talked about how we were going to “destroy” that place with a ferocious appetite all the way to the front doors. But it was different tonight. We decided it was our dining destination, and we could handle it responsibly. The first thing we did was ask for water and a nutrition guide. I wanted to know exactly what we were dealing with here. Turns out, they only have calorie counts for a select few dishes, because the numbers on some of the others would probably be embarrassing to print. My strategy for this place was pretty simple: Very little bread, plenty of water, a pasta dish with a tomato based sauce in a lunch size portion, instead of the grand dinner version, a sauce flavored with spices, not sugars, and some soup. I discovered the Minestrone had only 100 calories for a serving, and the Linguine alla Marinara only contained 310. The stuffed mushrooms were a mystery really, so I only had two of them, and over estimated the calories at 60 each, they were pretty small, 60 sounds right. When I don’t know for sure, I’m really careful. I felt 60 calories was an over estimate, but just in case I was completely off on this one, I only had two very small. Amber even convinced me to try a bite of salad. I’ve never been a salad person. You know me, I’m a meat and potato kind of guy all the way. Someone asked me once… “Sean, how do you ever expect to lose weight if you don’t eat salads?” Uh, well, I think I’ve done a pretty good job at disproving the “must eat salads to lose weight” theory. I’m just a real nutcase when it comes to salad, ask Irene, she’ll tell you all about it. I like tomatoes, I love them individually or on a burger or taco or in a wrap with grilled chicken. I like lettuce, in tacos, on burgers, in wraps, and a variety of other ways. I love onions, I love black olives, and a number of other ingredients you can put in a salad. But for some reason, when you put them all together in a salad, it changes something for me. All of a sudden I don’t like it. Isn’t that strange? I did take a bite, for Amber, but I didn’t want to…and it was good! I’m not doing it all the time, but it was completely doable every once in a while, I think.

After dinner we visited a place I haven’t taken Amber since she was five years old. Celebration Station. We were planning on riding go-carts. But decided against it when we discovered the cost for us would be 13.00 dollars every three minutes. What? People pay this??? Do they use actual racing fuel and have full time pit crews or something? Geminee! We wanted to see if I could fit in one, and someday when we’re feeling like getting totally swindled, we’ll head back with a sack full of cash and ride like children! We did notice something really disturbing. They had “slot” machines that dispensed tickets instead of money. But the concept was the same as real slot machines. They certainly looked real. I was shocked that they would include something like this in an enviroment for children. Maybe the company that owns Celebration Station also owns casinos, and they just want to start the conditioning early. Crazy, if you ask me.

By the time the night was over, we had accomplished all we had set out to do, and we were completely spent. Although the date and time on this entry reflects Saturday, you know that it’s Sunday already and the sun is shining. Only once before in all 174 days have I had to wait until the next day to post my blog. Last night was the second. I couldn’t function properly, I was that tired. No way could I have conveyed anything in the proper way in that condition. I needed rest to write. And I got it, a little more than I wanted, but maybe it was needed. Thank you for reading everyday. If you missed having it available this morning, my apologies, I’m sure you understand. Have a fantastic Sunday, good day and…

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 173 A Special Message and Regulating The Passionate Flow

Day 173

A Special Message and Regulating The Passionate Flow

Today was a special day for me. It was an extremely busy morning show, a fairly busy production day, and a hectic rush this Friday afternoon to get everything else done I needed to do before my weekend could officially start. And right in the middle of it I sat frozen in front of the computer for what felt like an hour, maybe it was only thirty minutes, but it felt much longer. I'll get to why in a moment. First of all let me tell you this: As a kid I remember watching TV with my mom, and really getting into a particular exercise show. It was hosted by someone that could relate to me. Someone who's childhood story was similar, if for nothing else, we were both obese kids. I remember at a young age recognizing the sincerity and realness this man presented every time he was on. Later, as an adult, I would watch his infomercials and really connect with the stories that were told. He has been an inspiration to millions over the years, and I've always had a deep respect and admiration for him and his commitment to helping others. There's nothing fake about this guy. When you see him, it's him 100%. Do I know him personally? No, not at all. But you can tell he's sincere as they come. He's devoted his entire life to motivating and inspiring overweight people around the world. And today he gave me a boost like no other when he sent me a personal e-mail. I'm not going to share the contents of the message here, because it was personal, from him to me, but I'll tell you this. Reading Richard Simmons e-mail over and over motivated me even more, and I didn't think I could get more motivated than I am already. I look up to him like you wouldn't believe, and as I get closer and closer to my weight goal, and closer and closer to my goal of telling my story and motivating people with an inspirational message on a full time basis, I'll always be thinking of him, always striving to reach a bar that has been set so wonderfully high, because Richard is unmatched.

I ran into several people tonight at a fund raiser who noticed and complimented me on my success so far. Sometimes I have to make myself stop talking about the wonderful things I've learned along this journey. It's really hard, because it's become such a passion in my life, but once I get started, I just can't seem to stop the enthusiasm. I had at least three unplanned fifteen minute or longer conversations today on the subject. Now if they're genuinely interested and they're truly listening and they keep asking questions, then alright, and that certainly was the case with those instances...I hope...but I don't want to ever be the person every one avoids at functions, whispering warnings to each other like “whatever you do, don't mention losing weight, exercising, getting healthy, anything to do with calories, or the power of a decision, 'cause he'll talk you into the early morning if you do!” Sometimes, in most situations, less is more. Like tonight, after someone would comment on the dramatic difference in my appearance, I would say thank you, try to keep my words brief, then mention this blog address. If they're really interested, they'll look it up and read, and then the blog relays my enthusiasm for me, without me sounding obsessed by going on and on and on and on. I can afford to have a quiet confidence about me. I have nothing to prove or convince anyone of, my results thus far combined with my written record and audio/video record handles that just fine. Now of course, there's a time and place, right? Next Thursday night at the Hutchins Auditorium I'll be sharing my story and message for about 45 minutes and I'll enjoy every minute of the experience, I hope you will too!

With the schedule packed so tight today and this evening, I knew that my workout would be on the trail in the late evening hours. And that's fine, because the walking trail never closes. As I walked I listened to my favorite upbeat-motivational songs and really was getting into a zone when a fellow walker grabbed my attention. With a fantastic smile on his face, he told me how much he and his wife enjoyed my talk on the 19th at the hospital, and that he listens every morning to my radio show. He told me that he has bad knees, but is out there slowly doing what he can to improve his health anyway, because “no excuses” right? Did I say that? Wow, it sounds so strange that I would embrace something like that, considering that I was a champion excuse maker my entire life, yes sir, held titles in excuse making right up until 173 days ago. And I never had legitimate excuses like bad knees or breathing difficulties. My excuses were along the lines of “I don't feeeeel gooood” or “I'm too stressed out to workout and watch what I eat” or “I've got my favorite TV show coming on, a giant bowl of ice cream, and a couch with my name on it.” It was a pleasure to stop for a short 30 seconds or so to chat with him, and then we were both back at it, moving as best we could in our workout efforts. If you ever see me working out, and you say something and I don't respond, please understand I'm not being rude or anti-social, I just can't hear you. I listen to my tunes loud, probably too loud. When people sometimes go to the walking trail with us, I have to warn them ahead of time that we don't really “visit” while we walk. We started out doing that, but quickly realized that we weren't getting the best workout that way. We're there to work hard and sweat, and that means each of us walking at a pace that gives us the best workout. And that's different with everyone. We've had walking trips where we didn't see or talk to our walking company the entire time. Just ask my cousin Debbie. When Deb joined us for the Anderson Family Christmas Day 5K, she basically walked it alone. Her pace was so far advanced, she finished at least 15 minutes ahead of the rest of us. Had she stayed behind to visit, her workout value would have been dramatically decreased. We never go to visit, we go to workout!

