Re: Surgery on younger patients

[Guest guest]

I would say it depends on her state of mind and her commitment to it. My niece

had it done at 18. But I think she really looked at it more like plastic

surgery - a quick fix. She began having a social life, began drinking and has

now gained most of her weight back. She never went to meetings or follow-up

after and from what I understand from this board that is really important. So I

think if she did it that young she would need to commit to regularly meeting

with a counselor and a nutritionist as well as going to the support meetings so

she can really be aware of what she's doing and how easy it could be to gain it

back.

Jeannie

Surgery on younger patients

Has anyone had experience with surgery on a 19-20 yo? My daughter

has been thinking about having surgery also. She probably needs it

worse then I do. She is only 5'3 " and about 420#. She has never had

a social life because of her weight. I think surgery is the answer

but she has to make that decision for herself. Can't seem to find

anyone close to her age who has gone through it and could encourage

her. Any suggestions? Sally

[Guest guest]

I am in my 40's, but I agree with you: I bet your daughter would benefit

tremendously from this surgery. She is so young I bet she would bounce

right back much faster than any of us! Ask your doctor!!

Best of luck!!

_____

From: GastricBypass-LOSERS

[mailto:GastricBypass-LOSERS ] On Behalf Of Sally

Sent: Saturday, September 09, 2006 10:39 AM

To: GastricBypass-LOSERS

Subject: Surgery on younger patients

Has anyone had experience with surgery on a 19-20 yo? My daughter

has been thinking about having surgery also. She probably needs it

worse then I do. She is only 5'3 " and about 420#. She has never had

a social life because of her weight. I think surgery is the answer

but she has to make that decision for herself. Can't seem to find

anyone close to her age who has gone through it and could encourage

her. Any suggestions? Sally

[Guest guest]

I wonder if there are any teen groups for this out there. Try to call a local

WLS office. Maybe they could give you some insight.

Sally wrote: Has anyone had experience with surgery

on a 19-20 yo? My daughter

has been thinking about having surgery also. She probably needs it

worse then I do. She is only 5'3 " and about 420#. She has never had

a social life because of her weight. I think surgery is the answer

but she has to make that decision for herself. Can't seem to find

anyone close to her age who has gone through it and could encourage

her. Any suggestions? Sally

---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

I do know that the surgeon's group I went through has services

especially geared towards younger people, even over weight children.

I don't think it involves surgery. This group is the local go to

group for medically supervised weight loss in the area too. Maybe

they know of a group local to you? I dunno... Their website is

www.mmpc.com.

Mike in GR

Has anyone had experience with

surgery on a 19-20 yo? My daughter

> has been thinking about having surgery also. She probably needs it

> worse then I do. She is only 5'3 " and about 420#. She has never had

> a social life because of her weight. I think surgery is the answer

> but she has to make that decision for herself. Can't seem to find

> anyone close to her age who has gone through it and could encourage

> her. Any suggestions? Sally

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Do you Yahoo!?

> Get on board. You're invited to try the new Yahoo! Mail.

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Sally,

I'm pre-op, but I'm 29. I know that's 10 years older than your daughter, but

my surgeon said that he's done a number of surgeries on 18, 19, 20, 21 year

olds. Where do you live? I think that your daughter would probably be a very

good candidate since she is young and has a number of years to benefit from the

surgery. I'd try to go to a support group in your area.

Good luck! xoxo, S in NJ

[Guest guest]

Sally,

I don't know anyone that young who has had the surgery, but I think if she wants

it and fully understands what is going to happen, then she should have it. So

many other young people her age are having other surgeries, such as breast

augmentation and liposuction. I had WLS done the day after my 30th birthday. I

wish I had done it sooner so that I could have enjoyed my 20's more and the time

I had before I had my children. Have you checked on the ObesityHelp website.

