Great ‘Before’ Pictures
Hi Friends,
Yeah, I know…no posts for five months is not cool. Not really going to discuss that at this point. Thanks for keeping me on your google reader or finding me through other means. Also, I’m probably not going to talk much about other blogs tonight. Just wanted to give you all an update on what has been going on with me lately.
I just figured I’d give you an update on my weekend. It started on Friday like way too many days have started for me recently - waking up at 4:30 AM to catch a flight. Then meetings, then my company holiday party where I had a great time, but ate and drank way too much. Then Manhattans at a cigar bar until 1:00 AM in the morning. Yeah, that was a super healthy day.
Saturday started with a super unhealthy omelette (instead of a run) and then Kate and I started driving to Chicago. About a half hour outside of Indianapolis, I started having chest pains. About five minutes later I was gasping for breath and on the way to the emergency room (with Kate driving super fast in Middleofnowheresville, Indiana). Which brings us to the fantastic ‘before’ pictures…
That’s me in the emergency room in Frankfort, IN. I was pretty sure that my unhealthy ass was having a heart attack. Pretty sure that isn’t the case, but it was a pretty fantastic wake-up call. Having a 17 year-old nurse’s assistant shave your chest hair with a disposable razor while prepping you for an EKG puts things in pretty good perspective. Sadly, Dr. House did not consult on my chest x-ray.
At this point, I’m not quite sure what made me feel like I was passing the octokids out of my belly button, but I’m headed to the doctor to find out. I’ll keep ya’ll posted on the official diagnosis. All I know at this point is that the doctor thinks it’s my gall bladder not wanting to spend any additional time in my body. He also mentioned something about my liver being sort of pissed at me too, but again, I’ll keep you posted when I know for sure.
If you’re keeping score at home, I’ve gone from this
to this
In record time.
How the hell did we get here? I’m not really sure, but I’ve given it some thought for the last couple of days. Kate and I were dealt a pretty shitty hand a few months ago, and my exponential weight gain seems to correspond with that major kick in the junk. Not going to get into the details of that one…it’ll probably be a book at some point (once we figure out a happy ending), but some really shitty news (and my inability to deal with it constructively) has led to my full on assult on the drink and appetizer menu.
So I guess that the moral of the story is that emotional eating is not reserved only for ex-girlfriends sitting on the couch in their pajamas eating Haagen Dazs directly from the container. Comes in all shapes and sizes, including too many drinks and unhealthy meals at the airport bar. Johnny Walker and Papa John should not be my best friends when shit happens.
And we’ve been here before. Mostly because of my inability to find some kind of balance. There has to be a place for me between Tim Tebow and Tiger Woods on the consumption spectrum. And to clarify, in my case I’m talking about cocktails and cocktail weenies, and not cocktail waitresses. Anyway, finding a balance between one extreme of running 40 miles a week while consuming less than 2000 calories per day and my current state of turning even the healthiest restaurants into the ‘not that’ page of Eat This, Not That. So that’s what I’m going to do at this point - look for some balance.
The words to live by on this quest were overheard a couple of weeks ago at Disney World. Kate and I were walking through Epcot Center over Thanksgiving break. If you haven’t been to Disney in the past 20 years, you may not know that it has been overrun with super morbids and type 2 cases cruising around on rascal scooters. So we heard a young dad turn to his little girl and say “honey, just take care of your body and it will take care of you.” He wasn’t talking to me, but I’m going to take him up on his advice.
Since I’ve danced this dance in the past, but seem to be coming back to where I started, I’ve decided that I need some help. Actually, I need a lot of help.
Kate - She has already started helping me out. Making sure I drink water, take my vitamins, control my portion size, and get to the gym. Not the crazy crash bullshit that I have done too many times in the past, but really just trying to find balance. She’s even convinced me to drink a couple of Green Monsters. I think that’s her favorite part - getting me to eat/drink the stuff that she sees on all of your blogs. She does have a vested interest in this as well, as nobody really wants to be a 29 year old widow. So we’ll just act like an old married couple and nag each other about meds and diet, in the hopes that we’ll live long enough to actually be an old married couple.