Tomorrow I'm traveling to see Amber by myself. We're going to have so much fun daddy/daughter time together! And tomorrow afternoon I'll finally get a chance to workout in that state of the art wellness center on her campus. I'm looking forward to that! I'll be blogging from the road tomorrow night. Until then, good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 172 Burning Through Another Belt and Making A Good Choice at An Unlikely Place

Day 172

Burning Through Another Belt and Making A Good Choice at An Unlikely Place

When you're being consistent with your lower calories and exercise every single day, the results come rolling in an unstoppable wave of triumph! Almost everyday I see and feel progress. On Valentines Day, one of the very thoughtful gifts Irene gave me was a new belt. This belt is special to me for a few important reasons. First of all, it was a gift from my lovely wife. Second, it was purchased at a regular store a mile from my house, instead of a Big and Tall Emporium nearly 100 miles away. And third, it fit! It only fit on the first notch, but hey! That's cool! It fit!!! Over the course of the last few weeks, I've had to adjust down a notch every now and then. Today I noticed that in order to keep these now over-sized Levi's from falling to the floor, or at least keep me from pulling them up every couple of minutes, I had to use the fourth notch. The belt only has five holes! I'm on the fourth hole! You might be thinking, “Sean really needs help for his excessive Exclamation Point habit!!!!” But I can't help but to exclaim my friend! Soon, I'll have to get a new belt, hey, our 20th anniversary is April 16th, maybe I'll get a new belt then! I think I may need that gift early. Want more results talk? Ok, check this out: Remember me telling you that I bought a pair of size 48 waist jeans while in Oklahoma City a couple of Saturdays ago? I knew they probably wouldn't fit just yet, and I was right. Almost, but I just couldn't bring the button hole and the button together. I needed an inch or two. I tried to put them on as soon as I got home that day, but after turning every shade of red, sweating, and breathing hard, basically getting a bonus workout, I quickly realized it would have to wait a few weeks to happen. Well, just the other day I put them on, and pardon me if I've already shared this story, I can't remember if I have or not. But I did it! What all of my strength while laying flat on the bed couldn't accomplish on February 21st, I accomplished just the other day. The button hole and button embraced each other in the most reluctant way. They were extremely tight, looking like they couldn't stand being together for very long. I quickly realized that there's a difference in fitting and really fitting. I fit in those 48's, but until I can wear them comfortably, without suffering internal injuries, they'll remain in time out, waiting for the moment that button hole and hole can stay together in peace and comfortable harmony. Give me two weeks.

Cathy Cole with the “Lose To Win” program at Ponca City Medical Center called today and asked me to briefly speak after Melissa Walden's presentation at the next “Lose To Win” free seminar at the Hutchins on Tuesday the 10th. She then asked if I could do a full length presentation at the event on Thursday the 12th inside the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. Is it impolite to say yes before the person finishes their...? Yes! I'll do it. I'm looking forward to sharing more of my story and “secrets” and “tricks” that are neither secret or tricky, but have helped me stay on track so faithfully for the last 172 days. I hope you'll be there for both wonderful nights. If you're reading this blog from hundreds or maybe thousands of miles away, then I'll be sure to have the video from my full length presentation processed, edited into 10 minute segments, uploaded, and posted in a “Bonus Video Blog” within a week or so after the event.

Tonight I enjoyed dinner from a place that I have made a point to avoid at all cost over the last six months. That may sound strange coming from me, “Mr. I can handle any restaurant you throw my way,” But when a restaurant has little to zero good choices, I have no choice but to pass. Until recently, Long John Silvers was on my short list of restaurants to avoid no matter what. But with the addition of their “Freshside Grill” items, they've earned back my occasional business. Before, when I apparently couldn't care less, let me re-phrase that...Before, when I really cared, but was hopelessly and completely out of control, I could easily tear through a couple of thousand calories at LJS in one meal. 172 Days ago, I decided that their menu no longer had anything to offer me that I could honestly consider a “good calorie value.” Well, tonight I enjoyed the grilled tilapia with seasoned rice and a corn on the cob instead of the steamed veggies. Had I stuck with the steamed veggies, the entire meal would have been 350 calories, but choosing the corn made it increase by 65 calories. Still, it was a fantastic flavorful meal, very filling, and under 450 calories! I just go with the smallest size available, the “lunch size” if you will. That's the 350 calorie version, and it cost much less. The “platter” cost about three bucks more and comes with much more rice, like 190 calories more rice, and a big bread stick. I don't have any use for either of those platter extras, so it doesn't make sense to pay for them. Now you listen here Long John Silvers executives, this is the only free advertising you're getting! If you want to make me the “Jared” of LJS, then call my agent, oh wait...I don't have an agent, not yet anyway. ;)

Our workout tonight was outside in this wonderfully warm weather. We opted for the walking trail this evening. It's not much of a challenge to just walk the Hutchins Trail. I really have to concentrate on pushing myself hard when I'm out there. So different from 172 days ago. Back then I had to push myself to just get out of my vehicle, then I would agonize through not even a quarter mile before I thought I would surely die from exhaustion right along side the historic Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. I couldn't have imagined back then that just under six months later, I'd not only be power walking the entire trail with ease, but I'd be inside the same auditorium I once struggled to circle at 505 pounds, delivering a presentation for hundreds that aims to motivate and inspire. What a comeback! I'm so proud and excited. And I mustn't ever forget how fortunate I am to have an opportunity like this. I have many blessings that deserve my most sincere thanks every single day. Thank you for reading my daily blog. Your support makes this journey the sweetest it can be. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean


This late night “snack” looks more like a perfect lunch or dinner, but at only 140 calories for the sandwich and 100 calories for the soup, why not?

