Hey everyone.
My name is Mike.
I am 17 years old and I live in New York.
I don't know my exact weight now, to be honest.
But from the weight I was at my last doctor visit, my BMI is well over 50.
I am not diabetic but it does run in my family and I have no doubt I will be soon if I don't change.
I have been researching WLS for over a year now.
I never really thought of it as a possibility until just recently.
I also found another forum, Thinner Times, and that place is great so I decided to find some other forums and found this place.
I am well aware of the risks of Lap Band, or any WLS, and I really do feel that this would be a good thing for me.
I feel that, considering my age, regular RNY surgery is just to invasive and I don't feel comfortable enough to do something that permanent.
The band seems like just the right tool to help me get healthier.
Like I said, I just turned 17.
I've read mixed things on the Lap Band for people under 18.
I have Aetna insurance, under my mom, and I didn't see it specify any age on the Lap Band specifically.
But, if required, I could just wait until I'm 18.
I would have to do a 6-mo supervised diet anyway so it'd be almost 18 by then.
I've tried every diet pretty much.
I feel different than most people, though.
It seems that most people CAN lose weight but just can't keep it off.
Me, though, I have trouble losing any weight at all.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about me wanting the surgery so young.
Thank you,
Mike.