Tuesday, May 13th, 2008...4:39 pm
A Medical Blog
I have just spent the last three hours pretty much naked, in a small room while a lady applied lashings of warm lubricating jelly to most of my soft underbelly
I know what you are thinking and I am afraid I am not at Edie’s House of Pleasure, unfortunately this was an ultrasound test and part of my medical.
All crew members require a medical not only to make sure that we are all well and it is of course also a US Coast Guard requirement and no crew member can join the vessel without a current medical evaluation.
I hate doctors…………..nothing personal blogger Doc s but I have always had a morbid fear of anything medical and today all those fears were realized up close and very personal.
I have been pricked, pumped up, bent double and asked a range of questions so personal that my medical man Dr. Ben Dover now knows more about my body than Heidi……..or Alan.
Now I have diabetes and this means even more tests to check my sugar level and this means peeing in a plastic cup…………………I hate this ……………I hate the way most of it goes over my hand and that I have to then take the pee cup to the nurse who makes sure there is enough in there by holding it up for all to see as though she has just won the NBA championship game and is holding up her MVP award.
Now, I understand that insurance companies need to see how you are before they insure you but I think that’s unfair………..insurance is all about risk and me having to undergo total humiliation before they write the policy is rather like me asking to see the dealers cards before I decide to play or fold.
Before I continue I should warn some of you that the following contains graphic accounts of today’s medical and I cannot be held responsible for the need of new keyboards as the old ones will be covered in vomit.
Each crew member has a whole list of things that need to be checked and obviously some are different for women compared to the men. For me, one of the strangest was the testing of my reflexes by Doctor Ben cuddling my testi……my ba…………my you know whats and then telling me to cough.
Now, when a 200 pound man with a beard and a lisp has your Albert Halll’s in his hand
your natural instinct is not to cough but to punch the bugger on the nose…………………..I asked him why this needed to be done and he told me it was to test my reflexes …………. now just having him in the current position made my fist clench up which is a pretty good reflex and I wondered why he couldn’t do this the old fashioned way by me crossing my legs and having the Doc bash me about with a baseball bat……………..compared to my current position that would have been luxury but as it was I coughed …………… twice ……………he looked down and as he let go of my friends and scribbled something on the medical sheet he had know idea how lucky he was not to be eating through a straw for the next few weeks.
Then it was time to check my blood pressure and for this I was handed over to a nurse. It is of course every boy’s fantasy to have an Uma Thurman type dressed in their short nurses uniform and as I entered another room I was met by nurse…………………Brian.
Nice guy as Brian was the one hope that something good would come out of today
evaporated and as he took my blood pressure instead of having Uma the nurse intentionally drop her thermometer and bend down to pick it up I had Brian ………..talking to me about how excited he was about the fishing season starting again.
My blood pressure was good with the bottom line thingy a bit high but within normal parameters and the top one perfect. I left Brian to go back to the waiting room for the final set of experiments to begin.
And of course………….you know what’s coming.
Dr Ben Dover sticks his whole head in my bottom……well that’s what it feels like. “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh,” I normally say followed by swear words in both Italian and Dutch and until he comes out again to explain that it was only his finger. …………next time I am going in with a tattoo on my bottom that reads “exit only.”
Then the final humiliation. Let me start by saying that surgeries scales are always set to over-read.
I know I weigh 285 pounds on any scale so why is that when I go in for my medical I weigh the same as a Lexus. Then Dr.Dover tells me I am 60 pounds over weight…………..I know that…………..it’s my fault I am diabetic …………….. but he told me as though I had no idea and what he was telling me was a revelation………….it wasn’t and although I am mostly in OK shape he is right……………..it’s time……………….more about that later.
The final exam was my eyes as I read his chart which I am sure was the name of a Polish crewmember……………………and then it was over and I sat waiting for the final results to come in by passing the time reading a four year old copy of Men’s Health.
I joke about the medical but of course they are serious things and especially for crew as we have to be fit enough to live at sea and of course be able bodied seamen strong and fit enough to assist guests and ourselves incase of an emergency.
If I had never had my medical two years ago I would not have discovered that I had type 2 diabetes and would have carried on thinking that peeing 27 times an hour was normal.
Well, I had spent four hours with the Doc and everyone else who had been waiting
to see the Doctor had probably died ………………but as he and his rubber glove went boldly where no man has gone before and as I sat reading Men’s Health I have decided it is time. I have no idea why I let myself go the way I did………………..I am not blaming the job……………that would be stupid however it didn’t help that I never gave myself time to eat properly and after a show I would order midnight room service and eat one or ten BLT’s…….replacing the L with extra B.
I really do not eat that much……………..don’t laugh……………..I really do not……………but what I do eat is probably wrong and as I get to my 43rd year I have decided that if I don’t do something now I may never do bugger all about it.
Therefore, I proudly announce that from June 1st 2008 I will start my campaign to loose 60 pounds by January 1st 2009. This is not going to be easy……………on June 2nd I board the Carnival Splendor and this will mean odd eating times and the temptation of both Italian and shipboard delights. However, when I put my mind to something I really do my best to make sure I succeed and to help me with this I make you this promise.
