*Dean*

Exactly Misty! I've been watching your running progress .......... you're a runner!!

I saw the meet up a little while ago. I have my Dad coming up from Sydney for 2 days, flying back Saturday afternoon. I thought about dragging him and the family down and they could wander off and do something while I met you guys for a coffee, but I think it might be a bit much travelling for the old boy in one day

This is me at Crossfit today. The black shoes are Nike weightlifting shoes I bought myself 2 months ago, but wouldn't let myself wear them until today when I was at goal. The WOD (Workout Of the Day) is on the board. All the numbers relate to my numbers, ie my starting weight, current weight, lost weight etc.

Hey guys. I've been dropping in now and again. Good to see everyone doing so well. Yesterday I reached my goal, which all seems very surreal. My numbers for those that don't know are - starting weight 138kgs, current weight 82kgs. 56kgs lost. I'm 183cms so that gives me a BMI of 25, which is what I was aiming for. My Crossfit gym had a big day today where that had a work out written for me that everyone did that turned up today. Now to work on my goals for the next 12 months. Thanks for all the support in here since November last year. Deano x

One thing I've noticed is that I was invisible when I was obese. People just wouldn't look you in the eye or even look at you. Now I'll be standing at a crossing in the city and people will just smile at me for no reason. Before I wouldn't even get acknowledged. I still find it strange.

My guy was George Hopkins at Chermside. I've had 3 family and friends go to him now and the feedback has been nothing but excellent. I have a cousin who's a Neurosurgeon in Brisbane and He describes George as 'the go to guy' for WLS.

Phew .... just caught up on the thread. Great to see all my old friends doing so well. Hi to everyone I haven't met yet. I'm sure you've already realised what a great bunch of people this is. NSV this week. I can do (unassisted) pull up. It's a real milestone in my training. 44 years old and I've never done a strict pull up in my life before. Very happy. Have a great day, Deano

Stalker-ish. Rubbish. I'm sure you'll find the feeling is mutual. You rock and have been an inspiration to all of us. Deano x

I've run 3 days in a row a number of times and even up to 4. I do CrossFit most days. I've done either CrossFit or running every day for months. If you feel up to it, go for it!

I agree with what everyone has said. Your body is in shock. For these 'early' stalls I wouldn't mix it up too much to try and break it ... it will break all by itself if you're doing the right things. Don't confuse your body even more is my policy

LOL 'couch2kk' and the 'aussiesleevers' - my two fav threads ...... worlds collide!

Congrats Kelli. You've done an amazing job and you're a terrific support. All the best, D x

You're obviously killing it as well. Who would have thought, you hanging out in a exercise thread Think of you and others here often. It's great to see you / us doing so well ......... and I can't really see anyone kicking you out of anywhere - but nice try! Deano x

Frank I found my 'fitness' was all over the place during the program. At times I felt strong and at other times, no so much. For the program, I didn't worry about speed or distance. I just made sure I ran when they said run and walk when they said walk. It does get easier, and then you can focus on speed / distance. The main focus is turning up and training at this stage. Consistency is the key - just keep running!

Just finished reading. Great seeing everyone running. Been a while since I've posted. I'm still running. I do a 5k jog 2 or 3 times a week. I mainly focus on CrossFit and do a 5k on the days I can't get there. I CrossFit or jog everyday and never feel like I'm at risk of over training. At this stage I'm happy sticking to 5k and don't have any interest to stretch it out - but who knows what the future holds. Deano

That's amazing man. Max respect. I always notice when you come back from a run you talk about 'the amazing runners' that were there. Obviously you're one 'of them'. Congrats.

That's my stomping ground What industry do you work in Misty? ........ I hope you're not one of the opposition??

Damn shift work! *shakes fist in the air*

I couldn't begin to start a list, because I don't know where it would end! I like feeling fitter, stronger and faster. I like having almost complete control over what I choose to eat. I think before surgery unless I was on a 'diet' I had no real control and thoughts of eating were all consuming at times. I like the pride my family and kids have in my achievement. I'm currently wearing 32 inch pants and medium shirts (and undies!). For a 6ft bloke I like the fact that I'm ahead of the pack. Having said that, I like the fact that generally I'm not comparing myself to others and am just enjoying being me. I liked reading everyone else's 'likes' Hope you're all well, Deano

Not in my adult life Misty! It's hard not to mark yourself against everyone around you (work, gym yadda yadda) I feel like I'm already blessed with a BMI of 27ish. I already feel and look healthier, stronger, faster than most people I meet / see / know. I dunno how I feel about comparing myself like that, but I can't help it. I am quite competitive! So because of that, I'm expecting that if I get to a BMI of 25 it might be a bit of an anticlimax? But I'm enjoying the journey

Just updated my tickers. 8kgs away from goal / BMI of 25. How cool is that!!

Hey guys, I'm back from some work in and about Cairns. Just read through the last few pages. Everyone is doing so great Sorry I missed today's lunch. I will get to another soon! Brendan, you will know when you're ready. I agree with your dietician, I knew I was ready to have a VSG - I had lost ALL optimism for losing weight traditionally. If you believe you can achieve the weightloss you're after, I'm sure you will.

Smoke------ing!