2006 The Year in Review

2006 The Year in Review

Well, like it does for many folks in the newspaper, the end of the year means it is time for a "Year in Review" column.  

The year truly would start for me with an anonymous email from a friend on February 27th. One statement in that email would change my life. " It is a simple procedure called Lap-Band."

I had NEVER heard of such a thing. I had heard of ByPass and knew that I would NEVER do that. So, a bit of research and then the emails and phone calls to and from Bubba began as the IDEA of a new life was placed before me.

After doing much research, I decided to go to a seminar that would be given by Dr. Curry at Deaconess Hospital in March. That got moved back a bit, and I ended up at a seminar given by Dr. Smith at Deaconess. My journey had begun, and due to things temporarily beyond my control I was considering going forth with Dr Smith.  I was not pleased with what I was finding out about Dr. Smith and then was able to move back to Dr. Curry.  Since I was able to work with Dr. Curry my life has changed, all in GREAT WAYS.

That brings us to July 10th - LapBand day. Much like a birthday, it will be an anniversary date I remember.

I know that I would not have been able to have so much success without the ladies of Deaconess. Anonymously, I thank them. 

I decided not to tell too many people of my choice. I work with a large number of negative people and sadly have found my self disappointed by a number of friends.

But for the friends that I did tell, I must say that I could not have done it without them! My god daughter and family- god daughter has been so sweet and has enjoyed many milestones with me these last 6 months. Her mom- probably the best way to describe all that she has done for me would be to say she is the wife I never had and sorta the third sister I do. All the things she has done for me have made me feel loved. It's a nice feeling. 

My mom and sister- very supportive and caring. I actually got to take my 7 year old niece on a bike ride in October, and throw a football on Turkey Day with one of my nephews. Without the LapBand, I would never have done either, and both are highlights of the great life I expect to have.

The Deaconess Dieticioness- Could not have done it without her. We speak many times a week, and in 2007 as I focus on the next 45 pounds, we will work together to get me healthier and keep me healthier. And she has become a friend! That is a good thing.  

Bubba- last, but not least. Faithful readers will know what I'm talking about. Anytime I needed a friend, an answer, a goal. Bubba was there for me. I'm damn lucky to have him as a friend.  One of my major recovery goals was to be able to ride BubbaFest in the Florida Keys in November. I RODE MY BIKE FROM MIAMI TO KEY WEST! A truly emotional high. Never expecting to ever be on a bike again, Bubba has made me appreciate every mile that I get now.

For those who will be asking about the numbers here you go:

369 / 285 / 240

369 - my largest weight 

285 - my current weight

240 - my goal

85 down. 45 to go. But the 45 to go are not the reason that 2006 ended so well. All the things I got to do as I became healthier and healthier - the life I can enjoy and the opportunities in front of me- that's the reason that 2006 was so good.

That's the year in review. In fact it makes me think about all I want to do in the future. But that's why we have New Years. 2007 - coming soon. A year with goals and hopes and desires. And a year that it looks like I'll have the possibility to achieve those goals and hopes and desires.

Happy New Year - Talk to you NEXT YEAR!

JC

A Day of Good News

A Day of Good News

 

Wednesday December 27, 2006

 

Well, yesterday was a Day of Good News.

 

 

The Car- not totaled. It is getting repaired and is expected back the week of January 15th. How is this related to the LapBand, you might ask? Well, after paying $16,500 to the LapBand folks at Deaconess last summer, I was hoping the Honda lasted a few more years and that I would not need a new car for a while. Wrecking it made me potentially need a new one. Well, good news - it's getting fixed!

 

The Deaconess Scale- Yup, as posted yesterday, lost a pound. Crash Diet over Christmas, but I STILL LOST! No gaining 12 pounds as in a typical Christmas this year! I was jut hoping to stay even, so any loss, even a pound is good news.

 

My visit with my PCP-  Their office scale has me down 16 pounds from three months ago. It weighs four pounds more than those at Deaconess. While I was actually ON the scale when the NSV happened (guess that makes it an on scale NSV? haha) the nurse put the scale at 300 and then looked at me and moved it over to the left - 250. Then moved the little bar. It felt GREAT to have the 300 bar get moved to the 250 bar! A big smile from me when she said "wow'.

 

First thing the doc says when he walks in the door is "Wow, you look good".  