For every pound I loose I will donate $50 to the Great Orman Street Children’s hospital in London which saves the lives of children around the world each and every day as they did for someone very close to me and my family……………I hope to lose 60 pounds ……… and hand over $3000.
There are many diets out there and I am sure many are excellent. I am not going to go crazy and start the Supermodel diet of just eating tissue paper and air………….I have to do this my way by taking regular exercise and eating no potatoes, pasta or sauces and only good carbs. I am going to see a nutritionist who will give me a specific diet to help me and that will take my diabetes thingy into consideration.
So, there you have it……………..I know I can count on Heidi whom without I would not be able to even consider doing this and I also know that you will all support me as well.
Overall, Doctor Ben Dover says I am doing well and surprisingly my cholesterol is normal with a score of 3………………………the results of me smeared with the warm lubricating jelly for the scan I mentioned at the start of today’s blog are in and the good news is………………I’m not pregnant.
June the 1st it is then……………………….I want to be Carnival’s biggest loser.
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
87 Comments
May 13th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Good for you, John! We are indeed here to support you. I cannot wait for new stories from Splendor. Oh and who is the Godmama? You should know by now. C’mon, share it, please….
May 13th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Way to go, John! I am also in the middle of my year-long weight loss odyssey, and let me tell you, it is not easy. However, the results are well worth every bit of “deprivation”, so good luck and we are all rooting for you!
May 13th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
John, you were supposed to put both feet on that scale. Just wait till you 50 and Dr. Ben Dover tells you to smile instead of cough while he rams a camera up your debarkation zone so far he sees your embarkation zone. If your lucky you will be able to watch it on the monitor. The worst part of this test is clearing the stage for the cameraman to travel from one end to the other. The stuff they give you from MR. CLEAN to drink will have you wishing you had missed this cruise. When I had this test Dr. Ben Dover made me an appointment with a dentist saying his end was OK. So start practicing smiling after you eat your jelly beans.
BIG ED
May 13th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Oh John, glad you survived the Dr’s experiments. And congrats on your bold decision to lose the extra pounds, please don’t send them my way.
Hugs to you and Heidi,
Diane
Stephanie, thanks so much for all your work,
Diane
May 13th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
John:
Glad to hear that you’ve survived the doctor’s office. Like you, I view it as a necessary evil…
As additional incentive for you to achieve your goal: for each pound you lose, I’ll contribute $1 to CCL’s On Deck for the Cure when I sail on the Miracle on 3/29/09.
Good Luck!
May 13th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Way to go John!! We will all be here for you. I know your wallet is going to be very light on January 1, 2009!
Your the Man!
May 13th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
John,
I am so proud of you!
However I’m not quite sure how donating money out of your own pocket will help you stay on track, so I will do my bit cheer you on:
For every pound you lose I will add $2 to your contribution. I will either mail a check to you, or if you have a better way such as a PayPal account, I will do that.
I HEREBY ISSUE A CHALLENGE TO THE REST OF THE BLOG READERS – MEET MY CONTRIBUTION! LET’S GET A SUCH A BIG PILE OF PLEDGES THAT JOHN WON’T DARE SLIP OFF HIS DIET!
May 13th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I’m with you Big Mate. Not about the finger up the hmmmm… but about the weight loss thing. You should visit the gym, I just joined one for the summer and it’s 24 hours. It will be very hard to both loose 60 pounds with the delicious food on the ship and part with $3,000 (that’s like an entire tank of gas for your RR). If your ever feeling fat, just put on one of those specials about the world’s fattest man and it will give you the motivation to start exercising… for about a week.
Cheers,
_BigMike
Executive in charge of blog security
May 13th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
WOO HOO!!!! OUTSTANDING!!!
On our CRAZIES cruise we have a group losing weight and getting SHIP SHAPE and HEALTHY!!!We’re all about losing weight and healthy activities and motivating and praying and supporting and laughing and just being there for each other!! (And our goal is Sept ‘09, since that’s our cruising date!!!) GOOD FOR YOU!!! You’ve got all of us involved and we’ll support you!!
And how commendable you are to pledge $50 for each pound!! WOO HOO!!!
I pray I will see less of you on the Blogger’s Cruise! I know you will see less of me, since we’ve already been doing this for a few months — and success is achievable!!!
Now… the blog today… is it just because I am not a man, or does everyone find this a HOOT?? My goodness you have me laughing and crying so hard, I had three people in here wanting to be sure I could breathe in… Yes, I know you want to increase readership / bloggership… but do you have to get attention for your blog thingy at our expense?? I had to read it aloud to everyone and we all laughed and laughed!!!
Thank you!! What a joy you bring to our lives!!
Lambie
May 13th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Good Luck John on losing your 60 pounds. I have lost 25 lbs. and Danny has lost about 20 all due to him having to have a stent put in so he diesn’t have a heart attack. We don’t even gain on our cruises. We use the steps and walk every morning.
I know Heidi will help you.
Jennifer and Danny
May 13th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
John,
The first time I met you on the Destiny and the second time I met you on the Liberty and the third time I met you on the Freedom, you got bigger every time.!!! Please take care of yourself and of course we are with you 100% and we know that you can do it.
