You can try the 20's board it all 20 somethin's Your close enough ;O)

Hey Megan,

Nice to meet you.  This board doesn't get very much activity, so I may be the only response..lol!  Anyway, I just had my DS on 11/19, and I just turned 20 in July so I am a young'n too.  I am not too sure how insurance companies work in Canada, or if they will cover you going to America for a DS?  I know allot of Canadians go to Dr. L in Michigan for the DS.  Unfortunately I don't know his last name of the top of my head because it's really unique, but anyway that's whom they usually go to. 

While your still pregnant I would go ahead and research as much as you can with all surgeries.  The DS is the best surgery out there no doubt but requires crucial commitment to protein, vitamins, fluids and Dr. Follow ups for the rest of your life.  Being that this is the most malabsorbtive surgical procedure, you don't want to take any chances especially because you are Young.  Secondly, I would call my insurance company (if you have insurance) and see what their requirements are.  I know that most insurance companies will not cover bariatric surgery until you are 18, so you may have to wait until you are 18. 

After finding out if your insurance company will approve your surgery schedule a consult with a DS surgeon.  I am not too sure if there is one in Canada, but you can go to www.duodenalswitch.com and see which DS surgeon is the closest to you.  After the consult you can start the process with insurance weather it be a 6 month diet or any other hoops that they have to get you approved. 

Also, make sure that you are mentally ready as well.  Surgery is a huge step in life and I have been searching since I was 16.  I also didn't have a kid on the way either so make sure that you are mentally focused and prepared to make the right decision at the right time. 

I wish you the best of luck on your journey Megan, I really hope that you are able to get your DS!  Like I said, this board doesn't get very much activity at all.  If you come over to the duodenal switch board, we can give you tons of information that can help you out.  Good Luck to you, and your Baby!

-Brok

I'm 18 and I am having Lap Band on February 2, 2009. I would really love to hear from and see pictures of any teens or mid to late 20 year olds who had the Lap Band and how they liked it and everything. Everyone in the Teen section had had RNY and everyone in the Lap Band senction is much older than me so I would really like to relate to someone!! Thanks so much!!!!

I have a good relationship with my step daughter, she is now 20 and I married her Dad when she was 7.  We had difficult years of course, but now that she is grown and married and a step mom herself she has discovered a whole new appreciation for things.

She is overweight and we have discussed her having WLS.  Her dad had a band a year ago and I am in the process of having one done this year, I hope.  She has weight issues and health issues on both her Mom and Dad's sides and has put on quite abit of weight since she has been with her now husband. 

Open communication is the key.  You are not telling her she is fat, you are telling her you are concerned about her health and you love her.  Let her ask all the questions she needs to.

Best of luck

Debbie

Great idea! I had my surgery and I was 17. Allthough this website provides tons of great information I always and still enjoy hearing teens stories.