Can you have lap band at 17?

[ttiwh 0]

I am 17 years old and I weigh 328 pounds with a BMI of 51.4 and high blood pressure and borderline diabetes. I've been on diets since I was 11 or so, I've pretty much tried everything out there and my mother wants me to talk to my doctor about lap band... can I even have it at my age? Like does anyone know anyone with kids who have had it or read about it on there internet? Any help would be great! Thanks

[TKW 501]

Hi ttiwh. Sure, teens have Lap-Band. Scroll down on the main page and you will find Forums by age... there is a teen one there where you can find info and support. I am 48 and have been over weight since I was a child too. So far I am very happy with my progress. It is a huge life style change but very do-able. Make sure you get well informed of the proceedure and life afterwards.

I wish you all the best!

[honk 780]

First the band has to be your decision. While I don't have the issues eating certain foods like others on this site; being banded is a commitment. Make sure that you want the band; having surgery because your mother thinks it's a good idea is setting yourself up for failure. That said I wish this surgery had been available when I was 17.

Have your mother call her insurance to see if they 1) cover lap band, 2) whether they will approve it for someone who is 17. If you would'nt be using insurance that is one hurdle you won't have to worry about. Also call and ask the doctor's office if they will operate on someone who is 17.

Good Luck!

[AquarianCrab 8]

How strong are you? Will you be able to limit yourself when your friends want you to join them at the mall and eat all kinds of junk? You will need the willpower to do this, because if you overeat with them, you will be running to the bathroom to throw up - very embarrasing.

Bottom line is, only you can decide if you can do it and if you want to do it. If you are 100% positive that you can, then go for it. I was skinny until my first pregnancy, when I blew up like a balloon and became diabetic. I had no way of knowing my body would react like that, and I've been almost as heavy as you ever since. Thirty years later I was taking 9 pills a day for a variety of health issues. I wish I would have gotten my band years ago.

Best wishes to you whatever you decide.

[Jodi_620 37]

Like everyone else said as long as you understand the process and are sure that it will work for you, your age should not stop you. You have no idea how I wish the band was around when I was younger.

[Jachut 487]

You know, I think that the right person at 17 could handle a band. If your'e completely aware of what you'll be giving up - those years of drinking and eating junk that most young people go through with the lifestyle you lead at that age - those will be hard with a lapband, but they're also terribly unhealthy and very often set you well and truly on the course to lasting adult obesity. If you're committed, you're old enough to handle it, is my opinion.

However, I know here, I was at an info evening and this couple bought their son up to my surgeon and he was very very obese, and the surgeon still said he wouldnt touch him till he was 18, the poor kind was only 15! I so felt for this family. But you're nearly there and even if you start the process now, with all the jumping through hoops that you guys seem to have to do over there, it will be here before you know it.

Good luck to you!

[cheryl2586 3,053]

Like everyone else you have to be ready because it is an adjustment for adults. I have faith that you can do it and will be successful as long as you want it and your not doing it for your mother. Do it because you want to. A big hug to you I know you are going through a rough time.

[shaunt 0]

i have had a band and i am 17, just make sure its what u want and know that its not a quick fixs and it wont be easy... its a life changeing thing as i have found out just make sure u r 100% sure u r ready for it.. best of luck

[HeatherinCA 10]

I don't see why not? I'm 25. I wish I had done it a few years ago.