I don't know how to feel about this.....

Dana, Okay here's a man point of view and mind you i have no children to speak of so this is from me own personal experiences, so excuse me if it may sound off the mark. At age 16 i felt i was getting to the point of no return, the more i gained, the more i dieted, the more i dieted, the more i failed, once i felt i had enough off, i fell back to my old ways, i went to Weigh****chers so many time by the time i was 20, i felt i should have been a lifetime member, seems funny but nothing to laugh about. Everytime i saw someone heavier then me, i used to say that would never be me, but yet i was headed in that direction. Then when i turned 21 i knew i was on a crash course, i kept eating to suffice certain situations. I started to see someone i didnt like but food was my outlet. I dont have the answers, if i did i wouldnt be here where i am now, yeah i enjoyed my first 20 years abusing my body with eating too much, then diabetes came along and if it wasnt for the surgery, i would probably be on dialysis by now, or on my way to a heart attack or stroke. I suggest you attend weight loss classes with your daughter and Husband if you can get him to go, if your daughter sees that you both support her, she will consider trying it on her own before she makes a life altering change. I love my family and friends, but its one thing to have support and another to always hear "should you be eating that" actions are truly more then words. I wish you the best of luck helping your daughter decide on whats right for her. I wish i had the answers, but i dont, all i or anyone else can do is show you that we support you and your daughter. Maybe she should talk to others who have had the surgery other then yourself. Perhaps this will enlighten her of whats to come. Somethings she should consider, No more chocolate, sodas, gum, alcohol when shes 21,raw sugar, fruit juices, eating or drinking at the same time, and thats just some of what most of us cant tolerate. From a concerned and caring friend... Kenn

Dana, My 18-year daughter is also morbidly obese with many co-morbidities. We struggle with how how to improve her life. Ultimately the decisions she makes have to come from her. My wife and I give her guidance, sponsor her membership in gyms, Weigh****chers, etal. She has not indicated interest in surgical options yet, but I am sure that the option has crossed her mind. I am not sure anyone can tell you what age it is appropriate to have the surgery. Since I waited till 50 maybe that it is the right age, for others it might be 40, still others 16. Actually once my daughter finishes college, the decision will be totally in her hands, since she will be on her own insurance carrier at that point, and living on her own. I like you will support whatever decision she makes to improve her health, and will help to educate her in making the best decisions. I do know that I ultimately want her to be healthy and happy. Since obesity is going to be a lifelong struggle for her (as it is for me) I want to make sure she is smart and ready for the dedication required to make life changes. Your bud, Rob

Dana, I have your daughter, you and your hubby in my prayers. You got the best advice already from the post's before me. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Dana, This Thurs at the support meeting at Concordia Church a young lady is supposed to tell her story. She had the band July 12 just before leaving for her freshman year of college. She is doing really well (down almost 100 pounds and straight A's to boot!!) I know Christine and I know she would love to talk to other people her own age. Her mom ( who does not have a weight problem) was just as afraid and just as supportive as you seem to be. Perhaps talking to them might help. (Elissa just recently posted the list of support meetings.....I believe this particular meeting starts at 7-the meeting for the second Thursday of the month at Concordia Church on Silverside Rd) Just a thought... Karen Ventresca