Im still debating whether to have my sleeve surgery

[Kaitlyn C 1]

I am ongoing with the process of getting a gastric sleeve and am still very hesitant. Im 15 and way overweight with some additional health problems. To people that are or have gotten this surgery, would you let me know why you got it , if it was stressful and how youre doing now ? that would really help

[teacupnosaucer 445]

I got it because I have tried over and over again to lose weight on my own and never succeeded. I got it because of comorbidities related to my weight and knowing type 2 diabetes was looming in my near future, I wanted to take control of my weight and my health.

I don't know that they even do WLS on minors here in Canada though. At 15 I would have very much wanted it, but not needed it or been emotionally or physically ready for it. Weight Loss Surgery is hard and painful and requires you to completely restructure and revamp your life. At 15, too, you're still growing and your hormones are still changing. My brother was obese at 15 and now as an adult is as healthy as can be with no regain. His body has settled into a healthy adult weight. Mine never did, so at 31 I had a sleeve surgery performed. I worry, too, that the food restrictions of sleeve surgery might affect your natural growth since your body and brain are not done growing yet.

Are you just researching, now, or have you talked to your doctor/parents?

My personal advice to you is that maybe start now with the lifestyle changes: daily exercise in whatever form you are most likely to stick with, doing a food diary, seeing a dietician, and involving your doctor in your efforts, and once you are an adult THEN looking into the surgical option knowing that you've already made the necessary lifestyle changes for surgery to be a success.

But I'm not your doctor, and that's the person who will have the best advice for you.

[pixystix0116 71]

I went the WLS route because I have tried pretty much everything else. I have been over weight my entire life. I found myself at 35 years old nearly 400lbs and thinking I would never see 40 if i didn't do something about it. So i bit the bullet and took charge of my health. My only regret is that i didn't do this 10 years ago. I still have a long way to go but already 97 lbs down in 7 months and feeling pretty amazing.

[Kaitlyn C 1]

21 hours ago, teacupnosaucer said:

I got it because I have tried over and over again to lose weight on my own and never succeeded. I got it because of comorbidities related to my weight and knowing type 2 diabetes was looming in my near future, I wanted to take control of my weight and my health.

I don't know that they even do WLS on minors here in Canada though. At 15 I would have very much wanted it, but not needed it or been emotionally or physically ready for it. Weight Loss Surgery is hard and painful and requires you to completely restructure and revamp your life. At 15, too, you're still growing and your hormones are still changing. My brother was obese at 15 and now as an adult is as healthy as can be with no regain. His body has settled into a healthy adult weight. Mine never did, so at 31 I had a sleeve surgery performed. I worry, too, that the food restrictions of sleeve surgery might affect your natural growth since your body and brain are not done growing yet.

Are you just researching, now, or have you talked to your doctor/parents?

My personal advice to you is that maybe start now with the lifestyle changes: daily exercise in whatever form you are most likely to stick with, doing a food diary, seeing a dietician, and involving your doctor in your efforts, and once you are an adult THEN looking into the surgical option knowing that you've already made the necessary lifestyle changes for surgery to be a success.

But I'm not your doctor, and that's the person who will have the best advice for you.

I actually have been seeing a pediatric bariatric surgeon already. im three months into the process.. throughout my entire life ive been overweight and ive had a lot of troubles in school and health problems in between. i have a genetic condition that affects my muscles and joints and i feel losing some weight would benefit me . I also am on the road to type 2 diabetes and already have fatty liver. i may just get this done for medical health reasons

[teacupnosaucer 445]

1 hour ago, Kaitlyn C said:

I actually have been seeing a pediatric bariatric surgeon already. im three months into the process.. throughout my entire life ive been overweight and ive had a lot of troubles in school and health problems in between. i have a genetic condition that affects my muscles and joints and i feel losing some weight would benefit me . I also am on the road to type 2 diabetes and already have fatty liver. i may just get this done for medical health reasons

sounds like you are absolutely making the right decision and are in good hands then!

you have lots of good compelling reasons why surgery will improve your quality of life, and you have a professional in your corner to help you do it safely and correctly. you can't ask for much more than that (except to be rich enough to afford a personal chef and trainer like oprah i guess LOL!)

I won't lie and say it's easy... it's not. it's painful and hard, but it can be done, and it is so, so, so worth it! stay the course, dedicate yourself to the lifestyle changes, and you will do amazing and have a whole new life!

I got it done to prevent type 2 diabetes as I get older too so I completely understand why you don't want to go down that path.

[Berry78 4,261]

I just got my sleeve almost 3 weeks ago. There was a 16 year old at the hospital at the same time as me that got the bypass. I don't know her story, but her recovery looked a bit harder than mine.

I think the sleeve (in general) is the better option for young people. I also have a 16 year old daughter, and if she gets to the position of needing surgery, I'll recommend the sleeve for her as well.

Something you may not have thought about, but when you get to the point where sex is a possibility, look into getting Nexplanon (arm implant). You are going to need all your nutrition for you for the next bunch of years.

Surgery can be scary! But so is diabetes and all the other complications from obesity.

You are going to do great!