REPEAL AND REPLACE OBAMACARE

This is directed at the high-minded, so-called conservatives, super moralistic Republicans in the United States House of Representatives. I understand that you think that the Healthcare Bill that you were supposed to vote on yesterday was less than perfect.  I agree with you. Now do your job and pass the thing today. Why do we need Democrats as the opposition party when Republicans are already the opposition party. Virtually every single Republican ran on the promise (for the past three elections) to repeal and replace Obamacare. Now do it. Because if you fail, Donald Trump fails, and if Donald Trump fails, America fails. And if America fails, it won't matter in 2018 who wins congressional seats in Congress. Do what you promised. 

Your Food Diary For:

          Thursday, March 23, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Apples & Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal	650	135	8	15	850	60
	650	135	8	15	850	60
L U N C H
Grilled Ham and Cheese on Sourdough	700	53	35	48	3,454	0
	700	53	35	48	3,454	0
D I N N E R
Beef, cured, corned beef, brisket	500	1	38	36	1,939	0
	500	1	38	36	1,939	0
S N A C K S
Protein Plus Protein Bar - MET-Rx	400	37	13	41	123	1
Halados - coconut icec ream	480	76	18	8	0	0
	880	113	31	49	123	1
Totals	2,730	302	112	148	6,366	61
Your Daily Goal	1,958	245	65	98	2,300	73
Remaining	-772	-57	-47	-50	-4,066	12
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 28 extra calories from exercise today

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FINALLY, THE ELLIPTICAL MACHINE HAS BEEN REPLACED

Twice within the past year, while using the elliptical machine in my building, the arm lever has literally snapped off.  Earlier last year it was the left arm, and six weeks ago it was the right arm. In both instances, I was the one who reported this. Honestly, there are those in my building who think I broke them. Of course, this is preposterous. After who knows how many years, things will break down. Especially an elliptical machine available to residents of a building 24 hours per day. Nevertheless, the machine has finally been replaced and finally, after six weeks, I was able to workout in my own building on an elliptical machine. This machine does not appear to be as 'generous' in 'awarding' burned calories. As I have discussed many times before, the calories 'burned' on an elliptical machine are usually highly overstated. In my first 65 minute workout, the machine indicated that I 'burned' 500 calories. Whether I burned 200, 300, 400 or 500 calories is mostly inconsequential to my plans. I will know in the future, that if the machine indicates higher number, it will mean that I did exercise a bit harder. So, with my first 65 minute workout, I have established a baseline of 500.  My job is to increase that number over time. 

Your Food Diary For:

Saturday, February 11, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Trader Joes - Hash Brown Patty, 1 patty	130	14	8	1	250	0
Kirkland - Pre-Cooked Bacon, 5 slices	200	0	15	15	875	0
Creamy Wheat - Enriched Farina	240	50	0	8	170	2
	570	64	23	24	1,295	2
L U N C H
Read - 3 Bean Salad	300	65	0	5	1,500	40
Egg, whole, cooked, poached, 3 large	215	1	14	19	446	1
	515	66	14	24	1,946	41
D I N N E R
Ace Sushi - Brown Rice Mini Ca Roll	500	104	2	13	1,710	8
	500	104	2	13	1,710	8
S N A C K S
Bacon Egg Sandwich	500	36	27	21	873	5
	500	36	27	21	873	5
Totals	2,085	270	66	82	5,824	56
Your Daily Goal	2,065	258	69	104	2,300	77
Remaining	-20	-12	3	22	-3,524	21
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g

       Your Exercise Diary for:

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Cardiovascul	Minutes	Calories Burned
MATRIX TREADMILL	65	500
Daily Total / Goal	65 / 30	500 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	573 / 210	5,705 / 4,130

HELLO RAZOR

My carefully cultivated wild (unshaved) appearance which was hatched over a week or so between by surgery pre-op and post-op has come to an end. I was under the impression that I was under doctors orders and forbidden to drive during the first week of hernia recovery. I admit I could not fathom why driving would be disallowed. I did discover that that that particular warning is based on the premise that a patient recovering from hernia surgery might be under the influence of strong pain killer drugs during the first week. My pain was completely dissipated after 48 hours - and I know that the absolute biggest challenge facing my recovery now will be remembering to take it easy and not to lift anything more than 15 pounds. I have made my first post op appointment with a customer to sell some buttons today. I emptied my buttons from their large suitcase and placed them in 6 individual canvas tote bags. Once I start selling my fabrics this will present some additional challenges. Fabric samples are heavy! I meet with my surgeon in 9 days. I am hopeful that some of these weight limiting restrictions will become much less restrictive. The good news is that I am back to exercising daily. I am starting where I started last year. I am spending time on the treadmill. Yesterday I was able to log 6.93 miles in a 104 minute session. The weather should be getting real good real quick and I am looking forward to to once again taking some long vigorous urban hikes. It feels very good to be pain free, as long as I remember not to sneeze, cough or sit up or sit down too quickly. Soon I will be firing on all cylinders. 

