50 Mile Charity Bike Ride

So a while ago, I set myself a goal of riding 50 miles in one day, and today the day arrived.

I set off just before 9am and did a easy 22 miles.

I was then joined by some friends of mine, who did a further 14 miles with me, this really did help me, as my this time, I was starting to ache.

I then took on the challenge of a further and final 14 miles, if I am totally honest, this was the hardest bit of the event and ride, not only because I was tired and worn out, but also because it was the last stretch on my own.

I didn't have anyone to push me the last stage and by this time, my legs and bum were hurting lol

However I just dug in deep, and pushed myself to the final mile, where I was met at the finish by my wife and my parents.

I was aiming to raise 350.00 but in the end, I think I will have raised over 600.00.The cause I was raising the money for is BOSPA - British Obesity Surgery Patients Association.

I would encourage anyone who has had weight loss surgery to set themselves a challenge to see how the surgery can help them turn there life around.

I am now thinking of my next challenege should be.

I would like to thank everyone that have sponsored me and everyone that has supported me in many different ways.

New Video of My Journey So Far

I thought I would post another video so any new comers could see just how life changing this surgery can be for people. If you are having surgery or have had it already, please come and join me on facebook. Click on the link and add me as a friend.

 http://www.facebook.com/GaryGBAlbone

 

Sports Relief Mile

So I signed up for the Mile a few months ago.

I arrived on a very foggy cold morning with the expectations of all these fit runners getting ready to whizz around me and leave me standing. We had the options of doing 1, 3 or 6 miles. I signed up for 1 mile.

  

As you can see I wore the WLS Support Group Shirt which did get a few looks.

So we set off, walking the mile, to my amazement we did this is just under 15 mins, so always up for a challenge, I opted to go for the 3 mile distance.

So here I am, jogging on my second lap of the field, and to be honest, I am not a good runner at all, but I did walk a lot of it, and it really felt good when I was over taking people.

Well on the third lap, I knew that was enough for me, so I walked a lot of it, and saved my energy for the last straight so I could jog to the finish.

  

So having crossed the finish line, and my wife and children waiting for me, I was the proudest person on the field.

I may not have been the fastest person, I may not have run the furthest distance, BUT I did do it, and have turned my life around, 

 

A great day was had by all, and I would encourage anyone of any shape and size to take part in a event like this, its a great way to make new friends and set yourself personal challenges.

11 Stone Down.

As some of you will know, I has now lost 11 Stone, with the aid of his gastric bypass.

So I thought it was only right to share some pictures of my journey with you to maybe help others that are taking the first step of there journey.

Are these mine!

So There was me grabbing a pair of jeans this morning in the dark and OMG, looks like I grabbed a pair of my old ones lol

For any pre oppers that might be reading this, its times like this when you actually realise that this surgery dies change your life in more ways than you care to realize.

These jeans were actually a smaller pair to what I use to wear and they are a 54" waist, and now I am down to a 38/40" waist and still losing.

If you are reading this and think it can't happen to you, then think again as I also though that and it really can and really will if you follow all the guidelines that are given to you.

11 Stone Gone!

I have now lost a staggering 11 stone since the beginning of my WLS journey.

I am  now 8 months post bypass and have lost 6 stone since my bypass operation in June 2011, however I had also lost 5 stone pre op, bringing my total to 11 Stone.

I still want to lose another 2 stone at least, and would ideally like to lose another 3.5 stone, but time will tell.

I now go to the gym at least 3 times a week and eat 3 regular set meals, always with protein requirement in mind, before I decide what to eat. I am very happy with my loss and can't thank the staff at L&D enough for giving me the chance to have my life back. I would also like to thank all the other members of the Cambs WLS Support Group, for being there in my darker days.

5 Months Post Op

So tomorrow is my anniversary for 5 months being post op.

I must start by saying the time has flown past.

I have generally has a easy ride in those 5 months, I can tolerate most foods, however Chicken is no longer my best friend, so I just try and stay clear of it.

I have been out for various meals, and have coped quite well. I have even learnt how to enjoy a glass of Rose with the meal now.

However I must say one glass of wine and I know I have had it lol

So for my weight loss: Since the beginning of my journey I have lost 9.2 Stone / 130 lbs / 59 Kg.

•  22" collar down to a 18", which is getting too big
• 64" waist down to a 40".
• 5XL T Shirt to a very loose 3XL

So now for a comparison picture or two.