Going in for first consultation.

I'd like to thank all of you for telling your stories about your process of surgery. My name is TJ, from the dubuque area 25 years old, and about 460 or so( hard to really know and i think most of you know why). It's been pretty hard to find people in my area my age and male that have had this surgery. Im excited about this surgery more than ever and im going in for my first consultation on the 25th. Im really scared about having surgery cause ive never had it and knowing the risks of having it but right now it seems like my only choice in having a normal life. I'll write more after telling you how my first consultation went. Thank you all. T.J.

Hiya T.J. You've come to the right place for support! Good luck on your journey! Keep us posted ok! Have a great day, Janet Schmidt

Hi T.J. way to go making that first app. was a big step for me also but I did,I am still preop,but I am getting very excited about having WLS ,the hard part for me right now is waiting!!!different Dr's and dif insurance companys need you to do dif things but I am still looking at a surg date in dec (yah) so keep us posted ,and your chin up it will be ok!Will be watching for you on here to see how it goes !gl LOri A.

Hey T.J. Welcome aboard!! The Iowa site is great for support.....I am so excited I am 26, and live in Dubuque!!!! I am female tho!!! I don't know a lot of people in this area that has dealt with this either! Where are you going thru? I had my surgery at the U of I last Dec...I am 10 months out now! I have lost about 130lbs with 10 or so to go!!! It is an awesome journey really! I would love to meet ya sometime, let me know! Take Care Jesi

Dear TJ: Good luck with your consultation!! You are probably at more risk if you don't have the surgery. Yes, any surgery has risks, especially when we're M.O. but the long term health consequences are even scarier. I had an open RNY April 2, in Grinnell. I'm 6 mo 2 wks out, and am down 100 lbs! This surgery works, and you will not regret it!! I won't lie, the first two days post op were rough, but I'd do it again in an instant, to feel like I do now! Keep everyone posted, as you start on this exciting journey towards better health!! DeeAnn

T.J. Welcome to the iowa board....welcome to our family here..we all are here for you...i do know some men that have had this surgery and they are doing awesome....if you need to know anything let us know...if you want to know if you can survive with complications yes you can...i am living proof you can.....lynda

Hey, TJ. I know how hard it was to go to my first consult. This board has really helped me. I hope to be post op very soon. Good luck. Michelle

Hi TJ! Welcome to the board. You will find great support & shoulders to lean on here! We do have a couple of fellows that post on here. Surgery is scary BUT not having surgery is worse on you. I still believe you are at a greater risk by not having surgery vs having surgery. Please keep us updated on your progress & if you have any questions or comment please ask away, that's what we are here for Carolyn

I'm 25 and live in Dubuque, too! Where are you going for your consultation?

I am going to the Barixs Clinic in Belvidere IL.