Goodbye wild look.  Pre-Shaved, Post-Op Appearance.

Hello Civilized Appearance.  Still Post-Op, but now Post-Shaved

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I would like to thank my wife Jennifer for being very helpful in my quick recovery. She answered the bell last Friday, and got me to the surgical center on time at 6AM. She stood by me as I awoke from my anesthetically induced stupor (if only all stupors were so easy to awake from - I am talking to you, America...way to go making Trump your nominee)  In addition, Jennifer has helped prepare lots of delicious meals while I have been spending more time at home than usual. I am very accustomed to eating my breakfasts at the Super 8 or some other equally uninspiring lodging - it has been much more enjoyable having a delicious freshly prepared ham and cheese omelette for breakfast.

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Your Food Diary For:

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Malt-o-meal Cereal - Honey Nut Scooters	360	72	5	9	630	27
3 Egg Omelette - Ham and Cheese, 1 Omelette	400	1	30	40	1,225	0
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 1 medium apple	95	25	0	1	2	19
	855	98	35	50	1,857	46
L U N C H
Costco - Cheese Pizza Slice, 1 Slice	700	70	28	44	1,370	7
	700	70	28	44	1,370	7
D I N N E R
Generic - Chicken Breast, 1 breast	500	37	26	28	520	3
Wild rice, cooked, 2 cup	331	70	1	13	10	2
	831	107	27	41	530	5
S N A C K S
Apples - Apples, 3 medium apple	240	66	0	0	0	48
	240	66	0	0	0	48
Totals	2,626	341	90	135	3,757	106
Your Daily Goal	2,306	288	77	116	2,300	86
Remaining	-320	-53	-12	-18	-1,456	-20
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 376 extra calories from exercise today

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Although my photograph of the treadmill display shows 99 minutes, 59 seconds - this is only because this particular treadmill is restricted to a two digit maximum on the number of minutes. After a 99 minute workout, and a 5 minute 'cooldown' the total time spent treadmilling was actually 104 minutes. It felt good to be moving my legs after so many weeks of serious inactivity.  My distance travelled was 6.93 miles.  I am happy.  My fitbit is happy.  My patched up intestines are happy.  I think in about two weeks time I will be given the 'OK' to use an elliptical machine again. And at some point, I should be able to lift more than 15 pounds.  That day can't come soon enough. Then I will be very happy.

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THE FIRST 72 HOURS AFTER SURGERY

It is now becoming increasingly clear to me that the biggest challenge facing my complete recovery from my hernia surgery will be successfully refraining from doing too much too quickly. Too much in this case is going to be defined as lifting more than the prescribed amount (15 pounds) before my doctor gives me clearance to do so. I say this because yesterday my family joined me on a walk around downtown Chicago. No lifting was involved, and therefore no risk to my recovery was involved. It is still true that I sit down and sit up with some trepidation, and a clear cut reminder that my midsection was recently patched up, but the actual walking about was completely pain free.  I had (repeatedly) asked my surgeon the question about walking. He was quite clear in his response: 'Let your comfort by your guide.' Well, yesterday, bopping around town, I felt no pain. This is in direct contrast to the walking in Minnesota with my daughter one week prior to my surgery. Although, I was walking in the Mall of America and the City of Duluth, there were times during that trip when I was clutching my abdomen in great pain. Yesterday, I was able to move about without any regard to my hernia. I suppose that I can be forgiven for thinking that I no longer have a hernia. Medically, this may be the case. Right now I do not have a hole in my muscles where my intestines are popping out. So, by that definition, I no longer have a hernia. This could be the simple explanation why I walking around pain free, and why the 4 mile walk around downtown Chicago was so enjoyable with my family yesterday. It could have been even more enjoyable had it been a nicer day. What's the deal with it being so cold in May? Yesterday's temperatures in Chicago were under 50° F.

Back in the 'old days' (last month) I would walk around town at and average 13 minute miles. My four mile walk yesterday was closer to 18 minute miles. Still, I am only within 72 hours of my experience on the operating table - so I currently have no complaints.  I am mending.  Right now, I am grateful for my mobility.

