Age when banded?

[YoungNy 1]

Hi, I'm very new here. In fact it was just this morning that my doctor suggested Lap Band surgery to me due to diabeties, elevated heart rate, hip replacement and a family history of heart diease. I have registered to attented a seminar on the 31st. I'm 22 and weight 276lbs. My family is against all weight loss procedures because they believe they are extremely dangerous. My doctor said it was better to get it done young before my medical problems get out of control. I've been reading some of the posts on this and other sites and it seems I'm very young for the surgery. I was wondering at what age did you get your lap band? What are some of the effects, results, problems 5 years or 10 years after? Thanks

[MEW 0]

Hi there!! I'll be getting my surgery a week from tomorrow and I am 40. I wish I could have had the surgery done when I was 22!! Good for you for taking an active stance in your weight loss!!

There are quite a few younger bandsters on this forum...I'm sure you will connect with soon!!

[sweethot143 2]

i'm 24, and couldn't be happier that i got it!

[Missy0224 6]

I'm 22 and I'm so happy I did it. I actually had the procedure done when I was 21.

[shellqueen 0]

At a meeting last night with a surgeon who does the lap band it sounded like its been approved by the FDA for age 18 and up. There is some research going on for teens- I believe that is in NY. I can understand why you are hesitant if your family isn't supportive. Would it make sense to have a family member go with you to the info. session or to the Dr. who suggested it. Also, research the surgery. It is less risky, reversable. I'm 43 and in the process of doing all the stuff to get approved but, I wish I could have done it years ago!

Good Luck!

[liberattor 0]

I was banded 9 days ago. I am 61.

Good luck to you on your weight loss journey.

[socalgal3 4]

I was 36 when I was banded. I think you should go for it. Do you have diabetes now or are you saying you are at risk for those things? Either way, the surgery is not "extremely dangerous" and you will be in much better shape to actually grow old in good health! Best of health to you!

[beachgirl 2]

I'm old as dirt and was banded 11 months ago at the age of 42. You'll do great. Wished I could have had this done 5 years ago when I first started getting heavy.

[Jachut 487]

I wish I hadnt wasted my 20's thinking I was fat and being desperate about it when I wasnt - in fact I'm back to what I was in my 20's now and I know I"m NOT fat.

Point being, you do regret those years you could have had just being happy in yourself, so the sooner the better I think. It took me until 37 to get fat enough to be banded but I worried about my weight my entire life before that.

[Chickie 15]

I was 24 when I got banded.

[anonemouse 1]

I will be getting banded on July 3rd, and that will be less than a month before I turn 24 (August 2nd). I want to get my weight under control while I'm young and still relatively healthy. I have PCOS, insulin resistance, asthma, high cholesterol (280 the last time it was checked), a hiatal hernia, etc. I have a high rate of heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc., on both sides of my family. My mom had to have both knees replaced, mainly due to her obesity. To put it bluntly, if I can't get my weight under control, I'm totally screwed. I view this surgery as a preventative measure.

[allwright 0]

I am 54 years old. I am very happy with getting the "band". I do not think age has anything to do with it except for having more years to suffer needlessly. The family being scared of any weightloss surgery, should on the other hand, be scared for you not having something done about the weight. The diabetes, heart problems etc. should be red flags to take control of the situation.

Good luck with your decision.

[Im_Lost_Again 0]

You have a smart doctor. I'm 48 and got my band three months ago. I wish I had done this years ago. I didn't get those health problems until my 40's. I can't imagine having them in my 20's. Sounds like you family isn't educated about the band. Get them literature, have them talk to people that have had the band. Have them go to the seminar with you. The more informed they are the better you will do if you have the band.

You can PM me with your questions or questions from your family.

The band is one of the BEST decisions I have ever made!

Good Luck and keep in touch.

Donna

[HeatherGurl 0]

I was 24 when banded. Healthy as a horse, and about the same weight as one

[PublicDisaster 12]

I had my surgery when I was 18 (a month before my birthday), I am 19 now and it has really helped me. I would have gotten it at 17, but I had to wait until I was 18.