Angela, I want to tell you first off, that you are a great mother, for being so supportive. I also am 16, but weight a lot more than your teen, and my parents don't want anything to do with my decision. For my insurance, which is OHIP, because I am Canadian, you have to have a certian BMI [body mass index]. It's around 50, so I've been stuffing my face with food so that I can get approved. Not a good idea. However, every insurace is different. Also, when applying for your insurance, you may need to provide them with a hospital - The Clevland Clinic does youth surgery. I hate how no one truly understands what's it like to be an obese teen these days. We can't go clothes shopping with friends. We in genreal don't like to hang out in public, because people point, laugh and stare like you have something written on your forehead. No one wants to be friends with the "fat person" because status is everything. Haniging out with a fat person, may ruin ones reputation. Although in Canada, I don't think it's too much of a problem, but when I see videos of High Schools in America, I just feel blessed that I don't have to deal with that. I would so apply for insurance before it get's too late. She's at the perfect age where her skin is going to be very eleasticy, and will a lot of energy to work out and what not. Whatever you decide to do, good luck, and if you need any opinions from a teens perspective, just let me know! Good luck.

Hey guys! I began the process of my surgery last summer but then chickened out, and thought I could do it myself. Well as you can see here I am again. I am still a little nervous about everything. I think the main thing I am concerned about is getting approved. I am 5'5 and weigh 270 and I have bc/bs of alabama. If anyone has any tips or advice, It would really help!!!

Hi i had wls on 4-16-2004 i lost from 278 to 135. Problem i now feel guilty my teen is also overweight 220 she is 16 we are working on getting this for her but dr. ins co and family act like teens dont deserve this chance at a new better life its so much harder for her than it was for me she has had to go through way more. I pray everyday it works but have a hard time understanding as a wls patient myself why everyone is so against it for teens she is vey mature which i belive is the most important thing any response or support is hlpful thanks

Hey Nichole! Soo.. I was reading your little page thing about you, and seriously.. our stories are vrtually the same! Except, I didn't end up being homeschooled, I transferred out of my public high school to a small boarding school a few hrs away from where my family lived. It's a crazy, ironic world! Have a fab weekend!

I'm in the process of getting surgery. There is a site called www.lapbandtalk.com who are all people who've had the AGB (Lap Band) or who are in the process of getting it. Since I'm 17 I may have to wait 3 months until my consult. So good luck girl!!