I have no idea where to start and i NEED help

Hello.
After Being over weight for probably my whole life and trying every diet under the sun I feel that surgery is rapidly becoming my last and only hope.  I am 17 years old about 5'4 and i weigh 245.  I really have NO idea where to even begin with the surgery i have read about many different types and done some research but if any one could help point me in the right direction i would REALLY appreciate it. My E-mail adress is [email protected] if you would like to Email me or you could just reply on here. But any advice would help me out a lot!!!
=]
Thanks!!!

Hi Alyssa

You have found a wonderful site to gain knowledge about weight loss and surgery and make a decision on what could be helpful to you.  I would encourage you to go to the different surgery boards and ask questions and read.  Knowledge is power.  This is a huge decision that will effect you greatly.  You should talk to your general practitioner about your weight and your possible decision to have weight loss surgery.  You also need a support system within your family and close friends.  Start early with the process of having things documented by your doctor as far as any problems you may already have related to your weight, documentation of any tried and failed diets and appointements should be well documented at this point it is very important due to insurance approval.  It is usually easier to gain approval once you are 18  so it is good that you are close.  I would check and see where the closest bariatric program is to you and set up a time to go to a seminar for a fact finding mission...take your family member who is going to be your supporter with you.  I think this should get you started.  This is a journey and can be frustrating and some things take time and it is so important to make informed decisions.  I wish you many blessings on your journey and applaud you for taking control of your life and health.  Feel free to IM me if you have any questions.

Take Care

 Hi! i had the same problem. I am 18 now but i started researching surgery on my own when i was 17. i still haven't gotten approved, but i did all my research and then finally worked up the courage to ask my mom to take me to my doctor so we could discuss the process of me getting surgery. But the main thing you have to do is make sure your parents or whoever you are going to need to get this surgery is supportive and just educate them and yourself of every aspect good and especially bad, of these surgeries.
good luck!

Going to siminars realy help you decide what you would want. This is all a life changing event. I thought about lap band when i first started. After looking at the boards and talking with people i decided gastric bypass was a better option considering I may not want to stay in texas and dont want to have to look for a dr. to do my fills. my surgern said the best surgens are the ones that offer all the weight loss procedures not the ones who only offer one type. so good luck with your desion making and hope you get approvial.

Hi, don't fret, I felt very overwhelmed when I first started looking in RNY 5 or 6 yrs ago.  .  .

Best thing is to go see your doc.  If your not tied into an HMO (I had flexibility and didn't have to see primary care first).  I went straight to a GASTRIC BYPASS surgeon.  His staff took care of all paperwork for me, and after the initial consult, I received a notice 1-2 wks later w/an approval for the surgery.

If your 17, you might have age restrictions, but like I said, go see your doc first.