Gastric Bypass Surgery

Courtneyh29 · 07-30-2006, 09:37 PM

I have been thinking a lot about this, and I don't know what to do, I think I qualify for it because I am more than 100lbs overweight, but the only problem Is, is that I am a teen. I don't know if medicalinsurance covers it or not, can someone please give me some answers! I would really really appreciate hearing from someone who has had this done or is thinking about having it done.

zenjenn · 07-31-2006, 12:42 AM

Please do not consider gastric bypass yet. You are young and have a lot of other options besides surgery. It can *really* mess people up, - they may be thin but they are also often very sick as a result - and people even occasionally die from complications.

Have you spoken with your physician or a dietician about your weight problems? Have you been tested for insulin resistance? As a teen, you may still have more growth or hormone changes left.. it's not the time for surgury unless your obesity is so horribly severe that your life is in jeopardy. The younger you are the easier it is to establish better habits with the right people and support system.

I am not trivializing how difficult it is to lose weight, or suggesting that it is easy, but give yourself more time to try less invasive ways to lose weight.

AudaciousFurball · 07-31-2006, 01:02 AM

I definitely agree with zenjenn, you are way too young to consider anything that drastic just yet. Gastric bypass surgery is a very complicated procedure and sometimes has very severe consequences. I know from a work colleague that her overweight cousin had the procedure done and passed away from complications from the surgery about 2 weeks later, at the age of 26. I'm not saying that this happens to everyone, and some people have real success stories, but there are other ways to try and lose weight. Believe me, I'm struggling myself.
Please speak to your DR. or Endo about this, they may have some answers for you.

Big hugs!!!
Dannie.

Leigha789 · 07-31-2006, 01:34 AM

Hi Courtney! There is a great thread on the diet and exercise board that you may want to check out. There are a lot of us that have had different kinds of weight loss surgery and we can answer all your questions. Here is the link:

WLS Divas 12

I had gastric bypass when I was 22 years old but wish I would have gotten it when I originally looked into it at the age of 19.

Good luck with your decision!!!

tithers · 07-31-2006, 03:00 AM

Gastric Bypass does not have any more deaths than any other surgery. Laparoscopic procedure is deemed safer than open.

How old are you exactly? Big difference b/w 13 and 19

You said teen...

Talk to your doctor and family about your feelings/issues and concerns.

There are teens who have had WLS and are doing rather well.

goddess819 · 07-31-2006, 03:20 AM

I have to agree with Tithers...how old are you? Many surgeons will not do surgery on anyone under the age of 18. Have you talked with your doc about this? Also, Leigha posted a link to our Divas thread...feel free to post there as well...

Kristy

guineapig · 08-01-2006, 12:55 AM

Courtneyh29, have you been tested for IR? Or, have you been on any sort of treatment for it? Often that is the root of our PCOS ills, even "thin" cysters, and simple medications can make all the difference in the world. Even if metformin didn't work for you, there are many other treatments that might: Avandia, Actos, Byetta, Acarbose, plus the herbs: DCI, chromium, NAC, prickly cacutus (sp?), and a million more. I just know that many docs are often way too quick to prescribe expensive & invasive procedures & surgeries without even trying the simpler things. I'd get on a trial of one of those meds, and give it a few months. Even many non-IR PCOS have had great success with one of those drugs for the most part.

Meanwhile, the surgery will always be there.

KatCarney · 08-01-2006, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Courtneyh29

I have been thinking a lot about this, and I don't know what to do, I think I qualify for it because I am more than 100lbs overweight, but the only problem Is, is that I am a teen. I don't know if medicalinsurance covers it or not, can someone please give me some answers! I would really really appreciate hearing from someone who has had this done or is thinking about having it done.

While you're thinking about wls, you might also want to think about professional modeling. You're absolutely STUNNING!!

Courtneyh29 · 08-01-2006, 01:00 AM

I am IR, I am also taking Glucophage, and starting in a few weeks i am going to be going to an Endo.

JJ Dynomite · 08-01-2006, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Courtneyh29

I am IR, I am also taking Glucophage, and starting in a few weeks i am going to be going to an Endo.

Seeing an endo is a fabulous place to start.

