weight update

With only four weeks left in the Guam Biggest Loser contest I guess it is time for an update. I wanted to share with everyone why I felt it was time to get rid of some of my excess pounds and get healthy. Andrea and I had been informed of our selection for the local contest on September 20. I was so excited because I had been feeling extra fat and sluggish. On September 25 I went to work like every other day. I spent time in the office doing paperwork and then went on the sales floor to see what needed to be done that day. As I moved into the basement stockroom I suddenly had this strange feeling in my gut and thought that I needed the bathroom. I went into the bathroom to "take care of business" and was overcome with a tightness and pain I had never felt before. I was sweating as if I were in a sauna but at the same time felt cold. I heard someone come into the room and called out to her that I needed some help. I wanted her to get Katrina whom was working on the sales floor. The woman did not understand what I wanted and just kept cleaning the bathroom. I didn't want to die there on the toilet so I got up and went outside of the bathroom. I felt awful!!! I didn't want to make a scene so went back into the bathroom. Now everything was getting dark and I was so dizzy I could hardly stand. No more denying that I was in trouble and had to get help. As I left the bathroom the second time I was happy to see Katrina walking down the hall. I called out to her that I needed help. Something was wrong and asked her to call 911. Suddenly I was surrounded by the guys from our loss prevention dept. One of them is a EMT and he had me sit and helped keep me calm. At that moment I was sure that if I stopped fighting for my life and passed out I would die. I remember the paramedics trying to find a blood preasure without success. Then one said I can't find a pulse. I told him that I must have a pulse because I am alive. I could no longer feel my arms and hands as they were numb and the pain in my chest was bad. I was rushed to the hospital and spent the next three days there. I didn't have a heart attack, but was told I was very lucky to be alive. My Dr. said this was a warning and most people don't get that chance. I now always take my high blood preasure med. The dr. said I could and should excercise and that is what I have done. So far I have lost 27lb and Andrea has lost 18. I feel like an athlete rather then a couch potato. It is wonderful. I encourage everyone to get up and get moving. We always think we have another day to start. Today may be our last chance!!!