Frank's Place

On December 3, 2012, I set a goal for myself….I wanted to lose 25 pounds by 2/18…my birthday. It became known as “My Birthday Challenge” and some of you joined in and set a goal of your own.

Well yesterday was the day….my Birthday and the day the challenge was over. So how did I do? Did I make my goal? In a little more than 2 months, I lost 14.3 pounds. Not bad but not my goal. Am I upset? Am I disappointed? The answer is NO!!! I set a goal and worked towards it. I went through the holiday’s (Christmas and New Year’s), I changed my job, I endured the Blizzard of 2013 and had a few weddings and birthdays to celebrate. With all that I still lost 14.3 pounds….over 7 pounds a month! I think my challenge was a success! Why you might ask? Well, I know if I didn’t set this goal, I would never have lost the 14 pounds. Isn’t that the purpose of a goal…..to keep you focused and driven?

Some of you, who joined in this challenge, reached your goal and lost the whole 25 pounds.  GREAT job!!! I’m so proud of each of you. But guess what. I’m proud of me too. I didn’t gain weight during the holidays and I managed to lose weight and stay healthy.

So, what’s next? Well when you reach or finish one goal, you should set another. I’ll hit the 25 pounds that I wanted to lose. I just need to set a new goal and focus my energy on reaching that one. You see, this isn’t a race. This is my life. And whether I lose the 25 pounds today, next month or the month after, as long as I continue to eat right, exercise and get healthy, I’m the winner.

Well 7 days have passed since I started my birthday challenge (25 pounds by Feb 18th) and what a week it has been. Who said that life doesn’t have a sense of humor. I started this challenge by being sick on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, my first day back to work, the hospital had it’s annual Holiday Party for the staff. The cafeteria was closed and an amazing lunch/dinner was made for the staff. Prime rib, chicken, fried shrimp, salad, fresh rolls and of course dessert…cheese cake, chocolate cake and carrot cake. What makes this party so special is that the meal is served to the staff by the managers. So there I was, day 3 of my challenge and I’m serving prime rib to the hospitals amazing staff. I was stationed between the fried shrimp and the dinner rolls cutting away at the meat wondering why I started this challenge this week. But is there ever a good time to regain control of your life? You can’t finish the race unless you start it. So on day 3, I spend an hour serving prime rib to my friends and co-workers with a smile on my face and a focused commitment to make my journey of 25 by 2/18 a success! Was I perfect this day??? No. But I could have been a whole lot worse. I had some salad and a small piece of the prime rib and a few shrimps. I then regrouped and continued onward. This journey isn’t a straight line from point A to point B. There’s going to be a whole lot of curves and detours along the way. But if I stay focused and true to myself, the road will lead to my final destination….my goal!

So, how did I do after 7 days of the challenge?………well I guess a picture is worth a thousand words……

So there you have it! I had a bunch of challenges this week and still lost 4.1 pounds! Only another 20.9 more to go until I reach my goal. I can do it and so can you!

Now it’s your turn. Anyone care to share? Remember, no one here will judge. We’re here to support and cheer for each other.

Week one is in the books. I can’t wait to see what week two has in store for me!

Well 2 days of the challenge are complete. These past two days were tough for me. I wasn’t feeling well on Monday and Tuesday and stayed home from work sick. All I wanted to do was baby myself and feel better.  I started looking for the “comfort foods” which would make me feel like myself again. Why couldn’t I have them? I wasn’t feeling well therefore I deserved those foods, didn’t I? My good health challenge just started and February 18^th is such a long way away, what would it matter if I ate poorly these two day. I could start on Wednesday and no one would know. No one had to know, right?

WRONG, I would know!  I couldn’t let myself fall for some lame excuses just because life decided to test me. I wrote the challenge blog and said I would be accountable, not only to me but to all of you too.

So I stopped feeling sorry for myself, stopped making excuses and had two good days. I didn’t get to the gym or walk (will start that today) but at least I started the process of eating correctly and being accountable.

