TOPS in Ohio

Well, I was awarded 1st place in the state of Ohio recently at the TOPS Ohio Recognition Days for my weightloss during 2009. I lost a total of 78.5 pounds during 2009. The division that I was recognized for was Division 9, for those who were utilizing a weight-loss surgery as a tool in their weight-loss. TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) is a weight loss support group, encouraging healthy eating and regular exercise as part of a persons lifestyle.

Gloria and I did not know what to expect when we got to the Convention Center, but we found out that we had a very enjoyable time.

There were lots of inspirational stories of people who took their weight off and have kept it off (even some with gastric bypass surgery). There were those still struggling to either take the weight off or keep it off. And there was a lot of fun mixed in with it too. Met a lot of nice people from across the state, too.

I am grateful to all of my support team, my wife, the members of my TOPS Chapter, Holly (my trainer), the Weight Loss Surgery Support Group in Canton, and Dr. Cooper from the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland. They have all helped me keep on track, and make minor course adjustments.

I draw inspiration from Denny from Gloria's class. I draw inspiration also from Rick and Jerry from the YMCA. Thanks guys! I only hope that I can inspire others as much as you have inspired me!

Most of all I praise God for He has been so good to me.

Hit a Plateau

Well for the last couple of months it seems I have plateaued. I hover around the 200# mark. I found out at last week's Canton Ohio Weight Loss Surgery Support Group that's not unusual.

I started after last week's TOPS meeting with writing down what I am eating and the amount of exercise that I am getting (or at least the number of calories that I think I am burning up). It seems to help. Plan on doing that for at least a week or two.

One of the theme's I heard at the Ohio SRD Meeting we attended a couple of weekends ago was "Cut and Burn" Cut the calories that you consume, and burn up more through exercise.

I am reminded that to lose a pound, you need to either cut, burn or a combination of them that will use up 3,500 calories. To lose a pound a week, cut out 500 calories per day for seven days, or burn up 500 more calories per day for seven days. Do them both and you should lose 2 pounds, or at least that is the theory.