Really Nervous 19yr old Son wants Gastric Bypass

I think you really do have to access his maturity level. I've got a 19 year old and, yes, he's an adult, but he's also a kid.

But I don't think anyone that weighs 300 pounds has a fighting chance of losing it without surgery no matter what their age is. The only way I would push dieting without surgery is if you know he hasn't seriously tried to diet yet. It's worth doing it *one* time IMO to see if you are in the 1-5% who will be successful. But if he's already done that and failed then what is one more attempt going to do besides postpone the time when he can start to have a life again?

However, I would seriously look into the sleeve for him as most surgeons are finding their patients do as well as with RnY but there are less long-term risks for malnutrition and less supplement requirements.

I hear ya, I wanted him to get the lap band but my doctor said he had too much weight to lose and didn't recommend it.  My insurance doesn't pay for the sleeve.  He did play football and as hard as he worked out, he only got to 230lbs and that was 3yrs ago.  He partially tore his patella tendon so running, biking and sometimes walking for long periods of time are very painful for him.  He won't go to weigh****chers.  He has gone to two symposiums with me and I talk to him all the time about the requirements to stay healthy.  He has started taking vitamins so he is getting use to that.  We had already done some of the pre-surgery requirements and the doctor has submitted the request for surgery.....I am still so nervous for him, but it looks like he is determine to get it.  I will support him of course.  Thanks for your advise, I appreciate it.