Craig's Journey

My 2nd chance - Don't F$#k it up this time...

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 23:02:00 +0000

The fasting began at 7am.

Today is the day that the annoying lower abdomen and groin pain that I have been suffering with the last 4 1/2 months goes away for good when they reconnect my band tube which inadvertently came apart while I was travelling overseas a few months ago. At first I thought it was appendicitis, but then the pain moved - and kept moving, as well as coming and going - for the rest of the trip. Not in my wildest dreams did I think the band had come apart and there was this little metal piece moving around down there.

My appetite was more than usual - and noticed the weight was slowly coming back, but I thought that may have been the fact I needed a fill. It turns out I do because there is nothing restricting my stomach, apart from the lap band hardware itself.

At 1.30pm today my new surgeon, Prof Wendy Brown, will get in there and fix it all up, and put some fluid back into it; and so starts the slow process again of getting back down to my goal weight. It will be hard, but I'm determined again to not let this beat me.

Back to the liquids, and then mushies for a week or so until it all settles down; and then its back to smaller portions, slower eating and satiety. Time to pull out my 'Lap Band Manual' folder from the initial op and refresh my mind about how to use it properly.

While I'm waiting to go in to surgery, I'm going to start reading the updated version of The Lap-Band Solution to remind me why I went down this path in the first place.

I'll keep you posted with how I go...

A Missing Link

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 09:00:00 +0000

So its been a while. Six years on and I've been travelling along fairly well and still remaining under triple figures in my weigh (just). Recently there has been a weigh increase of about 5-7kg over the last 4 months or so. That said I can still get to back under the 100kg mark without too much of a problem.

Last year I moved from Sydney to Melbourne and settling into my new life down here fairly well. Finally I found some time to get my 'band affairs' sorted and have moved from Circle of Care in Sydney to The Centre for Bariatric Surgery (CBS) here in Melbourne... I've been away with work for an extended period during the winter and came back with a few extra kilos which I manages to shed 2-3 fairly quickly but the rest wouldn't budge. Time to make an appointment for a checkup with my new clinic which I went to 3 weeks ago. The doctor was great. We spent about 20 minutes bringing her up to speed with my journey, but then it came to the crunch - I needed a fill. Fair enough, I knew it was coming.

Portion sizes had been getting bigger, and evening snacking becoming more frequent, but still had the morning restrictions and occasional issues when I'm eating so I didn't think there was any problems.

Given it was my first one with CBS she, and I hadn't had any adjustments for a couple of years; she decided to take it all out and then put it back with a little bit more just to help me a bit. That's when we realized there was a problem. She couldn't pull any out. So she thought she try and give it a flush; Put some in and try and draw it back out. So in some went, but nothing could come out. By this stage I was wincing (I'm a 'needlephobe'), so she let it go and said she'd try again in a few weeks (today).

So again today, she tried to do a fill. She felt the port go 'pop' and put .4ml in, but again couldn't draw it out. Something weird is going on...

So off I trot to try and get a fill under X-ray. It was all going well, they found the port, it hadn't flipped and it was in the position she thought, but there was a missing link. Some how, at some time the tube has come apart. (see image below). This was the last thing I needed.

Finally though, it does explain some unexplained pains I've been having in my lower stomach / groin region since late June while I was away. Whether it happened then, or before that, is unclear at this stage. I go back to see my specialist on the 28 October, where I find out my fate then.

A few steps backwards, but at least I now know what the problem is and I will get back on track real soon...

Dorinda

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:44:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Dorinda Hafner http://www.dorindahafner.com today… You remember her… the larger than life chef that used to appear on Bert Newtown’s Good Morning Australia for years…

I have worked with her daughter, and now good friend the gorgeous Nuala Hafner for the last 10 years, and meeting her mum today, another fellow “Bandit” whom I had no idea until after I got mine had had it done 2 years earlier… but now after meeting her today, she gas given me a whole new appreciation for the better quality of life the band has afforded me.

Dorinda has just released her latest cookbook "Honey I shrunk the Chef" http://www.honeyishrunkthechef.com for some great new ideas on how to create healthy 'band friendly' food. Cant wait to get it and try out some of her recipes… Also loved some of her ‘band-friendly’ cooking utensils too… little saucepans, frypans and dishes for one, which makes cooking that bit easier, as you’re not tempted to add a “little bit more” into the pan just because you can

3 years today...

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 10:55:00 +0000

Wow, my how time flies when you're having fun.. And that's probably the best way to describe the last 3 years... As I posted on my blog back on 9/9/09, the day I got banded it was the first day of the rest of my life, little did I know back then it would ring so true. Fair enough I've had my ups and downs with the band (but no regrets) as well as my personal life; but I recon if I hadn't gone down this path now I'm reaching almost 41, I would have been starting to have a lot more health problems by now.

