My teenage son having Lap Banding in two weeks

Hi everyone,,,,,,,,,,I registered some time ago, but haven't posted until now. My 14 year old son is having a lap banding on July 20th. I am waiting for insurance approval for mine also. My name is Sharon, I am 43, and live in Denver. Anyone else have a teenager who has had a Lap Band ?

Hi Sharon. I'm waiting regarding an appeal sent to my insurance company for a lap RNY for myself, however my 15 yr. old son is interested in having something done also. I'm going to see if I'm able to persuade insurance first before I start with him. It's such a difficult time for the guys at this age. I remember how insecure (still am!) and difficult it was to be an obese teenage girl at that age and it is just as hard for the guys. I love him so much and want to help him. Such a shame that the insurance companies hold a tight grip on our very lives. I believe there are quite a few teens listed in the national message board who have had various types of surgery. You may want to check out some of their sites. Please let us know how everything goes with your son's lap band. Leslie D. (hoping for surgery soon)

Hi Leslie,,,,,thanks for such a fast response. My son is a wonderful, attractive young man, but the kids at school have tormented him to tears since 3rd grade. He will be starting High School in August. He is so excited about the surgery he cried he was so happy when the doctor called with his surgery date. He has a great doctor,,,i'm willing to give you his name and number. My son is always looking for friends(they have been few over the years),,,maybe our son's would have some common interests. How old is your son ? My son will be 15 in September. Sharon

I know of what your son has been through, Sharon, and it just isn't right at all. My son went through the same thing, and to top it off, he has an extremely high intelligence scoring which also makes him a 'nerd'! However, my son started high school last year and something seems to happen between 8th grade and 9th grade. Zac has many, many friends and is extremely well liked. Also, he is going on 6' 2" and has played football, although he is more of an intellect than 'jock'. Please know that it does get better for the young men, however that is still no excuse for all of the ridicule and discrimination which they've received. Sharon, my son is also a Sept. baby (17th) and he will be 16 and a sophomore. I'd love to hear more information about his surgeon. Please feel free to email me. Just click on my name and it will take you to my AMOS page. Leslie D. (hoping for surgery soon)

I'm sure Matt's life will get a whole lot better from here on out. His surgeon is Dr. John Bealer at Presbyterian St. Lukes. He is brand new to this type of surgery, so I will let you know how it goes. Right now Matt is pretty miserable drinking slim fast for the 15 days before surgery. Sharon

Oh, Matt, honey you hang in there. In just a few months you will be so very glad that you did. We're all pulling for you and know that you are going to be starting a new, healthy life on 7/20 - yay....a new birthday!!! Sharon, thanks so much for the surgeon info. Presbyterian Hsp. is where my husband had a kidney stone procedure performed several years ago. EVERYONE was EXTREMELY kind, helpful and very caring. I'm hopeful that you and Matt will also have a very good experience through them. Leslie D. (hoping for surgery soon)

Sharon, I had WLS with Dr. Snyder 2-3-04. I know your post was for Leslie intially but I had to jump in and say I have a 14 year old son who is over weight and doesn't have many friends. Right now WLS is not an option for him. Anyway maybe he and your son can see if they have any common interests? I am always searching for things for him to do to make more friends. He will be 15 next June. His name is Joshua,, Well hope to hear from you soon, Michelle

Hi Michelle, Thanks for jumping in ! My son Matt will be 15 on September 8th. He is now 8 days from surgery and is doing a FANTASTIC job on dropping some weight before surgery. Need to shrink that liver !!! It's great you had your surgery....would love to hear how you are doing. It would be great for Matt to have a new friend. He really loves participating in Yu Gi Oh tournaments (is pretty darn good), loves Anime and really loves video games. I got him an IPOD for his surgery and he is soooooooooooo enjoying downloading songs on it for his post-op days. It makes it more enjoyable for him to do his walking too. Unfortunately, I am too large to walk with him, but I do go swimming with him and we are very close. He has an appointment with his surgeon today so we will see how the pre-op weight loss is coming. More later

Sharon - Welcome! Please join the colorado bandsters Lap-band support group. We would love to meet and suport you and you son. Congrats on your son's lapband surgery date, I am sure he will do Awesome. If you go to www.yahoo.com, click on "groups" and search for "coloradobandsters" - then join the goup. We meet twice a month for support and one of our meetings is in Aurora. all the info is listed on the group board. Please join us. If I can be of ANY help or support - let me know. Who is your son's surgeon? Good luck and best wishes! Lisa Lap-band support group leader 2-16-04 banded 323/215/280 Dr Kuri TJ Mexico

Thank you for the invite. I'll take you up on it after Matt's surgery. He is already involved in a support group for adolescents. Thanks,,,,Sharon