I know this may be a personal question, but are you currently on birth control? I know it sounds so completely obvious and trivial, but I know of people with PCOS who have talked to their GYNs about it and birth control gave them the hormone regulation they needed to stunt weight loss. While for most people life isn't that easy, the main thing to remember is not to get discouraged. Try the BCP if you aren't on it, and then, like quineapig suggested, try some other meds. For most people who try MET, results aren't obvious for 6 months or more, if at all. It's completely trial and error, but you have to start small and work with your doctor to get what works best for you. Don't be afraid to speak up, give suggestions, or to say when you feel discouraged or that the medications aren't working. Just take baby steps and make sure you COVER ALL OF YOUR BASES before even giving 1 miniscule thought to the surgery, especially since you're in your teens. I guarantee you if you put your mind to it and give it a little time, you will find something that will work for you.

Courtneyh29 · 08-01-2006, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Dynomite

Seeing an endo is a fabulous place to start.

I know this may be a personal question, but are you currently on birth control? I know it sounds so completely obvious and trivial, but I know of people with PCOS who have talked to their GYNs about it and birth control gave them the hormone regulation they needed to stunt weight loss. While for most people life isn't that easy, the main thing to remember is not to get discouraged. Try the BCP if you aren't on it, and then, like quineapig suggested, try some other meds. For most people who try MET, results aren't obvious for 6 months or more, if at all. It's completely trial and error, but you have to start small and work with your doctor to get what works best for you. Don't be afraid to speak up, give suggestions, or to say when you feel discouraged or that the medications aren't working. Just take baby steps and make sure you COVER ALL OF YOUR BASES before even giving 1 miniscule thought to the surgery, especially since you're in your teens. I guarantee you if you put your mind to it and give it a little time, you will find something that will work for you.

Actually I was on Birth Control, and quit taking it, but i dont know if i should go back on.

JJ Dynomite · 08-01-2006, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Courtneyh29

Actually I was on Birth Control, and quit taking it, but i dont know if i should go back on.

If your endo is going to test you for PCOS, you'll be put through quite a bit of testing. When you think of questions like that, make sure you write them down so you don't forget them. Bring a list of questions you have to your appointment, and give that endo a run for his/her money!

KatCarney · 08-01-2006, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Dynomite

Bring a list of questions you have to your appointment, and give that endo a run for his/her money!

There's a good list of questions on this page:
http://www.soulcysters.com/do_have_pcos.html

VitaBella · 08-01-2006, 08:35 PM

My surgeon does surgery on people as young as 16, but the clearances (mostly the mental health clearances) are a lot stricter to make sure you can stick with the regimen.

On livejournal, there is a WLS community with many teens and young people who have had the surgery. I agree that the surgery will always be there, but I also know what it's like to be severely overweight and think there is no solution to the problem. I say start with the diet/exercise/metformin, but keep doing your research about the surgery. Young people tend to do very well and if you are willing to keep with the protein and vitamin regimen, you will be very likely to maintain your health. I am a million times healthier now than before surgery, hands down.

Good luck!

Bertiebugg · 08-02-2006, 04:59 AM

Courtney... there are other options... I know. I had a weight in mind... 400lbs and that if I ever reached that point surgery was going to be my only option. At 342 I decided that I didnt want to hit that 400lb mark that I wanted to get rid of my extra weight without surgery. I have tried many many diets and nothing has ever worked. I decided I would give weight watchers a chance. I have been on it for 8 weeks now and have lost 37 lbs! Its unbelieveable how well this works. The best part is I have no restrictions, if I have a craving I have it, whatever it is I have I just fit it into my 'points' as they are called.

You're 17? You were dx in 2005 before you were 16 correct. You got a dx earlier than most. At 16 my drs were telling me that I was completely normal for a girl my age. That it was normal for me to suddenly gain 60 lbs in a few months, during basketball season! I finally got my dx when I turned 19 and I'm 25 now. It takes time to find out what works for you.... surgery is an option... but I would use it as a last resort. Try other things out there. I've had two family members die from having gastric bypass and a friend to had it almost a year ago and regrets it. I'm not saying not to do it, but give a few other options a try.

If you need someone to talk to you're more than welcome to PM me. Even if you just need someone to listen to you.

www.weightwatchers.com you should really take a look at this site