Ciao, Kathleen
May 13th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
good luck dude! i may join you in this, will let you know!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
May 13th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Good for you John!
Glad to hear your health is good and you are set to go! I know there are others who probably need to lose a few pounds. Of course not me Ha! Ha! Perhaps you could get a few volunteers to join you in this new adventure. What do you think?
Alan looks really good too. Looking forward to
more interesting stories. Your pictures have also been great. Can’t wait till you set sail with a new group so we can get all the gossip.
Take care and my best to Heidi too!
Kathy
May 13th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Hi John!
Your blogs only get better! I think everyone enjoys your blog thingy’s because they display your quick wit and your ability to find humor in everyday things! You brighten our days!
Congrats on your decision to loose weight!!! I myself made that decision last Sept. I was 70 lbs overweight at the time, but have since lost 22 lbs by watching my carbs. I have a ways to go, but I am not giving up either. I am also walking every day with my daughter for excercise! I am not a gym person!!! Good luck to you!
Linda A
May 13th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
John
Just an idea – why don’t you have a contest, whoever loses the most by the Bloggers Cruise gets a small prize or they could donate to their favorite charity.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Best of luck John! You are very generous and I am sure the hospital in London will be thrilled with any amount you should donate. Keep us posted.
Jan
May 13th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Hi John and Heidi!
Glad you got a good report. So proud of you for taking on this task. It will be hard but with support you can do it and lose the 60. I guess you have seen the biggest loser show? The show is amazing and such an inspiration for everyone to eat healthy and exercise to live a longer happier life. I see you are giving yourself a couple of weeks to get used to the idea??? Just kiddin! I know you can do anything you set your mind to!
Mary
May 13th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
John, glad to hear you were given a clean bill of health. I (Phil) am in the medical business so I know what its like with all the tests.
Now I know lots of folks are going to tell you what diet to try. You do what works for you. Great idea using a dietician. Cheat every once in a while but do try to stick to it. Great choice of charities, too.
I, too, turned 43 this year and had a checkup.
My doc put me on South Beach. It was hard but I have since lost about 25 pounds and intend to lose another 25.
Take care. Liz and I look forward to seeing a svelte 225 pound John in February 2009 on Blogger 2.
Phil & Liz
May 13th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
You can do it!! I have lost 60 pounds and have done it my changing my eating habits with exercise. Those of us who have lost weight all have different ideas of how to lose weight. John, what worked for me is not calling it a diet but a lifestyle change. I look forward to following your weight loss and will cheer you on.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
A very worthwhile endeavor and goal!!! I laud your initiative and drive …it is one that many folks try and try again many never succeed. Losing weight and keeping it off takes often takes a lifestyle modification…I wish you the best … we bloggers will help cheer you on… Come to think of it….losing some poundage may be a good idea for me as well….. 20lbs is my goal by the end of the year.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Do it for us…we want you with us.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Losing weight is soooo hard—good luck !
May 13th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
John
We are behind you. Im sure you can do it.
Nanni
May 13th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Bravo, my friend!! Three cheers and a huzzah for you! I am so happy to hear your determination to take care of yourself and be rid of the extra weight.
We want you around for many, many cruises to come and this is an excellent way to start!!
I understand completely about the rather annoying/embarrassing probe of the nether regions by a latex gloved finger… At least I HOPE it was A finger and not the plural. There is no more hopeless feeling than that. At least you don’t have to look at yourself in a mirror while the deed is done..
So here’s to you, my friend, for your weight loss pledge and monetary pledge! Both are very worthy endeavours…
Cheers!!
GregB
May 13th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
John, you will have my unyielding support. I myself have lost 120 Lbs ( I can send pics to show you ) and I know the mental and physical challenges you are facing but I also know you can and will succeed.
I can hardly wait to see the slimmer trimmer you on Bloggers v2.
Sallie
May 13th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Good luck- I feel your pain as I’m trying the same thing only no diabetes so far. Your lucky your tall.I
weigheed the same actually 287,I am only 5′8 so they tell 100 or more over depending on who you
believe. I quit smoking and that wasa relatively easy,but you can’t quit eating,just the good (???)
stuff. Once again GOOD LUCK.
I really enjoy your musings thank you for carrying the extra load.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
John,
A very noble goal indeed. 60 lbs. You are correct in that you will need to make some changes in “WHAT” you eat and yes you will have to walk the ship a lot more, but in the end it will be well worth it from a Health perspective, Not to mention what Heidi will think.(better have the captain check the ballast thrusters daily to keep the ship stable)
Now since you are going to make a donation based on your weight loss, both Cindy and I would like to support you and your endevor as well. We would like to be able to ADD to your donation as you LOOSE the pounds.
While I dont earn the salary of a Senior Cruise Director, we would like to pledge and additional 20.00 per lb that you loose.
We are sure that there are a “FEW” others out there that would be willing to do the same.
Think about it, you wind up as a slimmer and trimmer person and in doing so, being able to generate much needed funds for the hospital.
sounds like a WIN / WIN situation for all or maybe a “LOOSE / WIN situation. In any case
let us know what you think of the idea.
Cindy & Bill
Hope ya make us pay big time..
