I think I'm a little late, but here goes: I'm Sarah, 22 (23 on the 25th) and I live in Southern Cali. I had Lapband surgery on July 2nd and I've lost 43 lbs so far. I work for a consulting agency doing the basic office management, and graphics. I'm probably going to need to go to school to get some more graphics knowledge, but I've been able to figure out what I've needed so far as to make things look professional in a decent amount of time. I also like to draw and stuff outside of work. I'd like to create a comic type thing, but the whole story writing thing illudes(sp) me. I'll keep crackin at it tho. Hmmm... I guess that's about it for now. Seems to be alot of us graphics folks on here . Sarah

One? Would love to talk to someone. Anyone! LOL Have a few questions I've been almost dying to ask. Just need a couple comparisons done on myself and another fellow. Anyone interested? I'm not that scary, am I? You can IM me on; AIM: MirageOfAnAngel MSN: bubble_butts_gal@hotmail Yahoo: i_see_stupid_teenies Yeah... someone save me! *thud* Always, Jenn AKA Lully

Hi! I am 27, but I enjoy reading and posting on the Teen Forum because there isn't a 20's forum. I just had Open RNY done on 12-30-04. I had an enlarged spleen when they got in there. It took about 2 hours for my surgery to be completed mainly because they had problems with getting the epidural into my back. I was able to drink lots of water. I don't think that you can drink too much water though. It seemed to go right through me. My surgeon and dietician were always telling me to drink up to 64 ounces of water a day. I was told between 32 and 64 ounces a day is what I should be taking in. I get normally about 52 ounces of water in a day. I always stopped when I felt full too. I was scared of stretching the pouch. I drink thought like you said, almost non stop. Yum, jello. I can't stand to look at jello anymore. I had to eat that for the first two weeks after my surgery then I moved to the full liquids and then the solid foods. I used the Carnation Instant Breakfast drinks and powder. I made sure it was th Carb Control and no added sugar ones though. Plus I just bought the other night some Advant Edge Carb Control shakes. They are okay, only 1 gram of sugar and 15 grams of protein in each 11 ounce serving. I drink one for breakfast. It takes me awhile to drink the whole thing, but I am not a real breakfast eater, so it works well for me. I haven't experienced dumping yet, but I don't really care to either. Hope I was able to help you out a little bit. Congrats on your sugery!!!! Sara

Hello I'm Deanna from Washington state . I'm 17 years old. Right now I am working on getting approved...going pretty good so far. My friend Alyssa just recently got approved and im very happy for her , her and I want to do our surgery together so were waitin for me hehe. I want to get a proximal bypass. I am 216 pounds with many things to go along with it. To name a few I have fibermyalga, high blood pressure, depression, and high blood sugar . My BMI is 40. lol I pretty much have health problems of a 80 year old . My goal weight is 120. Ive been overweight since I was in second grade...it would be so nice to be healthier and be able to go into a store and buy anything I want for clothing . Need someone to talk with IM me ! Love, Deanna

Hey Crimson, Depending on which surgeons you look at will determine if you can be approved, and the biggest reason is probably because of your age. I know when I was doing research that it said 18 yrs. of age or older. But in other news im glad to see that you want to take control of your life. Who knows, with losing weight you could also battle your depression. Weight loss brings more confidence and self respect. First off, I would start out by eliminating all cokes/carbonated drinks/caffeine. This helps alot and you will see a change with just this. Also, try to eliminate sugar and eat much smaller portions. Perhaps living the diet life of a post-op will give you great results with just doing to diet and not the surgery. You are young so your metabolism is higher and more prone to lose weight, so go ahead and start exercising as well. Also, call a few hospitals and see if they offer support groups, its a great way to meet people and share openly about your condition, they will understand and not judge. Good luck and let me know if you need any help. Megan