 

We discussed my BP Medicine and my vitamins and my hair loss as well as my plans to start riding my bike much more starting this spring. 

 

    BP - he cut the medicine dose in half. As the bottom number is typically in the low 70s and occasionally in the 60s, and I occasionally see stars and might be light headed when exercising, he wants the bottom number to be 75 or so. I go back in a month with more BP measurements. So, my BP medicine is now to be cut in half by a little pill cutter that I bought.

    Vitamins- We discussed the new Bariatric Advantage vitamins, and he wants me to bring them in to look at next month.

    Hair loss- I've still got more hair than him, so all he could say was that if my weight loss continues, but at a pound a week, that I probably would not lose more. He said that the Biotin that I am taking does help some people. But that having a nice slow weight loss of 4-5  month would reduce the stress on my body and let it actually grow some hair.

    CPAP Machine- he suggests that I call the sleep doc for a new consult, as odds are the pressure can be reduced or perhaps I might not need it.  

    More bike riding and nutrition- he suggests that when I get to riding on a more regular basis that I go back to a food journal and sit down again with my dietician. Having a history of kidney stones makes hydration my main goal, and then we work on nutrition needs while riding. While I can eventually get back to 50-75 mile rides, we need to work up to that. He was amazed that I was able to ride from Miami to Key West last month.

 

I told him my goal was 240- - 48 on their scale-

 

"See how much better you feel at 84 pound down?  If you lose the next 48 over the next year, you'll even feel better. Since you chose the LapBand, and if you do it slow, I think you can maintain the loss, and I recommend slower is better for your health."

 

So, all the news yesterday was GOOD!  A Day of Good News!

 

 

The CRASH Diet

The Crash Diet

 

Thursday December 21, 2006 to Wednesday December 27, 2006

 

Well, in my continuing search for new and creative ways to lose weight, I've come up with a new diet -with an old name. THE CRASH DIET.

 

No, this is not your standard crash diet, the one we are all familiar with. This one is a little more expensive and a little more painful. But quite effective!

 

Step 1: Run out of an ingredient for the Christmas Pies that you are baking. In this example it was SPLENDA (because you can borrow a cup of sugar from a neighbor, but just try to borrow a cup of Splenda - Good luck with that!) 

 

Step 2: Drive to Kroger in the rain.

 

Step 3: Avoid being hit by a car that is zipping sideways across the Kroger parking lot.

 

Step 4: Crash your car into a light pole during said avoidment. 

 

Step 4A: (optional) Break a bone in your hand while crashing into said light pole. Note, being a male bachelor, and despite seeing Dr. C a bunch of times this year, I STILL don't go to the doctor as I should. So, the break is just presumed, with no X rays - but 6 days later it still hurts and is puffy and bruised and I have very little grip and  yes I am being a terribly whiny patient. 

 

Step 5: Begin the insurance stuff to obtain new bumper, grill, headlights, hood and radiator, and hope that since the air bags did not go off that you don't have them total the car as you spent $16,500 on a LapBand and that expense means you were planning on waiting on getting a new car for a few more years.. (Gee, I love run on sentences)

 

Step 6: Be Grumpy with your self and then not eat much. Skip Thursday's dinner, Friday's breakfast and most of lunch. (this would be the CRASH DIET!)

 

Step 7: Christmas continues, but all your gifts are wrapped much worse than normal - as you've got a broken hand! 

 

Step 8: Repeat the story to folks you know, as they really do care about you, despite their rolling their eyes at you and thinking you a non com poop for hitting a light pole in a parking lot. 

 

Step 9: Enjoy Christmas with family, because you can! Remember how much better you feel, despite the hand, and enjoy the time with the last few relatives that have not seen you, as well as the other relatives that now are seeing  you in size 44 instead of the size 46 pants you had on at Turkey Day!

 

So, all in all, despite eating pretty much everything I saw (Again at 1/3 to 1/2 of what I used to) and that everything included cookies, jam cake, and custard, I STILL LOST WEIGHT!  In fact I lost one more pound since two weeks ago.

 

285. 84 down  45 to go!

 

Happy Day Elvis Met Nixon!

Happy Day Elvis Met Nixon!

 

Happy Day Elvis Met Nixon! Unlike Festivus or Kwanza- this is a celebration of a REAL EVENT!

