Question:
is there anyone who has had or is considering having wls between 20-25>

I am wanting to know if anyone between the ages of 20-25 have had or are considering wls,? I really am needing advise I dont know anyone personally who has had? were there complications with you age? did you skin go back? how long were you in and what type did you have????    — cara G. (posted on August 5, 2004)

August 5, 2004
Cara, I was 22 had my open RNY surgery (10/18/01). I was in the hospital for five days. No complications no real pain either more like a soreness. My starting weight was 382 pounds and I'm not at about 215-225 pounds depending on the day. By me being so big for so long my skin was extremely stretched out. I'm having a tummy tuck,lipo, and an arm lift in about two weeks..so maybe that will take off another 10 pounds or so. I'm at the point where I'm comfortable with my body. I like my thighs, and I love my butt(get's me alot of free drinks and free gas..LOL). Once you have the surgery try to be as active as possible by doing so your weight loss will be better. Take care and good luck Michelle
   — Michelle H.

August 5, 2004
Hey Cara, I was 23 last year when I had this surgery. My skin is not going back!! I have lots of lose skin which depresses me because I would be small if not for that, and that is all I see. Like the other poster I did not have any complications and I have lost 180, and weigh about 189. So I still have a little to go. I think it is good to do it at a younger age because there are less health risks, although there are still some:) GOOD LUCK
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS

August 6, 2004
Hiya. I had this surgery last year, three months after I turned 20. I started this journey at 338 lbs., and my surgeon wanted me to lose 10% of that (about 33 lbs) before he would approve of me. I did, he immediately got me a surgery date and I was in the hospital for four days. I could have gone home sooner, but I hadn't been taking deep breaths like I was supposed to so my surgeon kept me in for a little pneumonia. Just remember to BREATHE! I was pretty sore from the surgery but it wasn't too bad. Aside from that I've had no complications. It's been exactly one year to date that I have had the surgery and I am down to 190. That makes it 148 lbs. total and about 110 lbs. since surgery. I still have a ways to go, but ya just have to remember that this surgery is a tool! It won't do the work for you in the long run! I feel tons better phsysically, emotionally and mentally. Best of luck to you!
   — mars.renee

August 6, 2004
Hi, I had RNY lap when I was 20. That was April 6 2004. I was 263 and now weigh 189 for a 74 lb loss. I had no complications or problems. Recovery was fast for me I was up and going in 3 days. I was in the hospital for 2 days. I am so glad that I had the chance to have WLS young so I can still live my life. There are so many older WLS patients that tell me they wish they could have had WLS at my age. I do not regret the surgery. And believe it is the best decision I could have made for myself. However WLS was my answer and the results have been great my results may not be typical. I was scared pre op thinking what my family and friends may think. But as I researched I learned more and decided that surgery was for me and no one could persuade me. Everyone I know is supportive of me. I hope that you will research it and talk with a doctor to see if it is right for you. If you have any other questions email me [email protected].
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 6, 2004
I am not 20, but I am 19. I had surgery july 20, 2004. I asked this question over and over before going into surgery. I was so confident that my age and being a "lightweight" was going to keep me from complications. However, I was wrong. I had a leak and because I had the surgery lap they couldn't find it in the Upper GI. Don't be afraid of complications because it doesn't matter who you are, your age, your health, your weight. It doesn't matter because it happens to any and everybody. I know a girl who was 19 when she had the surgery and had her intestines knicked and sewed up without the surgeon telling her. Then the suture came undone and all the juices leaked out. Age doesn't prevent complications. However, I'd do it all again considering the hell I went through when I had a leak. You can read about it on my profile. So the best advice I can give you is make up your mind now if you can handle something happening to you. Luckily, youthful age gives us an upper hand at RECOVERING from complications if they do in fact happen. I am close to 3 weeks out and am doing just as well as my friends who didn't have problems. Only alittle more sore and I had to be opened. Don't let fear keep you from becoming healthy. Even at a young age you deserve to have the surgery and become healthy BEFORE things get worse. So you're doing the right things by researching and considering this. If you ever need any advice or just some one to talk to you can email me from my profile. I hope all goes well and I'll be praying for you.
   — Lee R.