21-yr old considering surgery

Hi, my name's Nikki and I'm 21-yrs old. I live near Aurora, IL. I just joined yesterday, and I'm looking for some friends who might have a little insight. I'm considering Gastric Bypass, but I'm a little hesitant because of my age. The facts are these though - I'm 5'5" & 310-lbs w/a BMI of 51.6. I'm swimming in dangerous territory here. I've tried every diet on the market (and then some) and can never seem to lose more than 10-lbs (which I inevitably gain back). I've been overweight/obese for as long as I can remember. I haven't been under 200-lbs since I was 13. At the rate I gain weight, I'm afraid I'll be 400-lbs by my 30th birthday. I feel that surgery may be one of my last options. I get tired easily, have had severe depression for more than 5-yrs, and in the last year I've had many joint and muscle problems (including a rare disease that almost caused death and a broken foot, all within 6-mos). I have plenty of friends, but none of them are supportive of this. They don't seem to understand how hard I try, and don't see anything wrong with me. I can't talk to them about any of this. I would really enjoy some responses, especially from people who are, or have been, in a similar situation. Thanks, Nikki

Hi Nikki, I'm Marsha I am 27 years old and had surgery 1 year and 1 week ago today i have lost 147 pounds with no complication other then having my gallbladder out 3 months to the date of my gastric bypass. If you need someone to talk to you have came to the right place. I do have yahoo and aol names on both are shrinkingwoman04. I am also a photo volunteer for this sight and even started the #2 obesityhelp support group in Southern IL. I have no kids but we are trying now. If i dont get pg in 6 month i will have palstic surgery on my legs and arms. Welcome aboard please ask any question you have

Hi! and Welcome! My name is Amanda, I am also 21 years old. I don't live far from you either I will be done with my pre-op testing tomorrow, and my surgeon is Dr. Shayani in Maywood (Loyola). I am (hopefully) going to be having the Lap Band. Please feel free to ask me anything and even email me, I'm always online WAY too much! I've also been overweight my entire life....I don't even remember when I hit 200!? Oh well, I hope to get to know you! Amanda

Nikki, Hi I'm Jenn and I live in Lombard, not too far from you. I'm 27 with a BMI in the mid 50's. We have a similar backround as far as obesity goes. I currently weigh 370 and I'm 5 ft 11. I was just diagnosed with Diabetes and Hypertension. I have been researching weight loss surgery for 4 years now and wished I had done it YEARS ago, before I developed these life threatening illnesses. If you ever want to talk I'd love to! you can reach me on aol @ bettieblowtorch ( I know the name is weird, hehe ) Or you can always email me by clicking the email button on the bottom of this lil box. I wish you luck, you have really found the right place to begin your search! ~Jenn

Thanks so much for replying. So you have a surgery scheduled yet? If not, do you know where you plan to go? I'm almost positive I'm going to do it. I'm going to a seminar in a few weeks and I'll probably make my final decision then. Surgery seems extreme and scary, but not as scary as my health could be soon. I have another question - how do I keep a journal on here? I'm still trying to get around this site. I see everyone else has journals. I also want to post pictures, but I think I can figure that out. Help me if ya can. Thanks again, Nikki PS - Betty Page is like the hottest woman alive. You rock.

Nikki, I am having surgery in August *keeping my fingers crossed* at Evanston Northwestern hospital. I feel that Dr. Frantzides is the best in his field and he has the numbers to prove it. He does all types of surgeries including RNY, DS, DS/BPD and Lap Band. You can research all of these surgeries on this site, it's a wealth of information! You can also research different surgeons on here to decide who you want to go through for a consultation. Usually the surgeon will let you know what he thinks is the best surgery for you. For instance, I am having the RNY because I am a binge/emotional eater and I am addicted to carbs and sweets. The RNY has a few features that will not allow me to binge without consequences, restriction is not enough for me, I need to have "dumping syndrome" and malabsorption to "keep me in line". As far as the journal goes I am still trying to figure it out, hehe. I'll ask around and let you know what I find out! I wish I did this when I was 21 but it's never too late Like I said if you EVER need to talk i'm here for ya! And you're a Betty Page fan? Rock on! ~Jenn

You live in Lombard??? I grew up in Addison with alot of friends in Villa Park and Lombard...how weird! What surgoen group are you working with?? I couldn't find any who operate at Elmhurst hospital which is the hospital I prefer..

I live in Lombard, but grew up near you in Melrose Park, we moved to Lombard 15 years ago when I was 12. I was actually born @ Elmhurst hospital! I'm working with Dr. Frantzides, he is the head of minimally invasive surgery @ Evanston Northwerstern hospital. I don't think I could ask for a better surgeon. Granted, it is a ways away but it is a GREAT hospital. ~Jenn

Alright...keeping a "journal".... Go to the "Your Profile" up top and log in. On the page that pops up, scroll down a tiny bit to the "General Info" Inside there, there is the "comments" section. That's where you keep your journal! Amanda

Hi Nicole, Don't let your age stop you from having surgery if you feel that it's right for you. Also, many times friends are not supportive because they don't know enough about the risks of staying obese and the benefits of surgery. There's been so much in the tabloids lately about Carnie Wilson gaining back 20 lbs. but that's just not true. Someone on the main message board saw her in person the day she was on Jay Leno and said that the camera does add 20 lbs. Carnie does admit to adding back 10 lbs. but that's because she's a party girl. Besides, that's normal. Once you reach your goal, your weight will fluctuate 10-15 lbs. Educate your friends, if they'll listen. If they won't, are they really your friends? If they are, they will care about how you are feeling. I'll be 31 in July and wish I had the surgery back when I was in my early 20's. What a difference that last 10 or so years would have been. I had RNY on 4/27/04 and am down 37.5 lbs. I don't regret a minute of it. But don't get me wrong...This surgery is NOT the easy way out. It's been difficult. Make sure you find out why you eat. Is it because you're truly hungry, is it because you're depressed and food is a comfort, is it because of boredom? You need to find out what makes you eat and if necessary work with a counselor both before and after surgery to help you deal with your mental issues and get past them. I used to eat out of boredom. I've gotten over that pretty quickly though. I don't eat unless I'm hungry. (I'm one of what appears to be few who actually feel hunger at 8 weeks post-op). Also, make sure you do aLOT of research so that you and your family know all the risks of both the surgery and obesity itself. There are risks to the surgery, but if you don't have surgery, you have a higher risk of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Not to mention the stress on your joints which it sounds like you're already experiencing. Do your homework and go to the main board where people post more often. Ask questions of people who have had the different types of surgeries and talk to your doctor to try to determine which surgery would be best for you. I did RNY because I felt that if I only had the lap band, a. I wouldn't lose fast enough to be happy and b. I didn't want something I could eat around (the lap band is pretty useless once you figrure out how to beat it by drinking shakes and other liquids). I didn't feel I had the will power for the lap band, but you may be different. Take care, and if you have any more questions, feel free to email me. Jeanette