Day 171 Seven More Record Setting Pounds and Stopping An Emotionally Triggered Craving

Day 171

Seven More Record Setting Pounds and Stopping An Emotionally Triggered Craving

After the record setting weigh day two weeks ago, I have to admit I was ready for another big one today. It was good, just not as much as last time, and that's OK! When I arrived at the Payne County Health Department for the official weigh in, a nice lady at the front desk said “hey, Sean Anderson!” Turns out, she lives in Ponca City, works there in Stillwater, and she's a “Lose To Win” participant! Very cool indeed. I weighed in Monday for the “Lose To Win” competition, and was down 5 pounds, bringing my total lost at that point to 124. Today I had lost 2 more pounds, for a total of 7 pounds for this two week period. I weighed 379 today! I'm thrilled with the progress! I've lost 126 pounds in 171 days! It just keeps getting better and better. And since I've surpassed the 115 lost mark, you know that every pound is a new personal weight loss record. That's right! I'm setting a record with every single pound I lose. I honestly don't know if I ever imagined feeling this good. What will it be like 149 pounds from now at 230? I can't wait to find out. Weigh day always has the potential to be frustrating. I've been doing basically the same routine as the last two week period, but instead of 13 like last time, or even 10, I lost only 7 pounds. It's OK. Why? Because I know that our weight can be tricky. Perhaps I had a little more water retention going on, maybe I needed to use the restroom, uh, you know what I'm talking about. Maybe last time was 7 or 8 pounds of fat and the rest fluids, and this time was just 7 pounds of solid fat. Who knows. It doesn't matter anyway. The weight is coming off at a very nice pace. I'm completely prepared for when it slows down. Especially later, when I start adding lean muscle with weight training. The bottom line is this: I've changed my habits and my lifestyle. I'm doing it physically and mentally everyday. We can't stop time, it keeps moving regardless of what we do. So I can't help but get to where I'm going on this journey with good graces and time. I just have to keep on learning and doing what I've been doing and I need to be patient! Every night when I lay down for rest, I do it knowing that I've done extremely well that day. This is imperative to my success. When I lay down for the night, I have no regrets from that days performance, and that lets me know I'm on the right track. So whatever the scales say, let 'em say it, because God willing, nothing will keep me from reaching the goals I have in plain sight. And a weigh day with great results, that's still a little short from what I wanted and expected, is fine. This is when I have to tell myself to “get over it already, geez.” There are people like me 171 days ago who would love to be where I am right now. I'm extremely blessed, and I'll never forget that!

If you think that I never have a weak moment, you would be highly mistaken! After I weighed in today, I headed straight for McDonalds! I was after a low fat vanilla ice cream cone for 150 calories. That's it. A fine choice indeed. As I waited for my turn at the menu, I was sitting there analyzing and basically driving myself nuts trying to figure out why the number lost this time wasn't at least 10. I wanted 10, and didn't get what I wanted! So I was a tad bit irritable. Then I noticed the most beautiful picture of a Filet-O-Fish Sandwich. Just in case I haven't shared this about myself, and I can't imagine that, but just in case you didn't know, I LOVE McDonalds Filet-O-Fish. It might not be the biggest fish sandwich in the world and certainly not the fanciest, but it's hands down my favorite. It's the bun that makes this sandwich so good. It's different from any other bun they use at McDonalds...and it's steamed soft. The soft, warm, moist bun, coupled with the tarter sauce and a not too crispy filet, oh, and the cheese, make for a flavor combination unmatched by any other fish sandwich in the world. It's funny, but when I enjoy a fish sandwich anywhere else, I never have cheese on it, but somehow at McDonalds, it just wouldn't taste the same without that small piece of cheese. When it was finally my turn to order I stuck with the plan “one ice cream cone please.” Until the cashier asked “Would you like a delicious Filet-O-Fish sandwich with that?” I'm kidding, she didn't ask that. But she did ask if I wanted anything else and I said “Uh, sure, give me a Filet-O-Fish.” I was fully aware that the extra 380 calories wouldn't break me calorie wise, but it would leave me eating a smaller dinner later, and maybe would lead to me cutting out a snack. Why don't they ask “Do you need anything else?” Instead, “do you “want” anything else,” begged for an honest answer. Lucky for me I had a few cars ahead of me. It gave me time to think about the decision I had just made. This is an important mental exercise. I had to ask myself why I was choosing such a poor calorie value at 3:20 in the afternoon. I had breakfast, lunch, and a snack already, so it wasn't like I was hungry or feeling deprived. I know that I'll have another Filet-O-Fish one of these days, but did I really want to spend 530 calories for the ice cream and the fish during this trip to the Golden Arches? Why would I do that? Because I was being a little frustrated baby about getting down to 379 instead of 376? That's crazy. I didn't need that fish sandwich, and I knew it. Could my calorie budget afford it? Yes, but it wasn't a good “calorie value” for me today. And I'm learning how to not let my emotions influence me into bad choices. So I arrived at the window and told the young girl to take off the fish. “But I already rung it up.” Did she just say that? Yes, yes she did. I calmly replied with a smile “I'm sorry, but I only want the ice cream.” Because you see my friend, I “already rung it up” too, and it didn't make any sense at all. It was a snap decision influenced by slick photo marketing at the menu and my emotions, and mostly my emotions. Mental exercises are so critical to my success, as critical, even more critical than the physical exercises.

I heard from Mark recently. Mark is “that guy” you've read about, or heard me speak of at the kick-off event for “Lose To Win.” He's developed a weight training routine for me and the next time he's there, I will be too, watching, listening, learning, and doing. I took my notebook and pen to the YMCA tonight just in case he was there. It's so incredibly nice of him to help me like this. He strikes me as an extremely busy career and family man, who probably doesn't have a lot of time to do nice things like this for people. I'm so incredibly grateful he's taking the time to help me. Dr. Amy at the Ranch Wellness Center is another person who is helping me. We plan on meeting her next week one evening at the Y, where she'll show Courtney and me, and hopefully Irene if her schedule allows, a technique to get the absolute most out of our cardio workout. With the “Lose To Win” experts assembled by the hospital, including Registered Dietitian Sandy Gifford, Fitness and Life Coach Melissa Walden, and many others I'll hear from with everyone else participating throughout the “Lose To Win” Seminars, plus Mark and Dr. Amy in my corner, I feel like I can't go wrong! I've heard that one of the important secrets to success is to surround yourself with great people. I'm surrounded my friend. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 170 "Your weight loss is good, but have you tried what my Aunt Louwanda did?"

Day 170

“Your weight loss is good, but have you tried what my Aunt Louwanda did?”

