Welcome to my Fatboy series. This is a chronicle of my journey after weight loss surgery in January at the University of Texas Medical Branch Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery.

First, my apologies for the gaps between posts. I took some vacation time and then got busy with the municipal elections. I promise to make it up to you all with three posts this week.

As the headline suggests, I am once again a customer of Southwest Airlines. How regular a customer I'll be is yet to be seen.

I had boycotted the Dallas-based carrier for the past six years in large part because of how overweight people were treated and, in particular, how this fat boy was treated.

As reported elsewhere — including during my time at KHOU-TV — Southwest has a reputation of being more aggressive about its policy of requiring overweight people to buy an extra seat. The airline has been quoted as saying the policy is for the comfort of other passengers on their planes.

To be honest, I actually understand and agree with the policy in general. If a passenger takes up more than one seat and makes the person(s) in the adjacent seat(s) uncomfortable, then steps should be taken to accommodate. If that requires a second seat, that may be an option.

In my case, I rarely travel alone. The reason is so that I have someone who is OK with sitting next to me on the plane for a few hours without being uncomfortable.

That is where Southwest Airlines and I got crossways — twice.

During one trip to Las Vegas with my parents for Christmas six years ago, the Southwest Airlines gate worker pulled me from the line in front of everyone to ask me how much I weighed. She then held her hands out near my waist as if to measure me.

She explained that I may be too big to fit into a single seat and I needed to buy an additional seat. When I explained I was flying with two other people who would not be bothered, it didn’t matter.

This took place about four feet from the line. I was pretty embarrassed that I was being measured in front of the group.

It wasn’t until I turned to my folks and said (pretty loud for the whole line to hear) that the airline thought I was too fat to fly. That’s when other passengers chimed in and the gate worker relented, but warned that if anyone complained I would have to buy another seat.

Since I was sitting next to my mother and her husband, no one complained.

I experienced a similar incident six months later on a trip to Orlando, except my attempts at public pressure didn’t work. The gate worker at least walked me into the jet way to take her eyeball measurement.

She informed me I would have to buy an extra seat. “So you will be more comfortable,” she said. I like how it was for my comfort this time. When I explained I didn’t want to spend $200 for an extra seat, it didn’t much matter.

Either buy the seat or skip the flight, I was told. I bought the seat. Imagine my surprise when my co-worker and I got on the plane and it wasn’t even half full.

I went to the lead flight attendant and complained that I was forced to buy an extra seat when there wasn’t the need. She was little help. When we landed in Orlando, I complained to customer service and three hours later was offered a refund.

That was the last straw for me.

I dumped Southwest and started flying Continental (now United) Ailrlines. But not before I did some research.

Continental had a similar too-big-for-the-seat policy. I spoke with several representatives in customer service who explained the policy was only used when no other accommodations could be made.

Since on Continental flights you select your seat, I would — when I could — pick seats at an exit row or the front near the door. I also found that because they couldn’t recline, seats on the very back row had more room.

I also found the flight crews to be more proactive about finding accommodations before complaints came up.

On a very full flight to Vegas, I really felt bad for a young Marine who found himself wedged between my friend and me. I went to the flight attendant and sought another seat for myself. The only seat available was in First Class. She offered it to me, but instead I asked that the Marine get it. Man, was he happy.

So, on my latest trip to Vegas, having lost so much weight since my weight loss surgery at UTMB’s Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery, I decided to give Southwest Airlines another try.

I did get the once over from the gate crew at Hobby Airport, and again on the return from Las Vegas. Because I was in the last boarding group on the flight out, passengers didn’t want to make eye contact with me as I walked down the aisle.

I found a middle seat between a MMA fan from Houston and a golfer from Las Vegas. After I sat down, I asked both if I would make them uncomfortable and offered to move. Both said it was fine. Just to make sure, I asked again.

Same answer. I still bought each a drink as a thank you.


A bit snug, but I fit between the armrests and the tray tops on my flight to Vegas.

For the first time in a long while, I fit between the armrests and didn’t flood over into the seat next to me. That was good. I also found that I was more comfortable on the flight and able to reach for items a lot better.


Look folks. More leg room.

Getting the tray table down is still a no-go and I still need a seat-belt extender. But it was nice to return to the airline love built. It’s cheaper (thanks to no charges for checked bags) and the trip to Hobby is so much more convenient than Bush Intercontinental.


This doesn't show how my weight loss has helped. I just wanted to show off my Vegas hat.

I asked the lead flight attendant if the rule had been changed. She informed me no, but did admit that given the bad publicity the airline got from incidents with movie director Kevin Smith and a couple of stories elsewhere, flight crews now look for ways to accommodate first before implementing the buy the extra seat policy.

Welcome to my Fatboy series. This is a chronicle of my journey after weight loss surgery in January at the University of Texas Medical Branch Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery.

I love the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo. I've been going out to Jack Brooks Park for years to enjoy all the fair has to offer.

In year’s past, a visit to the fairgrounds meant a stop at the funnel cake stand or the corn dog stand. Then I would always make myself available to judge in the barbecue cook off.

Well, that’s all changed.

