Hi there! I'm pre op and I was exactly 400lbs when I decided to do this. My surgeon wanted me to try to lose 40lbs (or 10%) of my weight before the surgery. That was August 18,2011. To date I've lost 50lbs on my own. God it was hard. But I did it. You're doc will probably ask the same for you. The sleeve is a good choice for "us" . I don't have my date yet, had a little hiccup along the way. But all is good now and I CAN'T WAIT TO GET IT DONE! Good luck to you!????