It doesn't matter how many times it happens, I never get tired of hearing someone say, “hey, you've lost a bunch of weight, huh?” Today I stopped into a convenience store to pay for my gas when this very thing happened again. It was a convenience store I use to frequent all the time when we lived in our old house, but since we moved across town, it's just not convenient anymore. And when a convenience store stops being convenient, that's when I stop going there. We moved last June, and since then I've probably darkened that doorway twice. Right when I walked in today, I was greeted with “Wow, you've lost a bunch of weight!” I told the clerk, “yes...over 120 pounds so far!” And then the question came. “How are you doing it?” It's amazing how this question is always the first question 99.9% of the time. I understand it's a human nature thing. It's so ingrained in our minds that losing weight must be a “secret,” or some kind of magical mystery code cracked, or it must be some amazing new weight loss pill or program. Sometimes people look genuinely disappointed when I tell them “I'm eating smaller portions, counting calories, drinking plenty of water, and exercising.” I've even had people hear me say that, and then they'll still suggest or tout a product, pill, or program that “my Aunt Louwanda lost 57 pounds on.” I'm usually in too much of a hurry to debate the reasons why my plan is better, so I just nod and smile, and say thank you. Unless I feel like I could help that person by taking the time to explain the “secret,” and how it's really not a “secret” at all. If I said it once, I've said it a million times in this blog. You can lose weight on just about every product and plan out there. But if it doesn't address and include real world everyday food choices, how to make better choices, and really teaches about portion control, then it's just a temporary thing. If it doesn't require a person to gain a deeper understanding of their habits and personal psychology that made them fat in the first place, then it's just a temporary thing. Whenever I hear the words “meal replacement,” as in bars or shakes, I just have to “shake” my head and “pound” the bar. It's amazing to me that billion dollar companies have been built on plans that include “meal replacement” products. I don't know about you, but I like real food. I wouldn't want to eat a bar for breakfast and a shake for lunch everyday for the rest of my life. But I do plan on eating real food for the rest of my life. When the goal is met, and a person becomes another “meal replacement success,” Their success inspires others to try it, and the cycle and money machine continues to roll along. In the meantime, the first person who met their goal weight is facing real food again, and since they didn't address their old habits, they just replaced them, they go back to the same old behaviors and gain back the weight and often times more. Some might say “Sean, are you being a weight loss snob?” No way! What's right is right. And when a person stops searching for a quick fix or magic solution, or something to do it for them, and they start doing the mental exercises, confronting their habits and emotions, they start eating better and smaller portions, and they start moving again, they end up discovering that they can have success without spending a fortune on special plans or products. Now, let me say this: I've had many friends and family who have gone under the knife for weight loss surgery. I'm not talking about that in my above commentary. You ask any of them who've had it, and they'll tell you, it's not an “easy way out” by any stretch of the imagination. They have to work hard everyday at controlling their intake and managing their cravings, and they have to do it or else they suffer tremendously. I completely understand the feelings and emotions involved with making that decision. At 505 pounds, I was at the point of hopeless desperation, it's not a real fun place to be. So I empathize with anyone making that desperate decision. I looked into weight loss surgery for me at one time. The time I spent last year between June 10th (the day I was told how desperately dangerous my weight had become) and September 15th, (the day I actually started this journey) I discovered that my health insurance wouldn't pay for a surgery and I was really ready to just accept my fate of dying young and morbidly obese. Somehow I harnessed the strength to be honest with myself and confront this crazy brain of mine that somehow thought it was ok to eat a half gallon of ice cream in two settings. If you haven't read from the beginning of this blog, go back in the archives and read from Day 1...It's been a battle my friend!

Tonight we walked the trail for a “hard” two miles before the big “Lose To Win” Seminar. My goal for the last ½ mile was to increase my pace enough to catch up with my wife and daughter. As we got closer and closer to being done, I realized the only way to catch them was to...brace yourself...jog! If you've been a regular reader, you know I've been very careful not to do anything I think may be dangerous or hurt me in some way. So it took a lot to make myself try this again. The last time I tried to jog was during the Anderson Family Christmas Day 5K, and back then I spent the next mile trying to recover. Tonight was different. I picked up my feet and did my best impression of a runner. My form was tight! I think. It felt like I was doing it properly anyway. It felt good to “run.” Well, alright, it felt good for about 30 seconds actually, but that's all it took to catch up with them before the finish line. If it would have required any more of me, I probably would have stopped short. I'm telling you, I need to make a video of me running...you might be surprised. I was arm pumping and rhythmically breathing like an athlete. To the cars driving by on 5th, I doubt that's what they were thinking... “wow, look at that athlete out there running...check out his flawless form, that's impressive.” No, it was probably more like “is that guy trying to run? Is he wearing jeans? Bless his heart. Get the video camera kids, cause he's bound to fall any second, and we could make $10,000 from a video like that!” Oh well, I don't care what other people think anymore, in my mind I was training for the Olympics!

The “Lose To Win” program seminar tonight was awesome. Registered Dietitian Sandy Gifford presented a fantastic talk about making good choices and evaluating our past behaviors and choices. She provided interesting hand-outs that really helped us follow along with what she was saying. I really enjoyed the part when she asked everyone to close our eyes and imagine a trip to our own fridge. It was a fantastic way to illustrate a wonderful point. Yolanda Trant and a couple of other Jazzercise instructors put on a wonderful demonstration on the benefits of Jazzercise. It was very interesting to watch! This program is exciting for many different reasons.

I finished the day with almost two hundred calories remaining. It's just two late for me to feel good about eating anything else, so I'll just hit the hay. I should have had an extra snack today, but didn't...that's why I'm short, no doubt. It's alright, I did have almost 1,350 calories today, that's not too little, but I still feel like I cheated myself out of a snack. Oh, don't feel sorry for me, I did have two low fat ice cream fudge bars today! In fact, another short “On The Go” video is posted about that below. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean


It's little treats like this that keep me happy, healthy, and in complete control!

Day 169 Don't Be One That Doesn't Make It

Day 169

Don't Be One That Doesn't Make It

This morning was a little bit out of the ordinary. I was doing my radio show from the campus of Ponca City Medical Center, in the Specialty Services Building, the home of the “Lose To Win” program. I arrived before 6am without breakfast. I'm so use to my routine, I have oatmeal ready to go at the studio, but as it turns out, none in our mobile station remote vehicle! It wasn't long before Cathy Cole, the director of the program, ordered a bunch of bananas...and breakfast was served. Cathy, me and my metabolism thank you! It was a special day at the “Lose To Win” headquarters. On the 19th of February over 400 packed the standing room only kick-off event, but today the word had spread, the positive energy of this program is contagious, because when I talked to Cathy this evening...Over 700 were signed up, weighed-in, and ready to make a change for themselves. Isn't that incredible? What an amazing feeling it is to be a part of such a wonderful, potentially life changing program that is poised to touch so many lives. It would be naive of me to think that all 700+ people will embrace positive changes and really commit to losing weight and getting healthy. But, even if 500 do...That's 500 stories to inspire potentially thousands, that's thousands of lives of loved ones effected by that family members success and better health, that's 500 people working, laughing, loving, and living with an entirely new outlook and zeal for life. The positive effects potential generated through this program is almost impossible to calculate. I can't wait to speak again at a meeting coming soon. Cathy has asked me to speak again for one, maybe two more events over the program duration at the big Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. Something big is happening around here my friend, I so wish you could be here to witness the energy.