I said that losing these 25 pounds is my birthday present to me, and this present is very expensive. I don’t have the funds for it at the moment. I have to save everyday in order to purchase it for myself.  Every day that I’m focused and in control is like adding some money to my “Lay-a-way” account. If I keep adding to this account, by February 18^th I’ll have enough to buy myself the gift of better health.

So excuses don’t exist and accountability is the word of the day. If I’m going to be totally accountable then I have to post the dreaded “scale” picture, so here it is. This was Monday morning when I started the journey….

 So the goal is 222 by 2/18. I can do this. I can see this number on my scale on February 18th. What number do you see on your scale?

I’m excited that 7 people are joining me in the challenge. I’m proud that you guys aren’t accepting that you can’t lose weight over the holidays. I’m excited that you’re focusing of your health and trying to control your life!

So……who wants to share how the last two days were. Don’t be shy, let’s do this together!

Birthdays.  We have one every year (mine for those of you who want to know is February 18^th). Friends and family ask, “What do you want for your birthday? What do you need? I know my birthday is almost 3 months away, but I started thinking, what do I need? What do I want? I thought about this for days. What is the one thing that I really want? What is the most important thing that I need? Then it hit me. There’s nothing as important as my health.

 5 years ago, I made the best decision I could EVER have made, I had weight loss surgery and gave myself the gift of a second chance to have good health. In the past 5 years, I’ve lost 170 pounds, got my blood pressure under control and stopped taking medication. By eliminating the weight, I took the pressure off my knees and back and now live pain free and do CRAZY things like Skydiving and running ½ marathons.

Yes the best gift I could get is good health! But no one can give you good health; you have to take responsibility for your health.  Over the past 6 months, I’ve gotten away from doing the “little things” that led to my weight loss and good health. I’ve started drinking with my meals instead of waiting for an hour. I’ve “allowed” myself a cookie or two at morning meetings at work. I’ve “treated” myself to a candy bar every now and then because I told myself “It’s ok, I can control it”.  I’ve skipped the gym some days because “Work is crazy and I just don’t have the time”.

Why did I do this? Why did I slip back into doing the things that led to my unhealthy lifestyle?  Well it stops here. I’ve decided to give myself an early birthday present. I’m giving myself the gift of a Good Health Challenge! I’m challenging myself to lose 25 pounds by my birthday (Feb 18). And this challenge will be public. I’m going to blog about my successes and my struggles. The entries might be a few sentences or several paragraphs. This is my gift to me….25 by 2/18.

So, what can you get me for my birthday? How about joining me in this challenge? I want you to give me the gift of your good health! Let’s do this together. Take the challenge, decide what you want to lose and post with me on this blog or on Facebook. Let’s support each other (which is the best gift we can give anyone) and take a short journey toward better health!

But wait, we can’t start this journey now. The holidays are coming. It’s so hard to lose weight during the holidays. Yes it is, but that will make this present that much nicer. Together, we’re going to look the holidays square in the eye and say NOT THIS YEAR….NOT FOR US!

So it starts today, Monday 12/3…..25 pounds by February 18^th. This is my present to me, Happy Birthday Frank…..will you join me?

“Birthday”….Paul McCartney

Who am I?

Like so many others, I wear many different hats. Some people know some of the hats I wear while others have no clue.

Have you ever worn so many hats that you sometimes feel like you’re losing the real you? You must never let that happen.

Who am I?

It doesn’t matter what hat I wear, I’m ALWAYS first and foremost Frank! No matter what persona I’m representing, I will always be true to my values, my heart and my soul. Remember, a hat is just a hat. It’s the head that the hat sits on that makes it special.

Who am I?

What hats do I wear? Well that depends on the hour of the day, week and or month.  My hats add to the person I am. My hats help me develop into a better me. My hats are an important part of who I am.

I have 3 different categories of hats. Each type affects my life in a different way. My hats are broken in to:

1)      Core Hats

2)      Passionate Hats

3)      Inspirational Hats

My Core Hats

Without my core hats, I would not be me. These hats make me who I am. They include my “husband hat”, my “father hat”, my “family hat” and my “friends’ hat”.