 

To help everyone celebrate - I brought Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich fixings to the office today.

 

I invited the office to Come, Eat, Celebrate, Enjoy!

 

In an ATTEMPT to stay on the diet, I brought in regular bread AND the Diet Sarah Lee Bread - 3 slices = 140 calories vs.. regular 1 slice  = 70! I made mine with the diet bread and am now stuffed! The diet bread is smaller, takes less PB, and only 3/4 of a banana instead of a full one.

So, while at 1/2 to 3/4 of  a regular size nanner sammich, not the usual 1/3 to 1/2 of what I would eat, I am still at a smaller amount and EATING LESS and BEING FULL - WOO HOO!

 

May you all have a joyous DAY ELVIS MET NIXON!

 

Thankyaverymuch.

 

JC

 

 

The LASIX Diet

The LASIX Diet

 

Monday December 11, 2006 and Thursday December 14, 2006

 

Well, I found a new diet to go on.  GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU LOSE WEIGHT. Yes, it is surgical. So, one might even call it a Weight Loss Surgery. WLS.

 

LASIX- yup, I had my eyes done on Monday the 11th.

Lose weight - how you might ask? Well, technically they do remove part of your eyeball. So, I guess you lose .0001 ounces for $3,000. A bit pricey for weight loss. But you lose in other weighs (haha- spelling joke!)

 

The other ways that you lose- YOU ARE TOO NERVOUS TO EAT. Sunday and Monday- I was nervous. All day nervous. Sunday I ate little. Nerves were too bad. Monday finally ate a small bowl of oatmeal in the afternoon as my stomach was growling.

 

All went well, and I have 20-20 vision in my right, and 20-30 in my left. I went for MONOVISION, as with this, I don't need reading glasses. One eye for near, one eye for far. Eye guards at night and eye drops three times a day for a bit, but no problems at all. I see better than I have since second grade. 

 

Two days later - Thursday the 14th -  I went to Deaconess to get weighed.

 

286.

2.5 down since Turkey day.

83 total down. 

 

So, now not only do  I LOOK better, I SEE BETTER!  

The Second Christmas Party

The Second Christmas Party

 

Saturday December 9, 2006

 

Well, the trend continues. SHOCK. But this time no idiots who did not know who I am.

 

Our hostess was Miss Chiquita (retired), actually, as they are reorganizing, she took a different job before she was without one. Many of our guests were members of a church singles group that is imploding and not existing much more than as an email list that the imploder uses to meet chicks now. (But I digress, and that has little to do with our story except to show that some of the folks don't see me much any more.)

 

Miss Chiquita's mom even sent me a number of get well cards back in July. They wanted phone calls in July, but faithful reader you will remember, having yanked the tube out of my throat when I was waking up, I did not have much of a voice.

 

Well the mom of Miss Chiquita was floored.   A number of the guests were floored. One woman who last saw me in June was amazed. Probably a half dozen jaws dropped.

 

The woman from June - she had last seen me at a 50th birthday party that she and I had thrown for a mutual friend. During one part of that birthday evening, after rushing dinner, and then being busy being the master of ceremonies, I felt horrible and wanted to simply collapse when I sat down on the couch. Earlier I had wanted to sit down in my big sturdy lawn chair, but the birthday guest was in it. All the other chairs were cheapos that held 200 pounds max. So, I stood up, the whole evening, not wanting to collapse a chair. Thus, I was miserable, in pain, tired, and could not find a chair because I was so fat and out of shape. Let alone how dinner made me and my throat and my hiatal hernia miserable. My how things change!

 

But this week- I FELT GREAT.  At the time 81 pounds down. And it was the first night of SIZE 44 pants! Yup, after eons, I have left the 46s behind.  But that is another blog posting as well.

 

The evening was great. I took a 2 liter of non carbonated diet lemonade with me. I was not that hungry, but ate pretty much what I wanted. Just 1/3 to 1/2 as much.

 

At the end of the evening, during the let's hug JC and see how our fingers touch session (a trend that I'm liking), the munchies were a problem. We were standing around the bar downstairs, and it was covered in munchies. Cookies, M&Ms, nuts, all kinds of dangerous stuff. I almost started to munch, just out of habit as because it was there in front of me.  I stepped back and talked to my friends from a few feet away with a diet lemonade in my hand and my mind over matter worked. But it was tough.

