Author Topic: A Personal Update and Thank You (Read 2532 times)

Mike Griffin · « **on:** May 21, 2015, 09:43:52 PM »

Back in February when I announced I was going to have Gastric Sleeve surgery to help me get my weight back under control, a great many of you posted numerous notes of encouragment and well wishes and I have not and will not forget how much they meant to me.

It has now been 3 months since the surgery and I have seen some dramatic results of this change of lifestyle. I have gone from 303 llbs to 218 lbs as of today, May 21, 2015. I not longer have sleep apnea and do not have to wear that horrible mask to sleep. I am OFF of ALL MY MEDS. I have gone from a 52 inch waist to a 38 inch waist and have donated all my clothes to the Vietnam Veterans Association. Had to go buy all new clothes at Wal Mart as I keep losing at a rapid rate and cannot afford to go buy any expensive clothes right now until i stabilize at my goal weight. I never could afford or buy expensive clothes but you guys know what I mean.

I hired a personal trainer and I have been working out twice a week with him for the past 3 months and I have included a couple of pictures he took of me at the gym today.

I feel better than I have in years and my back and knees do not hurt near as bad as they did. As a matter of fact, I can kneel and squat again to launch planes. Havent been able to to do that in a long time. I will start flying again very soon and hope to see you at some upcoming contests now that I can travel again.

The hospital whre I had the surgery done has had me speak at seminars and support groups to prospective candidates for weight loss surgery and I felt very honored and humbled to have been asked. I am a huge advocate of the program and will help anyone who is thinking about having this done.

Here are the pictures of me as of today,

Mike

Bill Morell · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2015, 10:34:35 PM »

Looking good Mike!

Steve Thomas · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2015, 05:00:02 AM »

Thanks for the update, Mike, and congratulations. I'm sure there's a lot of hard work involved as well as the surgery. It really is great to hear a health story that's such good news, for once!

Mike Griffin · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2015, 06:02:12 AM »

Thanks guys. It takes dedication and work but the results are worth it. About 95% of this is mental.

Mike

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2015, 06:16:39 AM »

Way to go Mike !

Good luck with the rest of your journey.

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2015, 06:29:45 AM »

Wow, what a fantastic success story!!! Congrats Mike. I know how dramatic it was for me losing 40 lbs, I can only imagine how you must feel. Sleeping well was one of the first things I noticed followed by an increase in energy and enthusiasm. Keep it up and get to the circle!!!!!!!!!

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2015, 06:35:54 AM »

Congratulations Mike! We gotta do what we need to do to keep building and flying.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2015, 06:45:47 AM »

Mike,

Great that you're feeling better.

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2015, 06:52:14 AM »

Super!

Motorman · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2015, 08:07:05 AM »

At that rate you will weight 50 Lbs. in six months.

MM

Joseph Patterson · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2015, 08:08:54 AM »

Mike, you look great! .
Doug

Bill Johnson · « **Reply #11 on:** May 22, 2015, 08:20:02 AM »

That's fantastic, Mike.

My wife has a lap band and the results were similar, an 80# net loss. Cut down her meds dramatically and improved her life immeasurably.

bill rutherford · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2015, 10:26:01 AM »

Well done Mike. You make us all proud. Look forward to seeing the new Mike at the next contest. You don't need to bring a plane , just walk around the pit to inspire us!

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2015, 10:48:57 AM »

Mike, all I can say is WOW!
You look great ans obviously feel terriffic! Working out to get in shape takes courage and determination and you've obvioulsy got both.

Stick with it my friend! It means you'll be around with us a lot longer.

Congratulations!

Dave Harmon · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2015, 11:04:46 AM »

Lookin' pretty spiffy there Mike!
The next thing we will hear is that you are going to be a MMA fighter!

john e. holliday · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2015, 12:12:49 PM »

You are looking great Mike. My daughter when I first started the treatments on my knees was supposed to replace my therapist. I guess I'm basically lazy and haven't worked at getting my self in shape. I am not on any medications, dropped sugar and a lot of fatty foods years ago. My insurance won't pay for a therapist. Anyway you are an inspiration to me.

Target · « **Reply #16 on:** May 23, 2015, 01:25:13 AM »

Great job.
With your new lighter frame, you should be better in the square maneuvers, eh?
Way to go!
R,
Chris

Mike Griffin · « **Reply #17 on:** May 23, 2015, 04:10:26 AM »

Thank you all. The surgery is just a tool to kick start a lifelong journey of eating properly. To me it was like getting a second chance and many people do not get that. I average 800 calories a day and am required to get at least 80 grams of protein. Protein has to be eaten first and then certain vegatebles. I drink at least 64 ounces of fluids a day.
Exercise is another key element to being successful for the long run.

The success rate is only 50% so this is not a magic fix, it is work and you must be dedicated to doing this.

Mike

Will Hinton · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2015, 07:36:16 AM »

This is simply AWESOME Mike! You are a great example of being in sync with Romans 12:1!!! I am so happy for you.

Shug Emery · « **Reply #19 on:** May 24, 2015, 07:50:21 AM »

Whoooooo Buddy.....good to feel good inside and out.
Shug

john e. holliday · « **Reply #20 on:** May 24, 2015, 08:35:30 AM »

Quote from: Will Hinton on May 23, 2015, 07:36:16 AM

This is simply AWESOME Mike! You are a great example of being in sync with Romans 12:1!!! I am so happy for you.

Thanks Will, I had to go look that one up.

Dwayne · « **Reply #21 on:** May 24, 2015, 04:10:07 PM »

WOW!! Outstanding!!

Author Topic: A Personal Update and Thank You (Read 2532 times)

Mike Griffin

Mike Griffin

Mike Griffin

Dwayne