Hi to all!

[Brian66 85]

Hi Lisa,

Welcome and good luck! I am a 44 year old male and I was sleeved on July 13th here in New York City. I am done about 22 lbs since the surgery and basically feeling great.

Don't let the opinions of others influence the path you choose. I purposely did not tell anyone except my immediate family prior to my surgery because I did not want to hear all the opinions and horror stories. Do your research and get comfortable with your choice.

Like you, I made the decision to move forward with my surgery because of my concerns about my health and for the sake of my children. My wife died three years ago at the age of 41 after a battling with cancer for two and a half years. I am all my three kids have in terms of parents and I am determined to be with them as long as possible.

I am starting to tell people now about my surgery and, for the most part, I have found them to be very supportive and encouraging. Some of the people I have told just don't seem to get it and that's ok. I don't think that people who have not really battled with their weight can truly understand what we've been through. I feel that if people want to judge me for my decision, that's their problem. I know that I made this decision for all the right reasons with my eyes wide open and I am very happy with my decision so far.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Brian