Hey Gang! First Post.

[aaron1976 19]

Hey all. This is my first post after months of stalking you all. My name is Aaron, 36, living in Mississippi, but Iowa is home. I am off to Dallas on July 17th for my sleeve with Dr.Nick. Very excited but starting to freak! Today was a bad pre-op diet day. Still under my calorie goal, just not good choices. My first cave! The thoughts of doubt I swore off have started to race through my mind, none the less I will push forward. Just need to see some reassurance from this great group of folks! I have the overwellming support of co-workers but not the family. In fact flying solo in Dallas because of that. Though it bugs me, I was expecting it. Anyway been a big boy all my life but ready to move on from my weight and it's developing issues (knees , bp, odd looks!) Before my pre op I was exactly 400. Ugh I wrote that! I am down to 390 since pre-op diet started seven days ago. It has been rough,I fear I'll jack it up... but it happens. When I hit my goal I'm skydiving via a sling shot from a roller coaster!

You all are so supportive of each other so I had to jump in.

Looking forward to being in here and wishing everyone well!

[ashmarquez30 47]

Hi there!! Congrats on ur upcoming sleeve!! I've gotta say it's the best decision I have ever made! I was terrified just like I'm sure a lot of people were but I am so glad I did it! I had my sleeve done April 9th and have already lost 62 pounds and I feel great!! Best wishes to u on ur journey and can't wait to hear ur updates!

[StormWarning 194]

Hi Aaron, welcome to the boards, Congrats on your surgery date!! Despite your nervousness and emotions of freaking out, you are going to do great. Everyone has nerves that kick in and try to convince you otherwise, but just stay strong. I just love the saying that can be transformed into so many variations. But 'No one said this journey would be easy, We only promise it will be worth it'. Best of luck to you.

[Patrick Curl 424]

Welcome to the forum being part of this group has been as much a life changer as the surgery.

I had mine on Monday 7/2/12, and still recovering, when they rolled me into surgery I started praying like none other and I was literally trembling in the or... But in retrospect it wasn't as bad as I imagined.

I kept thinking of all the things that could go wrong even though I'm as likely to get in a car crash as have complications.

Don't lose your nerve you can do this I'm a big wimp and I made it lol.

Good luck!

[Looking Ahead 239]

Hi Aaron! Welcome to the family. Freaking out is normal and you'll be fine. The first few days of pre op diet is the hardest. Hang in there for about day 5 and its gets better.

[On my Waaaay 21]

Hello Aaron, my name is Janelle....welcome!!! I too was sleeved by Dr. Nicholson in Dallas. You have made a great choice! He is amazing, sets you at ease immediately ... As does his entire team. Every person that I encountered told me over and over that he is the best, I am so happy that I travelled from Minnesota to have my sleeve surgery. I was a self pay because my insurance didn't cover the sleeve. The Forest Park Medical Center is top notch, I felt very well taken care of! My surgery was on June 19th and I am just a bit over two weeks out and almost 30 lbs. down. I am excited for you, please keep us posted! Many great thoughts your way and hope for a speedy recovery!!!

[aaron1976 19]

Thanks all! I'll keep ya posted. I appreciate the support!

Off to tuck in Angus, my 19lb cat (it runs in the family!)

[chad2rad 491]

'No one said this journey would be easy' date=' We only promise it will be worth it'. [/quote']

When I start to doubt if I am choosing well to do this surgery, I try to visualize life after surgery in a better place.

I did not always say this, but having this surgery is choosing life for me. I want to live!

Best to you!

[WoWGurl78 8]

I had my surgery at Forest Park with Dr Frenzel 9 days ago. Great facility and they'll take good care of you.

Don't get frustrated with yourself on bad days. We all have them. You just tell yourself tomorrow is a new day. I had several days during my 2 week Pre-op diet that I ended up eating the Hershey almond pieces but I had much better control than in the past. Instead of eating the whole bag, I just had a few. It does get better & all of us are here to support one another.

[bigkim 109]

I also had my surg at Forest Park in Dallas. My doctor was Dr.Kim. It was a wonderful place and they will take care of u. I started my prayers from the moment I put the gown on until they knocked me out. Woke up thinking it was all a dream. I live here in the area and if u need company or anything let me know. I had a great support team and you should to. Thanks for sharing your story.

[Wolfgirl1978 256]

Welcome Aaron!!!! You'll be happy with your sleeve

[Smoggy 152]

Welcome Aaron, this place is full of great supportive people. Hooray for July 17th! There is a July sleevers thread with some great supportive folks aboard so do join us, and Patrick has started a July sleevers fb group too!

[flbelle29 4]

Hang in there Aaron you will do just fine. Like you, I am currently on the full liquid diet. It will be soooo worth it just keep focusing on the goal!

[Laceyloveland 21]

Welcome! I'm new here too! Just got the ok from my primary care Dr. And waiting for the next step! Sorry ur family isn't being supportive, my mom wasn't @ first but came around and is now behind me. People on this site have been so supportive and such a comfort and inspiration for me! Please keep us all updated on your progress! I don't have a surgery date yet, and I'm already nervous! Lol! I'm a surgeon myself so I know its pretty safe, just rather be on the other end of the scalpel:). I can tell u everyone is nervous before a procedure! It's totally normal! U will do great!

[Laceyloveland 21]

Welcome! I'm new here too! Just got the ok from my primary care Dr. And waiting for the next step! Sorry ur family isn't being supportive, my mom wasn't @ first but came around and is now behind me. People on this site have been so supportive and such a comfort and inspiration for me! Please keep us all updated on your progress! I don't have a surgery date yet, and I'm already nervous! Lol! I'm a surgeon myself so I know its pretty safe, just rather be on the other end of the scalpel:). I can tell u everyone is nervous before a procedure! It's totally normal! U will do great!