 I’m so lucky to be able to wear my husband hat for the past 29 years. I’m married to a wonderful woman who I love and is my very heart and soul.

For the past 26 years, I’ve worn my father hat as proudly as any man has ever worn that hat. I have been graced with 3 amazing children…no, 3 amazing young adults, who are a continuous source of pride for me.

I have been blessed with some special friends in my life and to those of you who share my friend’s hat with me; you know how important you are in my life.

I love my Core hats, without them my life would not be the same.

My Passionate Hats

These are the hats that motivate me to do my life’s daily work.

I’ve worn my pharmacist hat for more years that I want to remember but I’m honored to work in such a great profession.

Recently I added a new hat, my “The Drink Doctor of Long Island” hat. This has been such a great source of enjoyment for me, helping people create lasting memories of special occasions in their lives.

I’m so proud to wear my “support group leader/motivational speaker” hat. Touching lives one person at a time is such a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

My Inspirational Hats

These are the hats that help me move forward; help me get the most of my abilities.

My inspirational hats include a “student” hat and a “teacher” hat. My student hat allows be to continue learning and growing. The longer I wear my student hat, allows me to wear my “teacher” hat. This hat helps me share and educate others what I have learned to help improve their lives.

Who am I?

I’m the man who has it all. I have an amazing core of family and friends who help me be a better person….a better me! I have the passion to be doing things I enjoy, to be spreading joy and happiness into people’s lives. And I have the blessing of inspiration, to be able to learn and then teach others what I’ve learned.

Yes my hats are a big part of me, they help define me. But no matter what hat I wear, I will always be me, and that makes me happy.

So, who are you? I hope you find the answer to that question, but if you don’t….just be YOU!

HATS…..Amy Grant

There are signs EVERYWHERE. You go shopping, there are signs. They tell you what’s on sale, where you can find items and where to pay for your items.

 You can’t take a trip without signs telling you how fast to drive, where the next gas station or rest stop is located, which way is north or south and of course, the dreaded “Food “ signs!

Signs are everywhere….at work, in the doctor’s office, at school, in church, anywhere we live there are signs telling us what we should or shouldn’t do.

But not all signs are good.  Not all signs will get us to our destination. If we wanted to travel south and we blindly follow all the signs that lead us north, the chances of us reaching our destination aren’t good.

The trick is learning which signs to follow, knowing which signs will get you to your desired goals.

On our road to weight loss, good health and happiness, there are many signs that will detour us off the right path and very few signs that will keep us FOCUSED and headed in the right direction. We NEED to find the “good” signs and follow them if we want to achieve good health and a happy life.

In the past few months, I have travelled a lot. During my travels, I have seen more signs than I can count for food choices like “Burger King”, “McDonalds”, “Carvel”, and “Dunkin Donuts”, just to name a few. Not once did I see a sign that read “Healthy food stop ahead…High Protein, Low Sugar, Low Fat choices available!” I would love to see a sign like that and not get bombarded with signs for all these unhealthy choices.

So what are some of the “Good” signs that we must seek out to help us lead a healthy and happy life?

1)      Friends and Family

Not every member of this group will lead us down the right path. Most mean well but they just don’t understand. We need to embrace our family and friends who are willing to understand the challenges we’re dealing with and are willing to help and encourage us with the right choices that will lead us to good health and happiness. Never worry about the negative friends and family that try to lead us on another path.

 2)      Preparation

Never allow yourself to be caught “unprepared”. Would you start a cross country trip without gas? Wouldn’t you make sure you had your GPS and E-ZPass? You prepare for this cross country journey so why wouldn’t you prepare for the most important journey of your life…your journey towards health and happiness!

This preparation NEEDS to be done DAILY, with every aspect of your life.  Remember, if you continue to do what you’ve always done, you’ll have what you’ve always had.

Make you a priority in your life and FOCUS on your HEALTH and HAPPINESS….you’re worth it!

