Is lap band the right choice at 18?

[TurningANewLeafOnLife 0]

I'm going for my first consultation on the 22nd of this month. I'm 5'2, 185, BMI 33.8, 18 years old, and left with no other options.

I've followed my moms weight struggle since 12. She has tried every diet, exercise plan, and video work out since the 90's but nothing has worked. We both tried running, diets, weight watchers, etc with no results. Finally she got Gastric Bypass, and has lost 100 lbs in a year. Now I'm going to try and follow in her foot steps.

I'm scared though. On one hand, this is a radical surgery that will change my life. And on the other, if I'm not happy with my life why not take a leap forward and start now so I don't waste another second.

What's your opinion? Am I crazy, or am I just nervous?

[LosingItAll 49]

I'm going for my first consultation on the 22nd of this month. I'm 5'2, 185, BMI 33.8, 18 years old, and left with no other options.

I've followed my moms weight struggle since 12. She has tried every diet, exercise plan, and video work out since the 90's but nothing has worked. We both tried running, diets, weight watchers, etc with no results. Finally she got Gastric Bypass, and has lost 100 lbs in a year. Now I'm going to try and follow in her foot steps.

I'm scared though. On one hand, this is a radical surgery that will change my life. And on the other, if I'm not happy with my life why not take a leap forward and start now so I don't waste another second.

What's your opinion? Am I crazy, or am I just nervous?

I struggled with my weight my WHOLE life. I had realize band/lap band surgery on January 17, 2011 at age 28. I was ready for it and had health problems and had tried everything. This truly helped me to lose 65lbs (so far) but it isnt a miracle - you will have to be patient and work hard at watching your calories etc. I am glad I did it, and wish I would have done it earlier. You have to make the decision for yourself, but if you have really tried and are still struggling then maybe this is the tool that can really help you lose. I wish you the best!

[MelindaH 3]

I'm going for my first consultation on the 22nd of this month. I'm 5'2, 185, BMI 33.8, 18 years old, and left with no other options.

I've followed my moms weight struggle since 12. She has tried every diet, exercise plan, and video work out since the 90's but nothing has worked. We both tried running, diets, weight watchers, etc with no results. Finally she got Gastric Bypass, and has lost 100 lbs in a year. Now I'm going to try and follow in her foot steps.

I'm scared though. On one hand, this is a radical surgery that will change my life. And on the other, if I'm not happy with my life why not take a leap forward and start now so I don't waste another second.

What's your opinion? Am I crazy, or am I just nervous?

hon, be sure and check with your insurances. Most will not pay until your BMI is between 35 and 39. And then some require that you have two or more co-morbidities.

I say, this not to discourage you at all. I would just hate for you to get into the process and then find out. I do not think you are crazy to want to lose weight this way

at all but understand that it is a radical surgery and the surgery in itself will not change your life. You have to be willing and able to make the changes and you have

to want to change and believe me I am saying that to myself as I write this.

Just check with your insurance company....I assume you are on your parent's insurance but I could be wrong. You should be covered till you are 26 because of the

Obama care. law. If you are self pay, it might be easier to get the surgery with your bmi, I don't know. At any rate, I wish you all the best in your journey to good

health. Keep us posted of your progress.

Melinda

[Slim Down Donna 2]

I'm going for my first consultation on the 22nd of this month. I'm 5'2, 185, BMI 33.8, 18 years old, and left with no other options.

I've followed my moms weight struggle since 12. She has tried every diet, exercise plan, and video work out since the 90's but nothing has worked. We both tried running, diets, weight watchers, etc with no results. Finally she got Gastric Bypass, and has lost 100 lbs in a year. Now I'm going to try and follow in her foot steps.

I'm scared though. On one hand, this is a radical surgery that will change my life. And on the other, if I'm not happy with my life why not take a leap forward and start now so I don't waste another second.

What's your opinion? Am I crazy, or am I just nervous?

[Slim Down Donna 2]

These two caring members gave you some really wonderful advise. The only thing I will add is do your homework and gain as much knowledge as possible. Go to support meetings and ask others who have had it done. Make sure you have a good physican. Read everything you can. Your mom will have a lot to say and be a great resource. Good luck and the best to you. I am 56 and I have been overweight since I was 16. I now have 200 pounds to loose. I wish I had done it sooner.I hope to have my band by Dec.

[mint2bskiny 4]

This truley is a hard decision. But i must say if you dont want to keep gaining weight its a great tool to keep you under control. I have lost about 60pounds in 8 months and it does take dedication to lose, but most important if i stray I dont gain weight like i did before because there is no way of over doing it! i even get full eating ice cream! I love my band and would reccomend it to anyone who has done their research! make sure that you know its right for you. read the good, bad and ugly post about it!!! I wish my insurance would have covered somthing at the age of 18 for me. I wouldnt have gotten up to 300lbs! When i was 18 I was 190lbs! By age 26 I was 309! Now I am 239 and much better and still on my way to healthy skinny happiness! GOOD LUCK