Hello!

[Kris15 0]

It has been recommended that my daughter consider lap band surgery. I am just starting my research and found this forum. She is 15 years old. I'm looking for the best doctors in Canada that perform this surgery in adolescents. I would be so thankful if someone could give me information on surgeons in Canada, how to prepare for surgery and what to expect after surgery. :ohmy:

[Froggi 4]

In my opinion I think if someone is under 18 they aren't going to be emotionally ready for all the changes that they have to do with surgery. It's not easy. But yeah that's my opinion, get mad if you want to, or irritated but you posted this.:ohmy:

[auntlucy 22]

I don't know if there is a cut off age when someone is emotionally ready. I started looking into it a few years ago at age 34, and I wasn't emotionally ready then. One thing I would suggest is that you get your daughter a good counselor to deal with the emotional aspects of it. My mom and doctor put me on a liquid diet when I was in high school without even really asking me for my input on the idea. While I lost weight, it wasn't permanent weight loss, and I think I ended up with bigger issues as a result. You might even want to get some counseling with your daughter.

I do applaud you for being proactive in helping your daughter. I could tell from the tone of your posting that you love her a great deal and would do anything for her. I hope she appreciates you!

[MicheleK 8]

Kris,

Welcome to the site. I'm sure you will find lots of wonderful information regarding Lap Band surgery. I hope everything works out well for your daughter.

Did her doctor recommend the surgery? 15 is SO young, and there are SO many lifestyle changes that have to take place...it's going to be a tough road and I'm sure she will need all the support from you she can get.

I believe in the US docs won't preform Lap Band until the patient is 18, but I'm not sure about other countries so I don't have much to offer in the way of advice.

I hope you're able to find out the information you need. Good luck!

[Ashleigh86 0]

I'm 22 years old and had the lapband in march of this year.. I wish I knew about the band a long time ago. I would of done awhile if I knew.

I had my surgery done by Dr Mumfor in Toronto Canada. It was a the weight loss clinic there. So far no complaints they were awesome. I definetly recommend it.

[Kris15 0]

This is the daughter speaking.

When my mother showed me this, I was sort of taken back a moment.

I suppose it's because I'm considered immature and too young for this surgery. I appreciate the positive feedback you've given my mom so far, but I'd like to say that there's more to it than my age. Even if fifteen years seems like nothing, I can assure you I've been through more than the typical twenty-year-old. Obesity is one of the cruelest health concerns, and even young people like myself can't control it. I can't do this by myself.

Please put my age aside.

Thank you.

-Lauren Kristina

[Froggi 4]

I was obese at age 15 i was offered bypass didnt do it cause i at 15 i was too young its going to be hard enough for someone over 18 let alone someone 15.

I am not trying to be an ass it's an opinion and I truely know what its like to be obese my whole damn life I've been fat since i was a baby so excuse me but i can say what i feel it's an opinion.

[di1138 8]

Lauren, good luck to you. It very well may be your answer so you dont end up like me 57 years old with your health at risk. Just make sure you read everything you can about the procedure and ask every question that comes to mind. May I ask how much you weigh now? Even at 15 your health can be in jeopardy. Make sure your doctor is sympathetic to your needs. Wishing you all the best.

[Iluvharleys 15]

I want to wish you luck! I wish I could have hand my surgery when I was younger. If you have a weight problem and can't lose it at 15, it's not going to get any easier as you get older. I say go for it if you have the chance.

We have a Canada thread here, if you post for a doctor on it I am sure you will get a lot more response to a good doctor.

Good Luck and let us know what you decide.

[brown bear 0]

I am the mother of two daughters ages 20 and 21. Age is just a number and does not necessarily reflect maturity. I say it should be up to the daughter - she should continue to read here and research the precedure and life after banding. If she believes she wants this then she should do it.

Check out the Canada thread as was already suggested.

Good luck!

[tammygirl 0]

Lauren,

In addition to the other information suggestions here, you may wish to check out the teen forum on this site. The best to you!

Tammygirl

[Kris15 0]

I really appreciate everyone's opinion. This is Lauren speaking again. Thank you all so much for your help.

di1138, I'm currently 290 lbs. Thankfully, my body is still fighting just fine. The only issue is my blood pressure for the time being.

I'd also like to say that I've been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, and spent seven months in the hospital receiving counseling. I still see a therapist three times a month, and am constantly surrounded by them at school (I'll be going into grade eleven). I'm in a "special needs" classroom, for students with emotional or behavioral problems. I fall under the emotional section. I'm currently on two anti-depressants, taking the maximum adult dosage for one. (Effexor and Wellbutrin.)

I know that it won't be a "quick-fix", but I'm just looking into this.

My mother will be the one on this forum from now on, but if you'd like to speak with me, (I'd love to hear your stories and guidance) please email me.

(krishebe@hotmail.com)

Thank you.

[auntlucy 22]

Kris, I feel for you. You will be in my prayers as you and your mother make this decision. Many of us were in similar shoes when we were your age. Teenagers (and sometimes even adults) can be very cruel. Please know that there is life after this. The band is a tool that has helped a lot of people achieve their goals, and it's certainly helping me. Good luck!

[Brandy~ 2]

I have to put my 2 cents in here.

I myself was not overweight at the age of 15 so I cannot really make a pure assumption on the emotional toll that this would have on someone at this age.

I however, do have a daughter that is 15. I can say that if my daughter were obese at age 15 and felt the need or wanted the help with a WLS especially the band since it is reversable I would gladly get it for her.

I think at 15 with enough help and counseling a child could be ready for the changes. I could not and would not ever standby and let my child be ridiculed or have emotional issues because of obesity. I commend you for stepping up and helping your daughter with this. There is nothing like getting your self esteem back and I think this would help her tremendously.

There will be lots of effort for you as the parents and for your daughter relearning eating habits. Since you're the parent you will most likely need ot change the eating habits of the whole household.

I wish u lots of luck on this journey.

Edited June 22, 2008 by Brandy~