May 13th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Good going John!
On June 1st I am going to stop smoking, so we both have a hard row to hoe. I will donate the cost of every pack of cigaretts that I would have smoked to the cancer society for a year. I don’t know how much that will be but I am sure it will be a good amount.
Good luck to us both.
Grandma
May 13th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
From Ben’s sister I know you can do it John; lose the weight; we need you around many more years for all your humor and good tidings you bring to so many people. See ya in about 50 days!
May 13th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Glad to hear you are, in general, healthy, John!
I admire those who exhibit the strength of character and will power to change the way they eat (for it must be a lifestyle change, and not just a crash diet, or else all weight loss is regained). Larry is one of those. He managed to lose 160 pounds over four years (which was his plan….40 lbs. a year). Yes, 1-6-0. And he has kept it off for….well, decades, now.
You can do it! And once you do…..can you convince me *I* can do it?
Terri
May 13th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Good luck on your weight lose. Tell Heidi i said hi,
May 13th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Whewwwwwwwwww John you had me worried! Glad to hear you’re not pregnant. I thought they were doing an ultrasound to determine the due date or the sex of the baby……….. snicker
Have you heard about the new All Bran flakes with strawberries? I thought of you the first time I saw the commercial.
When will you start answering our questions? My first one as you know is, will you be the CD or be on the Splendor for the Nov 29th cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale?
Carolyn
May 13th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Just wanted to say good luck with the diet. I know you can do it.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
John,
Good luck with the diet, I went on one about 3 years ago, I think it was the South Beach Diet, and like the one you are doing I only had good crabs. we I can tell you I lost 30 lbs, and I have kept off about 15 of those since. I like you eat at weird times and mostly on the run. all I can say is be sensible and try to eat right and follow your diet and you will do well. I will be pulling for you also from hear on the side lines.
Take cake my friend, and good luck.
Your friend,
Capt Bill
May 13th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Good evening Mr. Heald. I just completed reading your very educational blog about health check up and your decision to work towards losing 60 lbs. It will take a strong man to do so and knowing you, you will succeed. I was thinking after reading your enlightening words. I might join along with your challenge. I”m a heavy man also and need to lose 60 lbs also. I lost 61 lbs years ago but unfortunately I gained it all back and a little more. I’m thinking if you can do it, so can I. I’m worried because I really enjoy my food but it’s worth a chance. I will start on as you on June the 1st. I plan on making a chart of what takes place. Thank you giving me that little push I needed and maybe when I do meet you, we”l both be different looking men. I’ll let you know how things are going at this end, oops, I mean here in Amherstburg not the other end. Sorry about that. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
May 13th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
John -
Best of luck on your goal – I wish that I was as confident as you are regarding my ability to lose the weight.
Right now, I weigh 304 – that number is at least 100 pounds higher than I really should be. If I could even lose 75 pounds, I would be ecstatic. If I could lose 50 pounds, I would be happy.
So, how do we do this task when we both love cruising so much – well, believe it or not, I have lost weight on a cruise before. It is because I tend to be far more active on the cruise that I am at home.
So, my plan is to work hard at increasing my activity level and try hard to control my eating urges.
Let’s hope we both have success.
Jon
May 13th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Hi John,
Only 2 years with type 2 diabetes? Try 31 years with type1, yep and I have the battle scars to prove it. I have always struggled all my life with my weight, but after being diagnosed at 13 in 1977, I was typically type 1 (thin) till about 31, which is when…..I had a baby, and my weight has been going up and down since then!!!!!!!!! (she was healthy, still no signs of diabetes, TG). Sixty is alot to lose in only 6 mths., John. But then again men ALWAYS lost wt faster than women do! Good luck! I’ll make an unofficial bet with you John, that I will lose 40, no make that errrr …45 lbs. in that same time period, and I will make some kind of donation (maybe the ADA, or the NKF, the National Kidney Foundation, or a similar org.) I am doing Weight Watchers…just started and went up, so…you will probably win before I’ve lost my first 5 lbs, and get my first star!!
SuefrmNarrowsburg
May 13th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
hello john
I wish you good luck with your DIET.
its hard to lose weight,but it can be done.
You like tea,,,try drinking Green Tea,they say that works with a good Diet plan
again good luck
if you lose 60 pounds,,,
maybe Carnival will buy you a Black Aston Martin
your freinds
tom & jane
May 13th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I agree with you about the dreaded trip to the doctor. But hey, as a woman, I think we have it worse. I know you probably don’t agree, but I’m sure Heidi agrees with me! As always, your blog has me in stitches!
I know you will do well with your weight loss! It won’t be easy, but you have such a wonderful reason to lose.
And Big Ed, you would have to give him a hint about what is waiting for John, when he turns 50. That dishwashing solution has you so clean, you’ll be whistlin’ Dixie!
