Everyone tells me I'm tooo young, opinions?

[befitnotskinny 5]

Hello, my name is Mary.

I'm about to turn 20 in April, my weight has always been a pain in my ass since I was a kid. I started my journey on November 23rd, 2015, at 362lbs, I lost about 23lbs since then. But my huge problem is EVERYONE keeps asking since im soo young if there is another way to lose the weight. I keep saying I want the surgery but I feel peoples thoughts are finally getting close to me. I'm waiting for my insurance to approve me than ill have a date. Age is just a number and so is weight... I just don't know what to do since im so close.. HELP !!!

[dede0314 356]

I'm 26 and I wish I would have done it when I was younger. I say if you have done your research and it's something you want then go for it. Good Luck!!

Edited January 29, 2016 by dede0314

[James Marusek 5,244]

Most people try dieting and do not succeed in losing weight. That is why they opt for surgery. The result of yo-yo dieting is in general additional weight gain. People lose weight while dieting and when they get of the diet, they gain it back and then some. Each time they do this they add additional pounds. It rarely works long term.

[sassyfrass23 525]

I'm 27 and have received a couple of comments about my age. But my surgeon hit the nail on the head and gave me the assurance I needed:

He prefers patients young. Why? Because when they lay us on those tables, our complication rates are much lower. Our risk is lower. Our secondary or comorbidity issues typically aren't as critical as a patient who is much older with more health problems that have occurred as they aged.

Like James mentioned, we yo yo diet. I have done that for a good solid 8ish years. And each time I gain the weight back, I gain a few more pounds. It adds up over time. If you're fairly healthy and mentally prepared for this, then I say go for it! That way you're not sitting here 7 years later like I am, thinking about all of the opportunities I've missed due to my weight. If I could go back to 20 and do this, I would in a heartbeat. I've lost 8 years of my life that I can never get back.

Edited January 29, 2016 by sassyfrass23

[befitnotskinny 5]

Thank you all so much you guys put a lot of my nervous to ease away ❤️❤️

[4shiggles 57]

I just turned 31 and I wish I had done this 5 years ago. But I don't think I was mentally ready if that makes sense. It's a personal choice. If your doctor is comfortable then don't let outside opinions get in your head.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

Younger is better for recovery. Also you only have 20 years of bad habits instead of 30,40,50, or 60 like most people having surgery. It should be an easier life transition for you

[Cervidae 2,389]

I just turned 24, and I was 23 when I had surgery last August. I've gotten a lot of "looks" and snarky comments for being so young, but I ignore them. So, so many people have talked about how much they wish they had done this when they were young. It's not like either you or I are only 20 or 40 pounds overweight. It's not like we're trying to be lazy or "take the easy way out". The reality is, both of us are in the position of knowing our own bodies and knowing that this is the tool we need to get healthy so we can actually start our life. I had to leave school because of health issues centered around how heavy I was. I refuse to let my body control what I do with my life at this pivotal point if there's any way to change it. And I did change it, and I have no regrets. Feel free to friend me or message me anytime if there is anything you think I could help you with.

[esskay77 785]

If your doctor is fine with it, don't worry about what anyone else says. You will be able to enjoy your new body longer! And, you will probably heal faster! As I was once told: "stay on your own yoga mat". Do what you need to do for you. Period.

[DaisyAmy 561]

Oh, if only I could go back in time and tell my 20 year old self to do this!!

Good for you for taking charge of your life. Take the bull by the horns and live a happy and healthy life!! Best of luck, my dear!!!

[micnic1027 1]

You should wait......not! We all think we can handle it on our own....then the years and the pounds continue to add up. I was sleeved this past month, however I started this process 9 yrs. ago. Unfortunately due to other serious health issues not related to weight, I had to forgo surgery three months into the process. Fast forward 9 yrs I was 40 pounds heavier and not healthy. If you want kids some day and to be able to keep up with them, do this for you now and your future family. I hope you follow your heart!

[chasingchloee 58]

I'm eighteen! I'm also 5 months post op! Best decision you'll make!0

[her1981 448]

I only wish the sleeve was available when I was your age. I battled trying to get under 300 pounds from the time I was 18. Now at 34, being under 300 is finally in my reach due to the sleeve. Don't wait! Don't spend another 10-15 years trying to "lose it on your own". There's a solution!

Edited February 20, 2016 by her1981

[dhrguru 1,238]

While I wouldn't tell you that you're too young, I always grow concerned with I see folks in their late teens/early 20's opt for surgery. I'm 38 and am glad I didn't do it younger. Why, 1) because the mental fortitude it take to keep this lifestyle going is a lot. When your that young it takes lots of discipline to live/eat differently than your friends. 2) for ladies who haven't had kids yet, pregnancy and adjusting to motherhood is huge potential for regain. Personally, I'm glad I waited to the point I did.

I'm not saying it's not possible to have WLS and maintain at an early age, just that it takes a whole lot of discipline.

[MollyF22 62]

No way are you too young. Your starting at a young age and the doctors love to see that. It's better to start now then later. I'm 26 and had mine done the 12th. It's life changing and it's gonna be great. Rough sometimes but just stay positive