Im a child that needs help

My name is Samantha Cole. I live in Huntsville AL. I'm a 14 year old girl. I weigh 265 and I am 5'4. I have calculated my BMI and my number was (45), Morbid Obesity. Which means i qualify for Bariatric Surgery. I have done tones of research and know all of the risks of this type of surgery as well as any type of surgery. Obviously I would not turn to surgery unless it was my last resort. I have been on a diet for two months and under the watch of my mother which was out of work for that period of time due to  her surgery on her broken knee. I did not lose any weight. I gained 10 pounds. I have been to the doctor and I am retaining fluid. This started in my feet and has moved up my body. If I am to press on certain parts of my body for a few seconds there will be a 'dent' where I did, for several minutes. I have learned from research that from this, the fluid can move to your heart and kill you. I have suffered from severe depression because of my weight. I think this surgery would not only help me with my self esteem but also my learning ability at school from not constantly worrying about what people around me are saying. I hate comming home from school and crying everyday. I would like to know if I qualify in your terms. I've tried calling surgeons to see if I was able to get surgery and all said no because of my age. When I die they will feel extremly bad.

There aren't a lot of surgeons who will do surgery on a 14 year old due to age, and the fact that they're still growing. If you're having water retention you need to be referred to a doctor that can treat this. This is how a friend of mines lymphedema started which is something you don't want. My suggestion is to get tested for PCOS just to see if that's causing your weight gain, or is causing you to have a harder time losing weight. You could also continue to call around, but you will most likely have a hard time finding a surgeon to do surgery on a 14 year old. I would start out looking for referrals to nutritionist, gyn's, etc. So when you turn 15/16 you'll have an easier time getting approved. =-D  I wish you the best!

Thank you for your reply back. Well I've been to the docter and they have put me on water pills for the gaining weight problem

Dear Samantha,
I hear your suffering. The good news is that there is a comprehensive pediatric weight management program just an hour's drive away in Birmingham. They DO perform surgery for qualified teens and have a wonderful team. But there are alot of considerations that they have to take into account for a young person! Have you tried calling Dr. Harmon's office at the Children's Hospital? His number is 205-939-9688. His nurse is Beverly, and her email is [email protected]

Tell them I said hello!

Let me know if there is any more information that you or your family need.

Warmest regards,
tom inge

Thank you so much. You probally just saved my life. Thanks for taking your time to email me back. We will call Dr. Harmon

Samantha Cole

Hey hun send all your questions to [email protected]  They have proformed sugery on teens before but let me sugest looking into lapband instead of ryn.  since you are young and growing the band is adjustable.

Being overweight in school is hard but you should not let people control your emotions like that. I'm a senior in high school and weight 250lbs. I still go out and have fun though. I know sometimes you look around and think "are they laughing at me?" Honey, we all do that but 99 times out of 100 they are not.