May 13th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Hi everyone,
WOW! When I started to leave my comment there were only a few comments so far on the blog. Now I see how many of you had the same sort of idea as me… only for John and I (and I ‘m sure many of you out there), having diabetes and being very overweight are 2 very challenging and sometimes scary combinations. John I know we can both do it, because 1and 1/2 years ago after 2 very major operations, I lost some 45 lbs., and it was fantastic! Again GOODLUCK, to both of us…
SuefrmNarrowsburg
May 13th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
John,
Things in life need to be shared. You do a wonderful job sharing your life with us. Is this an opportunity? I can see it now, Carnivals weight loss challenge. I think there are many of us whom share the same challenges, perhaps a team effort?
What do you think?
Rob
May 13th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Good for you chap! I have dropped 40 (with many more to go) since the beginning of January and let me tell you it is a lifestyle change. You want to think of yourself as not being on a diet, but what you eat AS your diet.
If there has been one book that has helped me that I highly recommend it is “YOU on a diet” by Drs. Roizen, and Oz. I went from being a computer surfing couch potato to working out three days a week and doing cardio (walking in my case) on alternating three days a week. I give myself a day off from exercise.
I also have one cheat night every week. Remember nothing that you have done in the past, last night, last week or even today has any effect on what you can do tomorrow! If you fall off the wagon, don’t guilt yourself into pity, just get back on and start again. You can do this, I truly believe you can.
One other thing that works for me is to write down every single thing I consume from a handful of sugary snacks to a salad. It makes ME accountable to ME. It also helps to go look back at four months of food journals to see what WAS working when I hit those plateaus. You obviously like to write, just add your food eating to your daily record.
Remember you did not reach 285 over night, you are not going to lose 60 LBS over night either.
Again, good luck. An added benefit of losing weight is the tree near albert hall’s appears to have sprouted!
Cheers!
May 13th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Good Luck on your weight loss! It will help in your fight against diabetes. If all else fails think of Heidi, she wants you around for a long, long time (so do we!) Most of us know how hard it is to lose weight, I can’t imagine doing it while being on a cruise ship!
May 13th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
John I for one second and will accept Mark Twain and a Half’s challenge. The hard work will still be yours but we will all be cheering you on. Just think, after you lose those 50 pounds getting across the street in St. Petersburg will be like a walk in the park.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
BroMate – we will all be pulling for you. Just make sure you lose only weight, and not your sense of humor. That would make us ALL loosers. We will be praying for Heidi.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Hello John.
My wife and I were on the Emerald Princess, we are the ones sitting behind you in the photo taken in the Piazza on March 27th, we are the elite platinum couple with 63 prior princess cruises. We were talking with you about living aboard ship.
We asked if you could give us any information, on this, and you said that you would get back to us before the end of that cruise. We understand that you left in Barbados to return home. We just returned home also after 54 days cruising with princess.
We are very much interested in information on living aboard. Can you share your thoughts.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Ken and Patti Lanier
310-339-7147
klanier2@cox.net
May 13th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Hopefully being on a different ship will enable you to change some of the choices you had made on the other ships. You’ll certainly have to change your habits. Starting on a new ship should make your changes a little easier, new ship, new you!
Definately speak with a nutritionist. When i was diagnosed with diabities that’s what i had to do. You’ll be suprised at the variety and amount that you can and should eat. Once this change becomes routine, you won’t even realize that your losing the weight. Old habits die hard, but they do die….lol….
You’ll be amazed how good you can feel. That’s the bottom line….we want you feeling as good as your going to look. You’ll have to change your comedy routine. Take lots of pictures now so that you can do some kind of before and after jokes. lol. You won’t be half the man you used to be, but you’ll be close. lol..
May 13th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
john,
This doctor thing sounds almost as bad as my army induction in 1961 with the exception that they lined us up side by side.Need I tell you the coments that ensued. Bugger
Larry
May 13th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
John,
Amanda and Catie and I are trying out the Fantasy for a quick weekender over Memorial Day (5/22/08-5/26/08 )weekend out of New Orlean’s ..I’ll send you a report as we are going to scope out the town and ship “pre-Bloggers cruise” style…Glad Medical was OK…I need to get inspired to lose the 60 too !!
Hi to Heidi from us !!
Mark from Alabama&Family
May 13th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
I have been a member of Weight Watchers since 1974 when I was 17. In November 1974, I turned 18 which was legal to drink at the time and I had a glass of wine. I had lost 19 lbs. in 2 1/2 months. I kept it off for several years but have gained and lost umpteen times since then. I have probably lost about 200 lbs. over the years and rejoined WW again in January. I have about 45 lbs. to lose. Weight Watchers is an excellent program John, and men get more to eat than women and lose
May 13th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Sorry John, I hit submit too early….LOL
Now I’m not sure where I was but I think I was telling you that men get more to eat than women and lose a lot faster.
They have a points system and based on what I know about you, you probably would have about 43 points which is a lot. I currently have 23 points if that gives you an idea. Most fruits are 1 pt. and most veggies are 0 points. You must have 2 milk servings, 2 fruit and 3 veggie servings a day plus protein. Also work in some exercise and you could lost 60 lbs. by January 1st.
Good luck John, I know you can do it!!!
Cheers,
Cindy
May 14th, 2008 at 12:46 am
John,
Discovered your blogy thing just a few weeks ago. Have read some of the archives, what fun you all have. We do not have as many cruises “under our belt” as some do but we are on our way. Inspiration and Fantasy a few years back, most recently Inspiration Nov 07. Just booked Splendor Jan 10 09.
