I had my surgery on July 13, 2010 and it truly was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was not an easy one for me to make. I was a widowed dad of three young kids - ages 15, 10 and 9 at the time - and I was really worried about the risks of having the surgery. Ultimately, I came to realize that the staying fat was a far greater risk to my health and put my kids at a much greater risk of being orphaned. IN the end, I did it for them as much as I did it for myself.

Today, two years later, I have lost 120 pounds and have maintained that weight loss pretty consistently (I fluctuate within a 2-3 pound range).

In the past two years, I have gone from:

a size 54 suit to a 44 regular

18 1/2 or 19 inch neck to a 16

XXL Shirt to a M

Size 44 pants to a 34.

I no longer need mediciation for high blood pressure or high cholesterol and I no longer need my c-pap machine for sleep apnea. My back and knee pain have also all but vanished.

Most importantly, I am engaged to a wonderful woman and we plan to get married next summer. I met her just a few months after my surgery and she has been very supportive.

So, I am here to tell all of you who are considering this surgery to do your homework, find a practice where you feel supported and comfortable, but do not be afraid to go for it. If your experience is anything like mine, you will never regret it.

All the best to you,

Brian

Congrats!

I had my surgery on July 13, 2010 and it truly was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was not an easy one for me to make. I was a widowed dad of three young kids - ages 15, 10 and 9 at the time - and I was really worried about the risks of having the surgery. Ultimately, I came to realize that the staying fat was a far greater risk to my health and put my kids at a much greater risk of being orphaned. IN the end, I did it for them as much as I did it for myself.

Today, two years later, I have lost 120 pounds and have maintained that weight loss pretty consistently (I fluctuate within a 2-3 pound range).

In the past two years, I have gone from:

a size 54 suit to a 44 regular

18 1/2 or 19 inch neck to a 16

XXL Shirt to a M

Size 44 pants to a 34.

I no longer need mediciation for high blood pressure or high cholesterol and I no longer need my c-pap machine for sleep apnea. My back and knee pain have also all but vanished.

Most importantly, I am engaged to a wonderful woman and we plan to get married next summer. I met her just a few months after my surgery and she has been very supportive.

So, I am here to tell all of you who are considering this surgery to do your homework, find a practice where you feel supported and comfortable, but do not be afraid to go for it. If your experience is anything like mine, you will never regret it.

All the best to you,

Brian

Brian, that is my one fear and at the same time my greatest motivator, being here for my kids. I am now a single mom and they are also young, but I realize I cannot do the things with them that I would enjoy, and I am concerned about being there for them at all in the long run, if I do not take care of this issue once and for all. Thanks for your inspiring story. I go for surgery on 8/13 and I pray that I don't have a panic attack before going under, and that I have a safe and uncomplicated surgery and recovery (as we all do).

Stacey

Thank you for sharing! Your story is very encouraging for us newly sleevers who are stressing the scale!! Congrats!!!

Very encouraging, Brian! You are such an inspiration to us all. I have not been "sleeved" yet but am seriously considering surgery and meet with the surgeon in the next few weeks. What would you say are the hardest parts? The best parts? Complications? Recovery time? Normal meal size, etc?

I hate to bombard you but so would like to hear it all from someone who is 2 years out and living a normal life again?

Thank you!

Brian, thank you

it is good to hear from someone that has, had it for awhile. congratulations on your engagement

Sent from my SPH-D700 using VST

Congrats on your success. You are a true insperation.

Thanks so much for sharing. I am already convinced that I am getting the sleeve, but these type of stories certainly help to solidify my decision just that much more.

Congrats to you!!!

Brian.....thank you for sharing your story...and congratulations on your engagement.... You are an inspiration to us all.... Awesome job!

Brian awesome success story, I'm starting at size 86 pant size or 10 x stretch pants since 86s are hard to find. I was sleeved Monday and weighed 645 right before I went under.

You are an inspiration to us all. Can't wait to be 2 years out and look back on my progress.

Thanks Brian, congrats on your up coming marriage.

Congrats!

Inspiring story Brian!

I hope at 2 years I can claim the same...

Congrats on both your success and your engagement! You've done a great job!

~Cheri