Friends - Cut me off if a drink after work turns into a trip around the appetizer menu and a few rounds of beers. I won’t be pissed off at you, I promise. Really, I can live without going all ‘Noah’s Ark’ on the appetizer menu and ordering two of everything. Who needs that? And if you’re planning on going for a run, ask me if I’d like to join. It’ll be a good warmup for you, although it might be good if you know CPR, just in case. Just kidding. Not really. Maybe.
Clients - Yes, I know there are some of you out there. As much as you like to see my smiling face all the time, if I turn down an onsite visit, it’s not because I don’t love you. I’m going to try to cut back on my travel schedule a bit - still working just as hard, but fewer redeyes and trips across the country. Oh, and keep an eye on me during the three hour dinner meetings as well.
Coworkers - You all know that I’m pretty shitty at asking for help, but I’m going to try to do that in the future. I need your help as I try to play nicely with others on projects.
Family - Continued love and support. And dad, make me sign up for a couple of races with you and run with you on the greenway.
The Rest of Blogland - Comment, tweet, whatever, and ask me how I’m doing. If I tweet that I’m consuming a 96 oz steak, feel free to reply in all caps.
So that’s about it. I hope you enjoyed the awesome before pictures. I’m going to do my best to keep this journey documented. Not going to become a food blogger and take pictures of everything that I eat (if you think it’s awkward to take pictures of your food while you’re skinny - trying doing that in public while you’re fat…you look/feel like a complete freakshow). So not sure what this is going to look like. Might keep posting on blogstalker, and might start another one. I have a habit of starting (and abandoning) blogs. We’ll keep it here for now.
Thanks to all for your support. If I don’t post in a couple weeks, it probably means I’ve had a grabber and I’m dead. Just kidding, I’m probably just busy.
Talk to you later,
Nate
Holy hell, dude. Glad you’re not dead.
Hi Nate. I used to be a lurker that thoroughly enjoyed your hilarious posts. I guess I’m not sure what to say other than I think it took a lot of courage to put that all out there and I’m really pulling for you. You (and Kate) deserve to be happy and healthy and I’m confident that you can achieve that. Good luck!
Wow. I’m sorry this happened to you. But if anything, it’s a huge jolt in the butt. I think it’s great that Kate is so supportive and helping you out.
Please take care!
And rest assured there’s gonna be some serious Caps if I hear you downing donuts.
Nate,
I’ve always enjoyed reading your blog! For a serious post, I have a serious comment. First, I’m sorry about your bad news a few months ago. Second, I’m sorry about your experience this past Saturday. But, I wish you the best on your journey. You’ve given a lot to us bloggers, so let us give back to you. I wish you the best. Ask for help when you can- that’s something we all need to learn to do….but not always easy. I look forward to following your progress and would be happy to help in any way I can!
Angie
We’re here for you and cheering you on Nate! You are so lucky to have such a caring and sweet wife who loves you unconditionally. Sending lots of blog love your way!!
I’m sorry this happened too, but like Sophia said - it’s obviously a huge “jolt in the butt.” And those are some of the greatest wake-up calls we ever hear and need.
I’ll be here for you and Kate as a blog friend
I’m glad it sounds like it was just a wake-up call and not something much worse. Good luck!
I was so happy to see you posted again, but definitely sad when I learned what you’ve had to go through. I wish you the best in your journey and I know you can do it because you have a great support system behind you. I’ve only lost 25 pounds in the last year, but I have learned that all you can do is take it a day at a time. There will be setbacks but the point is you keep trying.
Hope you recover fast!! Make the “after” picture rocking! I think you have a great plan to make it happen
Ahhhh, Nater. Wish I was in Charlotte to cook you a (healthy) dinner. I know you’ll do great getting to a size that is perfect for you. Now stay away from that Southern food!
yikes, Nate! Having had something almost identical happen to me just 2 months ago, I know what a wake up call it can be. Just take one day at a time and hang in there! That kind of wake up call ends up being a better inspiration than most others (at least it has been for me). Let me know if you need anything!
I’ve missed your posts! I am excited to see your journey, so if you switch to another blog I want to know! I have a good 60 pounds to lose, and you may just inspire me.
Nate, I’m so glad you posted again! Your blog posts are some of the funniest. I wish you the best of luck with your healthy endeavor. I think you’ll be able to do just fine. Keep up the good work! You and your lovely wife deserve a happy ending.
Glad you’re back…will be hoping for that happy ending for you and Kate.
