21 and Having surgery

Hey Everyone, I went to the Dr.'s last week for my consult, and to start my 6 month diet, and the Dr. seemed consirned that I am only 21 and want to have this surgery. ( I have been obese my whole life, and nearly everyone in my family is as well ) Did anyone elses Dr. seem consirned that you wanted surgery sense we're all kinda younger?

Hey Jacqueline... I'm 24 and when I went for my first consult with the surgeon, she didn't seem "concerned" that I was so young - but she really took a lot of extra time to explain how permanent and life-changing this surgery is. Plus, a lot of complications are possible and the death rate is relatively high when compared to other surgeries. She didn't do it to scare me out of it, but to impress upon me how serious this decision is. I went in with the mindset that I've been obese my entire life and in order for me to live a long and healthier life, I was willing to trade off the weight for the other possible complications. If I have to supplement and take vitamins for the rest of my life, so be it. If I end up anemic, I can take care of that better than I can heart disease. If I end up losing my hair, I'll deal with that better than I would being a diabetic. You have to be willing to trade in the health problems we're due for if we stay obese as we get older....for another set of potential health problems from having WLS. It's sure no easy decision, but to me - getting the weight off will be well worth the effort. By the way, I am just over 2 weeks post-op. I had a rough recovery, but am doing great now and down 15 pounds already. Really think about what you want from this surgery. Talk with your doctor and decide what's best for you!

I didn't want to lose 10 more years of my life only to have the surgery anyway. I am 25 and I didn't want to wait until I am in my 30's/40's/50's like so many do. Most say they wished they did it sooner... take your life back and do it young... in my book there is no better way!!!! Good Luck!

I was barely 19 when I went to my first seminar on the surgery *thats our first step*. I didn't have the surgery untill my mid-20's, but the only thing my doctor was concerned about was my health, not my age. Good Luck!!! Amber Dawn

I was introduced to WLS by my doctor when I was 19 years old and I weighed 300lbs. I chose not to do it at the time for various reasons, but mainly because I did not feel comfortable with surgery at that time. I am now 25 years old and I, along with my doctors, feel like it is my only option. Most doctors I have spoke to feel that it comes down to quality of life and your current health issues rather than your age. The best advise I can give you is to feel comfortable with whoever you choose. Whether it be your PCP, your surgeon, and/or your hospital. There are a ton of Doctors out there that will work with you and help you through this... not to mention all of us. If your doctor is uneasy about your age... get another one who will look at you as an adult trying to improve your quality of life, rather than an overweight 21 year old. In any case, I wish you the very best on your journey.

I was 22 when I went to see my first surgeon (I didnt get the surgery then but it had nothing to do with my age insurance reseans) and there were no problems there are a few people on here that are as young as you and even youger well I wish you all the best Daria

Just the opposite for me! My doc was inspired that I was taking responsibilty for my health at a young age! I had been going to trwo different doc's for almost 4 yrs trying new meds to loose weight because I have torn cartiledge in my knees for a accident that prevented me from doing enough exercise to loose the weight! Hang in there!! and if it makes any sense I would be happy to have a doc that was concerned then a doc that really didn't care about the benifit of his patient!

Hi Jaqueline, My doctors did not seem concerned about my age at all. I was 20 when I first asked about some information, and when I started my 6 month diet. my pcp said that I was the *ideal patient* being so young and in good health besides the obvious. The surgeon said the same, said it is good that I am thinking about getting it now, since I really have no comorbilites, I will heal fast, and likely not have complications.