3)      Goals

There are no better positive signs along your journey to health and happiness as setting and achieving goals. Make as many goals as you can…some small and some HUGE!!!!  Remember to write your goals down, put a date when you want to achieve each goal and look at them each and every day. If you don’t do this they aren’t goals but dreams.

Goals are the most powerful signs along your path to good health….they are the things that will motivate and inspire you. They will keep you committed and heading in the right direction.

 Always look for these positive signs and keep them close to your soul. This journey is an amazing one but it’s NOT an easy one. We all need every bit of help and direction we can get to achieve our HEALTH and HAPPINESS. There is nothing as important as that.

SIGNS

Being raised in an Italian family, a celebration always included food. If you did well in school… Let’s Eat. Had a good check-up at the doctor…Let’s Eat. Got engaged or married…Let’s Eat. A birth of your child or grandchild…Let’s Eat. A birthday, anniversary, graduation, promotion, divorce or even a death of a loved one…..LET’S EAT! As I got older,  a celebration also included Let’s Drink!

Being a 4½ year WLS post-op, a celebration of Let’s Eat & Let’s Drink can be disastrous. So what was I going to do this past weekend as I attended and spoke at the 3^rd WLSFA Meet & Greet in Las Vegas….a celebration of WLS Successes. How was I going to celebrate this great event without….Let’s Eat and Let’s Drink?

The event was held at Bally’s in Las Vegas. Yes I said Las Vegas …aka Sin City, the land of excess. From the bright lights and loud bells of the slot machines (not to mention a few Ruby Red Slippers) to the massive buffets and incredibly large “cocktails”, the words Let’s Eat and Let’s Drink can be very dangerous. But I was there for a celebration and I was taught by my family that food and drinks were an essential part of every celebration, so I had no choice but to indulge in the excesses of Las Vegas, didn’t I?

As the weekend progressed, a funny thing happened. For me, the celebration (which was awesome) didn’t revolve around food or alcohol. My celebration focused around good times with friends. I met many new friends and reconnected with some old and dear friends. Instead of massive buffets including meats, pastas, cakes and of course cannoli’s, my celebration included such amazing treats as smiles, hugs and laughs. There were some fears and a few tears, hell there even were some very well built paramedics from the Las Vegas Fire Dept, but that’s a story for another blog.  As the weekend unfolded, I realized that my family was wrong. A celebration didn’t have to include overeating or over drinking. A celebration wasn’t about the food or the alcohol. It was about life and happiness and friendship. I realized that a real celebration wasn’t eating and drinking until you got sick, but sitting in a room talking, laughing and taking care of a friend that was hurt. Some amazing memories were made this weekend, memories that will be remembered long after any buffet or fancy cocktails were finished. This weekend, I got to celebrate 4½ years of hard work with some amazing people who not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.

Most importantly, this weekend I got a better understanding of courage and commitment. My good friend Erin slipped and severely hurt herself on Friday afternoon. While others would have felt sorry for themselves, she showed how a leader and a winner reacts. She fought through the pain, put the concerns of others before her own and completed the tasks that she committed to this weekend. I salute her courage and commitment.

The celebration, for me, was a huge success. Every speaker uttered words that spoke truth and understanding. The message was delivered loud and clear. It was heard over the bright lights and loud bells of the slot machines. It was heard over the excesses that is Las Vegas. The message that was heard for those that chose to listen was congratulations on your new life….on your success. You are a winner!  I can think of no better reason for a celebration.

Celebration…Kool & The Gang

Who doesn’t love ice cream? Frozen custard? Frozen yogurt?  Sorbet?  Gelato?  I love all of these frozen treats, but since my surgery do they love me? Not so much.

So I’ve been on a mission. Find a good tasting “ice cream” type of dessert that is low in calories and high in flavor. I’ve looked high, I’ve looked low and now I don’t have to look anymore. This week I found Arctic Zero, an all-natural, smooth and creamy ice cream replacement that tastes great and is guilt-free when it comes to fat and calories. Arctic Zero is a frozen protein shake that satisfies your ice cream craving.