Since getting banded I have now lost 43kg and now sit at 94.4kg (and body fat of 24.8%) when I weighed in at the doctors the other day so I've put a bit on since my best at 91.8kg in August 2010, just 12 months after the band, but hey that's life. I haven't had to have a fill (or adjustment) now for over 12 months (which is surprising given both the doctor and I thought before I went away I'd need to get this week) but with the weight loss and all he was ok to leave it.

All in all considering was overseas for 9 weeks prior to my last weigh in and my there was oohing normal or regular about my day to day or eating habits I even managed to loose 1 kg from my previous weigh in.

Speaking of being away surprising I was able to handle my eating habits pretty well. Most mornings I was still able to have my cereal (even though it was while we were hosting the evening news) and big jimmy Wilson always looked after us with a coffee or 2 on his way up. Lunch was the usual fast food/food court fare, occasionally supplemented by a Tesco, M&s or Waitrose take out salad, or a salad at Wimbledon; on the days when it wasn't too cold. Afternoons were always difficult and I needed a sugar hit or two for energy (with the 16-18 hour days). Dinner was always the challenge. Wimbledon was always either eat out, or take away/delivery, or dinner at the boss's place; but then once I moved into Olympic mode it proved much harder. Evenings I was always in the production office, and eat-in/takeaway was fairly limited and you were always going back to the same place every few days. That said pasta, noodles and rice (carbs I know) were my staples that I know I can generally eat without much difficulty. We had a sushi place just up the road from ITN and a great Vietnamese around the corner so that was a good favorite. All in all very limited troubles and only 1 major block that made me regret the "medium" steak I had eaten. A few other little hiccups along the way but nothing that I don't get at home occasionally when I get too ambitious with my food.

Now I'm home (for the moment) I'd still like to loose a little more and maybe get down to between 85-90kg - just need to get back into regular exercise and cut out my afternoon snacks (but I’m getting there with that and it will be easier once I’m back at work).

One thing I did discuss briefly with my doctor this week was what I can do about the "excess skin" which is the "hidden" downside to weight loss. From the outside I look like I've gone so well (and I have), but when I look in the mirror the excess skin I see is the only thing that gets me down. I didn't things need to do anything, and generally it's snapped back pretty well compared to others, but it's still something I will need to look at in the future.

As I write this I’ve been looking back over my blog from the last 3 years (alright I haven’t posted anything for the last 2 years) and have just got up to my post on 9/9/09 The first day of the rest of my NEW life... I know I said 80kg was my goal back then but as I said earlier if I can get to between 85-90 I’ll be happy.

And just above that post was “Kyle get a life” – my how things change, some thing always stay the same.

I started reading from the time I made the decision until just after the band and it has reminded me how much I have changed, but also some of the habits I have fallen back into that I need to revisit - I'll keep on reading over the next few days)

12 months ago, I went on a pilot program with Circle of Care… It was all about mindfulness… in out day to day lives and how being mindful, with meditation and exercises to take you mind of food and the feeling of being hungry (and thus slipping back into old habits.

I got some things out of it; however other things that were happening in my life at that time meant I probably didn’t put as much into it (and therefore get as much out of it) as I would have normally of hoped… It was great though as I was the only man in the course (the rest were women) so they were always happy to hear discussion when we did it form a mans point of view

Just so you can see how far I've come heres a couple of photos from before and after...

Before - April 2008

After - September 2012

A False Economy – Health Funds reconsidering Bariatric Surgery Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Sat, 29 May 2010 23:30:00 +0000

