Hi. i'm 17 also, and will be getting the lap band surgery sometime near my b-day in April. Most surgeons will not do surgery on anyone under 18. They will make you wait until you're 18, but you can get the process started at around 6-4 months before your 18 b-day. Meaning you can go to a seminar, consultation, psych eval, see a nutritionist, ect. thennn by the time it's your 18 b-day you should have the surgery or maybe a few days, or a month later. How many months until your 18 birthday? I'm now only 8 months from my b-day whoo hoo! Good luck to you. If you're soon to be 18 (around 6 months until your 18 b-day) See your pcp see if she believes you should have WLS (band) then get a referral to the surgeon of your chose (make sure your insurer covers this surgeon) see him/her (most likely you have to attend a seminar first. BUT MAKE SURE THAT YOUR INSURER DOES NOT CALL FOR A 2-12 month supervised diet. It's better to start this early. If you already have a dietician see if she will put you on a diet now. Make sure she documents it correctly. Talk to your insurance company and tell them you are looking into getting the Lap band. They should tell you what to do from there. ~*Cole

my last post i stated that I was new..well, since then I have gotten a reply to that post ,but cant figure out how to read the reply. I dont know if there is internal email or not.. or even if thats how you check it. Ive clicked ont he post, but the replies dont show. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME! Email me at [email protected]. thank you sincerely, Vanessa

It says I have 1 reply, but I cant figure out how to get to it..

Hey, I would definatly look into your insurance unless you plan to pay for it yourself. Some insurance companies require that you do a 3-12 month doctor supervised diet. Meaning you meet a nutritionist and doctor once a month. My insurance company didnt require me to but the hospital that I am going to go through did. I havn't had surgery yet but I have a date August 17th. Losing your hair isnt that bad either, my mom had the surgery 3 1/2 years ago and she did lose alot but nothing visibly noticable and she has it all back now. I'm 17 and 260lbs. I've wanted surgery since I was 12 and I have been in the actual process of getting surgery for a year. If you want you can read all about my "journey" at www.kylieswls.blogspot.com Take care!!!!

LOL wooohoo, I don't picture Canadians as having accents. But I guess we do! Especially in Quebec and Newfoundland! I didn't diet, I should have - but it never worked for me before and even though I was waiting for surgery, I never believed I'd be able to have it. I guess I got a little depressed about it and gave up, you know? I wish I atleast started working out a bit before. Live and Learn!