Arctic Zero comes in pints and bars. 

The pints come in 7 flavors….Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Mint Chocolate Cookie, Strawberry, and Vanilla Maple. Each pint is only 150 calories. Yep, you read that right, only 150 calories for a whole pint!

The bars come in 4 flavors (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and orange cream) and are only 85 calories per bar.

Arctic Zero is gluten free, fat free, contains no sugar alcohols, is suitable for lactose intolerants and has a low glycemic index which makes it suitable for Type 2 diabetics. And here’s the best part. Each pint has 14 grams of Whey protein and 8 grams of Fiber.

150 CALORIE PINT NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

85 CALORIE BAR NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

But how do they taste you might ask? So, ok, I’ll tell you.

I tried the Vanilla Bar and the Coffee ice cream.

 The Vanilla bar was awesome.  It was a nice size ice cream bar that has a chocolate covering. Each bite matches the taste of the chocolate with the smooth creamy coolness of the ice cream. It had no after taste but more importantly, after I finished it, I felt that I had just eaten a “real” ice cream bar…and I was satisfied.

 The Coffee ice cream was amazing. I would recommend that you keep it out of the freezer for a while, allowing it to melt a bit. It’s smooth and has a nice texture. I scooped a little into my bowl, then a little more and before I knew it I had eaten more than ½ the pint. But here’s the great part…that was only about 80 calories.

So if you’re like me and love your frozen treats, you have to try Arctic Zero.

And you know, it wouldn’t be Frank’s Place if we didn’t have a song, so…….(purple, my favorite color…lol)

The Ice Cream Song

As I stand behind the counter of Frank’s Place, the door opens and in walks one of my regulars. He sits at the counter and orders his usual (a big juicy cheeseburger, fries and a tall cold one). When his food comes, he reaches into his pocket, pulls out a coin and inserts it into the mini jukebox on the counter. He then selects song number 1018 (one of my personal favorites) and a few seconds later Old Blue Eyes himself is telling everyone how he did it “MY WAY”. As I listen to the lyrics of the song, I begin to understand that it can be applied to any “ending” in your life…..the end of a relationship, the end of a job and even the end of a year. So I listen to Old Blue Eyes and I reflect on those lyrics and this past year. 2011 was one wild year and yes, I did it MY WAY!

And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case of which I’m certain

I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

 This past year has been VERY full and VERY exciting. I traveled roads that I never imagined my journey would lead me. Some of the roads were smooth and some were filled with potholes, but each and every one was a new adventure, and each road was traveled “MY WAY”. 

Regrets I’ve had a few
But then again too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way 

Yes there were times I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out, I faced it all
And I stood tall and did it my way 

Do I have “Regrets” about 2011? No. I tried some new and pretty AMAZING things this year. Were they all successful? No, but I tried. I faced all life had to offer and I “stood tall” and gave it my best shot. Some people think because you try something and fail, you should regret that you tried it. Well not me. Life is all about trying.  Mark Twain said it the best…

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Maybe I do have regrets about 2011. I regret I didn’t do more. I regret I didn’t explore every aspect of my dreams and my goals. But I’m excited that in a few short days, a new year is upon us. A year that will bring new beginnings and new opportunities. A new year that, as Mr. Twain said, I’m free to explore, dream and discover all that life has to offer. This year I will take a BIGGER BITE out of life, not afraid of failing but only afraid of not living life to the fullest! And through it all, I’ll do it “MY WAY”.

 I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried
I’ve had my fill, my share of losing
And now as tears subside
I find it all so amusing

To think I did all that
And may I say not in a shy way
Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way

For what is a man what has he got
If not himself then he has not
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way

 
I have been truly blessed this past year. I have been loved, I’ve laughed and I’ve cried with so many of the wonderful friends, both old and new, that I’ve made along my life’s journey.

The bonds of friendship and love with my old friends have been strengthened and shared beyond anything I could have dreamed possible.