Wow Nate. That made me cry. Here’s to a healthy and HAPPY 2010!
Nate and Kate! I’m so glad you are both alive and kicking - but this post scared me! So glad you are okay! Sorry it’s been a rough five months, I’m not sure if it helps - but when I hated my life as a teacher - I just ate, drank, and sat until I couldn’t feel anymore, so while I might not be in your shoes - I can definitely understand where you are coming from! Hang in there - and I’ll definitely tweet or FB in all caps in necessary!
Also - you are talking about all these business trips - WHERE IS YOUR TRIP TO AG/CLEVELAND? Make that your last one before you take a break.
Tell your boss Kate has to come along too 
Glad to see you’re back, but sorry to hear about the troubles going on. Most times, being able to find a healthy balance really requires a lifestyle evaluation and then change. For a lot of people that requires finally having that “AH HA!” moment that puts things into perspective a little more. I had my “ah ha” moment, and it sounds like this might have been yours. It sounds like you know what you’ve done before and why it won’t work for a lifetime, and you’re ready to figure out what will. I 100% believe you will find your healthy balance and I wish you the best of luck along the way!
hey! glad you posted and got us up to speed on what is going on with you. glad you are OK and good luck with your journey ahead!!
Omigod! I felt that for you. Actually I did! I know that pain, and yes you do feel like you will die, and isn’t morphine the best. My gallbladder died, and almost took me with it.
Please, please, please take good care of yourself. It takes ages to recover. None of that food or drink is worth it.
I will be watching your tweets!
Sorry to hear you ended up in a hospital :-/
Good luck in your journey to get healthier! I think it’s fair to say that most of us have been in your same position.
Good luck, Nate! So sorry you’re going through all of this, but it seems like you have a fabulous support system. We’re thinking of you in our den on the East Coast!
First and foremost, I just paused my Glee Soundtrack playlist to give my full and utter attention to this comment.
Secondly, I am TRES happy to hear you are HOKAY and alive!!!!! I mean, I do not know how okay you are feeling but I am sure it is better than when you waz in your “before” picture. But the best part of that picture is that you now have a hairless chest and you will look back at that picture and be like HAY B!TCHEZZZZZ I DIDN’T EAT A 6″ SUB EVERYDAY AND LOOK/FEEL LIKE DA BOMB! Even though I didn’t end up in the hospital, I had a turning point when I started college and my hips don’t lie when I say drinking 8 beers, 3 jagerbombs, and 2 vodka redbulls a night with Irish boys all summer didn’t help my bod. So I just started walking a sh!t ton and got back to regular foods (food that I consume when I do not remember do not count) and my body be back to normalcy. I know this is coming from an 18 year old sorority girl who also takes pictures of her food (or used to…), but just saying hai and that urryone feels uncomfortable in their own skin/jeans/genes (ha) at least once.
On a side note, you and Kate look super dimey in that race picture.
Hm well, I was going to take this time to tell you something funny but I totally forgot. And it was probably inapropreit for the Blog World. What? Did I spell something wrong?
But foreals, keep Homegirl (and I guess everyone else.. whatever) updated via this wonderful blog of yours/Kate. Can you guys come to California soon? Like next summer? I guess I could take a trip to your part of town/the country. Can we cold tub? Do keg stands (JK, lols)? YIPPEE CAN’T WAIT!
Alright, this comment is coming to a closing. I hope your healthy blog-cliche foods are making you feel like a superstar and look like the governator of my state. But if you start feeling like spinach smoothies and broth soup aren’t solving your hunger problems and you start dreaming about potato skins from Fridays, just hit me up and I can send you some adderall.
Respect,
Brooke.
Wow, Nate. So so sorry. Anything I can do to help, let me know. I’ve wondered what you all were up to (and not just during the Tiger scandal and dying to know wassup with Nike?) and I’m sorry you have had a rough go of things. I’m glad you can see now that drowning in apps and brews doesn’t take the pain away but just creates new pain. Just remind yourself of that, because old habits die hard, but once you are free, it’s glorious. I know what you are going through…I’ve always been an all or nothing gal myself, but I know there is something wonderful in between for you and Kate. I hope you find it soon and stay there forever! Again, if there’s anything I can do, from meal planning to pep talks, I’m here!!!
