HI, Im sooo happpy i found this site, but I dont know where to post my story. I thought I did post when I first signed up, but cant seem to find it! Anyway, im wondering if there is anyone out there that has had the sleeve done with a bmi of 53 or so, with diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, osteo arth, copd, LUPUS, 4 previous hernia repairs, 5 bowel obstructions, and now i need 3 new hernias that need repair, a hiatal hernia, an erosive essophagus, erosive gastritis, and gastric reflux disease????? A bariatric surgeon in NJ referred me to a trauma surgeon who specializes in hernias, and he sent me to the surgeon who will sleeve me. Im scheduled for June 13, but am I crazy for undergoing all this with all these ailments? I am in pain now cause my intestines r completely out of place, hanging down very low, so that needs repair asap, and while in there and open, the surgeons r suggesting the sleeve big time. Any advice, suggestions, previous stories????? helpppppp and thx

My BMI was only 43 (haha funny to now be able to say only 43). Anyway, no you are not crazy. This is a way to reduce those co-morbidities. It will make suregery tougher on the surgeon, but in the long run this surgery will make life way easier on you and your body. I know there are lots of people on here who have improved both blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis, if not totally gotten rid of them. I am now off both my metformin and my blood pressure medication. I don't know about the lupus or the copd. It can only help your joints though. I was off my meds by about 4 weeks post op. You will be surprised how quickly things start to improve. One benefit to having a higher BMI is that you will see your weight drop off quicker than those of us who had not quite so high ones.

Don't be scared. It sounds like you would have to have surgery anyway. This is just like a bonus one that will decrease the chances of having to go through any of it again later. I would not change my sleeve for anything. It is the best decision I have ever made. Good luck and keep us up to date on your progress.

My BMI was 57 when I started my sleeve journey. It had lowered by the time I had the actual sleeve surgery due to pre-op diets and having a gastric balloon inserted. I remember the day my dietician telling me my BMI had dropped below 50 and being weirdly proud!

I was so lucky to have managed to get by at such a high weight for so long without having any serious health implications, apart from barely being able to walk when I was at my highest weight (not too impressive for a 26 year old), and I can't see how this would do anything but improve your health. Losing weight helps most things and it's definitely always worth a go.

If you want to really make a change in diet and lifestyle, go for the sleeve. It's not easy but I feel like a new woman already, and I'm still only halfway through the weight I need to lose. Best of luck in your future surgeries and decision on the sleeve