I've been on this roller coaster for three years and until last week didn't know about the sleeve. I went through all the preop classes and appointments Kaiser requires and didn't loose the required 30 lbs for the gastric bypass. Last week I was assigned a new surgeon and he said the sleeve was the way to go for me. First I heard of it. I finally have hope. He put me on a 1500 Cal diet with a follow up next month. If I loose the 15 lbs sooner, I can make a sooner appointment. Problem is I'm a smoker. I must quit. I've cut down to half in a week. So hard after 20 yrs. This site has been very helpful, I've learned so much. Also dropped 6 lbs. Can I do it?