Your subject today of losing weight inspired me to jump on your blogy page. I decided to give up smoking this past January after 40 years, now the pounds are creeping on. Need to change some bad eating habits and exercise etc. Good luck to you John, sounds to us like you have an amazing support group.
We will continue to stay tuned to your blog, as we follow the Splendor thru Europe and finally to the U.S.
Regards,
Mar&Steve
May 14th, 2008 at 1:26 am
John,
So i should cancel you order for 30 pizza’s ? Do you still want the bucket of fried chicken ? Let me know mate.
Kevin
HI HEIDI !!!
May 14th, 2008 at 5:14 am
Hi John,
I wish you the best on your weight loss program!! How could you NOT loose weight with thousands of your blogger friends cheering you on?
One thing you said in an earlier blog has me a bit concerned. You said that you & Heidi were going to vacation on the inagural cruise of Ruby Princess. I hope this does not mean that you will miss the Splendor’s Transatlantic. Now, I certainly don’t begrudge you & Heidi a well deserved vacation but I would certainly hate to miss you on the TA. I’m anxiously awaiting hearing about all things Splendor.
May 14th, 2008 at 6:13 am
You’ve chosen a worthwhile cause in Great Ormond Street Hospital, and I’d like to join in with a Pound (£) for every pound (lb).
It’s easy to donate – I googled and found this link
https://www.gosh.org/cgi-bin/gosh/ff2-reg.pl?event=10&donation=online&whichform=regform
where you just type in your card details.
So good luck John… I’m looking forward to sending my money….
May 14th, 2008 at 7:26 am
“******’ A! John!!” And since we’ll all be watching you will have plenty of encouragement . . . getting off on your blog will be worse than doing it on a reality TV program, but you will have loads of folks pulling for you. While I’ve rarely lost weight on cruises, except in my wallet, with all the variety of food available I find it easier to eat healthy than at home where I’m always standing by the refrigerator . . .
A lot of us will not only be pulling for you, but thinking, “If he can do it, so can I!”
May 14th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Hi John,
Thanks for the warning – I was just about to put my coffee cup to my mouth as I read it. No messy computer this morning. I’m glad your medical adventures are over for now, but even more glad that you’re ok (except for the diabetes). Good luck on the diet. I think that’s a wonderful idea of donating to charity.
Just keep drinking the diet cokes and walk past the pastries.
Hugs,
Carol
May 14th, 2008 at 7:44 am
John, I can surely relate to what you just went through with the medical exam. Last week was my “week from hell.” Mammogram, c-t scan, ultrasound and preparing for and then having colonostomy(sp?) All systems were fine and I’m ready for our May 18th cruise on the Legend. My doctors parting words yesterday were, “Don’t gain any weight.”
Speaking of weight, I’m sure you will succeed in your weight loss program and I feel that many of the bloggers will want to contribute to your or their charity to help spur you to success. We’d sigh up to help. Good luck. Jeri and Larry
May 14th, 2008 at 7:59 am
John, we are all very proud of you for making this healthy decision…after all, we want to keep you around for a *very* long time! Attaboy!!!
Big smile here from Duchess Sandy
May 14th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Good luck John, I have recently lost 65 pound, well it took me 2 years. This winter i gained 15 back. My goal is to loose it by my Splendor Cruise Sept. 23. Take it one day at a time. You can do it.
May 14th, 2008 at 8:22 am
I seem to gain weight every time I go on a cruise. Being around so much food every day and trying to loose weight will be very difficult. I hope you have strong will power or an even stronger wife. I also need to loose 100 pounds. I like the idea of a bloggers weight loss challenge and am willing to join. My daughter lost 50 pounds on the weight watcher diet last year and has managed to keep it off. So it is possible to loose that amount of weight without pills or surgery.
May the force be with you.
May 14th, 2008 at 8:41 am
John, I am so glad that you have made the decision to embrace a healthier lifestyle. It is a decision that will be of enormous benefit not only to you, but to all those who love you. It is not easy but the rewards are great! Good luck to you. We are all rooting for you.
May 14th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Good Morning John,
“Atta Boy”!!! Count me in as part of your support group. I happy that you will be consulting someone in the know about diet, nutrition and being diabetic. If you lose the 60 pounds by your target date I will be more than happy to make a donation to the Make A Wish Foundation of Michigan. So now the pressure is on! Is there anyone else willling to join the diet/donation bandwagon. Just think of all the young children your loss will benefit.
Not to bring up a tender subject but “My Boys” go on to the Eastern Conference Finals!!!! YEA!!! The beat Orland Magic last night to close the second round. They will either go against the Boston Celtics or the Cleveland Cavaliers! Go Pistons. Next year it better be the Heat. Right John?
You take care
Joan
May 14th, 2008 at 9:41 am
John,
Wow! What an ordeal to go through. I think it is great that you are going to make a donation for every pound you lose. Jim and I will be eager to see the progress you have made in July! I have a feeling you will be successful.
I am working on losing some weight also prior to the cruise…but then it seems that losing weight is a constant priority for me!
