Nayna

realred64: I got the sleeve on May 19, 2010 and am doing great. The Sleeve is the only way my Dr. would go - wouldn't cut on intestines, and said the lap band would not be good due to meds I was on (6MP, Remicade, Asacol for the Crohn's) I have had no problems, my Crohn's even seems better and I have been off 6MP since before surgery and have not had Remicade for one round. I can't help thinking the Crohn's is better because I have less food going in.....I still have some issues, but nothing like it was before the Remicade. I have lost 50 pounds since my surgery and have lost 92 since starting pre-surg weight loss in November. I have never felt better and am going to the gym 5 days a week for water aerobics (which I swear by, that and drinking all my water) Best of luck, Nayna

I am 9 weeks out, had no problems and love the sleeve. Best thing I ever did for myself. I am down from size "tight" 28 to 20 - almost into the teens - amazing. I have felt great and am doing things I only thought about doing before. So glad I did it, wish I could have done it 15 years ago.....Best of luck and keep us posted.

I was so glad to see this post, I have been feeling like I am stuck, I was sleeved on May 19, 2010, and have lost 37 pounds, which I am thrilled about, and that puts me at 79 lost since before the surgery, but I have hit a plateau. I do water aerobics 5 days a week, but this week in an effort to kick start my loss again joined a hot yoga class (I've only been doing it 2 days but expected major loss after two days) we'll see how it goes after the 10 days I signed up for. Glad to hear I am not alone in my battle of the plateau. If exercise isn't your thing, I highly recommend water aerobics. Low impact and lots of fun, but a great workout. Good luck everyone.

Best Wishes - you'll do great!

I weight every morning 5 days a week - first thing in the am, after the potty and in my birthday suit, I even take the pony tail holder out of my hair. The 5 days a week thing is the days after I do my water aerobics classes. But never again after the am weigh in.

I'm here in Lodi, CA had my sleeve done May 19 in Fremont Kaiser. Best decision I have made, joining the gym for water aerobics second best decision I have made. Welcome and Howdy Neighbor.

GeorgieGirl, congrats on the BMI decrease (and the scale numbers too!!!) that is fantastic! Best of luck with the surgery, I had mine done May 19th and things went perfectly. I am down a total of 83 pounds since last November (41 since my surgery) I feel great and couldn't be happier. I think the best advice I could give is get exercise ASAP and drink your water...that combo works like a charm for me, keep us posted.

Congrats on the terrific weight loss. Don't let the lack of comments bother you. When I got to about 76 pounds down people would tell me "wow, I can really tell in your face" finally I got to thinking to myself "gosh, how big was my face"??? But I was down 4 dress sizes and I have found usually most people are reluctant to comment on your body - I would think especially in a situation where you are the speaker. You are doing this for you and it is totally worth it, I just got off my blood pressure meds this week, talk about a great feeling. Keep up the good work and when you do hear the compliments remember how impressive it is what you have done. You have empowered yourself to attain good health. I think you are doing fabulous!!!

Congrats Judy...can't wait for my date. All the best for a speedy recovery and quick work of the weight.

I haven't even got to the Sleeve surgery part and am already dreaming of TT & boob job..I would love to know costs on that kind of thing so will check back on this post thanks for asking the question.

How cool, you'll be able to keep up with each other on this great website. Best of luck to all....Can't wait till it is my day.

Lee, I did have some some concern that it is a new procedure to Kaiser but was really more disappointed that I couldn't have the RNY, but after reading this website and other information I am very comfortable with the surgery. It did take a while to get my head around the idea of cutting my stomach away, but I did get there. I need help - I have tried to lose the weight for so long and have success only to be lulled into bad eating habits again and gaining the weight back. I think if I had the extra tool of limited space in my stomach I would be able to do it, still I know it will take a lot of work. I wish you luck with your appt. I think once you talk with the Dr. you will feel better - ask your questions....the Dr. I have is very good about answering my questions. All the best. Nayna

Hi, I am going through Kaiser Fremont, things have been moving along pretty good there (compared to some of the things I had heard about timelines) I am in the weight loss process and of 24 pounds to lose prior to the surgery being scheduled I have lost 10. I originally wanted the RNY, but due to Crohn's Disease my Dr. won't do RNY or Lap Band only Sleeve on me. I agree, everything I have read on this site is so encouraging, everyone seems to be very happy with their sleeve. this has been a great source of information and encouragement. Creatinglee best of luck and let us know how things are going.

