I'm young

[erh92 1]

I'm pretty young to be getting VSG. (I'm 18... they require you to be 18). My parents DO support me. And I really want to have the surgery! Others have just told me that I am too young. What are your thoughts? If given the option, would you have had the surgery at a younger age (if weight was a serious issue for you at that young age)?

[TiffanyIsMajor 1]

I am 24 and only about a week out, but I can already tell you if this surgery would have been an option at 18 I so would have done it.

[PinkJewels 2]

I am 23 and was sleeved on Dec. 22. I absolutely do not regret any of it. I am more than happy to share my experiences or answer any questions, PM me anytime

[MidwestGirl 8]

I'm 21 and I think that I personally wasn't really thinking about WLS at 18, just because that was after one of my "successful" diets :thumbup: so it was a time where I felt good about my body. But I don't think anyone can tell you you're too young. You know your body and your needs. It's great that your parents are supportive - that will make having surgery SO much easier! And I think it's great that you're taking the initiative to make this journey as well! I'm not sure I would have been brave enough at your age, but you are going to do GREAT! :w00t:

[ouroborous 519]

To be honest, it's probably better to get this done earlier rather than later, especially if you have a family history of obesity. It's extremely unlikely that things will get better, weight-wise.

[Stacy160 201]

My thoughts exactly! If you have a close family history of obesity and you've watched everyone else try and fail over and over again, chances are very high that you'll go through the same depressing cycles. You don't want to lose these years of your life to your weight--I think it's wonderful that you're looking into it now! You'll save yourself arthritis down the road (if you wait til you're in your late 20s or 30s, or even later, it'll already be there), save yourself high blood pressure, diabetes, and you'll LIVE instead of just exist. My son's 21 but if he'd been interested at 18 and we'd been able to pay, I'd have been behind him all the way. :thumbup1:

[achopp 0]

I so wish I could have had this surgery at 18! I just turned 30 a couple of weeks ago and I bet my 20's would have been a whole lot better if I had the sleeve done at your age! Go for it!

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I definitely wish I had done this years ago instead of wasting so many years being fat.

As long as you understand that you will always be eating tiny little meals for the rest of your life, I am sure you are not too young.

[Mary Gordon 3]

yep, i definitely would have.....the good thing is your parents support you....so go for it if you can!!!! goodluck and Godbless:thumbup1:

[erh92 1]

thank you! all of you have reinforced my plans to go along with the surgery. I don't want to waste valuable years of my life being overweight with no confidence.

[Vida_Cambio 0]

I am 19 (four months till 20-- sigh) but i am having surgery June 7...I rather have it now then wait 15 years and a hundred pounds later. If you are mentally ready for surgery I say "Why not".... Best of luck

[stcyt 15]

I am 44 and the only regret I have is that I didn't do this earlier. I wasted so much time sitting in corners being the fat girl. I feel like my life is just starting when it should have started years ago.

The only thing I think about is that if I had gotten the surgery younger I might not have changed my lifestyle.. I was not very mature at your age (it sounds like your a little more grown up than I was) and I was still looking for a quick fix. I would have depended on the sleeve to do all the work and not adopted healthy habits.

[imagine.dream.inspire 0]

Are you ready to make the necessary changes after surgery not only with habits but psychologically? Can you commit to it for a lifetime? Do you know why you gained weight and (if emotional) are you ready to deal with it? Ask yourself that. And based on the answer, that tells you if you're ready for surgery. The physical surgery is only the start. Having surgery is a big step and one you should consider carefully. Do not let your age discourage you. If you are ready, and regular weight loss methods are not working, I think you should have surgery. You can enjoy your young adulthood as you should and not struggle like most of us did. The key is IF you are ready and only you can answer that.

Best of luck. Keep us updated. We are here to support you.

[CraftyChristie 62]

I'm 27 and I first looked into WLS at age 20 - wish I had done it then. I thought I'd give myself more time to keep trying to do it "on my own" but all it has gotten me is 70 lbs heavier. Back problems, knee problems, plantar faciitis... all kinds of things that I didn't have yet when I was 20. I honestly think earlier/younger is better so you can get things under control BEFORE you start having a ton of probems. I wish you all the best.