I am very excited and nervous my surgery date is April 12. I have crohns disease and hypertension.

I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Does anyone else have crohns and did you have any problems with the sleeve surgery, or did this help in anyway?

Does everyone need a drain tube for the surgery? (I'm sure it depends on the surgeon)

Has anyone gained weight after the procedure?

any information/advice is much appreciated!

thank you

robin aka ireland

Hi Robin,

I don't have Crohn's Disease but I have heard of folks who do and who still have weight loss surgery. Talk to your doctor of course but it shouldn't be a contraindication since Crohn's primarily affects the large intestines and the sleeve shouldn't affect that functioning. My surgeon said that almost everyone will have a drain after surgery (Jackson-Pratt or something similar) but you may or may not go home with it. Posters on this site report having it removed while still in the hospital and others have it done later at a post-op appointment. Another question for your doc! As far as gaining weight....some folks appear to initially gain in the hospital from IV fluids, glucose, etc but tend to drop that in a few days/week. Over the long haul it seems to me like most people DO lose although there is no question that you can work around the sleeve if you are determined to regain and drink a ton of high calorie drinks or slider foods all day. I haven't had the sleeve yet but I have been reading on this board for a long time and I am just repeating back to you what I read.

Good luck with your surgery and let us know how it goes!

Robin,

One more thought and you have probably already done this...but you should check in with your gastroenterologist before surgery to see if you have any additional precautions. Better to be over prepared! By the way...your surgery and mine are on the same day!