As I have mentioned previously, I periodically plan to populate this blog with entries from the journal I kept while undergoing my weight loss. One such journal entry is from November 2010, and is set forth below. I believe these blasts from the past are instructive regarding the process and experiences of losing weight. Continuing with the blast from the past theme, the above picture is from the Nurburgring, where I went car racing in 2014.

November 6, 2010. I keep marching along, and have now lost 120.2 lbs., and now weigh 295.8 lbs. – right on schedule to hitting my weight goal in September 2011. This week, I had the pleasure of having my annual corporate physical, and a check up with my endocrinologist — my doctors were happy and surprised by my weight loss. There is nothing better than going to a doctor’s appointment, and everything is much better than it was a year before – I am now there poster child for weight loss. It makes up for all those years feeling lousy about myself, and like I let down my doctors, by gaining weight from the preceding year. One of doctor’s asked me an interesting question – at what exact point did it click for me to dedicate myself to losing weight. Thinking back, there was no “burning bush” moment, but rather circumstances and timing which made this weight loss possible (see list below).

Also, it is worth noting that in December 2009 I decided to move forward with my life as a single person. Up to that point, I was still in the doldrums from Monique’s death in July 2008, and did not like traveling alone for pleasure. That changed, as my 50th birthday approached, and I decided I wanted to celebrate in a grand way. So I decided to make my birthday celebration a three week affair.

First off, I had arranged to go to racing school in South Carolina – BMW’s 2-day M School, which was a blast. Enthusiastic driving is a passion of mine, and I love challenging myself in handling a car and at speed. Next step in my 50th celebration was the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne. Why there? This was going to be a first class vacation (including first class seating on planes), and there was no better place than the Ritz Carlton in the Miami area. Plus, the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Academy was there, so I would start playing tennis. In the Miami area, I picked up a black Mercedes Benz, and ended up going to South Beach, attending a Heat game, and driving around Miami. Plus, the hotel had a great gym, so I worked out every day.

From Miami, I decided to come home for Christmas, so I returned back to New York City. With my birthday coming up, I decided to invite my brothers for dinner at the Palm Restaurant, and to bring one of my 1974 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, which I had since college. In Boston I bought 3 bottles, and over the years had one bottle at Monique’s 30th birthday party at the Rainbow Room, and the second bottle would be for my 50th birthday. Still thinking about what event will merit opening my 3rd bottle. Maybe my engagement day, some time in the future.

The final leg of my birthday celebration was to attend the Canyon Ranchs’ weight loss program over New Year’s. It is there I got the idea to use weights, and got a weekday menu that I could duplicate and which would help with my weight loss. In fact, since I so enjoyed the Ritz, the Palm, and Canyon Ranch, I am duplicating this Christmas and New Years.

Below are some things and circumstances which have had a positive effect in helping my weight loss:
• Moving to a new apartment that had functional kitchen.
• Having my professional-grade recumbent moved into my apartment so I can exercise early in the morning, and never be denied use of the exercise machine.
• Getting my stereo in order so I can listen to more music instead of watching TV.
• Wanting/starting to date, which brought home that at 400+ lbs. I was not going to find someone I wanted to date.
• Cooking class at International Culinary Institute which got me interested in cooking again.
• Not having any sugared beverages, no vending machine snacks, no eating in the car, no order in food, no pizza.
• Canyon ranch weight loss program for getting me going on weight training, helping with low calorie cooking, and coming up with a weekday menu that I can duplicate and which helps with weight loss.
• DVR so I can watch programs in the morning when I am on my exercise bike.
• The positive feedback from friends, colleagues and family to my weight loss, and how your accomplishment become interesting to people.
• Being able to buy clothes from stores other than the fat clothes store.
• Eating dinner earlier in the evening.
• Prepping my food on the weekends so my meals for the week are planned out and only take about ½ hour from the time I arrive home.

I have gotten very positive with my life, and believe I can achieve this goal, and ultimately find another special woman for my life.