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Your Food Diary For:

Sunday, May 1, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 1 medium apple	95	25	0	1	2	19
Malt-o-meal Cereal - Honey Nut Scooters	480	96	6	12	840	36
	575	121	6	13	842	55
L U N C H
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, 2 sandwich	520	70	30	18	700	26
	520	70	30	18	700	26
D I N N E R
Havarti - Costco Dofino - Cheese	220	1	18	12	420	0
Pepperidge Farm - Sourdough Bread	240	44	3	8	440	4
Minestrone - Homemade	400	68	5	24	690	7
	860	113	26	44	1,550	11
S N A C K S
Dreyer's - Outshine Fruit Bars Creamy Coconut, 2 bar	240	40	6	8	80	36
	240	40	6	8	80	36
Totals	2,195	345	68	82	3,172	128
Your Daily Goal	2,620	327	87	132	2,300	98
Remaining	425	-17	19	49	-871	-29
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 690 extra calories from exercise today

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LAPAROSCOPIC HERNIA SURGERY

Apparently I was very mixed up about when my initial visit with my hernia doctor was going to be. First I thought that the appointment was on Friday April 22nd, then I thought it wasn't and then I found out that it was just as I had originally thought. Apparently hernias affect the ability to think clearly.

I did visit with my surgeon on Friday. The appointment was very short. He quickly confirmed that I had a hernia after a couple of quick coughs.  He quickly explained how the repair is done with a mesh placed over the hole in the muscles. He sent me on my way to schedule the procedure with the receptionist and that was that. The bottom line is that I will be starting my recovery on Friday Morning April 29th, at 7:00AM.

During Week 1: rest/walking
During Weeks 2-3: light activity
After Week 3: normal activity
Recurrence rate: <5%
Pain: 3-6 days

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Anyone can purchase this book at amazon.com for  $272.95. I am under the impression that my doctor will have studied from this book or others like it.  This is the description of the book on the amazon.com website:

Repair of simple and complex abdominal hernias by the laparoscopic technique is now the method of choice in many centres. Laparoscopic repair offers equivalent outcomes to open repair, with the additional benefits of greater patient satisfaction and reduced hospitalization. For some hernias, notably incisional and hiatal, the outcome appears to be superior using the minimally invasive technique.

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Your Food Diary For:

Saturday, April 23, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon	640	132	8	16	800	48
Mcintosh - Apple, 2 medium apple	160	44	0	0	0	34
	800	176	8	16	800	82
L U N C H
Chicken Breast - Chicken Breast Cooked	374	0	8	70	200	0
Traditional Sage Stuffing	400	43	21	7	1,133	7
Potatoes, red, flesh and skin, baked	200	44	0	5	27	3
	974	87	30	82	1,360	10
D I N N E R
Beef, cured, corned beef, brisket, cooked	500	1	38	36	1,939	0
	500	1	38	36	1,939	0
S N A C K S
Vanilla Cupcake With Frosting and Sprinkles	485	63	24	4	95	49
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 2 medium apple	190	50	1	1	4	38
	675	113	25	5	99	86
Totals	2,949	377	101	139	4,198	179
Your Daily Goal	2,463	308	82	124	2,300	92
Remaining	-486	-68	-18	-15	-1,897	-86
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 533 extra calories from exercise today

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I LOST A GOOD CUSTOMER TODAY - AND I AM HAPPY ABOUT IT!

There are not too many salesmen who would be happy to lose a customer.  I must confess that I did not really lose a customer - but I did discover today that my weight loss which is precisely 92 pounds is equal to the total weight of my customer, Missi Gouty.  Missi and her husband, Bill, are the owners of THREADS OF TIME CREATIVE SEWING & RETREAT CENTER in Danville, Illinois.  When I arrived at the store, it did not take Missi too long to remark on my huge weight loss. I told her about my blog, and how I had previously posed with frozen turkeys to illustrate my weight loss.  It turns out that Missi (all 5' of her) weighs just 92 pounds!  That is exactly equivalent to my weight loss.   Missi offered to pose for a picture with me for my blog.  I loved the idea! And I know that this was OK with her husband, Bill - as he was he was the photographer!   

Me? I have LOST 92 pounds.  Missi?  She IS 92 pounds!  

For the times of your life and the fabric of the times, visit Threads of Time Creative Sewing & Retreat Center.  Owned by Missi and Bill Gouty for nearly 10 years, this store has quickly established itself as one of the finest in the midwest.   

If you are anywhere near Danville, Illinois may I suggest that you visit.

TUESDAY MENU

breakfast   two apples                                                                                             160 calories
lunch         baby spinach w/8 cherry tomatoes                                                          65 calories
dinner        PANERA BREAD SOBA NOODLE BOWL
                  smoked turkey breast Half Sandwich, pickle spear, two apples           759 calories

TOTAL CALORIES CONSUMED    984 CALORIES

calories burned
DANVILLE YMCA elliptical 35 minutes   457 calories

TUESDAY NET CALORIES 527 CALORIES

PANERA BREAD: SOBA NOODLE BOWL w/Smoked Turkey Breast Half Sandwich  610 CALORIES