This morning on Health Matters I spoke with Dr John Darcy about my progress since being “banded” 9 months ago… This time last year, I was in the serious contemplation stage of getting the band and doing all my research about it… Obviously some of that research included the cost for the procedure, and how much of it was covered by my Health Fund, or if in fact like some people I applied to my Superannuation fund to withdraw the amount to cover it.
I chose the Health Fund option, but now 12 months on, the uncertainty continues about Health insurance funds and their continuing coverage for this and other forms of ‘life-saving’ Bariatric Surgery.
Why are they doing this? - The effects and benefits of weight loss by people who have this surgery now, will cost them much less than if they refuse to cover this surgery
Without this surgery to help the morbidly obese loose weight - they face a certain future, which could include the risks of heart attack, disease and relegated problems; stroke; high blood pressure; Diabetes; Osteoarthritis, and sleep apnoea to name a few… All the costs related to these diseases and their management far outweigh the $10,000 it costs a health fund per person to get ‘banded’.
The cost of a band without Health insurance is in the vicinity of $12-$15,000. The cost to those with Health insurance (me included) is $5,000. Now while that seems a lot (and it is), the health benefits of the weight loss is enormous.
I can calculate conservatively that over the last 22 years of my working life I have probably contributed over $50000 to my health funds, which I changed over to from my parents once I started working. Apart from the lap band surgery, I might have claimed another $5000, over the 20 years for specialist, pharmaceutical and other related claims – when you look at it that way, it sometimes makes you wonder why you’re in the fund.
The Government and Health Funds continuously go on about the need for us to become a healthier society. We’ll some people need a hand – me included. I tried everything before this, with little success. Since the Band my life has changed.
Apart from the physical benefits of weight loss following surgery, the psychological benefits too are enormous.
It changes people’s lives for the better.
No longer are they in danger of becoming a burden to the already crumbling heath & welfare systems; or their families with many and varied ailments relating to obesity.
I will admit, I had some pretty low days when I was a big boy. I wouldn’t want to do anything; I didn’t like the look of myself. I had the potential to head for that spiralling downhill depression.
No I go out and grab life with both hands… I am happier and more content within myself, and even contemplate doing things that in the past I would never have done.
Health funds need to take note - $10k is a SMALL price to pay to give back a life.

From 3XL to Large!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Fri, 28 May 2010 05:23:00 +0000

Prior to my recent overseas trip I had a bit of a clothing purge… Nothing I had fitted me anymore and almost everything was like a tent – except for some of those clothes I kept from years ago, hoping I might get into them again… well they do fit me now; but even some of them still swim on me…

I didn’t have time for much of a shop before I left so today I decided to pop over to the local Rivers Outlet store and see what they had… I knew I had gone down a couple of sizes, but when I tried on some button up shirts, even the XL’s still swam on me out the front and even in the shoulders. So off I went and got a “L”arge and went back to the change room too try that on… Perfect – almost, but definitely better than the XL. If I decide I want to try and do aerobics in it, it’s a little restrictive but otherwise it will do… I still bought a couple of XL pullover shirts but they fitted well.

Since I’ve been banded almost every week something; like this, reinforces my new positive attitude to life…

While I expected to go down a couple of sizes I never expected to get into a large. Only 12 month ago, clothes shopping was a nightmare. It would take forever to find something that both fitted me (normally in 3XL and 112cm waist – and even then that was ‘snug’) and I liked; now clothes shopping are a breeze with so many options – where do you stop.

Add today’s experience to my 97cm pants I had to buy before I went away, and in all it just makes me feel so much happier in myself…

Now to go through the wardrobe again and get rid of some of those ones I kept until I could find the time to go shopping and then drop all the old clothes down to the local charity store.

Until next time

No Medications

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Mon, 24 May 2010 05:18:00 +0000

Following my recent (well 3 months ago) blood checks, my cholesterol had dropped to 3.6 – I have never known it to be this low… Today I had to pop along to the GP to get a couple of referrals and have a chat about my progress. Not putting to finer point on it, he was (very) pleased by my progress to date… He knew it would be good for me, otherwise why would he have given me a referral; but he like myself, didn’t expect the results as quickly as they have been. Over 40kg in 12 months, makes it about a kilo a week I have lost… It’s slowed down now, although I am back to my pre-trip weight at 92 ½ KG’s

We got onto the subject of my cholesterol medication, which ran out about a month ago, and he agreed it was worth seeing how I go without it. My next blood test is Early July so it will be very interesting to see if I can stay off it.

As I said at the beginning of all this, as long as I can come of the Diabex and reverse my insulin resistance I’ll be happy.

My GP took me of Diabex in August 09 and my last blood test confirmed that my insulin resistance had gone; but with a family history of Cholesterol, never in my wildest dreams did I think that mine would go down to 3.6 – OK that’s been with both the weight loss and Crestor – but the proof will now really be to see how far it can stay down (and there is no doubting without the Crestor it will rise, but to what point; it will be very interesting.

What a difference a year makes…

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Wed, 19 May 2010 09:00:00 +0000

My annual Advanced Resuscitation recertification always comes around so quickly and this year was no exception. Generally in the past by the end of the day was so exhausted as I felt like I had gone 12 rounds with Danny Green…

For any of you who have done Advanced Resus, either in training, or for real, knows it can be exhausting… 2 breaths and 30 compressions on your knees every 2 minutes… and when you do the training its up and down and changing around all day.

Normally by lunch I’m exhausted and haven’t got anything left for the assessment in the afternoon.

This year however, I didn’t feel like that. My knees felt fine – on the carpet with the usual lack of padding and underlay for a commercial property; and energy wise I still had a heap in reserve – and that was after the instructor let us go for about 6 minutes before asking us to change and that’s when I was doing the CPR

And why wouldn’t feel good – I’ve dropped over 40kg since last time, increased my exercise and am leading a much healthier life in general

The UK and my other family

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Sun, 09 May 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Its midnight in Sydney and I’m sitting on the plane with just over 6 hours to go before I land.