Before anyone thinks you can’t have anything to eat at the fair, think again. Even for those of us who have had weight loss surgery, you can still enjoy everything the fair food vendors have to offer.

There’s just one key thing to remember: Moderation.

Sukwan Jolley, the dietitian at UTMB’s Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery, surprised me when I asked if there was anything I could eat while attending the fair.

“The idea of rodeo food is that it’s fun and you enjoy it,” she said.

She warned to stay away from the deep fried stuff, but enjoy the turkey legs.


Turkey legs are good for those who have had weight loss surgery. Remember to pull off the skin.

“Turkey legs are a good source of protein,” she said. “And turkey is good for you.”

For those who have had surgery, Jolley notes that dark meat is actually easier to digest because it is not as dry. Of course, a leg of a turkey is dark meat. Peel the skin off and don’t eat the whole thing.

And, yes, you can have funnel cake and even corn dogs. Just share. Jolley suggests that with your friends you each order one of the tasty treats and share while eating in moderation. The idea, she said, was that it’s OK to treat yourself. Just be mindful to not overdo it.

Another great suggestion (and I did this Thursday night).


Just remember: MODERATION

“Eat sensibly before going to the rodeo, that way you don’t gorge on rodeo food,” she said. “You can then just enjoy a taste.”

That’s really what people are craving, the deep fried goodness of funnel cake with powdered sugar on top. Jolley said the powdered sugar is actually better for you than say icing. I found that interesting.

Beer is OK, too. Again, moderation, which is a good idea even beyond weight maintenance. Stick to light beer when you can.

Also, consider offsetting any eating of funnel cake by making sure you walk a lot while visiting the fair. Stroll over to the animal barn or the rodeo arena.



Or do what I did, which was dance a lot to the Spazmatics (who performed Thursday night.)

And this final piece of advice: DRINK WATER. Lots of water. Hydration, as I have learned, is key to any healthy living plan.

Jolley didn’t know what to tell me should be I asked to judge the barbecue cook off. Unless I can judge the food visually, she suggested I retire from barbecue judging.

Welcome to my Fatboy series. This is a chronicle of my journey after weight loss surgery in January at the University of Texas Medical Branch Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery.

You’d think losing 85 pounds and counting, and having to buy clothes that are five sizes smaller than what I was wearing four months ago, would be reason to be happy-go-lucky all of the time. Right?

Those who know me best will tell you I am, for the most part, usually in a good mood.

Sure, I get stressed at work and uncooperative sources get me frustrated. But, all in all, I am a chipper guy.

I had warnings from my doctors and literature on the subject suggested I would experience bouts of depression. I guess I figured it would not happen to me, but I've found I get rather down in the dumps at times.

There have been occasions when I’ve actually started crying for no direct reason.

What the heck?

You’d think with all the positive feedback I’ve received since my surgery, especially from those who read this blog, that I would have nothing really to be depressed about.

During my visit Monday with the folks at UTMB’s Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery, nutritionists Sukwon Jolley asked my how I was handling the psychological aspects of my weight loss program. When I explained to her what I just told you all, she told me that wasn’t unexpected.

I guess those pre-surgery visit with the folks in UTMB’s Psychology program had a purpose after all. I read up on the subject and found the mental processes within my body are changing in addition to the physical changes.

My body got so used to being fed with junk: Sodas, fried foods, candy, etc. It's now upset because that has all stopped. It’s having to get used to the new lifestyle, too. Changing 25 years of bad habits isn’t easy.

I admit as well, I’m still having body issues. I see the progress on the scale. I hear it from everyone who sees me and, for sure, my clothing is loose fitting. But when I look in the mirror or hang out at the pool, I don’t see the “skinny” T.J.

I still see a fat guy.

I’ve lost 85 pounds, but I am still way overweight. Somehow, maybe, I think I had convinced myself subconsciously that I would already be at my goal weight, which is probably about eight months off.

While I am not really struggling with losing weight or following the program, the mental aspect of this journey is at times — not often — depressing.

That’s a big reason Sukwon wants me to start attending the support group sessions. Thus far, I’ve gone it alone. Well, sort of alone. You all have been giving me a lot of feedback.

I’m not usually good with support groups. I don’t mind telling other people’s stories. But I am, believe it or not, shy when talking about myself.

Anything to prevent tearing up again.

Inspiration of the week

This week’s inspiration of the week isn’t a person; it’s a Facebook page.



Nutritionist Sukwon Jolley is the administrator of the Facebook page for UTMB’s Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery. The poor thing had only 124 Likes when I visited it the other day.

I am encouraging my friends and readers to go to Facebook and “Like” it. There’s a lot of useful information there to help you lead a healthier lifestyle. There’s a post today about an upcoming cooking class that caught my attention.

I promised Sukwon I’d get her more than 1,000 likes. I may have been a bit overconfident. If you get a chance, please visit the page and “Like” away.

There was a lot of chatter over Easter weekend on Facebook and other social media websites about strange red glowing objects flying or floating in the sky over Moses Lake in Texas City Saturday night.

Were the objects alien space ships here for an invasion?

We're not sure, and even the Texas City Homeland Security Office is checking on it.