Take care and good luck!
Ruth
May 14th, 2008 at 10:10 am
John,
I almost fell off the chair from laughing so hard! I needed a good laugh today. Thanks! I’m very happy that you are doing well, and congrats with the decision you made. I wish you all the best in your new goal to lose 60 pounds. I look forward to hearing more about the Splendor very soon.
Have a great day!
Alex G.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Bravo John. Dieting publically like this is one of the hardest ways to control both your diabetes and your weight, but hurrah for doing it. My plump friend Marion went on a diabetes diet and now is skinny and off all meds. I know you can do it. We are cheering you on.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:15 am
John,
Good luck on your plan to eat healthy. My BF recently decided the same thing and over the past few months he has lost almost 55 pounds! He did moderate exercise and just counted the calories.
We both eat so much better now and feel better to boot. I can’t wait in a couple of weeks to hear if you start to feel like you have more energy. *hug* Carla
May 14th, 2008 at 10:21 am
John, I’ve joined Weight Watchers and I have about 50 lbs. to loose, soooooooo I will join you in the weight loss program and by the time we are on the Blogger’s Cruise in February ……maybe we can celebrate…….with celery! Seriously, I find the worse thing in the dining room is the bread basket….I can’t stay out of it. I think they need to put out a veggie tray at the same time.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:47 am
John, I have lost 72 pounds!!! since my Carnival Freeedom Europe cruise last October and Nelson has lost 40 pounds. We DO NOT USE THE WORD DIET OR DO NOT EAT DIET. Drinks tons of Diet Green Tea and east tons of MUFA’s (monounsaturated fatty acids, ie; olive oil, walnuts, avacados (look up the list) and walk 60 minutes per day and go to mydailyplate.com and register what you east and what you do physically and you will loose the weight. I cheat and eat no-no’s sometimes to reward myself and have never gained a pound and we keep shedding the weight.
Love and keep me posted, Paula and Nelson Baker
May 14th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Glad to hear you have a clean bill of health John. And it’s exciting that you have made the decision to start loosing some weight. I’m in the same boat. I want to loose some before my cruise in August. Wish I would have started waaaay before now, cause I have lots to loose. But better late than never right.
And I love your plan to donate some moola for every pound you loose! I’m totally on board with that and will vow to do the same. I’d like to donate $2 for every pound I loose to the MS Society.
Take care and Good Luck John!
Chris
May 14th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Greetings John…
Well done by being determind to drop a few kilos. Im sure you will be much better by doing so. Glad Dr. Dover didn’t have to call you back telling you that he couldn’t find his wrist watch.
One of the benifits of loosing a few lbs. …. is that Mrs Starfish will be able to snuggle a little closer.
Cheers to you & Heidi…..Richard
p.s. Good work Steph
May 14th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
WOW! Biggest congratulations on your goal of being Carnival’s biggest loser! I am so proud of you! I look forward to reading about your successes. Please share your nutritionist’s information for our enlightenment. I know everyone should have a personalized eating plan, but not all of us have nutritionists, and I’m interested to hear what he/she has to say….
go get ‘em! Oh, and in the meantime, take it easy…no point in needlessly adding to the extra pounds, eh?
May 14th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Hello John and Heidi,
Thank you again, John, both for giving us all a good belly laugh, and for inspiring us all to lose a little bit of the belly. I’ve struggled with my weight almost all of my life, and I haven’t won the battle yet, but I’m not giving up!
Last Feb. when we were on a cruise on the Glory, Wee Jimmy put an item in the Capers on the last day, “walk a mile with Wee Jimmy.” I went up on the top deck and joined the group. Wee Jimmy said he was involved in a “biggest loser” contest amoung some of the Carnival cruise directors. He said he didn’t think he would win, as some of them were doing really well, and losing tons of weight. I remember thinking that it was too bad he only did it on the last day of the cruise. I had never been on the walking track before. If I had known it was cushioned, I might have gone walking more often. I realize now after reading this blog that the CD of a ship has an even busier job than I had ever thought, and that he probably did well to even schedule an extra hour a week.
I think that your walks (if you do them) would be so well attended that they’d have to put on the stabilizers, for when the ship rolled from side to side when several hundred people turned the corner all at once!
Looking forward to Feb. ‘09!
May 14th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
After not reading the blog in forever, I cam home from my physical, ( that’s right) poked, prodded, and hooked up to machines to read a blog or two. So funny that you too have the yearly. This year I took Dan with me. So now we have joint stress tests ordered and joint tetanus shots. Will Hedi be having hers too? Everyone out there in bloggerdom, it’s time to have a check-up! So proud you are going to tackle your weight in order to be healthy. Dan and I joined a gym. After the Blogger’s cruise and then the illness we both put on some pounds. I hope to lose 30 pounds and just want you to know that for every pound you lose, I will donate to your Ormand Street hospital! You both deserve it. By Christmas you will be very healthy!
May 14th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Hey,
I just lost 50# on weight watchers and it was easy. You don’t have to stop eating what you like….limit portions, eat little meals all day and most important of all……drink lots and lots of water!
use good fats, veggies, fruit, and fiber!
You can do it……….
