21-yr old considering surgery

Nikki, you have gotten a lot of advice from these absolutley wonderful women... I guess since I might be the oldest one here i will tell you what I think... I"m 40 and I have spent the last 20+ years not just over weight but morbidly overweight. I have so many "lost years" because I was to fat to enjoy them. THere's so many things that have happened in my life good and bad that I wouldnt change because I feel they are what shaped who I am today. My only true regret is that I didnt live my life in a healthier body. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more... I wish I could have had this surgery when I was in my 20's. I am going to be having the lap band done, just because I feel that its safer. That is my opinion and what I feel is right for me. My only advice is research each surgery the RNY and the Lap Band. Go to the Lap Band board and post questions to those who have had it. Everyone is great and really helped me to decide on the Band. Post questions about the surgery on the Main board too. Marsha is a great spokeswoman for the RNY and she can give you oodles off info. Southern bandgirl is a great source for info on the Lap Band also. Good luck with your decision. Just keep in mind you can never get back lost years living in a self imposed toom of Fat. You'll be great!!! Good luck with your decision... Debby

Hi Nikki - I live in Plainfield/Joliet area not far from you. I also have a very similar background as you with the weight issue. I was 370 before surgery, 5'6". I am 26 years old. I had many issues that brought me to the conclusion of getting the surgery. I am only 9 days post op right now. Friday will be my first pre op appointment at the surgen. (WISH center is where I had my surgery done). I had hypertension, PCOS, depression, sleep apnea etc, etc. Belive me, if I knew ealier that I could have this done and not have been so scared, I would have done it a long time ago. Since having surgery on the 17th of June this year, I am already off of my blood pressure medication. I have not had one high reading at all since I have been home. It is amazing that just that short time has already taken me off of those medications. I must admit it is hard at times because I want to eat different foods. (right now eatting consists of boost shakes, milk and more boost shakes!)I smell other foods and my mind says I want them, but I am not really hungry. I couldn't even really tell you what truely being hungry feels like anymore. I also have lost 3 inches from my waist since the surgery. The website has been a God send to me with reading every thing and looking at before and after pictures. It really keeps me motivated. I hope you find motivation as well in the site. Don't let anyone tell you not to do it, that is your decision, and your decision alone. No one can truely understand how you are feeling. You know you body, listen to it. If you would like to talk at all please email me.