Several readers posted video like the one above and some sent us photos.

Which brings me to a discussion our staff had today. Have you ever noticed that whenever someone has a UFO sighting their video is always shaky and out of focus. The same goes for photos.

You would think in this day and age with such good technology someone, just once, would get photo or video that clearly shows a UFO (of Big Foot for that matter).

Sgt. Philip McCulloch Jr., 23, was awarded the Silver Star in February in honor of his bravery under fire in Afghanistan. He was honored by his hometown of Galveston and Galveston County Commissioners Court on Tuesday.

Related story: Marine saluted by hometown and county

Galveston County District Clerk Jason Murray was in court Monday facing a judge after Harris County prosecutors moved to have his two-year probation for assaulting his wife revoked. The hearing was held after Murray was arrested last week on charges of driving while intoxicated.

According to court records, police suspected Murray, who was involved in two minor traffic accidents before he was arrested, was under the influence of prescription Xanax or Zoloft when he was driving on West Main near Hobbs Road on March 27.

Murray was in court working out conditions to remain out on $50,000 bond. According to Brian Rogers' report in the Houston Chronicle, during the proceedings, Murray was accused of threatening to kill his wife, Mekisha Jane Murray, two days before his arrest on the DWI charge.

Jason Murray previously pleaded guilty to striking his wife as the two drove home from a Christmas party in Houston on Dec. 8. He was sentenced to two years probation as part of the deferred adjudication sentence.

The couple is going through a divorce.

Related story: District clerk surrenders on warrant

You can read more about Murray's hearing from the Chronicle:

Galveston District Clerk accused of threatening to kill his wife

Murray is scheduled back in court on Tuesday.

Welcome to my Fatboy series. This is a chronicle of my journey after weight loss surgery in January at the University of Texas Medical Branch Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery.

I’ve written about how important maintaining a healthy diet is to any weight loss plan, even when you take the surgical route as I did. With that in mind, I do find myself cutting certain foods out and adding others in that in the past would have never seen my plate.

Recently, I decided to give veggie burgers a try. After all, my vegan friends always brag how much better they feel and how good the food really is.

It should be noted I am a carnivore. I like green foods, but red meat is always on the menu. So 44 years of acquiring a taste for red meat is hard to shake.

Knowing this, I set out with an open mind as I sought my first ever veggie burger.

At the recommendation of business reporter and Coast editor Laura Elder, I gave the veggie burger at Oasis Juice Bar and Market, 409 25th Street in Galveston, a try.

Let me be up front here: I love Oasis juice mixes and smoothies. I am also a very big fan of the carrot ginger soup.

What I couldn’t stomach was the actual burger. The texture just wasn’t right for me and the taste left a lot to be desired.

It had a very “earthy” taste on my pallet. If I had not had a healthy dose of mustard, I would not have eaten the 1/4 of the burger that I did.

Laura Elder loves and raves about it, so this is just my opinion. The last straw for me was getting a seed stuck in my teeth from eating the “burger” patty.


At left, the veggie burger from Oasis. At right, the veggie burger from Yaga's.

Not to be discouraged by my first veggie burger experience, Daily News Editor Heber Taylor picked up a veggie burger from Yaga’s, 2314 Strand in Galveston, for me. The base for this burger is eggplant.

I figured it was worth another try. Wrong.

Again, mustard was needed to stomach what I could eat and that was just two bites. The eggplant made the burger slimy. There’s plenty at Yaga’s I love to eat, but the veggie burger is not on my menu.

After sharing my negative experiences with friends about veggie burgers, I have been encouraged to give it one more shot. A black bean burger is the way to go, I am told.

In these parts, The Sport on the seawall supposedly has a very good black bean veggie burger. I’m still waiting for the taste of the first two to go away before I stop in on Dennis Byrd to give the burger a try.

I’m starting to sound like Goldilocks. “This one was too earthy, this one was too slimy and this one was..."

Let's just be certain about one point: I won't be going vegetarian anytime soon.

Inspiration of the week

Jim Levesque is the assistant news editor for The Daily News. I was fortunate to be the one to hire Jim when I was managing editor of The Texas City Sun. He’s been with our company for many years.

At 6 foot 7 inches tall, Jim is a BIG guy, no doubt. But even he thought he was too big when his weight topped 319 pounds.


Jim Levesque at 300-plus pounds

“I had been heavy, but the last three years I could tell I was gaining weight steadily,” he said.

Jim has dropped about 100 pounds since January 2011. He started off by purchasing the P90X fitness DVDs and stayed with that program for three months. P90X is more than an intense workout system. It also incorporates a very strict diet.


Jim a year after P90X and changing his diet.

“The biggest thing for me was following the nutritional plan,” Levesque said. “It was just learning how to eat better.”

Within three months, Levesque was down 50 pounds. By August of 2011, he had dropped 100 pounds and has kept the weight off.

Levesque, who is also a standup comic and will be headed to New York next month to perform, said he feels better, has more energy and is enjoying life a hell of a lot more.

He admits it’s been a struggle.

“It’s a lot easier to gain the pounds the older you get,” Levesque, 33, said.