I’ve just spent the last hour and a half writing emails to my family in the UK to send once I get online again in Sydney.

Its been over 10 years since I was there and saw everyone… the purchase of my house in 2001 took all my disposable income; and the last few years its just been difficult finding the time (and not to mention money because of the exchange rate) to head over and see everyone; so my recent trip to Gallipoli was the perfect opportunity to extend my trip and see them all…

I had a great time – a mix of work and family – but I’m now looking forward to getting home. 2 weeks at work and then 2 weeks of leave to stay at home and catch up on stuff as its been over 12 months since my last lot of annual leave.

I must admit the last week in the UK was very difficult to stick to my normal band regime. Even though its Spring over there, its regularly still less than 10 degrees out and about (and even less with a wind chill factor) so I found myself drinking much more coffee and snacking on warm food more often than I would normally do… I’m not popping the buttons on any of my new clothes, but I recon I’ve possibly put on a couple of kilos while I’ve been away… I guess I’ll know on Wednesday morning at my next weigh in… I don’t feel guilty or disappointed in myself, just a desire to get back on the wagon when I get home.

Until Next Time

London Calling

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:57:00 +0000

What a month… Easter Show, Gallipoli and now London, who said working in Television News wasn’t interesting…

Since I last blogged, we finished our 9 day OB at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, had a few days back in the office; before jumping on a plane and heading towards the volcanic ash cloud; stopping short of it in Istanbul Turkey; where we headed out to the Gallipoli Peninsular to cover the 95th anniversary of ANZAC day… It’s something I have always dreamed about doing (on my bucket list), and finally my dream came true… Arriving in Istanbul on Monday, we overnighted there before being driven down to Eceabat, which is about 20 minutes from Anzac cove on the western side of the Gallipoli Peninsular… Not long after arriving at our hotel, the rest of the crew arrived (who flew in the day before) and we headed out to see Anzac cove for ourselves…

We’ll words can’t describe the feeling when I arrived at this hallowed site, where so many Australians lost their lives, in the first of the battles of WW1.

It was here I pulled out my new camera and started snapping, and kept on snapping for the rest of the week… in the 5 days, I think I took over 500 photos of the various sites and events surrounding Anzac Cove and Anzac Day. It’s a beautiful place where images are aplenty. Every where you turn there’s a shot; be it the beach; the cemetery’s and memorials, or just Aussies paying homage to the fallen.

And for the first time in a long time, I actually wanted to get my photo taken in all these places… I’m now happy with the way I look (as well as feel) so I want to be able to remember these places I’ve been; not to mention have photos of myself I am happy with.

Over the next few days we shot and interviewed Aussies that had made the pilgrimage to Gallipoli for one reason or another… Listening to their stories it emphasises why as Australian we have a deep interest in somewhere so far from our home shores.

I also took the time to lie on the grass in Beach cemetery, while the rest of the crew interviewed one of the school kids that won the Simpson prize; and tune out to everything except the sound of the waves breaking on the shores, and thinking what it might have been like for the diggers 95 years ago…

Saturday morning saw us all pack ourselves up to spend the next 30 hours at Anzac Cove in preparation for the Dawn service at 5.30am on Sunday morning; as the sun came up over “the sphinx” and those gathered at Anzac Cove… The air troubles of the previous week didn’t seem to deter anyone’s plans to be there. Those who’s flight plans got interrupted, drove days and night across Europe to get there… and the service didn’t disappoint. It was very different to the Dawn services I have previously attended in Sydney and Melbourne, but you’d expect it to be with what happened on those very shores all those years ago…

After Gallipoli, it was back to overnight in Istanbul; before an early flight to London Heathrow for a couple of weeks in London and the UK, this time though; both work and pleasure…

The 12 Days of Easter!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:29:00 +0000

You’ve heard of the 12 Days of Christmas; we’ll I’m about to start work on the 12 Days of Easter… After 6 weeks of planning, tomorrow we start the final stage of the rig for the 7News Studio at the Sydney Royal Easter Show which begins this Thursday.

I’ve been a little quiet on both my blog and Facebook over the last month as most of my spare time and RDO’s have been spent planning and putting together our biggest outside broadcast since the Sydney Olympics in 2000 – and that one I had 6 months to plan.

We’re taking the Martin Place Studio to the Easter Show… and the public can come and see our studio and chat with our presenters and crew (not me though - I’ll be curled up out the back under my desk catching up on sleep). Were located in Davidson Plaza next to the Hordern Cattle Lawns, the Giant Slide and the Racing Pigs – so there’s something for everyone.