Hope everything works out okay. My mom had gall bladder issues a couple years ago, and had to have it removed. Let me tell you, that did not look like fun. But if it is a gall bladder problem, at least it’s a pretty easy fix once you get it outta there.
I will keep you in my thoughts! I wish you all the best on your journey toward a healthy balance. Go Nate!
Hey there travel pal! Glad to hear that trip to the ER was just a wake up call. Take care of YOU! Remember, it’s only email, yes? You can count on me not dragging you to VooDoo Donuts…. God knows I need to eat just lettuce for six months.
I am there with you - well not in the hospital but I know how easy it is to let life get in the way of health. And the emotional eating thing well I am still struggling with that. I am not even sure I know what intuitive eating is. Bottom line is that I want to thank you for your honesty and let you know that of course we are all on your team. We want what is best for you and for Katie. You know what the most amazing miracle is? That at 29 you can be in a hospital with your chest shaved and not feeling so hot and then at 30 you can feel like the king of the world back to running and with hair on your chest. Because hair grows back, our bodies heal once we stop abusing them. Good luck and promise to stay in the game! You are always missed when you go away.
oh my gosh — wow! i am glad it was not a heart attack (knowing the statistics, the odds are against it, but you never know . . .). and, i’m excited to help you get back on the health bandwagon — without resorting to extremes (40 mpw on less than 2000 calories a day? i couldn’t do that, and i’m half your size!)
looking forward to reading and i will try to send tweets of encouragement as much as possible!
Hi Nate,
First of all, I am so sorry for the health scare and am glad that you are ok. I’m also very glad to hear from you and to know that you have decided to take positive steps to take yourself feel better. Honestly, if there is anything I’ve learned when dealing with “bumps” in the road, making yourself feel better physically is the first step to feeling better mentally. That and a supportive group of family and friends, which you clearly have in Kate and the blogging community
We will definitely be following you on your journey, whether you write a post every day, every week or once a year. You are very important to us!
Take care of yourself - and enjoy the holidays.
Jenn
Nate!
I’m so sorry to read this. As you know, we’re all here supporting you, and will be available to yell at you on Twitter as necessary
You can do it!
I’m also impressed that you posted on such a serious topic… and still made it funny. But seriously, take care of yourself. Whose blog am I going to read if you die? (kidding. but i felt you might appreciate that joke)
We’re rooting for you!
i am REALLY glad you are OK!!! and i hope you feel better ASAP. i will whip you into shape when i get to NC!
Nate,
I’ve been stalking your blog for awhile, thanks to Kath and Caitlin. I’m sending good thoughts your way.
Holy man! Glad you are OK!! Looking forward to helping kick your ass. No one needs a 96 oz steak.
Go home and hug Kate. Sounds like you need it.
Sorry to hear about what happened to you. That must be really life changing. I’m glad to hear you are ok and that you are committed to making some changes. Sometimes these things happen for a reason right?
I wish you a speedy recovery filled with lots of Green Monsters
You are full of courage and honesty and that will get you exactly where you are heading
Bravo!
Good thoughts and vibes to you & Kate, it’s nice that you two are there for each other.
Life can be a real douchebag at times, thank you for the honest post. Just remember all you can do is take it day-by-day and you have a blog world of peeps supporting both you and Kate.
I am so glad to read that you still have your sense of humor, sure as sh** got that goin’ on!!!
Ah, sorry this happened to you, but in the end it’ll probably end up being one of the best things that ever did happen to you. In a very round about and not pleasant way, of course.
Nate,
I’m a lurker who always enjoyed reading your posts because they made me laugh so hard! I am really sorry to hear about this, but I’m glad to hear your same sense of humor coming through on this post. It took a lot of courage to write this, I wish you good luck on your recovery!
let’s make this happen! i don’t have a blog and you have no idea who the hell i am, but…i’m going to keep tabs and tweet yo ass and check in. (@greenbean___)
good luck, Nate. one day at a time. don’t put off any healthy choices and say i’ll start that up tomorrow. and don’t feel bad about what you didn’t do right yesterday. live each day one at a time and focus on making the best choices for yourself in each moment.
xoxoxoxo
Your response to this situation is great. You could have been a coward and blamed it on other things rather than taking responsibility and changing your circumstances. Take care, Nate.
I’m so sorry to hear about the hospital trip! I hope you are feeling better! Keep posting, I always look forward to your blog posts!!!