 

Later in the evening I was talking to another friend, and she wanted to sit next to the dining room table- COVERED IN FOOD. I convinced her to go to a chair in the living room, and then the couch.

 

So, the evil call of the munchies does still exist. Like a siren leading your hero to death on the rocks. But, I stepped back and had some diet lemonade and did fairly well. It wasn't easy, but knowing the rules, and using the tool, I fought it off. Hunger was replaced by thirst. Drink more diet lemonade and make your brain think it is no linger hungry.

 

Two people were somewhat argumentative when I said the first 50 pounds were lost while sick and the next 30 was while working with a dietician. They were arguing with each other about ByPass Surgery, and I was proud to say that I had not done it. These are the kind of folks that made me keep my health decision private.

 

So, end result for the evening- FUN FUN FUN. Ate less. Enjoyed it all. Bean Dip. Enchilada Dip, a few cookies, and I WAS FULL!  It's all good baby.

 

 

The World's Largest Office Party

The World's Largest Office Party

 

Wednesday December 6, 2006.

 

Well, I'm beginning to see a trend here.

Folks that have not seen me in a while are not recognizing me.

Either I've changed physically more than I thought, or some of my friends/acquaintances are idiots.

 

The World's Largest Office Party is like one of the summer's Party in the Parks, but inside a hotel ballroom. You pay $10 to charity and then drinks are $4. (much cheaper than at a PIP!)  Give a dollar tip to charity for each beverage, and still the evening is cheaper than a summer PIP. And it is for a good cause.

 

Choosing to drink no beers (as a calorie choice), I took  a diet lemonade with me. I was expecting Diet Coke to be all that was available, and was correct. I'm not drinking carbonated beverages, so the Diet lemonade was a good choice. Again for folks considering the LapBand, just a small choice and a small plan you need to make to ensure an enjoyable evening.

 

Many of the folks I saw had not seen me since the last PIP in September. That was around 30 pounds ago.  Again, some folks were shocked. One person (an acquaintance) did not recognize me despite that I was standing talking to a mutual friend feet away. I put her in the idiot category. Pretty much the rest just did double takes.

 

We continued the festivities with "Look you can hug JC and get your arms all the way around."

 

All in all,  a good evening.

 

'Twas the night before surgery....a guest blogger

 'Twas the night before surgery....a guest blogger.

 

I can't take the credit for writing it!! 

 

Keeping with they anonymous theme of the blog, she is the sister of Deaconess's own elegant Miss D. The authors first name and initial is " Donna O_ _ _ _ _ _ _  "

--------

Welcome to the club D O !

 

 

From the elegant Miss D:

 'Twas the night before surgery....


This is so cute.  My sister, Donna, who lives in Denver is having lap band
surgery on 12/11 and wrote this poem.  I had to pass it on!!!

Elegant Miss D


--------


Twas the night before surgery, when all through the house,

My tummy was rumbling----it woke up my spouse!



My sweat pants were hung by my closet with care,



In hopes that some day size 10 I would wear.


My family was nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar free Jell-O danced in my head.
My spouse in his PJs and I in my gown,
Had just gotten all of my Metamucil down.

When all of a sudden the phone started to ring

So I sprang from my bed to answer the thing.
My kids were at home, so who could it be?
Of course---the anesthesiologist was checking on me.

Drink plenty of liquids, get plenty of rest,
Tomorrow your surgeon would be doing his best.
He'll make you feel better, your health will improve.
Remember to exercise!  Your body should move!

The next day I rose, with my new life in mind.
Through the surgery doors--who knew what I'd find.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a surgeon in scrubs with two nurses near.

He was dressed all in blue, from his head to his toes.
His hands were all scrubbed--a mask covered his nose.
A bundle of tools he had set out on a tray
I couldn't stop staring, I could not look away.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! His laughter how merry!
From that moment on, I was no longer wary.
He smiled as our eyes met and gave me a wink.
Oh my, that's my surgeon, Dr. Snyder, I think.

He was fit as a fiddle, a right handsome young fellow,
So calm and collected, I said my hello.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work.
Finished in no time and turned with a jerk,
There's more work to be done he said to his team.

They nodded politely and he started to beam.