Drop by and say G’day; and see for yourself how I’m going.

And I’m determined not to give way to temptation with all that food around… I’ve actually been working at the site now on and off for the last 10 days, and the worst I’ve gone is Macca’s yesterday with a Grand Angus Burger. That said though, the amount of walking around and activity I’ve been doing in the setup has had an effect on my plateau of the last couple of weeks and I’ve dropped another 1.5kg since Wednesday.

Anyway a couple more things to do before I’m off to bead and up for a 7am start at the Showground’s in the morning.

Until next time…

The big Four 0

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:57:00 +0000

No I haven’t reached the age milestone yet; it 40 kilos’ lost since I started my new life…

This mornings weigh in was 94.7kg – meaning 40kg’s dropped in just over 7 months… What an achievement… Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have been 40kg’s lighter – and still going… especially in the time frame I’ve done it in as well.

The other night I had a bit of a throw out too… Got rid of some old shorts and jeans that no longer fit; but there’s still a full wardrobe to go when I can find the time…What’s even more encouraging is that some of the new shorts I bought back in December are now falling off me as well… So I guess it will be a whole new wardrobe again next summer.

While my blogs have lessened in the last month or so; my will to succeed certainly hasn’t and this latest milestone is a great feeling. I’m getting used to what I can and can’t eat and when (bread and any doughy stuff is a no no before lunch) blockages are becoming less… As I explained to someone at work; I’d rather know what I can and cannot eat when I’m in a controlled environment at home or work, than being stuck on the road and have the wrong thing, simply because there was no other choice.

My next challenge is 2 weeks at the Sydney Royal Easter Show where I will be working from Monday – the good thing about it is the prices of the food means there won’t be much eating of the traditional crappy food of the fair.

Until next time

Clothes shopping…

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:35:00 +0000

After putting it off for ages, the change of season tomorrow forced my hand and I had to go shopping for some clothes that fitted me. Those old Size 44 jeans (and even my old 42 and 40) are about to be retired in favour of some new 38’s… (and slim fit ones at that). While the 38’s are snug; I thought it best to buy ones that will last longer; rather than some more 40’s that might only last a couple of months. Apart from the jeans and a new belt; I also got bought some new jocks and socks; as well as shorts and shirt for walking and that…

I think its now time to clean out the wardrobe and ditch those old closthes that don’t fit me anymore as I’m fast running out of room in there.

Next is to get my bike serviced, so I can go riding… As a kid and teenager I used to love riding; but over the last few years, despite buying a new bike about 10 years ago I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I’ve ridden it; so now I can actually get on it without deflating the tyres; or feeling the effects of chafing for the next 24 hours; I think its time to get back on...

Until next time

Another one for the too hard basket

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:11:00 +0000

I just had my last toasted turkish bread with peanut butter...

I got into work early this morning and had this taste for Turkish peanut butter - It was one of my favourites; but it's the first time I've tried it since the band... I got half way through and that was it... blockage

So I guess this goes into the same basket as Sausage on bread! - too hard

And this is my 100th blog post... I cant believe it; it's been over 7 months on since I made the decision and now I'm over 35kg lighter... Weigh in tomorrow so hopefully a little bit more on the lighter side as well

Until next time

Another top up

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:14:00 +0000

Today was my fist visit to the clinic in over 8 weeks. Dietician and Doctors review today, along with the obligatory weigh in…

In all both were very pleased with my progress, even with my 3 week “plateau” while I was away in Melbourne; not to mention Christmas. Weigh in was 98.6kg meaning a 5.4kg loss since 8 December (9 weeks).

Dietician group (D4) was not only reinforcing what we had already learnt, and checking on how we were going; but also a lesson in reading food labels in the supermarket and how to make the best decision on the best types of foods to but (its not always about the fat content). While I have been reading food labels now for a number of years; I haven’t always been reading them right. I can now go shopping (which I am going to do this afternoon) armed with a better knowledge (along with a wallet card) of how to shop for the right foods. This was the last dietician’s appointment for now; but Mandy said we can always make an appointment if we feel we need assistance.

