Surgery on the young side

[hannahmacie 0]

Hi everyone. So I just joined this app I'm a 17 year old girl. I weigh about 320 and I haven't been able to lose weight easily but I am in this program at my hospital, you meet once a month with a surgeon, occupational therapist, nutritionist, psychologist, and finally a endocrinologist. You have to be in this program for about 6 months in order to be qualified for surgery. I managed to lose a few pounds with this program but I really am struggling to lose it. I just had an appointment Tuesday and this was my 4th month in the program. The surgeon told me that next month, I can make the decision on whether or not I want to go through with surgery. I decided I do want to go through with a surgery and I've decided I wanted the gastric sleeve since it's less risky than the gastric bypass. I've been looking at many before and after pictures of people under the age of 25 and even some older and it does make me excited, hoping that one day I can do a before and after picture like that. My older sister actually had a gastric bypass surgery when she was 23 and she's 25 now and looks great. But, despite my anticipation, I can't help but be terrified. I'm scared of complications, I've had 2 surgeries but they were minor, just tonsils and adenoids, and tubes in my ears, nothing major, the thought of this major surgery scares me. I know it's the right choice for me as I've struggled with my weight since I was just a little girl. I'm sick of being so huge, I want to be able to go out with my friends and not struggle to keep up because I'm always out of breath, I want to go to theme parks and go on rides without fear that I'm too big for the seat belts and bars, I want to be confident, I want to be healthy. But the thought of surgery scares me. I'm scared I might regret getting the surgery. I'm scared there'll be complications. I'm just scared. Has anyone else felt like this before their surgery? Anyone have any advice?

[_Kate_ 2,224]

Hello Hanna,

Nice to meet you and well done with keeping up with all your programme meetings!! It’s a huge decision to make and I think if we are honest, most of us have nerves every now and again heading up to the operation. I haven't had my sleeve yet (its 1 week 5 days away) but I have had the feeling of my tummy turning occasionally when I have realised how near it is.

Think about all the health benefits, you're young and want to be healthy. I'm older and wish I had thought of this years ago. I am not even thinking about negative things, it WILL work, I WILL keep to it and maintain, there’s no room for doubt…. just that little tummy turn every now and again.

Take your time reading the forums, pal up with people here that you click with and YouTube can be a great place to see people talk about the ups and downs of WLS. I think everyone is honest about their own particular journey. Just remember this is your OWN journey.

Hugs

Kate

[sleevenv 483]

Everyone has felt that way! Also, almost everyone wishes they could've or would've done it sooner! The risks of complications are there, but they are actually very small. The statistics--as I've researched them--seem to imply that the bigger, older and unhealthier you are, the higher the risk. You are probably statistically in a lower risk group (but I'm sure your surgeon will review this with you so go by his word). Surgery can suck for a few days, but I'm sure your big sister can guide you through! Good luck with your decision.

[cjnorris 103]

I was 58 and never been in a hospital,let alone have surgery. I was scared but after my research and finding a great surgeon I put it in God's Hands. He brought me through it. So glad I did. You have your whole life ahead of you..living it healthy would be such a gift. Whatever you decide, just know everyone has nerves about the complications. A positive attitude is worth so much on this journey. Best of luck.

[danaadoo 26]

Hi everyone. So I just joined this app I'm a 17 year old girl. I weigh about 320 and I haven't been able to lose weight easily but I am in this program at my hospital, you meet once a month with a surgeon, occupational therapist, nutritionist, psychologist, and finally a endocrinologist. You have to be in this program for about 6 months in order to be qualified for surgery. I managed to lose a few pounds with this program but I really am struggling to lose it. I just had an appointment Tuesday and this was my 4th month in the program. The surgeon told me that next month, I can make the decision on whether or not I want to go through with surgery. I decided I do want to go through with a surgery and I've decided I wanted the gastric sleeve since it's less risky than the gastric bypass. I've been looking at many before and after pictures of people under the age of 25 and even some older and it does make me excited, hoping that one day I can do a before and after picture like that. My older sister actually had a gastric bypass surgery when she was 23 and she's 25 now and looks great. But, despite my anticipation, I can't help but be terrified. I'm scared of complications, I've had 2 surgeries but they were minor, just tonsils and adenoids, and tubes in my ears, nothing major, the thought of this major surgery scares me. I know it's the right choice for me as I've struggled with my weight since I was just a little girl. I'm sick of being so huge, I want to be able to go out with my friends and not struggle to keep up because I'm always out of breath, I want to go to theme parks and go on rides without fear that I'm too big for the seat belts and bars, I want to be confident, I want to be healthy. But the thought of surgery scares me. I'm scared I might regret getting the surgery. I'm scared there'll be complications. I'm just scared. Has anyone else felt like this before their surgery? Anyone have any advice?

Hi Hannah!!

So I am also on the young side (19) and if you ever wanna talk or need some support, I'm here. Just shoot me a message.

I am 264/265 and am going through with the sleeve. & I have never had surgery in my life!

Edited July 11, 2015 by danaadoo