He took off his mask, to his team gave a shout,
And away they all ran to help more people out.
But I heard him exclaim, as he ran out of sight,
At the end of this tunnel, now there is light.

The First Christmas Party (with a few more to come)

The First Christmas Party (with a few more to come)

 

Saturday December 2, 2006

 

Well, around 150 people saw me at the first Christmas Party of the season. Probably 100-120 of them had not seen me since a year ago. It was the Cycle Club Party and as I had not ridden much in 2006, my new appearance was a shock to many.

 

I last volunteered at the MS 150 the day before LapBanding. Flipping burgers for 500 riders when I was eating SOUP was tough. But that was the last day many of these folks had seen me.

 

Well, 81 pounds down got quite a few reactions. Dropped jaws. Stunned silence, and quite a few "You didn't have THAT SURGERY DID YOU?".

 

One friend about dropped his dinner plate when he turned the corner and saw me. He rushed to go get his wife and bring her over.

 

I answered everyone's questions. No- I DID NOT have Bypass surgery. (they didn't ask about the LapBand- and I didn't tell) Truthfully-much of the first 50 was while healing from the repair to my hiatal hernia and tears in my esophagus in July and August. The next 30 pounds has been while working with the Deaconess Dieticioness. So, while not actually lying, I was being incomplete.

 

The most exciting game of the evening involved me as well- HEY! WE CAN PUT OUR ARMS AROUND JC ALL THE WAY! About 20 people tried that one.

 

All in all a good night. It was nice to be able to get back out with friends that I hope to ride with in the future. As a year ago I never expected to ride again, well, that just makes the whole thing even better!

 

 

The First Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving

 

No, not the Pilgrims and the Indians! The First Thanksgiving With a LapBand!

 

One of the concerns a number of people had, and a few actually cared enough to call that day, was to see how I would do on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving- THE NATIONAL EATING HOLIDAY!

 

In the old days, friends would brag about how much they ate. (side note - nobody bragged around me this year, was it just who I met or that folks weren't talking food around me- interesting question)

 

I'm lucky, I guess, in that I just have ONE Thanksgiving meal. My sister and brother in law have TWO. One at 1 PM, and the second at 4PM. This year, my youngest niece and one nephew (the other was at home sick) apparently ate their fill at the 1PM meal and did not really eat too much at the 4PM meal.

 

I simply took each meal of the weekend slowly and decided what to eat. I was fine, as I pretty much was able to have whatever I wanted. Emotionally, I knew the old days of this being an EATING HOLIDAY were over, and instead tried to make it a family or a thankful holiday. Knowing that this day would come when I first started this journey, and that THEORETICALLY, I could eat whatever I wanted got me through it.

 

So, here is a meal by meal breakout:

 

Wednesday night dinner- Mom and I often go out to Mazoni's Oysters. In the olden days, 2 Rolled Oysters, Onion rings, Many ice teas and perhaps desert. This year- One Rolled Oyster and half a serving of Onion Rings. No beverages, no desert. I was full and fine.  The old evenings would often include some snacking, this year THERE WAS NONE. So, I ate between 1/3 and 1/2 of what I used to, and was full!

 

Turkey Day Breakfast- My Mom's church always has a Turkey Day breakfast- cooked by the men. In the olden days- Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Biscuit with Butter and Jelly, Milk and OJ. This year- probably HALF the amount of Scrambled Eggs, 2 pieces of bacon and one piece of sausage. I am usually not a big breakfast eater since being banded, so I was concerned about a "big" meal at 9AM, as might it make me hungry for the rest of the day? Well, I never got hungry till 4PM. Lots of Beverages were drank all afternoon, so my thoughts are that THIRST replaced the POTENTIAL HUNGER.

 

Thanksgiving dinner- I guess I ate EVERYTHING that I would have in the past, except a roll with butter and jelly, and I found an alternative to gravy for less calories.

    Turkey- check.

    Gravy - skipped- a calorie choice. At Churchill downs last spring, I had turkey and they offered a spiced APPLE BUTTER for it. I tried it then and LOVED IT! As I knew I was being banded a few weeks later, I was looking for alternatives. So, One tablespoon of Apple Butter at 25 calories, and my turkey was tasty and moist. I am planning on this for all future turkey! 

    Mashed potatoes - check.    

    Sweet potatoes - check.

    Broccoli Casserole - check.

