Scared that I'm too young!

I'm scared that I'm too young to this RNY surgery stuff! I keep going forth between the Lap Band and the RNY. I just can't decide. My aunt, who is in her 40's has the RNY over one year ago and looks great! But I"m so nervous about doing this 'forever'. What if my stomach is not supposed to be rerouted...what if I'd live longer if I didn't do this surgery (I dont have any comorbitities)? Has anyone discussed their age with their doctor? What was their response? Any input into the 'long term' consequences of having WLS so young? Jennie

Hi Jennie! No your not TOO YOUNG!! I myself just turned 24 Aug 31st and went to my consult in OCt and the Doc said I am at the perfect age. He said he wished that half his patients did come in at a younger age, it makes the surgery that much more successful!! Our skin is much younger and easier to stretch back in our bodies as oppose to an older lady that's skin has been stretched for 40 years. He said its also a lot better that we get our health in check at a younger age because it will eliminate all the possible complications with the surgery itself. So don't second guess yourself this will be one of the best things you could possibly do for your body!!! If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to e-mail me. I am also a pre-op and am looking at surgery in Feb!! Good Luck! ~nancy

Jennie, Hi! I'm 26 I was 25 when I had RNY...it took me three years to decide if I should have it or not. I kept going back and forth of why can't I just get the weight off myself. When I finally made my decison I knew it was time and it was the right one for me. It is major surgery and yes things can happen...but it is a risk you run with any surgery. I will be honest with you I don't regret ever doing this. I am just about 10 months out and would go through it again in a heartbeat. I had a small complication during surgery so my time in the operating room was longer. I stayed a extra day in the hospital. My iron for some reason never stays where it should therefore I take iron now 3 times a day. Do I mind nope....would I trade it nope... Let me tell you though now for the first time in my life my body matches what I always felt like. I no longer hurt like I used to, my body is just an awesome thing that I am so thankful for. I enjoy life so much not that I didn't before but no there is no limits. I never think about if I'm going to fit into a chair or if I'm going to get some rude comment made to me. It is your decison and no one elses to make. However being young we bounce back a little easier then older people. When it comes to the skin though that is depending on a lot. I do have quite a bit of extra skin but then again I was heavy most of my life so it's not just going to pop back. I wish you the best of luck! Michelle 339/202 -136lbs!!!

How old are you.... may i ask??? I have talked to so many people that are older and they all wish they would have done it younger than they did. Why live life in pain and frustration if you don't have to.. ya know?? Well i am 22 years old, i am 3 months out from surgery and OMG... i couldn't tell you how much more better i feel. Thi is such an amazing process, if you can, do it! Check out my profile and you can read more on me. Where i came from and if you have any questions don't hesitate to email me at anytime. Take Care, Lisa

I'm 24. I've been thinking about this WLS stuff since I was 22, and since that time i've gained 20lbs. I'm planning for a May surgery, when I'm done with school for the semester. I'm just really hesitant that somehow this isn't right for me, because I'm so YOUNG and its so PERMANENT. Its just so scary, I keep going back and forth and asking myself, 'am I going to regret it?" Just the other day, I was sad because I thought that this upcoming Thanksgiving would be my last 'feast'. What if my stomach won't tolerate mashed potatoes and turkey. I guess i'm scared of losing food...which is something that really frightens the **** out of me, and something that I know I need to see a counselor for. I talked to my brother about all this the other day. He says I'm just looking for a way to 'get out of it and not go through with WLS'. Maybe he's right, maybe I'm just scared. I'm just having a hard time focusing on the positive and a really easy time focusing on the negative. Whew. Sorry for blabbing, but thanks for listening. Jennie

Jennie~ Ya know, when i was in your shoes i thought i would never eat the same. And i was accepting of that. Now that i am on the other side of it.... i can eat just about anything i want. I mean, i don't eat anything over 10 grams of fat or 5 grams of sugar. I learned alot in this process. Before i had the surgery i saw a dietition, psych, doctor...ect... It really helps and i still see them to this day. Not that i think i really need to but it's just nice. And plus with check ups. Right before nad right after you are going to ask yourself.. what the hell did i do this to myself for??? And to tell you the honest truth.. you WILL find out. Even if it takes awhile. Ask anyone... would they do this again... HELL YEAH! I know this one girl who had soooooo many problems and she said she would do it again in a heart beat. Well I am gonna go now. Hope to hear from you. Take Care, Lisa

Jennie, I am six and a half weeks post op and I just started to eat regular food. My boyfriend likes to eat out a lot and he was worried he would lose his eating companion. For a few weeks, yeah you will be limited to what you can eat, but after weeks of not eating certain things when you finally can eat them, you'll appreciate them so much more. I never thought I'd be excited about eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I enjoy food more now than I did beforehand. I can't eat a lot of food or eat really fast but I can eat pretty much what I want (besides sugar) The sugar isn't even that big of a problem because they have so many things now that are sugar free--even tastycakes! I though I would never be able to survive on such a small amount of food but its like magic. I eat 3/4 cup of food and I'm full and I stop eating. I would get full beofre but i'd keep eating. I don't know what it is but I actually am content with what I ate and I can stop. Sometimes I get hungry for sweets but thats what the sugarfree stuff is for. I agree with what the other ladies told you about age. My mom had the surgery when she was 41 and she encouraged me to have it done when I did. She did not want to see me struggle with my weight for 20 more years. Surgery is scary and permanent but its better than struggling with your weight and being uncomfortable in your own skin. I have lost 23 pounds so far and it's amazing how different I feel about myself already. Its not worth the grief and distress caused but having to struggle with your weight for 20 more years.I am realizing now that there were things my weight has kept me from doing and I didn't even know it. But I can and do do them now! Its amazing. And totally worth it. Our youth, I'm sure, has helped all of us recover sooner than older patients and getting in control of our weight at a younger age will help us live longer healthier lives. Good luck making your decision. I'm sure you will do whats best for you at this time. Gen

Hi there! I am now 25...but had RNY last year. I feel great....no complications...I think its the best thing I could have done for myself. I have lost about 120 pounds.......hopefuly more to come. If you have any other questions....shoot me an email! Take care! Leigh Ann

Hey Jenn! Don't be worried! I am only 19, turning 20 November 28th!! I intend to have this surgery before I turn 21 if I have anything to do with it! Just know that you will have tremendous support from the message boards if and when you decide to have the surgery. It's a big step and you have a right to be nervous, but really, look at all of the smiley happy faces of the post-op community! They would have had the surgery over again in a heart beat! You may live longer without the surgery-who knows, but will you be able to live as happily or live your life to the fullest at the weight you are now? Those are things to ponder and know that if you want someone to talk to, my email is [email protected].

I've gotta agree with everybody...why should I wait a few years and just regret that I didn't "take back my life" sooner. I am psyched that I do not feel the need to engorge myself anymore. I can be in social situations and not be embarrassed for the amount of food I eat. This is hands down the best decision I made I am 170 now (from 249 May 31) and let me tell you how good it feels to put on size medium tops and 12 pants. Of course I didn't want to wait to get comorbidities... high blod pressure and diabetes were almost certain on the path I was on. Of course this surg isn't for everyone but you can gain control and enjoy life more. Good Luck to you!!!