NATE!!!! So glad to hear you’re alive and kicking! Shooo, you know there are at least 50 bloggers who will help whip you into shape. Not kidding. I probably won’t be one of them, as I’m still in the beer and “eat what I want, when I want” phase of life. I’m here for support (I make a fab cheerleader) and when you need to vent, though! Missed you, love you, love your show.
Wow Nate what an extremely powerful post! I’m sorry that you are going through all of this. It takes a strong person to understand the situation and address, such as you have. Kudos to you!
I’m sorry that you’re going through a shitty time and that you had a health scare. Just know that all sorts of random people that you’ve never met (like me!) are pulling for you! And people you do know, of course.
nate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! penny + I send our loooooooooove!!! oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo– Perhaps you would like to watch her again.. and then she can jump the fence and then you can chase her.. it could be a fun game!! [kidding. totally kidding]
Damn Nate! I’m glad you’re okay. Never hesitate to ask for help from me. I totally get the balance thing and have personally struggled to keep it in check myself. Take good care of yourself and keep us posted. xoxo Shellie
Glad you are okay! I had a similar wake up call recently, it’s scary but you’ll definitely get through it!
Glad to see you back, and I’ll be rooting you on with the others!
Welcome back to blogland. You’ve been missed. I’m glad you’re (relatively) ok. This sort of thing (the chest pains and Spaceballs-style-Alien-out-of-chest thing, that is) just happened to my husband yesterday.
I’m forwarding him your blog to prove that real men drink Green Monsters
Aw Nate, that’s horrible. I am glad you are okay and are at least smart enough to make changes. This happens to some people and they go on the same way. Good luck.
Dude! I was worried about cha….I figured you were just busy with work…bummer. Feel better soon and welcome back from the “dark side”
I personally think nagging is the best part of marriage :). And if you don’t take the “I need to lean on my co-workers” seriously I will be flying to Charlotte. I am not kidding…
I was thrilled to see you show up in my Reader! I am sorry to hear things haven’t been going well, sending positive thoughts your way. By the way, I had to have my gallbladder removed, and still remember the attack quite clearly which was caused by a kielbasa dinner. Excruciating. But please get better soon, and I am rooting for you and Kate!
Oh no! Sorry to hear things aren’t going so hot, but hopefully everything smooths out from here. I’ll be checking my twitter to see if I need to drop any all cap replies.
Glad to hear you’re slowing down on the traveling…that is stressful! If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Sending positive vibes your way. *hugs* Diana
Hey, so glad you’re back!! Everyone missed you, obviously. Sorry that you guys have been going through a rough time - that is uber lame.
But there are a ton of us in the blog world here for you!
I’m really sorry to hear you’ve been going through a rough time. I know firsthand how easy it is to gain weight really quickly. It’s no fun and pretty scary. We’re here for you, though!
This post made me so happy… and sad! I loved that you blogged again, but I’m so bummed that you’re going through a rough time. So glad you’re okay! If you need any help from CNC, please let me know. I’m sure Mal would do just about anything for you, too. Because he has a crush on you.
So strange..I hadn’t checked any blogs in a few months, and I happen across yours 3 days after your first post in 5 monhts. Weird. Very glad to hear you didn’t have a heart attack! Good luck finding the balance brother.
Loved the honesty. You put it out there- you said it (well, typed it) and now you can live it. It’s a struggle many of us face, something we have the power to control each day… remember you have the power to make the right choice, to move that body, to feel amazing in your own skin. Like you said, no gimics, it’s not magic, it’s recognizing you have the power to take yourself in a new direction. Now get your a** moving mister.
Best of luck. And I miss the sarcasm, find time to write!!
Nate,
I’ve posted comments on your blog a couple of times before as one of the 4 guys out there that actually reads it. Just wanted to say glad to see you’re back and ok. Even though I’ve never met you I’ve honestly been worried about your disappearance for the past 5 months. Don’t let it happen again. Good luck with your journey. It’s tough but worth it, I can say that from experience as a guy who’s weight has gone down 75#, up 60# and back down 50#. Good luck, hope to see more on your progress.
P.S. Loved your comment on coming in somewhere between Tebow and Woods
Why is it that people say they “slept like a baby” when babies wake up 10 times every hour?