I got my sleeve Dec 3, 2012. Wow time flies. Yes there is pain but if you have children, it's like that. It hurt but it's so worth it. Everyone pain tolerance is different. Some feel little some feel a lot, some feel none. So don't worry, before you know it you will be on your road to recovery and focusing on menus and shopping lol. I started out 226 @ 5'6. Now I am 150. Soooo happy. Wishing you the best and remember its a tool we still need to eat healthy and exercise. I don't exercise much. I walk is basically my exercise. Everyone is different. Welcome to the losers bench!