Looking for inspiration

Hi, my name is Raychelle and I'm looking for any success stories or inspiration for younger WLS patients. I'm 5ft 8 1/2in and pretty close to 300lbs, I think my BMI was 42 last I checked. I'm 18 and am hoping to be approved and have surgery this summer but I don't know anyone my age who is having this done. If anyone wants to keep in touch, my email is [email protected]

Hi Raychelle! Well, I am not yet a sucess story...but I work with 7 sucesses!!! I recently turned 20 and have been researching WLS since I was a junior in high school. I am 5'9" and started off at 318!! I had surgery March 16th 2004 and am down to 270.I had minimal pain post-op, infact the pain meds they sent me home with I used a total of 2x's!! The best thing about this website it the before and after pictures...it is AMAZING to see people loose 100-300lbs!!! After looking at soooo many of them you can start to picture your self as a happier, thinner person too!! I think it is awesome that you are doing this for yourself at this time. I think the younger the better....I regret not actively persuing this when i graduated from high school. But even at 20 I was walking circles around the other bariatric patients that had surgery the same day as myself. I shocked the doctors, nurses, my family, and friends at how mobile I was the 1st day post-op.I believe younger people can just pop back faster...especially when it is somthing that you have wanted for sooooo long!!! Anywho this is turning into an "opera show"....haha, hope I have been somewhat helpful. If you need anything else feel free to contact me. Annie [email protected] AIM: PretzelAnnieB

Rachelle- Hey there! I would enjoy talking to you! Im 18 and I had surgery a year and a half ago..Ive lost 171 pounds. From a size 28/30 to a size 12. I would love to show you photos and also to encourage you along the way. Im so excited for you. Email me! xxErica [email protected]

Hey Raychelle, My name is Shannon. I am 19 and 5'5, 364. I just recently got approved by insurance for the surgery (Friday in fact) I would love to talk with you and maybe we can give eachother some inspirations you can write me back if you would like. [email protected] Talk to you soon Shannon

Hey Raychelle! I'm Jenny (19 years old) and today (4/20/04) is my 11 month surgrey anniversary! I had my surgery 5/20/03. Since then I have lost 153 lbs!!!!! I started out with a BMI of 74.1... yikes!!!!!... Even though I still have a lot more weight to lose, I'm sure it won't be long until I reach my goal!!!!!! Good Luck!!!!! Email me anytime!!!! Jenny D [email protected] SN: right on AF or NIRVANA0327

Hey, I'm Maggie, I'm 18 years old. Right now I'm about 300 pounds and 5'7, and my surgery is scheduled for may 24. I can't wait til I'm a success story. I have wanted this surery for about 6 years, but I was turned down all the time because of my age. I hope that your approval process goes well.