to young

ive been having ppl tellin me that im to young for gastric bypass im 18 i dont think im too young... wat should i do??

Hi Tanya, what does your doctor suggest? I would start out talking with your pcp and then if he deems appropriate contact the surgeon to get his opinion. Other than that I would think 18 is plenty old enough. The only reason I can think of people saying 18 is too young it IS a complete lifestyle change. I am 32 and honestly if I had had this when I was younger than 27 or so I probably would have failed. I was not ready for it then. Hope this helps!

I agree with you. I am 33 and have been considering this for several years. I was not sure if I was ready for and could handle the lifestyle changes. When I was younger...no way. Honestly I always thought of myself as one of those "overwight healthy" people. For years I thought that I did not have any physical or medical complications (boy was I wrong) from my weight only psychological or social problems. But now that I am older, I am having several complications from being obese, and ready to commit to a lifestyle change like surgery, I feel that I can adapt and handle it better. Two things I would tell you Tanya...First follow your heart, and if you pray and believe in God, listen and follow his guidance, that is always a sure win. Second, listen to your PCP, for the most part they will not lead you down the wrong path, sometimes they are looking at a bigger picture then what we can see. Good luck to you, and think critically about your decisions. Angela

Tanya: Our surgeons have performed laparoscopic gastric bypass on patients under 18, but there are many, many considerations for this age group. We have an extensive education process and patients have to pass two tests prior to surgery to proceed with an 87% score on each test. We have to know that you know and understand what the lifestyle changes and demands will be. The patient must pass a psychological evaluation by the program psychologist. They are looking to see if you understand the adjustments necessary, and have realistic expectations regarding these changes. They are looking to see if you have a support sytem to help you, that you are motivated and will be compliant in needed changes. They need to know that you don't have additional stressors in your life that may complicate or interfere with your success, among other things. Support System: everyone will need support following WLS, and we need to know that you have that available, as the changes required can be overwhelming at best. Compliance and Motivation: Unfortunately, the 18 and under age group have a history of non-compliance in everyday life. This would be concerning following gastric bypass. Rules have to be followed and the patient has to be motivated for the best outcome, otherwise serious complications including death could result. Criteria: The patient has to meet NIH criteria for WLS. We certainly do not do this procedure for cosmetic reasons, and it is done to improve one's health. If you have a BMI of 40 or greater, have been obese at least 5 years, and have a medical condition such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc...then you might possibly be a candidate for surgery. WLS should be a last resort to lose weight, and a strong, documented diet history is evaluated. Lifestyle training might be a consideration to help you lose weight and keep it off. 1 in 200 bypass patients die (national average), so it should definately be a last resort effort. Good luck in your decision. Cathi Roskind, RN Education/Support Coordinator The Bariatric Center at Georgetown