Then it was onto the doctors’ review. Dr Tony was really pleased with my progress and not worried about the Melbourne trip. I was still in the range of success and he let me make the decision about if I needed a band fill or not. I’ve been a bit to and fro about if I really needed one, but with portion size and snacking increasing over the last few weeks; so I decided to go for a fill. Now I have 5.5ml in the band, and am back to fluids and mushies for the next day or so… This fill may well be my last for the moment if I keep going the way I am with my weight loss… I also spoke with Dr Tony about my Cholesterol results (3.7) and my fasting insulin (7) both of which are great. He was very happy with my latest lots of results. We also spoke about if it was worth discussing with the GP about trialing some time off Crestor (Cholesterol tablets). He said sometimes if there is a family history it might not work, but it could be worth a try. Something to chat with the GP about at my next visit

Until next time

Me time

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:13:00 +0000

Finally after 31 days straight of working between Sydney and Melbourne I’m on 5 days off… It’s been a long haul and the most days straight since the Beijing Olympics; but I don’t think I would have done it as easily without the weight loss… Normally by about the end of the 2nd week I’m starting to get a little on edge and snappy; but this time I pretty much breezed through it easily

And that last week in Melbourne wasn’t easy; having to deal with the delicate situation of arranging our coverage of the Black Saturday Anniversary

That was a real challenge dealing with people in Kinglake and Marysville that are still grieving 12 months on and all they just wanted to get through the first anniversary with little attention on their own. We did it; and did it with the respect it deserved…

I must say it was so eerie every time I went up to either Marysville or Kinglake in the lead up to the Anniversary. I had never been to either town before; and because of the tragedy that unfolded up there 12 months ago, didn’t get to either town then because they were taped off as crime scenes, so to drive in there 12 months on it made me think what the place would have been like before; and on the Saturday when I was driving into Kinglake for the news what would have been going on there 12 months ago, seeing all the burnt trees with the regrowth, or the empty blocks where houses once stood… it was a very strange feeling.

It was a long month (130+ hours of overtime) with 3 trips to Melbourne (the last one being 16 days) and it was great to be home.

How did I go with my food intake…? Well I thought I’d stuffed it completely, I had a couple of blockages and regurgitations (I think I’ll give up on ever being able to eat sausage on bread again); and It probably wasn’t always the healthiest options; or I ate more than I should have; but all in all I only put on ½ a kilogram over the 3 weeks; so I’m pretty stoked with that… My daily walking to and from the tennis; as well as the odd “stroll” into town from the Seasons also helped; but all in all I hope the doctor and dietician are happy when I go and see them on Monday… I’m probably ready for a fill this time round

Now I’m back home and the last few months of mayhem at work have passed; I’ll hopefully find the time to update my blog more regularly.

Until next time

Happy Australia Day

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:29:00 +0000

After travelling back and forth the last couple of weeks between Sydney and Melbourne; I’m finally back in Melbourne for the next week at least… January is always a busy month with Tennis, but last week I added a royal tour to my schedule hence making it a very busy time, and when its busy like this and on the road, you don’t necessarily tend to eat the best. Last Wednesday’s weigh in was testament to that… While I didn’t loose any; I didn’t gain any either, so I was happy about that.

Now I’m back in Melbourne, and it’s all calming down and falling into a routine, I’m actually walking to and from the tennis. It’s about a 20 minute walk across the Gardens between the apartments and Melbourne Park, and I must say it’s a great walk… A nice way to start and end the day

I’m all setup in the apartment too… I went shopping the other day and bought breakfast and dinner for the next week; which removes the temptation of going out and eating what you really shouldn’t… It’s bad enough at the Tennis with all the catering about and occasionally I have eaten something I really shouldn’t but in all I’ve been good…

Saturday was another story though… I arrived here late morning and had to pop into Bunnings to get some tarps just in case it rained again… I was a little hungry so I thought I’d just get a sausage on a roll before I got lunch a little later… That was the worst mistake I have made in the 4 months since I’ve had the band… All was going fine until the last bite, and then the pain started… I had felt similar before but a cough or a sip of coke fixed it… not this time though… it just kept going on and on and on… in the end; even though I bought most of it back up; the pain was till there; and it was so painful; it took a few goes to even get a sip of coke down… once I did manage to get that bigger sip down; it fixed it and the pain was gone…

As time goes on I’m learning more about how I feel at certain times with my band… You can actually feel a blockage or the hiccups coming on; so if I get that feeling I stop eating for a few minutes to let it pass before I continue… I normally manage to avoid the blockage; but sometimes the hiccups still come… but even they are starting to become less frequent

Anyway must head off and finish getting ready…

Happy Australia Day

Until next time

Double Figures!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:14:00 +0000

That’s right, going on 4 months banded today and my weigh in this morning in is a first with double figures. 99.6kg.

That’s 21.5kg since the band and 35.1kg in total. Now according to the BMI indicator I’m now 32.15 which still puts me under the body classification of "Obese"; but that’s coming down every week. (I started with a BMI of 43.48)

Breaking the double figure mark is a huge psychological boost to the entire process. The next goal is to break the 30 BMI.

