Any advice?

tomochan · April 20, 2008

Hey everyone! (Sorry, I'm a newbie, so bear with me here :tongue_smilie: !!)

I've recently been interested in getting the lap band procedure done for obvious reasons (253 lbs, 42 bmi, waaay too many failed diets, etc). The physician's assistant at the last diet-doctor place I was at (not my primary care physician) told me that people at my weight range/bmi range are usually recommended for bariatric surgery.

Well, since then, I've been doing thorough research on the topic (risks, qualifications, advantages, disadvantages, etc), and after looking at all the information I can find, I truly feel that the Lap Band procedure will be the right thing to do for my current/future health and self-esteem. However, I have one TINY obstacle: my parents.

Although neither of them have outright said no, they said that my will-power isn't strong enough as it is, and that I should try losing weight "naturally" before even thinking of resorting to such "drastic measures".... and then proceed to change the subject (As mentioned before, I've tried nearly every diet under the sun WITH lots of exercise... and no good/permanent results). Before I brought up the topic, I made sure that the insurance would cover such a surgery, so money doesn't seem to be an issue... (except for the fact that its controlled by my parents)....

What should I do? I REALLY want to get this done as early as possible, because I'm tired of all of the negatives being morbidly obese... :lol:

But with my parents in charge of the insurance... I don't know how I can...

(oh, btw, I'm 17 right now, and I'll be 18 in september...)

Thanks in advance!!

hollyncharm · April 21, 2008

there is a REALLY informative video on Home its easy to follow and they really make it seem like its not a big deal even if it is surgery. i dont know i havent been banded yet I'm working on it though but that video made me feel more comfortable with it. maybe it will help do the same for your parents.

Luscious · April 21, 2008

I know the clinic I went to ran seminar/information evenings, and everyone was welcome. Do you think you could invite your parents to attend something like that, or visit Doctor with you? Perhaps their reluctance is based on fear or lack of understanding.

The thing that finalised my decision was hearing that only about 2% of people whose BMI is over 40 can lose weight by diet and exercise and keep it off forever.

katiebug · April 21, 2008

I agree with Luscious. If you can convince your parents to attend a seminar, then your doctor can convince your parents that LapBand is safe & an amazing tool.