Too young for surgery?

 Hi, I hope this is the right place to post this. 

I'm 19, and very much over-weight. As many people, I've been struggling with it for quite literaly my whole life. My teenage years were plagued by nothing but the next diet fad, or the newest workout routine and to no avail. At 5'6 and almost 250 pounds, Its getting out of hand. 

For the past few years I've been contemplating surgery with my mother. Who believes I will struggle, and be in pain. She also believes that I am too young for this. 

I on the otherhand, believe being young and doing this is a much lesser risk to those who have the surgery at a later age, since the recovery time would be faster. Although, I do not know how my body will react.

LAP BAND seems to be the best option for my weight loss goal. And what hope I have on getting my life back on track before I fall off completely. 

Id appreciate any feedback from you guys. Thanks in advance. 

Hi,

Welcome, I would suggest you look around at all the forums. Look at the risks and side effects of each surgery. Good Luck in your journey.

Hi, it's nice to "meet" you. Please take what I say as trying to help you... and concern for you.

The lapband is very damaging to most people. It's really not safer and it's certainly less effective. It's NOT a good long term solution. If you'd like to avoid multiple surgeries, choose wisely from the beginning.

Please read the Revisions forum. You'll see a common theme... band complications and removal/ revision.  

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/revision/a,messageboard/bo ard_id,5360/

As part of your research, Google-- lapband + Vagus nerves. Or lapband + left shoulder referred pain. It's a very common side effect with banding. Mine never went away and I lived in agonizing chronic pain.

Good luck to you and I hope you'll research a lot before making a decision. I wish you the best.

 Honestly, even though I am very happy with my band, I would not recommend it to someone so young.

A band at your age would certainly mean additional surgeries for you in the future...... It is pretty far-fetched to think that a single band will last your life time.
there are safer, less risky procedures.  

Please research all of your options.

The VSG appears to be a very good choice ... I would suggest talking with your primary care physician and a bariatric surgeon or 2.

You could even see if there is a local weight loss surgery group you can attend and speak with patients in your area who can suggest surgeons and give you an idea of how their lives are post op.

Good luck!!

I do NOT think you are to young for a bariatric surgery , it would just be a matter of which one.

With the band I did not have restriction for 9 months.
Choose your doc wisely , as you will see him/her every month , you will HAVE TO take charge of your own health care and be very educated about the band. Aftercare is extremely important so make sure your insurance allows you to go to a doc close to home.

Look at all the surgeries , if you are looking for restriction only the sleeve is worth looking at.

But no I do not think 19 , if you are mature ( which it sounds like you are ) is to you for surgery , I do think however that you have to be prepared for the band as it can be one of the most difficult and emotional to manage surgeries.
Best wishes

 Welcome to the board.  First of all, there are a few younger bandsters on the board (I have seen posts from many in their early 20's).  I had my band placed when I was 27.  I am shocked to see that posters are replying that the band isn't the best surgery for you.  YOU are the only one who can make that decision.  Because of your age I believe that the band would be a great choice for you and unlike what some previous posters have said, it is one of the safer proceudres and less invasive.  All the WLS have their risks and complications but many believe that their surgery is the best and try to sway you.  As for the band not lasting your lifetime, what proof do they have of that?  I was told Allergan would stand by their product 100%.  Good luck on your journey whatever decision you make.  :) 

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/lap-band-surgery-half- patients-complications/story?id=13187452



http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1421324/



It's been nearly 10 years since I got my band... and about 8 since it was removed... and I've watched friends go through the same things over and over and over. No one is immune from the complications.. and the more 'corrective' surgeries a body undergoes, the more adhesions form... which are problematic, as well.

 I wouldn't choose a band at 19 yrs old.  VSG might be a great option, since it helps with volume eaters...if your issue is portion control, it might be the answer.

I've had my band 27 months, started having complications about a year ago, finally had a complete unfill 2 months ago.  My symptoms aren't completely resolved, but are improved and I've lost some weight since then.  I only had 3.5 cc in my 11 cc band, but the stomach tissue is gathered up inside the band, creating a small stoma.  The doctor also suspects scar tissue has formed there too, holding the tissue in place.  I just hope with the band loose, my stomach will relax and allow the stoma to enlarge a bit.

The problem with bands, even if you follow all the rules, is that unless you take an hour to eat your meal, food will back up into your esophagus, causing damage.  The pouch is only about 1-2 oz capacity.  All the peristalsis, your stomach trying to push food through, is what I think causes the scar tissue...it's working against a foreign object.

Please consider all your options.

Good luck to you!

 Thank you so much everyone for the very insightful and thoughtful responses. I apreciate every single suggestion. 

Tomorrow is my consultation with the Doctor that would do the surgery, I plan to really discuss my options for the weight loss. 

I have been researching a lot more on VSG and quite possibly leaning towards that, and I see that with any of these extreme surgeries, they do not come without their share of risks.