It’s working; and I know its working, and it gets rid of all my doubts as to whether I’m doing OK… I was only saying to a colleague yesterday that I’m sure when I go back for my next appointment on 2 Feb I’m in for a fill; but you know this morning I’m not so sure… I’m at the upper limit of the “success indicator” loosing 5kg a month so I recon if I keep going the doctor will leave me where I’m at. Its working the way it is, so why change it? The proof will be how I go over the next 2 weeks with the Royal tour and Melbourne Tennis

Some days I don’t feel like I’m doing anything right with it… Eating ‘too much’ (which is less than I used to eat) and probably not the best foods and the odd snack; but obviously its nothing to be worried about because of the progress

I haven’t had a double figure weight now for nearly 10 years (and even then with that failed attempt, it didn’t last long).

As I was saying to a mate last night I said I feel so much happier in myself, less stressed and when I look in the mirror I am liking what I see.

Well it’s off to work now; but I just thought I’d like to share the exciting news with everyone.

Until next time

Walking is becoming second nature

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:10:00 +0000

As I was out on my morning walk this morning; I realized this is starting to become 2nd nature to me as part of my daily weekend schedule. Rarely do I sleep in past 7.30am on weekends anymore and once I’m outa bed I don my joggers and hit the road… As with most people it’s nice to get the odd day when you can’t do it, like if it’s raining or you have to head of to work or something; but otherwise it’s a great way to start the day and get the blood flowing…

I’m even doing more walking out and about at work too… Yesterday was a great example… I had a recce and meeting down at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. Normally I would have jumped in the car to head the short 2km or so from the office; but I walked and it took me 20 mins. Through the hospital and across the Domain down to the fleet steps and felt better when I got there. The on the way back to the office I walked through the Royal Botanical Gardens (something I haven’t done for years)… Afterwards I felt great – with the exception I forgot to stretch my calves before sitting back down at my desk for lunch. I felt it when I got up

Anyway I’m off to mow the jungle (aka back lawn) now… It’s been so wet the last few weekends the back lawn has now grown so much you can’t see the dog walking through it…

Until next time

Happy New Year!!

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:03:00 +0000

Happy New Year (and decade) to one and all

May your year be filled with success and happiness

No new years resolution here; just continued success with my band; weightloss and the new me.

My Belated Christmas Present: I lost another 1kg

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:50:00 +0000

After a week of not really doing what I should; and eating what I shouldn’t (I can help myself with Mince Pies and Christmas pudding); I stepped on the scales this morning and to my surprise I had lost a kilo since last week; taking me down to 101.4kg. Not that it means that if I do let myself go that this will always be the case…

I think part of it was helped along over the last couple of days of not having much to eat because of where I was working down the south coast. Yesterday A bacon and egg roll; half a sausage roll; and a gourmet pie (along with a few diet cokes and 4 bottles of water) was all I had between sun up and sun down… Not the best diet but when you’re on assignment and stuck with a Satellite dish in the middle of nowhere you can be cant be too choosy

There no New Years resolution here this year either… I had mine early back on 09/09 and couldn’t be happier (not to mention fitter and feeling great)

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all

The Festive season is almost over

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 06:13:00 +0000

Well I think I survived my first festive season with the band pretty much with no problems… I guess the proof will come when I weigh myself on Wednesday… Christmas Day I must admit I did let myself go a little; grazing most of the day; but hey it’s once a year… and even then I knew when I was full; and didn’t feel like I was the stuffed turkey at the end of the day; like I have in previous years.

Photo at right: Me at the Family Christmas Picnic with my niece Charlotte

I must admit I have to slow down with my eating again… I have been speeding up a bit lately; and then ending up with hiccups… It’s been really hectic of late and I think that has been part of my problem… and if that’s the only problem I’m having it I must be going OK…

I have been picking a bit of late too… you know; a few hours after dinner and you head to the fridge and check out the leftovers… Not every day but at least 2-3 times a week… but I’m still loosing weight so it can’t be that bad although I need to kick the habit again… occasionally when I do that though I don’t chew enough so I tend to regret it after as it doesn’t go down that well and I end up with some pain… Not good...

I got back to walking again this morning and still going my 4.5km in about 35 mins do I’m happy with that one too…

Just under a week now until the New Year and then January starts to heat up with Tennis and looking ahead to another busy year… Winter Olympics, World Cup Soccer, Comm. Games; as well as the other annual events; and that before any natural disasters, bushfires or tragedy’s that we just can’t plan for… and thats just work.

I'm hoping to get a bit done around home next year too... Finish the painting, new grass and gardens front and back and tidy up the garage...

Until next time

Have a Merry (but not too Merry) Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:47:00 +0000

I’m back… It’s been a VERY busy month since my last post and I do apologise that I haven’t been keeping everyone updated on my progress. Now the craziness is almost over I’ll get back to more regular updates a couple of times a week.