    Cranberry sauce - check.

    Dressing - check.

 

The only change was that I took 1/3 to 1/2 of what I used to. And NO SECONDS! I chose to skip the roll, as with a LapBand, there is simply so much you can eat, and I would rather have turkey or sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes. I stopped when I got  that full feeling. But I had tried a bit of everything. Emotionally I did miss having a roll a little bit, but I figured I'd eat one sometime over the weekend. And I did with leftovers a day or two later and everything was just fine.  

 

The nephew and I went outside and we tossed a football between dinner and dessert. I was not healthy enough to chase a 10 year old last year! And he loved it when I told him -run around the minivan and look up! And then the ball landed right in his arms! I let my niece join in and do the chasing, as I'm healthy - not crazy. The ball toss ended not because I was out of shape, but because it was cold outside! I never expected to be playing football again! NON SCALE VICTORY! AND A GREAT MEMORY!

 

A bit later we had dessert- SPLENDA PUMPKIN PIE. 250 calories per serving. I had Cool whip instead of ice cream on top. Check the recipe blog for all the info. The RELATIVES LOVED IT! I've been requested to make some for Christmas, as well as they want to try the SPLENDA CHESS PIE.

 

The Day after Turkey Day, I went to an ex girlfriends place for her and her hubby's annual day after Turkey Day party. Her hubby about had his jaw drop when I walked in as I've shrunk so much. Not having seen me for a year he was shocked. A few of the "regulars" did not recognize me either (NON SCALE VICTORIES!)

 

Knowing that sweets would be there, I made sure to take something that would be a good choice for me to eat- BUBBA's BLACK BEAN DIP. Which they loved! I had a bit of a pound cake, and then stuck to cheese, sausages and the dip. No beer, I took Diet lemonade. 

So, I had a great time, and not even counting the zero for lemonade vs. who knows what for beer calories, I probably had 1/3 or less than the olden days.

 

Saturday I convinced my Mom to allow me to make a PUMPKIN BREAD PUDDING from a recipe I had seen in the paper on Wednesday. My goal was to try it and make it with SPLENDA. So, I did, and it was 1/2 the calories of the original recipe. I even made the sauce with Splenda for ZERO CALORIES! It tasted great, and for a dessert, I would eat 1/3 of what I would have in the olden days.

Now one of the stressful things over the weekend was my Mom. We talked about this, and I know she was and is just worried about me. EVERY time I had a meal I heard "YOU ARE EATING TOO FAST, THAT WAS NOT TWENTY MINUTES". "THAT HAS TOO MANY CALORIES." " YOU ARE NOT CHEWING ENOUGH".  But I think seeing me eat PIE and BREAD PUDDING made her a nervous wreck.   

 

I tried to explain that THEORETICALLY, I CAN EAT WHATEVER I WANT with the LapBand.  I just need to follow the rules, eat slower, chew well, and avoid beverages with the meal and that's how it works. But, as she loves me and is worried, I guess she just needs time to see it work. I explained how I was trying to stick to a 1,500 calorie diet. and was pretty close to it, even probably on target on the actual Turkey Day. 

 

Well, after Turkey Day, I went to the official scales on Monday the 27th when I got back home. 

 

Guess who lost 2.5 pounds over the week of Turkey Day- ME THAT'S WHO!  

 

288.6

 

THAT IS 81 down!

 

And for THAT, on top of getting healthier and healthier, that is what I give thanks for this Turkey Day. (and for having a Mom that loves me and who worries about me)

A Guest Editorial

A Guest Editorial in Relation to my recent post about Key West.

 

    Thanks, JC. By the way, you will be hearing from my attorney concerning the false, malicious and libelous plate-licking, not-sharing statement on your blog.

                                Douggie

 

Apparently in Key West, Douggie DID share.

 

I am blaming Heidi Klum's twin for confusing me all day.

 

Apologies to Douggie.

 

I would be just editing the blog to reflect the above corrected information, but I switched to Blogger Beta, and THEY DELETED THE EDIT FEATURE! ARRGHH

 

THEY ALSO DELETED THE PHOTO FEATURE

 

ARRGGHH

BubbaFest - KEY WEST - Tuesday November 15 to Thursday 17

BubbaFest - KEY WEST - Tuesday November 15 to Thursday 17

My apologies on the delay in finishing the BubbaFest posts, but life got in the way of blogging. Turkey Day and a bunch of Cycle Club issues have kept me away from the blog for a bit.

