336Mike

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm 6 months out and below my personal goal weight...we all need this reminder that surgery is just one part of the journey. We need to conquer our minds daily to beat this struggle. It's a life long journey. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 215.8 (6'5") [emoji256]

Awesome!! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

Thank you! Healthy and the best I've felt since my high school days 25+ years ago. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

Great job! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

Great job!!! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

Great job! Looking good VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

If it bothers you that much, you should go talk to the parents. Venting is one thing...if you're really that concerned then communicate directly in a helpful, positive, constructive way. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

Terrific job!! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

Here's my latest pic yesterday. So happy with my decision. It takes hard work and dedication but completely worth it!! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

I'd be interested. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

Great job!! You look happy and beautiful! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

@MsTipps Thank you for the tips on places to visit. We haven't really scheduled exactly what we want to do yet. I was kind of hoping to meet some locals and ask their opinions. I like to do things that are off the beaten path and not necessarily what a lot of the Taurus are going to fly over there to see. And, you are so right. A lot of this comes down to mind over matter so you can do this! It's also good to tie the event to something meaningful because that helps to keep you motivated so the charity piece is great! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 216.6 (6'5") [emoji256]

Very inspirational!! Great job and thanks for sharing. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 218 (6'5") [emoji256]

Go for it!! I just completed a half trail marathon Saturday. Major accomplishment and bucket list item for me. It kicked my butt and I wouldn't change a thing. Great feeling of satisfaction. I recommend a couch to 5K training program for you. It will help you get active in build your endurance. You should consider adding strength training with weights. Off topic, I'll be in Scotland later this year with my son. We'll be going to England and Ireland as well. Hope to squeeze in a side trip to France if possible. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 218 (6'5") [emoji256]

Just bought some cool band tshirts size large tall now that I can finally fit in more things!! Never owned any before and always wanted since. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 218 (6'5")

Awesome job! Different surgery on my end, but I can relate as our stats/build are similar. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 218 (6'5") [emoji256]

Great job and progress! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 218 (6'5") [emoji256]

Love that I am able to live life and do things I've always dreamed of but held myself back because I didn't feel good enough (too fat/big, etc). Here's my starting weight and pic from Saturday after wrapping half trail marathon, one year and 11 days from my heaviest. Last pic is feeling good about how far I've come. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 218 (6'5") [emoji256]

Where do I start... clean my house... strike that, no fun at all![emoji12] hike, bicycle ride, explore/travel, ride my motorcycle, walk at the park, see local bands, meet a friend for coffee/tea, take a class and learn something new... Most of these are easier now that I'm comfortable being me without all the extra weight. Think about what makes you happy or what are some things you always wanted to do/try but never have for one reason or another. We only live once so enjoy your time in this great big world. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 218 (6'5") [emoji256]

Thank you!!! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 217.2 (6'5") [emoji256]

Thank you! It was brutal...lot more than I trained for. Some of the incline's had one switch back after another to get up to the top. They felt like they were never going to end. At mile 8 I questioned if I could even do the rest. My son texted me a couple minutes later...I was not going to look at my phone but something told me to. He said, "Good luck. Don't stop until you finish!" That have me the motivation I needed to carry on. I plan to do more runs but not trail...they're a special kind of brutal. [emoji12] Here's my pick leaving home around 6AM and then prerace pic. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 217.2 (6'5") [emoji256]

Alright y'all. Completed the half trail marathon today!!!!! Still can't believe a year and 11 days ago I was 360 lb and extremely unhealthy. And here I am 5 months out from surgery and 142 lbs down doing a half marathon on trails. So much harder than a regular half marathon two. It kicked my butt but I'm so glad to have accomplished this!! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 217.2 (6'5") [emoji256]

Yes, there is a big difference. Great job! Stop being your own worst enemy too...i know, i know...easier said than done. [emoji6] VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 217.2 (6'5") [emoji256]

Very cool. Looking forward to reading updates when you return!! VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 218 (6'5") [emoji256]

My doctor told me not to focus on calories. They said my focus should be on 90 to 110 grams of protein a day and making sure I get all my fluids in. They said after 6 months I could start thinking about calories and they would discuss it in my 6-month follow-up. VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 3/7/18 CW = 218 (6'5") [emoji256]