Since my last post after I got back from Hobart, my life has been full of V8’s, then culling, packing and moving our remaining news archive and the helicopter to their new homes away from the Epping Studios now its closed down…

It’s actually been a really good month for me despite it being the festive season… Overall I am still making progress with my weight loss, so good in fact that my last doctors visit, he recommended that I didn’t need a fill because my progress was going so well… I was really happy with that; but now 3 weeks on from that visit sometimes I’m finding I’m having to use will power a little more than I have needed to of late; but no where to the extent that I did pre-band… Next doctor’s appointment is early February so I’ll see how the next 5 and a bit weeks go.

Comments on how good I look are also coming thick and fast and I’ve also had a few people say that it’s made me look 10 years younger(thanks Grant); which is always a positive boost. One of my former work colleagues (who moved to the UK 18 months ago) visited on Wednesday and she couldn’t believe my transformation

Food wise I must say Christmas hasn’t been too bad… I’ve had a few functions and haven’t gone overboard (although have probably eaten and drank more than I should have; but that said it hasn’t had any adverse effect on my weight which makes me feel good. At least I know I can indulge a little at these special times of the year and not feel guilty at all… I’ve had Charlotte’s birthday, 7 Christmas Party, 7 Kids Christmas party, Family Christmas and now heading off to Christmas day and I’m still loosing weight.

My main issue has been probably eating a little too fast (to my detriment) and drinking with food. I’m now starting to be able to pre-empt if I’m eating too fast and something going to happen which is good because my hiccups are now happening less often although I still get them a couple of times a week

I’ll let you in on my little secret though… when I over indulge at parties it’s then a couple of days of healthy salads and drop the carbs; which tends to make up for it… I’m really starting to get creative with my salads; thanks to Bathie showing me how easy it is to make an exciting and tasty salad… a few lettuce leaves or baby spinach (those woollies prepacked leaves are great) thrown together with various combinations of tomato, cucumber, shallots, red onion, baked pumpkin, avocado, ricotta cheese, with some low fat balsamic or Kraft dressing; really hits the spot with your protein like steak or chicken… and its quick… I recon this will probably be my staple dinner when I’m in Melbourne for the Tennis next month.

Although my regular walking schedule on the weekends has taken a little bit of a hit with my how busy I have been of late; I’ve still been getting at least one day a weekend in; and V8’s weekend I walked all over Sydney Olympic Park both days and I’m still so surprised that I never really felt tired (although I think the adrenaline of the weekend may have also had something to do with it.

Anyway almost at my brothers for Christmas Day sop I must sign off… wishing you all a Happy and Safe Christmas; as well as a prosperous 2010.

Until next time

over half way

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Weigh in this morning has me over half way to my goal weight, and just 100 grams short of the 30kg lost mark. 2.4kg lost this week; and that’s even with the travel and big dinners; so I'm feeling pretty good with myself.

The next couple of weeks are going to be harder as the Christmas party season starts in earnest; buts as long as I’m sensible and still keep up my exercise, there's no reason why I wont stay the same or loose a little - I just don’t want to put on any if I can help it.

Anyway off to work now - with the Sydney V8's only 8 days away there no rest for this little black duck

Eating out

noreply@blogger.com (Craig Pickersgill) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:34:00 +0000

Here I am again at 34,000ft blogging about my Tasmanian experiences of the last couple of days… It’s been both good and not so good… when it came to my food, but its all part of the learning curve of having the band…

Breakfast and lunch were easy as usual; and it’s always handy to keep an Optifast bar in my bag (even if its been there for a month and squished to within a centimetre of its life… still tastes the same – which is average at best…

Dinner on the other hand was a different story. Monday night we went to the Drunken Admiral, which is one of my favourite restaurants in Hobart (I try to go there every time I go down). It’s mainly seafood, with a little steak thrown in as well… I decided Id have the Seafood Mixed grill of Fish, Prawns and Scallops… It was great but in the end I had eaten too much, as it also came with shoestring chips and salad bar…

Then last night it was great; probably because we had eaten over a longer period. We had a couple of small pieces of pizza with our drinks; before heading off to the restaurant for some Steak. I chose the 200g Eye Fillet, while the other boys went for the 500 NY Eye Fillet… Well their eyes were too big for their stomach… 2 of them got through it and 1 didn’t. Funny thing was the one that didn’t was trying to encourage me to go the 500g as well; but after the night before I knew my limits; and even ended up leaving some on my plate…

Every day with the band is a new learning experience… Others on various forums I’m on, talk about issues when they are eating, with regurgitation and feeling / being sick; but now even a couple of weeks into my second band fill; the worst I have had is the hiccups, so I'm feeling good

Anyway were on our decent so I have to finish up…

Until next time