What led you to your decision to have surgery so young?

[lilricanliz 9]

Hey everyone !!! First of my name is Liz and on dec27 I will be sleeved. My emotions are all over the place in regards to the sleeve. I can tell you that it is hard to find people my age that are having this surgery. Let me tell you a little about my decision. I was 22 when I began this process of surgery. The reason why I wanted it done was because of my family. The majority of my extended family (dad's side) suffers from some type of co morbidity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems. I wanted to break the cycle not only for myself , but to those around me. At 24, I'm starting to see the effects of being overweight can do to people. Even though I am generally healthy, problems such as sciattica, arthritis, and pre diabeties have started to hit. I know all to well what being overweight can do to a person and decided now more than ever that I wanted a life that didn't include me hiding in the shaddows because of weight. I think it was last year when I went shopping with my friends and felt so embarressed by the fact I couldn't shop in the stores they were in. Most of the cute "plus size" clothing such as American Eagle or Forever 21 you have to get online. I was tired of sitting on the sidelines. No one really understands what it is like to feel 40 when your only 24. My reasons for surgery are not totally vain, but rather a fresh start on becoming an improved version of my self.

[castiel 66]

I'm 21 and I was just sleeved a few days ago. I felt very conflicted about this surgery. I've spent the last 2 years navigating the world of feminism and the whole fat acceptance/body positivity movement. I felt that I was finally starting say that it's okay to be fat. And to me, IT STILL IS! There really is proof out there you can be fat and healthy. You just have to eat very well and exercise... and you don't have to lose weight in the process.

However, my beliefs about the HAES movement and fat people do not change the social stigma about fat people. YES, THERE ARE MANY UNHEALTHY FAT PEOPLE OUT THERE because they don't eat right. But there are plenty of healthy fat people out there too.

My choice was mobility and health. I have PCOS and diabetes runs in my family. Despite exercising, I have high cholesterol. I remember being in high school having a blood test and my doctor said I would need to be on medication to control it if I didn't lower it. Well, I never went on medication nor did I do anything to help it. I've been active since I was a child. I was on the soccer team in high school and in recreational leagues growing up.

I've reached this point where I want to help my PCOS, I want to help my heart, and prevent diabetes (if possible) and I want to physically change my body. I also have a hard time not eating a lot and feeling full. The whole stomach being smaller sounded excellent compared to gastric bypass which may experience stretching.

There are so many things I want to do with my body that I just can't at this weight. I bicycle, but I want to get into legitimate cycling and do races. I used to run, but now I can barely make it down a street. Hills kill me and so do stairs. I want to run a 5K and eventually do a triathlon. I want to do rock wall climbing and not have to worry about weight limits and the harness not fitting. I want to go kayaking and not worry about my hips not fitting. I'd like to go to a theme park and fit in ALL of the rides. And for once, I'd like the buy clothes that I love because the world of fashion is so crappy at making cute fashionable inexpensive clothing for young plus size men and women as well as older women. We live in a thin privileged society, and for once I'd like to live that privilege and examine its effects on me!

[Aleks 7]

I'm pre-op. I have PCOS, thyroid disease, and high blood pressure. VSG is my last hope to gain control over my weight. I have been overweight my whole life.

[mrsreyes 24]

I have been overweight/obese my whole life and I am ready for a change. I have three kids now and they are very young. I am tired all the time and I have no energy. I want to be able to run and play with my kids without tiring so easily. I was very overweight when I met my husband, but nowhere near what I am now. I think I have gained about 100 lbs in the 8 years that we have been together! That is disgusting to me! Yes, I have been pregnant 3 times in those 8 years, but there is no excuse. I feel gross and have no self confidence. I have PCOS and my dad has diabetes... I don't want to end up with diabetes, but I know I will end up that way if I don't get a lot of weight off... especially being predisposed because of the PCOS. This is my way out... not the easy way out I will have to work hard... I know that, but I kinda feel like this is my last chance at life. I want to feel 24 and not 54!