So if you are around these parts and lucky enough to be participating, how do you keep from becoming one of the many destined to drop out of the challenge? I have to go back to my first days nearly six months ago. Every day was a struggle. Some of the things that kept me going: My motivating thoughts were key in the beginning, they're still key everyday. I constantly thought about the importance of what I was doing. To me, at over 500 pounds, it was a life or early death decision. Maybe it isn't that dramatic for you, perhaps you need to lose 20 to 30 pounds. Even with smaller amounts, you have to make the importance level and the motivation almost over-dramatic. If you don't, it's too easy to say “Oh well, it's not that big of a deal.” You need to make it a big deal. Since I decided that I would change my entire outlook and approach to food, I knew there was nothing that I couldn't have if I wanted it, as long as it fit in my calorie budget for that day. This dynamic made it impossible for me to feel deprived. If I didn't have enough calories to enjoy that chili dog today, perhaps I can work it in tomorrow. If I really wanted a candy bar, or some kind of chocolate, then I could eat it, as long as the calories were added to that days total. Using my calories “like cash” forces me to think about my choices. Everyday I get 1,500 brand new calories to spend. I have to make good “calorie value” choices throughout the day to make sure my allotment for that day is enough to tuck me in at night without wanting of any kind. This approach was a revolutionary change for me from past attempts at losing weight. I was talking to Brandon, one of my teammates for this challenge, during our team meeting tonight. He describes eating habits exactly like I had for so many years. He mentioned how no matter how good he was on track, he was always just one double cheeseburger or stressful day away from wrecking the whole thing. Just one. I was like that too! One taste of what I was missing, or the slightest hint of stress and bam! It would be like a shark tasting blood in the water, I would immediately be done, no matter the progress I'd worked so hard to achieve, I was eating everything in sight after a taste of my old cravings, ways, and emotional habits. This dysfunctional pattern is what wrecked my impressive run in 2004 when I lost 115 pounds. Maybe you've read about it in the early archives of this blog. We had lost well over 200 pounds as a family, I had lost 115 before we decided on a little “before school starts” vacation to Kansas City. On the way out of town we discussed our strategy on vacation eating. Our strategy? Oh, uh, well....we didn't really have one. We all agreed that calorie counting and watching what we were eating was not going to be a part of our trip. That entire trip we ate whatever, whenever, and how much ever we wanted without regard to calories or the potential effects on our amazing progress. When the week was over, we never could find our “plan.” I think we left it somewhere between the concession stands at Kaufman (Royals) Stadium and the endless, hot, breakfast buffet at our hotel. Wherever we lost it, it was gone. Actually, I think it blew out of the window of our vehicle a few miles from home, somewhere along Highway 60, before we ever even reached I-35. And quickly, without exercise and portion control, the weight we had worked so hard to lose came back, and then some. You see, we weren't learning along the way. We didn't realize how important it was to really change the way we look at portions and food choices. All we were doing back then was what we knew would make us lose weight: We were eating less and exercising, but doing it without changing our minds and bad food habits. We were just suppressing those excessive bad habits long enough to achieve short term results. I don't know about you, but for me, I never want to see 400 pounds again, and 500? Forget it, never my friend, never, ever again will I abuse myself like that. That's why it's paramount to your long term success to really take advantage of the information and resources made available during this program. Don't just go through the motions needed for a temporary change, get into your brain, and re-program the way you approach food choices and portions. Read the information provided in the “Lose To Win” folder, make attending the seminars vitally important, and while you're there, listen like you're getting all the correct answers to the most important exam of your life. Develop and hold tight to your “motivating thoughts.” Is it “I want to lose 20 pounds so I can fit into my skinny jeans?” or maybe “I want to lower my blood pressure and dramatically improve my cholesterol and overall health,” or maybe you're like me... “I want to live long enough to grow old,” “I want to influence my future grandkids,” “I want to dramatically improve my marriage,” “I want to be able to enjoy life.” “I just want to be alive.” I know it sounds dramatic, but dog-gone-it, it is! And no matter the level of your motivating thoughts, they all have equal importance. Make them your passion. Embrace them at the risk of eye rolls from your friends and associates. Make this the most important thing you've ever done in life, no matter if it's 20 pounds or two hundred pounds. If you do that, and you embrace your motivators, and you realize that these mental exercises are just as important as the physical, then I guess I'll be seeing you at the “Lose To Win” awards ceremony in May. As a winner or just another participant cheering you to the podium, I'll be there...You can count on that. Remember, until you commit to the mental workouts that keep you from tripping, along side the physical ones, you're just going through the motions...and that can be completely destroyed, sometimes by something as small as a single solitary double cheeseburger. You can do this.

I'm excited for what lies ahead. The possibilities have never been greater than they are right now. I've never been so uncertain about the future, yet excited and confident it will be wonderful in whatever way it unfolds. I'm on my way to an astonishingly dramatic life change. Scary? Not even a little bit. Full of endless possibilities? Yes. And to think that these words are coming out of the mind of a person who just six months ago thought he was destined to die from obesity at a young age. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 168 Bonus Blog---A Sampling of Your Support--Reader Comments Part 1

Day 168

Bonus Blog—A Sampling of Your Incredible Support—Reader Comments Part 1

This will make about the twenty-fifth time I've said this, but when I started this blog I had only two objectives in mind. I wanted to keep myself accountable and I wanted to inspire my family to follow my lead. That's it! What started out so small has now grown into a major blessing for me and my family. I'm so grateful and extremely appreciative of every single reader this blog attracts. And since new readers are coming along everyday, I thought I would post some reader comments from both the myspace version and the “global” version. I'm just randomly selecting a few in this part 1 bonus blog. Part 2 through ??? will be posted in the future!

From Day 1 on Myspace:

I like this!! and very well written!! You can do this buddy I know you can and you will!! Just remember I am always right here all the way!!! I love you so much and I do still believe in you, I really do, I know you dont think I do but I do and I know you can do this and I am very proud of your day one and so thankful the cookie didnt win!!!
love always and forever,
your buddy
Posted by ♥sugar♥ on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 7:06 AM

GOOD JOB DADDY!
I am so proud of you. I know you can do this! You have done it before...but this time we are going to stay on track, and get to our goal weights because it WILL make us much more HAPPIER. I haven't been doing too great on my cal. counting...but after reading this..it makes me want to do better. I still need to work out today...because I didn't yesterday. Reading this does motivate me! I hope you keep up the writing in this blog...I think it will help me too....reading about you!
I love you so much daddy.
We are going to all feel much better getting the weight off.
I miss you like crazy.
Love your proud daughter,
Amber
Posted by ♥ amber ♥ on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 1:52 PM

Day 1 from “Global” version:
(not actually posted on Day 1, Ginger had just discovered the blog when she wrote this wonderful comment on January 10th:)

Ginger said...
Good for you, Sean! I discovered your January 9th post and then came here to learn more about your mission and follow your progress. It will take me a while to catch up with you, but I will do my best to accomplish that. So far I am very impressed with your zeal to meet your goal. I'm still working on mustering enough motivation to take the plunge, so I find your story inspiring.
January 10, 2009 6:30 AM

From Day 2 on Myspace:

I love you buddy!!!!!! Day 2 down......
Belief makes everything possible
In order to succeed
you must first believe that you can
The only true limit
to your realization of tomorrow
will be your doubts of today
The moment you carry
the conviction of belief...
in that moment...
your dream will become reality
If you think you can
YOU CAN
Posted by ♥sugar♥ on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 2:40 AM