May 14th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
HI John/Heidi:
Mazel tov on your announcement today and i wish you the best of luck as you conquer your diet. I am vrey optomistic that this will work out well for you.
Thanks for the indepth description of the physcial. Its almost as if i were there going along for the entire ride (i’ll pass on the last part, thank you).
Great blog. Glad you are “relatively” healthy.
Thinking of you.
David
May 14th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
John, I’m so happy to hear that you’ve decided to make some great changes in your life! My husband is also type 2 diabetic and very overweight, so we know the constant stress of worrying about all the bad things that can happen. Kudos to you – we are behind you all the way!!
BLOGGERS : it looks like many of us are also interested in losing weight. Does anyone want to join me on the weight loss site Peertrainer?
http://www.peertrainer.com
(John, you’re always welcome, but no obligation – we know that you already have a place to blog and chat with us!)
You create a profile and then you have a place to post your food and exercise choices as well as blog about your weight or life in general. I’ve created a group for anyone whose interested. Please join me in the group “CRUISING WITH JOHN TO A HEALTHY FUTURE”. Let’s be there for each other as well as for John!
May 14th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Hey John,
Will be cheering you from my little, puked-up keyboard. Good luck with reaching that goal!
May 14th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
John, congratulations. The hardest thing of losing weight and getting back into shape is to say, “Now is the time.”
I’m sure you will become a role model for thousands of people. No pressure, mate. Just as we enjoy your tales of travel and your sense of humour; your fitness log could become a best seller.
You are going to have one of top support systems in the world cheering you on – your readers and friends.
I’ll meet you in the gym on my next cruise.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:54 am
John, good luck on losing weight. And for every pound you lose by your target date, I will make a donation to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:51 am
John,
Best of luck to you on your quest! Be sure to consult w/ the Doctor onboard the ship….and I hope he is not related to the Doctor who gave it to you………I mean gave you your physical!!
Bob
May 15th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Your comment about the BLT’s took me back to my last cruise on the “Freedom” when instead of going to breakfast, my room mate and I would order BLT’s every morning – and then wondered why we were so swollen!!! Anyhow, I hope you keep us posted on your progress – today I go to my first Weight Watchers meeting. I’m going to follow your lead and for every 10 pounds I will donate to Ovarian Cancer Research. Good luck!
Sue
May 15th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
John, This is great news and I’m sure you can do it. A cruise ship may be full of tempting food but there are plenty of healthy options to be had. Fruit, veggies, fish, chicken, lean steak, shellfish and more. The good news for you is that unlike most of us who get on a ship, see all the fattening stuff and break their diets, you must be used to seeing all of that already and can just hone in on the healthy food. Last cruise I gained one pound, although I could lose a good 20–part of what also helps is never taking the elevator and always climbing stairs, so there’s a good exercise hint for you!
May 15th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Congrats to you for your decision, John!
Join Weight Watchers Online! You can still eat some of your favorite foods, just have to journal them. I lost 50 pounds doing this.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:39 am
John, losing weight is never easy. However, I was recently subjected to medical tests and the blood drawing vampire – only to discover my triglicerides are too high. What are they, any way? I have no idea – I just know that I have since been forbidden to eat white bread, rice, potatoes, pasta – pretty much all the stuff I really like. Now I am eating more veggies, salads for lunch, LOTS of chicken. We (my husband and I) bought new bicycles – we are going to start biking. One trip down our street and back (one mile) and my legs felt like the jello you ate. WOW!!! We also have a new dog who loves to walk. One thing for sure, I sleep better now because I am exhausted!!! Maybe there will be a payoff down the road – my daughter is getting married in August; so maybe I can shed a few pounds before then. (Oh, I’m not taking the steps over the elevator – my husband is an elevator mechanic – gotta make sure they run correctly – at least that is my excuse and I’m sticking to that one.) Any way, I will be cheering for you and sharing your pain as well. Good luck John.
Lori
May 16th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
John, good luck with your diet. Just remember no sugar, and stick with whole wheat bread drink water not soft drinks and you will do fine. Yes you will need to exercise. Exercise means using the stairs not the elevator, and walking around the ship briskly. Last and most important this is not a religion. You are allowed to have things you like from time to time. Best of luck, I enjoy your Blog . Mike
May 19th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
John:
We all love you so much and truly want the best for you….so I am sure you will get a ton of love and support from us!!
I have been rail thin for most of my life, so it was a shock to me to discover that at the age of 53…the weight does “appear” (although the eating habits never changed) and now I am about 40 pounds heavier than I would like to be.
I, too, am in the process of changing my “lifestyle” where health is concerned.
David lost 40 pounds in one year by doing 2 things:
1. He walks faithfully (and I mean faithfully) 2 miles a day. (sometimes several times a day, but at least once a day)
2. He stopped eating the buffets for lunch and mainly eats Subway for lunch…avoiding all the “dressings” that add so many calories and fat grams.
He has kept that weight off for 7 years … not by “dieting” but by changing his lifestyle permanently.
So, I will be joining him!!
Here’s to being healthy…whatever “size” we are!!!
Linda (Mom of DJ ~~who finally broke 100 in weight last month!!)
Leave a Reply