jcp2010

Hey all, I'm very excited to have found a forum for people in their twenties. I'll be turning 23 in July and I'll be a senior in college in the fall. I was worried that it would be more difficult to find a doctor to band me because I'm young. Did any of you face obstacles because you're young? Is it more difficult to find a surgeon to operate if you're in your twenties? Is anyone from Upstate NY with suggestions for a surgeon and where to begin?!!? Thanks so much, any comments/advice is welcome!

I've tried dozens of weightloss techniques and strategies, most recently I've been on weightwatchers and visted with a nutritionist. None of which have I been able to stick with. I've gained and lost weight since I was 13 years old, never keeping it off for more than a few months at a time. Now I'm 22, in an amazing relationship and working on my bachelor's degree. Since graduating in 2005 I've packed on 40lbs, going up a pant size steadily each year. I'm currently 5'4" tall and 240lbs. I've always been told I wear my weight well and that no one would guess I squeeze into a size 20 bottoms and an XXL top. Which of course is not very reassuring to me. I'm proportionally heavy, with thick hips, a big butt, and a big chest. I'm healthy, but unhappy. I'd like to be fit enough to go on long hikes with my boyfriends 8 year old daughter, to ride bike, to swim, and eventually my ultimate goal is to be able to jog/run. And most importantly (excuse my bluntness) I want to be able to make love to my boyfriend without the lights off and tshirt on! I do not have any children of my own, and do not plan on having any until I complete my master's degree and get married (Cross my fingers!). Losing this weight now will make my future so much brighter, I simply don't want my life to be weighed down by this weight any longer. Sorry for the excessive biography whish is probably unnessisary. Here are my questions: Is 23 too young to get the surgery? My BMI is currently 41. My mother also wants to get the surgery, how do we find the absolute BEST surgeon around? I've found some websites for seminars on banding, should this be my first step into finding a doctor? I'm currently on my father's insurance but he just retired and it's going to be cut off soon. Will the surgeon's be able to let me know if my college insurance will cover the surgery? Do I HAVE to have a referral from another doctor to go any further? I'm sure I'll think of more questions later! Any suggestions are welcomed! Thank's so much.