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.

Just a little update as I haven't been on the boards lately. It is now almost Christmas and I have been deer hunting for the last 3 months or so. . . . very dedicated and spend a lot of time at it. My organized exercise has suffered but I am getting lots of exercise from the hunting activities. I am now down to 235 which is a total of 131 lbs since lapband surgery in July 2009 and subsequent VGS in Aug 2011. I haven't felt this well in a long time. People that haven't seen me for a while don't recognize me at the mall . . .they just walk right past me. . . . Love it. All my numbers are super and I plan on losing anther 30 lbs or so. We will see what feels and looks right as I get down there. Don't want to set a hard goal that isn't right for my body frame. Anyway just wanted to give you an update.

Well done PapaBob... you keep up the good work! What a brilliant Christmas present you've given yourself! 131lbs down! That is another person!! =]