Hi Everyone, I am brand new to this whole Sleeve Surgery, was hoping for RNY - but due to Crohn's Disease I am not a candidate. My Dr. is willing to do Sleeve. I have done some research, but there isn't as much out there. Seems like it would be a good option. My biggest question, at least for right now is, is there anyone out there that has had the Sleeve and has Crohn's Disease? I can't find any research at all on that. I have thought about WLS for years but finally realized my life is slipping away and at 44 figured it was time to do something. Not sure when the surgery will happen, I still have to lose 20 pounds, see the Psych, then I can get scheduled. I'm out in California and just once would like to go to the beach in a bathing suit and not cringe about it. Thanks, and I have really enjoyed reading all of the threads - you all are such wonderful caring people. I'm excited to join today. Thank you - Nayna

Michael - I have Crohn's and the Dr. I have with Kaiser said the only operation she would do for me is the sleeve due to the danger of the intestines and the medications I am on. I have been very happy with the Kaiser plan. I don't know if the insurance being through CalPers would have any impact on Kaiser procedures. I would think not, but call Kaiser and ask their benefits department. Best of luck to you, I am just getting started on this, I have 20 pounds to lose before being scheduled so I am working on getting my weight down. this website is great for info. Good luck!

Kimberly, thank you for the excercise shout out. I need all the encouragement i can get. sadly the gym here at work doesn't have a pool, and I can't afford to join a gym right now - I did the tread mill and am back to doing the stairs here at work (I broke my ankle in June - which totally didn't help with weight loss) I will have to check and see if the Community College has a pool exercise class - thanks I never would have thought about that - sounds like you are doing great, keep up the good work. It is so uplifting to read the posts and see people become empowered to take care of themself. Something I don't always do as I take care of others. Cathy - congrats on the go live date - 11/23 it's so close you must be thrilled. I can't wait to hear about your experience - best of luck!!

This information is so encouraging. I have been working on watching what I eat to bring my weight down to get to my "ok for surgery" number and tonight I start at the gym here at work - hate to sound like a baby, but going to this gym for the first time is a little scary. But I can and need to do it - I can't tell you all how much your posts have helped me feel better about the sleeve. After seeing how great your stories are and what you have been able to achieve, makes me know I can do the same. Reading the thread for success stories has been so inspiring too. Phoenix thanks for the Crohn's info - was beginning to think I was the only person who didn't lose every extra ounce with their Crohn's diagnosis (most people have a hard time keeping weight on with Crohns - the side affect I didn't get - although I think I am healthier not having that side affect sometimes I was weak and wished for that side affect)Thank you all for your time and information. It is great to find a place I can talk with people with personal experience where I am planning to go. I agree HelenUk, I have not found anyone who is not happy with the sleeve.

Thank you Ange, I am in the process of deciding and the sleeve is the only option for me, it is so great to hear your experience. You are so right those are the things I want, to stop being a slave to my want for food. the way you have written this makes me want it so bad. I can have this, I have to do the work, I know, but I can do this you have given me much inspiration. All the best, can't wait till I can post my 2 month story. Reading your story has made me feel so much better. I always hear about the RNY, but hearing how everyone here think of the Sleeve makes me know I am making the right decision. All the best & keep up the great work and posts.

Thank you HelenUK, I am glad to hear recovery is so quick, the only surgery I have ever had is ankle repair from a break. You've had your sleeve for a few months, do you find yourself hungry when you shouldn't be? that is one of my fears, that the hunger that shouldn't be happening won't be gone. I know some of it is "head hunger" but I have my concerns about the hunger. I will talk with my surgeon about the Crohn's more but was hoping to run into someone who has real life experience. But maybe there will be someone in the forum that is dealing with it. Thank you so much for the welcome and the information. I am hopeful to get my weight off and be able to have my surgery after the first of the year. Your surgery seems to have been very successful and looks like the band helped quite a bit too. Best of luck.

Thank you all for the wonderful welcome. I am excited to be doing the surgery. I was able to talk to some people who had RNY, but haven't talked to anyone with VSG yet. I think the Crohn's will likely be secondary, my main focus is finding out how things normally progress after the surgery. From what I have read recovery is pretty quick post surg. Were most of you able to get up and walk the same day? go to the restroom on your own? shower within a couple of days of surgery? and able to care for yourself once home? I won't really have a lot of help post surg. but a friend of mine is supposed to come and stay for a few days and I have other friends that will drop by - however most that I have read suggests that after surgery you are pretty self sufficient. Thank you again for the warm welcome and going by how much weight you have all lost I am in great company to learn from. I am anxious to start my new life. Have a great day.