Hi folks,

I had a lap lapband in July 2009. Lost 83 and then gained back 35 lbs. This past July I scheduled a lapband removal and VGS surgery for Aug. 17th. Started power walking in late July and walked 63 miles by surgery date and lost the extra 35 lbs before surgery. Surgery was successful and I began walking 4 days after surgery. Topped 104 miles last Saturday. On Sunday I did something I have always wanted to do . . . I registered and participated in an 8K run/walk for Women's Health sponsored by the Sparrow Hospital Women's Foundation . . . Sparrow Foundation W3 8k/6k/0k Run/Walk event My dog Jolly and I sucked it up and covered the 8k/5 mi course in 1:15:58 with an average pace of 15:16 per mile or just short of 4 mph. Not bad for 63 year old . . Yes? It was an awesome feeling to come in behind all the runners but in front of about 50 walkers. Since VGS on Aug. 17th I have dropped 19 lbs and feeling great. Love my sleeve. Here's a few pics . .

Just prior to the start . .

Color Guard on Sept. 11 . .

Here we have the start . .

100 yds from the Finish Line . .

Ran the last 50 . .

And now the cool down . . . Jolly walks with me everyday and this was our farthest. . .

Me and the winner of the event . . . he covered it in 33 minutes . . . something to shoot for . . . right?

this is not the last of my run/walks for good causes. I like the personal challenges.

BTW: Below are a few pics of me as I travel this journey . . prior to Lapband in '07 and progress before the VGS. I have now lost 102 since Lapband and have a goal of about 64 more lbs to get me under 200.

Congrats! I just registered for my first 5k on Dec. 3rd - can't wait to see how it goes. Keep up the good work

Thanks CG. . . I have been looking for more races in the area. Can't wait for my next one. BTW: If you have an smart phone there's a app called RunKeeper that uses GPS tracking to calculate all the stats on your run or walk. Distance, time, pace, mph, . etc. It is free and if you want real time update so others can monitor your race location you can pay $15/yr for the elite program. I use it all the time and it calls out 1/4 mile times and pace for me to keep on track with my walking. Check it out.

That is a great accomplishment !!! You should be proud. Jolly is a beautiful dog by the way.

Congratulations on finishing and finishing well. I'm sure you will have a much easier time with the sleeve than the band from what I hear. Many people say that the sleeve actualy does what the band promises to do.

Onward and downward on the scale! Congrats!

Just an update. Sleeve is working well. Food was tasting just awful for the first 4 weeks after surgery but it is starting to come around just a little. I am searching for soft foods that taste good. But, my walking is continuing and I have now dropped to 253 lbs. That's a total of 113 lbs since Lapband '09 and 30 lbs since VGS surgery 6 weeks post-op. I am amazed at how this sleeve keeps me from eating more than about 1/2-3/4 cup at a time. I make a small plate and can't eat 1/2 of it. Sure am going to save on food from now on. LOL

Congrats on such a fantastic outstanding achievements!! U rock!! and ur dog is just the cutest loveliest dog I have seen after my baby ( dog)

Thanks Loou . . . This WL is feeling so good . . . I have lost a bunch in the past but I never new if it was going to stay off . . .but I really do feel that this weight will never come back. The Sleeve is the answer to my situation. Just have to keep on keep on going to my goal and then learn to "work the sleeve" to maintain my weight.

And, Yes, Jolly is a great looking dog. He is also very useful as he makes my walking "Fun". He looks forward to it each and every day and when I don't he looks so damned dejected that I can't stand it. Went out in the rain the other night after dark which I hate to do because of the uneven sidewalks at times. Don't want to sprain an ankle.

Let's see a pic of your "baby" . . . dog.

Hey PapaBob!

What a great achievement... I am well proud of you ... I also have a golden lab, and he loves it now I can walk him too! Aren't they great company - in all weathers...lol =]

Hello Coops,

Thanks for those words of encouragement. Much appreciated. You also should be proud . . . . 11 stones . . . . LOL If you were a guy I could . . "Man do you have stones!!!" . . . . LOL and only 14 lbs to goal. Awesome. You can do that easily. Just keep to the program and work that sleeve.

Yes, my Jolly is my inspiration. I had another golden retriever before him that was my shadow and buddy just like Jolly. He died suddently at 10 yrs and it just about sent me under. We did everything together. When I lost him I said I would never get another one like him. . .

Chamois

But a few years later I said we needed more young life in the family so we went back to the same kennel and got our Jolly.

Jolly

We have had 4 goldens over the years. We are addicted to the look and personality of these dogs. . .

Riggins, Stanley, Chamois, and Jolly

Anyway, keep working the sleeve and good luck on reading that goal.

OMG!!!! this is pureeeee sweetness!! my babies arent as beautiful but they are so dear to my heart, the first two are my rescue and the other two sitting together have my baby on the left, she my special person although they are all in my heart.

I was banded just like before and I feel the same, the SLEEVE is the answer to all what I have been through and all my prayers!! Wish you the best:)

Hope this time it will get attached:(

Not there. After you use the Full Editor and Browse to select your photo you must click the button "ATTACH". That is what attaches it to the posting.

What about now?

They all look great. . . they are so lucky to have you. You gotta love these animals as they love you no matter what you size, color, intelligence, etc. . . . . Unconditional love.

yeah, the purest love there! But I cant get over ur dogs gorgeousness! bless them:))