First post!

[prettynpink 19]

My name is Nicole, I'm 19, and I am waiting on insurance approval for my RNY! You are probably thinking, “Wow, she’s only 19, why they heck is she getting a Gastric Bypass surgery so young?" so I just wanted to make this post to kind of give you guys an idea of why I am getting the surgery, why I think it’s the best choice for me, and what has been happening lately!

So, originally I opted for the Sleeve Gastrectomy, because I liked the fact that they didn’t mess around with your intestines and all that jazz like they do with the bypass, so I went to my surgeon, and I did all of my pre-op stuff, like my nutritionist visits and psychiatrist visits,and it turns out I was diagnosed with binge-eating disorder, so I had to do a month of group therapy before she would clear me for surgery. You have to make sure you are mentally prepared before you put your body through anything, which I get. I started this whole process the first of December.

After all of my tests and appointments and stuff got finished, and I had lost enough pre-op weight, they sent away to the insurance company at the beginning of May. I waited and waited until just this week when my mom was finally like we should call and see what’s up. So she called the insurance company, and it turns out that my insurance doesn’t cover sleeves, but I was a clear candidate for bariatric surgery so I would have to re-submit for the bypass or the lap-band, So I made an appointment with my surgeon and we decided to go ahead and switch to the Roux en Y. So now I have to wait for this approval and to schedule a surgery date!

As for my age, and having surgery, I have a lot of medical problems that no 19 year old should ever have to deal with. I take 7 pills in the morning and 4 at night. I have high blood pressure that I am on two different types of medication for, just to maintain it, I have asthma, I have poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, which causes me not to ovulate, and my OB-GYN said I may never be able to have children. I’ve been medicated for it in the past, but bariatric surgery has been proven to take this away in most cases. Also, when I was 18, i suffered from kidney failure and was in the hospital for almost a week. It just sucks to know that your body is so unhealthy that your organs are beginning to shut down. At this point, I know if I don’t make a change I will just end up getting worse and worse. I’m going to have to work my ass off every day, and my new stomach pouch is only going to be a tool to help me get to where I need to be, not an easy way out, and everyone who thinks that is horribly wrong. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it.

If y'all have any advice, tips, tricks, that would be great! If not I came here for support and to share mine with all of you! We are on our journey to a happier, healthier life one pound at a time!

Peace & Love

[kloveburd 132]

Hi Nicole and welcome to the group!

You should be proud that you are helping yourself, yes you are young but you want to be able to live and have children; be happy.

I've been in this process for a little over a year now, and was a binge eater too. Without even thinking it has taken over my life and after my grandma died in 2011 I didn't want my life to end up like hers and die so young because of health problems due to obesity. Last year I was diagnosed with endometriosis and had to have surgery which pushed this surgery back. I'm doing my pre op diet right now and have surgery a week from now

There's a ton of info on here, and lots of supportive people. You'll do great and good luck!

[ponchik 77]

Hi Nicole! I am actually amazed how mature you sound for 19years old. Taking care of your health is the best thing you can do for yourself! Good luck and welcome!

[prettynpink 19]

Thank you guys. I appreciate it. I know it will be the best thing in the long run, even if its hard now.