Sean,
This is Scott from 104.7FM The Rocket. A lot of your readers do not know this, but you and I have been friends for many years and many radio stations (TV too). I have seen you go up and down in weight, but the one thing about you that never changes is the person inside. You are such a great person, and you made a significant impact on The Rocket when you were PD here, we never looked at the physical person. Only the person who is Sean Anderson. I know this will be a turning point in your life, and like all challenges you have met ( and brother, you have met some dillies over the years) you will conquer this hurdle also. We all love you, and know you will succeed!
P.S. Please stay in touch more often, dont make me have to come over there!
Posted by The Rocket Radio Network on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 4:09 AM

Sean,
You hit the nail on the head with that "accountability" statement. After I read that, I realized that I, too, don't want to let anyone know when I am going to try to lose weight so that I will not have failed in the eyes of the ones I love the most. Or if I decide two or three days later that I don't want to do it anymore, no one is there asking me why I am eating that piece of cheesecake or drinking a pop instead of water. You are so brave for putting yourself out there like that. I know that was hard for you.
I think this is that moment in life when you just know that you know that it is time. I believe this is going to happen for you. You can and will lose this weight and keep it off. You are an incredible person with a strong personality. You have a support system like no other with Irene. She and the girls love you more than anything and they only want to see that you have the very best.
I am going to go know so that I can contemplate this accountability thing a little more. Maybe it's time that I put myself out there as well.
Love, hugs and kisses
--Rachel
Posted by Rach on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 9:17 AM

Not only does this motivate me, but I sense a little humor in there too.
I seriously love reading this...KEEP IT UP DADDY!
I can't even tell you how proud I am of you.
You will do this.
We all will.
And we will all feel so much better in every aspect of our lives.
And don't worry about the walking trail...it will get easier!
Just keep it up daddy. Don't give up.
I love you with all my heart!
And miss you very much!
xoxo
-ambeee
Posted by ♥ amber ♥ on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 10:58 AM

Daddy, your blogs are amazing!
You have such a talent to write, I really hope this blog does motivate you in every way possible. It's a very interesting blog to read that probably many enjoy.
I know I do (: Just because I don't comment every blog, or if I read it a day late does not mean I don't care about it. I see you everyday and try to support you any way I possibly can. You just got to let me, haha(: But I don't think I'm going to have to be doing much of that, you seem to be in the total right mind set. And I'm VERY proud of you daddy, I know we've been saying we need to lose weight for quite sometime, but this time it's just different.
All together as a family, we WILL lose weight.
No doubt about it(:
Keep of the good work daddy.
I love you with all my heart.
Your daughter :]
Posted by Courtney Renae on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 9:48 PM

Psychological analysis:
A person's psychology is basically a "mindset." A mindset is important because it controls our behavior, thoughts and actions. As people grow they develop habits that control their life. These habits are controlled by our subconscious and people are usually unaware of them. A person's subconscious can also hinder their weight loss efforts. the right mindset consists of using many different techniques and strategies to control your behavior by monitoring your actions and thoughts. This will help to replace your old habits with new ones that will be better for you. The reason why most people struggle to lose weight is simply because that lack the right mindset. Some people think they just lack the correct information on how to lose weight but if they had the proper motivation then they would find it. Nothing can stop someone that has a powerful mindset. People like this will always find a way not matter what obstacles they might face. People who struggle to lose weight have just formed habits over their life that have taken control of their lives and stopped them from achieving the goal of weight lose.
Getting in the right mindset is not always a challenge. Its a matter of taking your time and constantly and consciously be aware of your behavior. Some people may find that very simple others it may require a good amount of will power.
Some strategies and techniques that are easy to apply and will keep you motivated, determined and committed and make you emotionally charged and driven to succeed are:
*Write your goals down.
*Set small goals to achieve first...then go for bigger ones.(Because the best way to set a weight loss goal is to set more than one. Have one long-term goal and then break it down into smaller goals.)
*Focus on your goals everyday
*Put emotion behind your goals.
*Keep a journal.
I thought I would throw that all in there..haha since you said "my psychology major daughter" haha
I LOVE YOU DADDY!
I am so proud of you.
Sorry I am reading day 3 a little late, I just haven't been on the computer.
But I LOVE YOU.
Keep up the good work!
You are doing great.
And you will continue to keep doing great because you now are in a strong and powerful mindset!
I miss you.
I love you.
-Your Psychology Major Daughter
Amber :)
Posted by ♥ amber ♥ on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 11:45 AM

Day 4 down and gone Good Job baby, Iam glad the walking is getting easier and it will continue to, and good job with the temptations....that will get easier too!!!
Iam proud of you and good good good job!!
love always your buddy
Posted by ♥sugar♥ on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 1:32 AM

Wow, fried mushrooms and banana splits! That sounds great!...sigh. Anyhow, I have no choice but to comment on temptations. Here is my story...
I RARELY go to lunch with anyone unless it is my husband and that is usually only a couple of times a week. So I thought it would be pretty easy to make good choices. Well, wouldn't you know that I am on my third day IN A ROW of people who want to have lunch with me! That NEVER happens! Day 1, they wanted to go to Red Lobster, day 2, El Tapatio and today, I haven't found out yet, but at least the person who wants to go today wouldn't mind if we ate a little healthier. Needless to say, it is hard to make good choices when you go out to eat, especially if you don't have a rolling index of calorie counts in your head. I figured I would guess at what would be a better choice and it hasn't gone so bad just yet.
... Oh, and did I mention that Sonic just HAPPENS to be promoting the 99 cent junior banana split right now. I swear I think the powers that be are against me!!
At any rate, it is helpful knowing that you guys are up there facing the same things I am. (And if you're not, you better lie to me and tell me that you are and that everything will be ok) : )
I am so proud of all of you for doing this thing. And you are great for being our fearless leader, Sean. Keep up the good work. I know this will happen!
--Rach
Posted by Rach on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 6:32 AM


I'll post many more from later days soon, but right now---here's a few really recent comments:

Anonymous said...
I know a father could not be any prouder of his son as I am of you. your dad, veyon
February 28, 2009 5:03 AM

Krisha said...
I want to be where you are at right now. I've had a rough couple of months... I've been "MIA" lately.
It's been about a week since my Grandmother (Dad's mom) passed away. I've been doing ok but I must say that it's been VERY emotional......
February 28, 2009 1:00 AM

And here's the most recent comment from Ginger, the reader in North Bay, Ontario Canada after I had replied to a message from her, telling her how I was picking apart my grammatical errors from the kick-off speaking event:

Hi Sean,
I nearly fell over when I read that you are so self-critical and faulting yourself for grammatical errors that I never even noticed! I'll bet those high school English teachers never noticed, either, because your presence, message and delivery were so powerful. You have a wonderful talent for communicating effectively. Your "That Guy" story made me laugh until I cried, even though I had already read your post about that encounter! Your honesty and sincerity really do come across well. I'm glad that you recognize that. Combining those qualities with the art of comedy is a winning combination for a motivational speaker. You, my friend, are a natural!
We got a big kick out of the "woo hoo" at the mention of North Bay, Ontario! That was very funny. There always seems to be a Canadian in every big crowd! And Canadians, I find, LOVE to hear Canada mentioned in public...in a good way, of course. So I'm glad that you mentioned my story a bit. You have permission to use my name if you wish. Thanks for waiting for me to give you permission. I'm not the only overweight person with breathing difficulties due to lung problems, so perhaps hearing that I am now trying to become as fit and healthy as I can, and have been motivated by your enthusiasm to lose excess weight the natural way--eating less and exercising more, will help someone else who feels trapped by a medical condition and has been leading a sedentary lifestyle and become overweight. It's easy to say "I can't" and give up. You said that quite effectively in your talk. But when motivated we CAN do something. Maybe not as much as people who only need to lose weight and exercise to be fit, to be like "That Guy", but we can do things to help us become as fit as our bodies can be, considering irreversible damage that has occurred to any part of it.
You will be a fantastic motivational speaker, Sean. I know it. And when you have the physique you want and are standing before a crowd of people looking at you the way that you looked at "That Guy" (!), you will have all those great before, during and after photos and video clips to intersperse in your talk to make your story real to those people. So keep getting your photo updated and otherwise mugging for the camera. Not only will the photos serve you and your readers well now, as they are incredibly motivating, but they will serve you and your audiences well in the future.
You keep blogging and I'll keep reading.
Ginger

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With this kind of support, how could I fail? You have given me a wonderful gift with your words!
There will be much more of these “Reader Comment” Bonus Blogs in the Future---So if you didn't see one that you left for me, just know it's coming! And know that I thank you very much for your continued support! There have been so many wonderful comments from my cousin Debbie, Dana, my cousin Steve's wife, Sherri, and many many others! It's such a wonderful blessing. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 168 Amber Time and Setting Your Unique Pace

Day 168

Amber Time and Setting Your Unique Pace

We had a wonderful weekend with Amber! It was good times. I'm very proud of that girl. Since she's started, she's lost right at about 50 pounds. She's done it with the same approach I have....cutting down and exercising, plus understanding her own personal triggers and motivating thoughts. Her clothes fit dramatically better, she's feeling great, and she has a renewed confidence in her stride. I'm thrilled with that smart, talented, beautiful girl of mine! We invaded her dorm room on Saturday afternoon. She even shot an “On The Go” video with me, and I've posted it below. Amber has developed her rhythm naturally, losing on average 10-15 pounds per month. It's a pace she finds comfortable. And that's a very important thing we can learn from Amber. You have to find the pace that's right for you. My pace, isn't your pace. In other words, if you think it's crazy to walk in twenty-five degree weather with a wind chill of eighteen, like what I described in last night's blog, you may be right, no, you're probably right, OK, you're right! But that's my pace, and I have to stay on myself to do what is right for me. Everyone's sense of urgency is on a different level. My sense of urgency at over 500 pounds was off the chart. You may not have near as much to lose, so naturally your urgency isn't as high. You can still be in a “Steel-Curtain Zone” without walking in extreme cold. Your steel curtain zone is different than mine, based on urgency and understanding of your own individual psychology. I know me better than anyone. I've been a professional excuse maker, backslider, weight-loss ruiner, sneak eating mess of a man for so many years. I have to be strict on myself. I have to demand structure and adherence to my plan at all times. But that's just me. Some people take one day off a week, where they don't necessarily go nuts, but they don't really keep track of anything either. I couldn't do that because I know that I'd take advantage of it, it's my personality, I wouldn't know when to say when. I could never give myself a free day, really, I don't think I could make myself do it, and here's why: Because for me, this isn't just cutting down and working out solely for the purpose of losing weight, I'm learning about portion control, I'm discovering my patterns and everything there is in this crazy head of mine. So the idea of picking a day and going hog wild just doesn't sound appealing anymore. I know that for me, that would be a green light to do whatever I wanted, even after the day is gone. With my urgency so high, I have imposed a zero tolerance excuse policy on myself, your pace and personal style might not require the same strictness, but with consistent effort everyday, we're both going to end up at the same destination...and that's where our ultimate goals live! So when you read about me going to extremes to get my workout in, don't beat yourself up one tiny bit if you didn't! Like my mom walking three times last week, it's all good! Believe in yourself, believe you too can do it, believe that you deserve it, because you do! And believe that every good choice you make is progress, while understanding that a bad choice every once in a while doesn't end it all. You can do this, you know you can! I'll see you at the finish line, because that's when we'll celebrate!

We slept in a little today, then we loaded up and headed to Weatherford for lunch and a great workout. Lunch was at a place called Benchwarmer Brown's. They bring you peanuts and encourage you to throw the shells on the floor. I love being messy, so it was right up my alley! I enjoyed the grilled chicken and veggies. It was awesome and very reasonable in the calorie department. After our lunch, we asked our nice server to take a picture of the four of us outside. It was a nice picture, and it just reminded me that we need to take more family pictures! I've posted that picture below. We all look dramatically different, and it's no wonder...Irene's lost right at 100 pounds, Amber has lost 50, and Courtney has lost nearly 40. As a family, so far, we've lost 309 pounds!!! That's three-oh-nine! Amazing, I'm so happy and proud, and we're not done yet!

After lunch we visited the Weatherford YMCA for a great workout. They have a very nice facility. Courtney jumped on the elliptical, I headed straight for a treadmill, and Irene and Amber went upstairs to walk on the elevated track overlooking the basketball court. After a solid two miles at 3.8 mph, Courtney and I noticed that Irene and Amber were still walking, so we explored the place. When we entered the pool area, I got a bright idea! I wanted to swim. Did I have a bathing suit? Are you kidding? I haven't owned an actual bathing suit since I was a kid. But I had a desire to jump in that pool and swim. I know that swimming is one of the best exercises known to man, and it's fun and refreshing too! So instead of being embarrassed to do it myself and settling on watching other people swim, like I've done for so many years...I jumped in! Workout clothes and all! It was absolutely liberating! I was swimming! I swam a lap and a half, then I doggie paddled a lap, then I did the backstroke for a lap. I hadn't so boldly done anything like that since I was a kid. It felt unbelievable and really hard. I mean, I had forgotten just how much of a workout swimming can be! Just the little bit I did wore me out completely. I'm going to sleep real good tonight, I guarantee! By the way, I've posted another “On The Go” Video of the jumping in experience. Just hit play below...I'll try not to splash you!

Speaking of sleeping good, last night I fell asleep before putting on my CPAP mask. And guess what? I slept all night without even the slightest of problems. I was breathing easy and steady. Irene tells me I wasn't snoring at all. Just a nice quiet restful sleep. I'll wear it tonight and every other night until a doctor tells me otherwise, but this little slip up ended up giving me another wonderful sign. I know what it feels like to go to bed and struggle to breathe. I did it for years without a machine for assistance. I would wake up with raging oxygen deprivation headaches, a racing heartbeat from the stress, and feeling totally exhausted all day no matter the duration of the “sleep.” I missed many of my two daughters childhood moments because of sleep apnea and it's horrible effects. Then a machine came along that changed my life instantly and completely. So it's a little hard to let it go now, even though it looks like I may not need it much longer. I've never slept this good without that machine strapped to my face. It feels so good to breathe so easy again!