I treasure the new friendships I’ve made in 2011 and look forward to those friendships growing stronger as the years go by.

I’m blessed with the love and support of my wonderful family, who are always there for me even at times when they don’t understand what I’m doing and why.

So what has life taught me? One thing….always be honest with myself. Love myself enough to never compromise who I am. Always speak from my heart and be the best me I can be. Life isn’t perfect and neither am I.

In 2012, I pledge to always be true to myself and my beliefs, for without that I have nothing. I will continue to travel each and every highway of life…I know there will be detours along the way, but that’s ok, it’s better than sitting back and watching everyone pass you by. I will love and commit to my family and friends 110% of myself, because I understand that the more I give, the more I get back in return. I will love deeper, laugh harder and cry as little as possible. I will embrace my life and most important of all…..I will do it “MY WAY”.

Thanks Old Blue Eyes, I’m glad you did it your way. 

I want to wish everyone a very Healthy and Happy New Year! I hope I can continue to be a part of your lives in 2012 and remember…..don’t be a stranger….the food is good, the drinks are refreshing, the music is AWESOME, and friends are always here to lend an ear…..

Yes, the door is ALWAYS open at “Frank’s Place”.

My Way….Frank Sinatra

Family.

 Sister Sledge has a great song, “We Are Family” that sums up the meaning of the word.

 Webster’s dictionary defines it as follows:

 a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head : household

 a group of persons of common ancestry : clan

 a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock : race

 a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation : fellowship 

Last night I was with my family….my LIPO family. We did what any family does to celebrate their achievements….we gathered together and had a party. And what a party it was! 

Last night, my LIPO family and I celebrated our “Prom” at our second annual dinner dance. 

What an awesome night it was! All the hard work and planning came together for a night of fun, good food, great music, dancing, sharing and family.

For some of our “family” the night started way before the party, as they arrived early to transform the room into a balloon paradise…thank you to all for your hard work, it paid off because the hall looked simply magical. 

As the time for our celebration neared, our “family” members gathered together, all dressed up and excited for the evening. Everyone looked fabulous. We hugged, took pictured, talked to friends we haven’t seen in a while and started having that comfortable and safe feeling you get when you’re with the “family” you love. As we danced and laughed and enjoyed our “Prom” night, I kept hearing the words of Sister Sledge’s song playing in my head…….. 

“Living life is fun and we’ve just begun
To get our share of the world’s delights
(HIGH!) high hopes we have for the future
And our goal’s in sight
(WE!) no we don’t get depressed
Here’s what we call our golden rule
Have faith in you and the things you do
You won’t go wrong
This is our family Jewel”

Yes, this family has just begun. We have been given a new lease on life and experiencing all life has to offer, like going to a “prom”, is something this family will continue to do….over and over! We’ll continue to get out and enjoy life as a “family”. From bike riding to crazy things like skydiving, this family has high hopes for our future and all our goals.

Some people outside of our “family” criticize what we do. They don’t understand what we are building and the feelings and common goals that we share. They can’t understand when Sister Sledge sings….. 

“Ev’ryone can see we’re together
As we walk on by
(FLY!) and we fly just like birds of a feather
I won’t tell no lie
(ALL!) all of the people around us they say
Can they be that close
Just let me state for the record
We’re giving love in a family dose” 

Last night was a special night. It was one of the MANY memories that this “family” will share together. I look forward to our future. I look forward to our goals and dreams. I look forward to watching each one of my “family” members grow and develop as a person. I’m excited for all the new experiences we will share together. I’m excited for the growth of this “family”, as we continue to spread across the nation and welcome new brothers and sisters into our life.  I’m excited about working with our awesome LIPO team….from our Leadership team to our Board of Directors, each one is a true leader and an inspiration to us all.

Yes, we truly are a “family” and I enjoyed going to the LIPO “prom” with all of you last night. As the song says……”We’re giving love in a family dose”. Well last night I overdosed on the love and joy I received from my family….my “LIPO” family.

We Are Family