There are more people subscribed there so you might find someone there who was

that young when they had it.

in Virginia

Surgery on younger patients

Has anyone had experience with surgery on a 19-20 yo? My daughter

has been thinking about having surgery also. She probably needs it

worse then I do. She is only 5'3 " and about 420#. She has never had

a social life because of her weight. I think surgery is the answer

but she has to make that decision for herself. Can't seem to find

anyone close to her age who has gone through it and could encourage

her. Any suggestions? Sally

[Guest guest]

Sally,

According to my surgeon, the FDA has okay'd surgery on parients as young as

12. The younger patients may be only eligible for LapBand vs. the bypass, but

they are eligible.

Talk to your Dr. There may be more insurance hoops to jump through, but

your daughter will benefit for the next 60 years!

Jeannie

---------------------------------

Stay in the know. Pulse on the new Yahoo.com. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

Hi, well I had the open bypass surgery aug. 22nd and I am 21 years

old. I took it upon myself to get the surgery when I was 20. I

researched it and made my mom take me to check it out. I think it is

hard but not as hard as I expected. Right now I am on a liquid diet,

but I am not hungry or feeling starved so this is a big reason it isnt

hard for me. If there is good support for her I think it will be so

much easier. The day I had surgery I was already up and walking three

times a day during my stay in the hospital and they were surprised.

The thing I kind of strugle with right now is my family support. They

still want me to eat, they tell me to just try a lil of this a lil of

that. They want me to sit with them while they eat their bit mexican

meals. If they helped me out a little bit more I think that would

make it easier but for now I am doing a lot on my own and doing good.

I come to this support group as much as I can and leave messages for

any concern I have and I am lucky to get a lot of support. So If I am

doing it I think she is capable. I am happy so far even though I am

still hurting, but I know I will feel great in the longrun.

>

> Has anyone had experience with surgery on a 19-20 yo? My daughter

> has been thinking about having surgery also. She probably needs it

> worse then I do. She is only 5'3 " and about 420#. She has never

had

> a social life because of her weight. I think surgery is the answer

> but she has to make that decision for herself. Can't seem to find

> anyone close to her age who has gone through it and could encourage

> her. Any suggestions? Sally

>

[Guest guest]

Congratulations on your willpower! Just do what the doctor tells you

and don't give in to peer/family pressure, we all have to live with

our own choices, not someone else's.

> >

> > Has anyone had experience with surgery on a 19-20 yo? My

daughter

> > has been thinking about having surgery also. She probably needs

it

> > worse then I do. She is only 5'3 " and about 420#. She has never

> had

> > a social life because of her weight. I think surgery is the

answer

> > but she has to make that decision for herself. Can't seem to

find

> > anyone close to her age who has gone through it and could

encourage

> > her. Any suggestions? Sally

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I saw that on a cable show -WLS is controversial in Teenagers cause of the lack

of discpline and emotional issues connected to the weight.

" Jeannie S. " wrote: I would say it depends on her

state of mind and her commitment to it. My niece had it done at 18. But I think

she really looked at it more like plastic surgery - a quick fix. She began

having a social life, began drinking and has now gained most of her weight back.

She never went to meetings or follow-up after and from what I understand from

this board that is really important. So I think if she did it that young she

would need to commit to regularly meeting with a counselor and a nutritionist as

well as going to the support meetings so she can really be aware of what she's

doing and how easy it could be to gain it back.

Jeannie

Surgery on younger patients

Has anyone had experience with surgery on a 19-20 yo? My daughter

has been thinking about having surgery also. She probably needs it

worse then I do. She is only 5'3 " and about 420#. She has never had

a social life because of her weight. I think surgery is the answer

but she has to make that decision for herself. Can't seem to find

anyone close to her age who has gone through it and could encourage

her. Any suggestions? Sally

[Guest guest]

>Hi Sally,

I had my surgery almost 2 years ago when I was 24 and believe me, if I

would have known about it before that I would have had it as young as

they would have let me. It was the best thing I have ever done and am

so glad I did it when I did. I know we are a few years off, but if

she ever wants to talk, please don't hesitate to contact me. It is a

HUGE decision and although people at all ages will tell you the

benefits, I think she will definietly be glad she did it when she is

so young. Take care and good luck!

Open RNY 1/12/05

310/250/150