Tomorrow is the big 1st weigh day for the “Lose To Win” program! I'm doing my radio morning show from The Ponca City Medical Center Specialty Services Building, inside the “Lose To Win” headquarters. It's going to be a blast, hectic I'm sure, but a blast! The staff handling this event will deserve a nice vacation when this program is over, because they are working hard! Cathy Cole, the director, told me that they never figured that so many people would respond. It makes for quadruple the work they thought it would require, but it's something they're happy to do, because it's such a positive thing for the people losing the weight and this community as a whole. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean


Today-The four of us outside of Benchwarmer Brown's in Downtown Weatherford, Oklahoma


On The Go Video! ---With a little discipline, you CAN enjoy your favorite treats and still lose weight! Amber proves it!


On The Go Video! ---I feel like a big refreshing tall glass of Nestea!

Day 167 A Cold Walk Down A Dark Deserted Highway

Day 167

A Cold Walk Down A Dark Deserted Highway

Today was a travel day. It’s been 168 days since we visited with Amber on campus at SWOSU, and at her boyfriend KL’s parents house. I know exactly how many days because we came home the night before I started this journey. In Amber’s dorm room she has a a bunch of pictures all over the wall, including some really giant ones of me…I was the giant, not the pictures…you know what I mean. I need to take some new pictures with my family! While we were visiting her dorm, Amber and I shot an “On The Go” video all about snacks. Then we all sat around eating chocolate and taffy. I spent 100 calories on the best salt water taffy ever and a minature bite size Milky Way Dark. Do I feel deprived? Not even a little bit. It serves as another example of the freedom counting calories offers. A small portion of chocolate and taffy didn’t break me calorie wise, it was perfect, and we all laughed about the experience. I’m blogging tonight from KL’s parents home in Thomas, Oklahoma, about twenty minutes north of the University. I didn’t bring what I needed to post the video, so I’ll post it on tomorrow’s blog. On the drive today, I discovered the low calories of beef jerky! I’ve never been a big jerky fan. I like it, but I usually don’t buy it. Beef jerky made for a perfect snack on the three hour drive and it cost me less than 150 calories! I was looking forward to working out in SWOSU’s new state of the art wellness center. That place is amazing, complete with an elevated indoor track and every fitness machine known to man, plus a giant indoor rock climbing cliff that I am nowhere near ready to try, but man it looks so cool! Someday my friend, right? We arrived at the wellness center ready to get our sweat on at 5:55pm. We just knew they were open until 7pm, but oh no! They informed us they were closing in 5 minutes. So much for that! I knew that we had to plan something else and fast, or else we’d be walking in 20 something degreee weather later. We looked for and found the YMCA, and since we’re all members, it seemed like a perfect idea, after all, our memberships are good at any YMCA. Except this one was already closed. An ice cold two miles in the rural countryside of Thomas Oklahoma seemed inevitable. The old me would have been quick to say “Oh well, we’ll just do it tomorrow extra hard.” But that would have been an excuse, and you know how I feel about excuses. I have zero tollerance for excuses. As long as I’m physically able to walk, I can get a workout in, even when it’s 25 degrees with a North breeze. It may sound extreme, but it’s critical to do it day in and day out. It’s this consistency that’s given me the kind of results I’ve experienced so far. Because I know how the excuse machine works…one leads to another, and another, and even more, and soon, you’re completely off the wagon and chalking it up as another failed attempt. I can’t accept that pattern ever again. I’m not perfect, and yes I’ve missed workouts before, but when you’re in the “steel curtain” zone, it’s nearly impossible to miss a workout.

Courtney knew I was walking no matter what, and she quickly agreed that we had to get it in. We prepared by bundling up with a couple of layers of clothing, Courtney had on probably three or four layers, and at 10pm with the temperature at 25F and a 10 mph North breeze blowing in our face, we both grabbed our ipods and started walking the unfamiliar rural roads of this small Custer County town. What started out to be a really cold, hurried walk, turned into something really special. When you’re walking down a deserted road in rural Oklahoma, look up in the sky! Without the light pollution of the bigger cities you can see every star. Every constallation was clearly visible as we walked to no particular place on a cold Saturday night in the middle of a small rural community. As we walked we were both engrossed in our music, trying to escape to a place in our minds away from the cold. Courtney’s pace is a little quicker than mine, so she was ahead of me by fifteen yards at least when a shooting star streaked across the sky. We both pulled out our ear buds and reacted to the brilliant display that seemed to go on longer than any shooting star I’ve ever witnessed. It was even more special to Courtney, because she had never witnessed one. At first she was scared not knowing exactly what it was. But I told her, and then we realized that we both had a wish to make. Am I too old to wish on falling stars? Is it possible to ever outgrow that? We stopped right in the middle of the road and joined hands, closed our eyes, and made our wishes that we didn’t dare talk about. We’ll never forget the wishing of those wishes as long as we live. At the end of two miles our faces and ears were numb from the cold, but we couldn’t have felt more warm after sharing that moment, and we also shared the feeling of accomplishment as we walked back inside the toasty confines of the Eakins household.

We’re enjoying our short visit with Amber. I’m so extremely proud of her commitment to education. Sometimes we have to wonder how we could be so blessed. Both of our daughters have completely grasped the importance of learning and giving it a 100% effort. Courtney has had the luxury of watching and learning from her sister, and she proudly wears her academic letter jacket that proves her commitment to excellance. We have a tremendous amount to be thankful for.

The response from the three Day 165 post has really been incredible. I should have posted pictures like that long ago, but you know how I am when it comes to pictures. I’ve never liked me in them. That’s starting to change. As I go back and read some of the wonderfully inspiring comments left on both versions of this blog over the last 167 days, I’m overjoyed and filled with gratitude. You reading this has given me strength to carry on when I didn’t think I could. That strength has developed and revealed fundamental weight loss secrets that I’ve been searching for my entire life. I use the word “secrets,” because I never understood what was truly needed from my mind. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it a million times more the rest of my life, the mental exercises are the most important kind along this sometimes dark rural road I travel. And I see the glow in the sky up ahead, like a lighthouse showing me the way, giving me glimpses of what my “someday” could be, and will be.

I’ve decided to post another bonus blog tomorrow night. You’ll get my regular blog, plus a bonus “reader comments and stories” blog. If you read only the myspace or only the “global” version, then perhaps you haven’t read all of the wonderfully inspiring and motivating comments readers leave. I’ve been inspired and lifted up by this support. If you’re just now starting to read this blog, than it might really be interesting to you. Tomorrow night I’ll also be able to post the “On The Go” Video we shot tonight. Good night and…

Good Choices,
Sean