wls 19???

alexjwisdom · 10-07-2008, 02:30 AM

hi i am nineteen and i am 4"11 i weigh 215 I know i am over weight but i didn't think i need gastric bypass surgery. my doctor really wants me to do it we have tried everything else to help me lose weight. anyone else this young have wls? i am very scared but i have heard wonderful things that it can help with.

Leigha789 · 10-07-2008, 10:02 AM

I had gastric bypass when I was 22 years old. I originally looked into it when I was 19 (then I was 230 pounds at 5'2") and wish I would have gotten it then. When I did get it at 22, I was up to 275 pounds. It's defintely a large commitment and a MAJOR lifestyle change, so don't do it just b/c a doctor wants you to. I would do it if you have tried many other ways to lose weight and failed and your health is being affected by your weight.

Even though I was only 22, I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infertility, & severe acid reflux - all because of my obesity. Having gastric bypass allowed me to lose weight and be able to have a normal menstrual cycle for the first time in my life, which resulted in being able to have my sons. My surgery was almost 4 years ago, and it's now hard for me even remember and comprehend what living in that morbidly obese body was like b/c I feel so much better.

Good luck with your decision!

Amy H · 10-07-2008, 09:03 PM

My first suggestion would be to tell you to research WLS until you are fully aware of the risks and complications that go along with it. Which, by coming here and asking questions you are going in the right direction.

As Leigha said - having the surgery is a major lifestyle change - one that only you can make. You have to be very aware of the foods you eat, beverages you consume, medications you can/can't take, vitamins and supplements that you will need for the rest of your life (which can get costly) and exercise. All of those things go hand in hand with having WLS.

Having said all of that - I had my surgery at 29 and it was one of the best things I have done for myself. I met my surgeons goal at around 4 months post op and have been maintaining at my current weight of 163-165 (I'm 5'9) for many months. I have more energy, no medications aside from supplements and met (which I am CHOSING to take - it's not necessary for IR any longer), I just feel better all around since having my surgery. Sometimes I ask myself why I suffered so long with my obesity, but had I chosen to have my surgery any younger I dont' think I would have been mentally prepared for all that went into it. I would recommend the surgery to almost anyone .. but only after they have researched it - and feel comfortable with everything that it entails. Good luck to you on your journey!! I wish you luck!!

goddess819 · 10-09-2008, 05:05 AM

Amy & Leigha have given excellent advice! Learn as much as you can about all the different surgeries before deciding on one. It's definitely a lifestyle change and not easy. I was a bit older when I had my gastric bypass surgery, I was 27...just shy of 28 but wish I had done it a lot sooner. However, looking back I'm not sure if I was ready to commit to the changes needed for it to be a successful tool in me being at a healthy weight. Have you checked out the WLS FAQ at the top of this forum? It may help answer some of your questions regarding WLS. Also check out www.obesityhelp.com as it is an awesome informational & support website dedicated to weight loss surgery.

I would have qualified for surgery at a much younger age (same as yours) because at 19 I went off the pill and my body went haywire. I'd gained 80lb in a year and stopped having cycles, it's pretty much when my PCOS came into full swing. By age 20 I was up to 245lb at 5'3. I struggled with various diet plans and exercise for 6 years before giving up. After a while I gave in to that I might need WLS to help me as I'd failed at all other diet & exercise attempts. The most I'd ever lost prior to WLS was 34lb with Weight Watchers & exercising. Sadly I never got below 215 and slowly started to regain even following the program.

My heighest weight was 254 and I weighed 246 the day of surgery. Six months later I was down 100lb and was at goal of 140lb at 1 year post op. I maintain now (at 4+ years out) between 140-145lb.

I also wanted to say that I didn't think I needed surgery for about a year before actually having it. I guess I was in denial about my weight...not thinking I was actually heavy enough for it. Boy was I surprised when I looked up my BMI and found that I was clinically Morbidly Obese. I had a BMI of 45...I'd never really thought of myself as morbidly obese before that moment. You can do your own BMI at obesityhelp.com, but according to the National Institute of Health you're BMI is 43.4 which puts you in the morbidly obese category.

Now, after you research all you can then decide if you want surgery. Don't do it just because your doctor wants you to. You have to do it for you and no one else. Afterall you have to live with it for the rest of your life. So, start a list of pros & cons of having the various types of surgeries and think about it. If you have questions about a particular surgery type feel free to ask...afterall the more you know the better decision you'll be able to make.

Best of luck!

Kristy

alexjwisdom · 10-11-2008, 02:26 AM

thank you all so much i feel a little better. i have tried almost every diet since i was 10 years old. nothing has worked and i can feel my body just getting worse everyday. I have a free consultation with the gastric bypass dr. i have heard so many wonderful things about the wls and i think its starting to become my last option.

goddess819 · 10-11-2008, 04:48 AM

Good luck with your consult! When is it? Write down any questions you may have for him so that you don't get to your appt only to draw a blank on what you wanted to ask. Remember that we're here to help answer questions too...

Good luck and keep us posted!