Hi everyone. I'm a newbie here. I'm preparing to approach my PCP about WLS. I have Ulcerative Colitis, which is currently in remission, but I am expecting some push back because of the condition. My BMI is 56 (350 lbs) and I am otherwise in good health. I am pre-diabetic and have weight related joint pain in my hips and knees. My insurance does cover WLS, I am not sure of the approval process though. Just curious if anybody else here has had WLS with UC or Crohns. Thanks!

Edited January 10, 201610 yr by shrinkingkimber

Following, morbidly obese loved one with crowns.

I'm interested to see the responses to this one too, unfortunately I cannot offer much information but I do have a relative with Crohns going through the health screening process now, after discussion it seems the sleeve is most suitable in her situation due to the amount of joins/stitch points and it seems you are in a similar medical condition shrinkingkimber. All the best on your journey it'd be great to hear how you're progressing.

I'm interested to see the responses to this one too, unfortunately I cannot offer much information but I do have a relative with Crohns going through the health screening process now, after discussion it seems the sleeve is most suitable in her situation due to the amount of joins/stitch points and it seems you are in a similar medical condition shrinkingkimber. All the best on your journey it'd be great to hear how you're progressing.

Thanks! Based on the research I've done it seems the sleeve is the best option. That is the procedure I'm approaching my PCP about. I've got printouts of results from the NIH where patients with IBD came through a sleeve gastrectomy just fine and many saw an improvement of their IBD symptoms after losing weight.

If this is the case go for it "You did the research and you know what you want!

Move forward...Good luck

Hello there! I was diagnosed with Crohn's at the age of 8. It has been in remission for a VERY long time, for which I am very blessed. I have continued to have ongoing related issues, however (ie. nausea and upset stomach). I have also had to take prescription medication for reflux for probably 15 years.

My PCP encouraged me to have the surgery. I was very leery, concerned it would make my Crohn's symptoms worse. He said that it could really only make things better - my diet would change, there would be less weight to complicate things, etc. I have found he was right! Aside from the nausea related to the surgery, there has been a big improvement. I continue to take medication for reflux, but the reflux is now non-existent (it was overpowering my medication most days preop). I continue to have the upset stomach, which is no big deal at this point, but not as often - probably because I eat less! LOL.

Overall, I would say it has not had a negative, rather, a positive impact on my Crohn's symptoms.

Crohns patients can have such a limited diet, I'd think the sleeve would be preferable because you can eat most any food, just not very much of it.

tmf

I have Crohn's and was told the Sleeve was my only option so I guess it would be the same for you with UC!

I actually just found out that I had Crohns last week (I apparently have had it for years, but just thought my stomach problems were all related to my poor eating) and had my sleeve done two months ago. I asked my surgeon if he would have still preformed the surgery had he known I had Crohns and he said that he would and that the sleeve was preferable to gastric bypass. my physician actually thought the sleeve may help me with my Crohns in the long run as I am eating better and making healthier choices.

Hope all goes well for you! Best of luck!