 

KEY WEST- when last we spoke, I had ridden TO KEY WEST. The last few miles were difficult. I was simply not eating enough calories to replace those used while cycling. And since the place we had chosen for our lunch spot was closed (those Knuckleheads!), I did come close to bonking. (MORE ON BONKING IN A FUTURE POST).

 

The end of riding- Some string cheese, a few Diet Lemonades, A nap. A shower. I was ready to go. Pooped, but ready to go.

 

Well, the throbbing Tourist Zone at the  foot of Duval Street could be described as Key West's past reincarnated by it's Disneyfied present into something simultaneously actual and not. having been there three times, all as a one day tourist, it was nice to be able to spend three days there.

 

Tuesday's dinner was bowl of clam chowder and seafood. Dessert- of course KEY LIME PIE. Being quite hungry, I did eat it most of the meal, and then after a long delay, enjoyed the pie. We walked around the island the rest of the night and I found a Walgreen's and a CVS to find non carbonated beverages. The Mango Propel was surprisingly good.

 

Going into Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, I was bound by law to have a margarita. Otherwise my photo would be taken out of his box set!

 

I made a short evening of it, and was in bed by 10.

 

Wednesday was spent at THE DRY TORTUGAS with super model Heidi Klum. (Ok, she just looked like her). Breakfast on the boat- oatmeal and fruit. I then had just bottled water for hours. Lunch was a picnic on the island, including potatoe salad, MADE WITH SWEET POTATOES. Just like regular potatoe salad, but with sweet potatoes. Actually quite nice. A simple open faced sandwich for me. Ham and cheese, if the memory serves me.

 

Now dinner was back on Key West. Having done research (OK, I watched ROAD TASTED on the Food network- which surprisingly the same episode was on Wednesday morning while I was there!) The Conch Republic Seafood restaurant. I had the habernero chutney grouper over rice- WONDERFUL. It was not too big, perhaps the meal was 12 ounces including the rice. We traded meals around, and the JUJU sauce was great, as was a piece of fish with Passion Fruit sauce (or so I hear as Douggie ate it all and basically licked his plate and did not share!)  6 of us split a piece of Key Lime pie that had an EXCELLENT KEY LIME SAUCE.

 

The Conch Republic is known for its sauces!  And their saucier made a good piece of Key Lime Pie a great one with the addition of his Key Lime Sauce.

 

Later we each had a piece of KEY LIME PIE ON A STICK from the Blond Giraffe. They take a very good piece of Key Lime Pie, freeze it, then dip it in chocolate and serve it to you on a stick. Decadence!

350 calories and 6 grams of protein. Eating mine at bandster speed (that would be SLOW), had it almost dripping down my arm even while sitting in an big comfy chair in an excellently air conditioned store.

 

Thursday brought us some Scrambled Eggs, 2 pieces of sausage and one piece of toast (out of four). Then some time at Ernest Hemmingway's home and then off to HENRIETTA's. I ordered the COCONUT STRIPS (AS SEEN ON TV). Actually, one Coconut strips, one Key Lime Coconut strips, and one Chocolate coated Key Lime Coconut strips.  These rank among the tastiest desserts I've ever had. 4 to a package (do the math- I had 3, thus 12.) I gave one away, and have had them only occasionally. I still have 6 left today December 2nd.

 

Lunch was some nachos with all the stuff and then some pizza at the No Name Key. A small plate of nachos, but the meats and cheeses were protein! The pizza- ate the to crust. Left most of the dough.

 

Dinner- TO GO! I stopped at the Fish House and got the piece of Key Lime Pie that was raved on before, then to the Sunshine Market for a Cuban Sandwich. I took both to Miami and ate them in my hotel. I tossed half the Cuban Sandwich Bun, and ate the pie hours later for dessert.

 

At that point, I was again figuring out how to make sure I got back to 1,500 calories a day.

 

Friday was a breakfast sandwich at the airport. Egg, Cheese, Sausage. Toss half the biscuit and then I didn't eat till Cincinnati.

 

Of course, as you already know, I stopped at the scales AND HAD LOST FIVE POUNDS IN FLORIDA!

 

So, it was all good baby!