Question:
Am I too young for WLS.
I have researched WLS to no end and my mother has also had WLS. I have dieted all my life and I also have a strong genetic line of obesity in my family. I know considering my situation WLS would be perfect for me, but I am concerend about long term affects of this surgery. I can't find much research on how WLS affects a person 20, 30, 40 years down the road (I know it's cause the surgery hasn't been around long enough to have 40 year post ops.) So my question is: Should I do this surgery at the age of 21 concidering there is no real proof it won't hurt me when I'm consiterably older? — Kicker (posted on February 2, 2002)
February 1, 2002
Missie, find a GOOD surgeon. Find one that has been doing WLS or
malabsorptive procedures for at least 20 years (yes it has been around that
long). Speak to him/her about your concerns. Find out whether or not one
of the non-malabsorptive procedures may be a better option for you (i.e.
VBG). At 21 I weighed 210 pounds. At 32 on the date of my surgery I was
320. I didn't qualify for the surgery at age 21 and I don't think I
would've done it then anyway. But knowing what I know now, I'm glad it is
available to me now. Good luck and God Bless!
— Kimberly L.
February 1, 2002
Hi! I had my first consultation when I was 24 and surgery two months after
I turned 25. I don't regret it a bit! I am three months post op and have
lost 72 pounds so far. I feel great! I wish I had done this when I was 21
because I wouldn't have gained so much weight and would be at goal weight
by now. Make an appointment with a good surgeon, he'll be able to tell you
if you are ready for the surgery. Some places don't let you have it unless
you are 25 years old but I have read many postings from people on this
sight that are under 25. Good luck in whatever you decide!
— vbenedict0208
February 1, 2002
Dr. Buchwald in Minneapolis has been doing this surgery for 41 years. I
haven't met anyone 41 years post op, but I have met people who are 15+
years post op. They're out there, you just have to find them!
— Goldilauxx B.
February 1, 2002
Dr. Laws in Birmingham, AL does this surgery on those 18 to 50. He says it
is all about maturity and commitment as this is just a tool.. not a
solution. He said he will do the surgery on someone who is younger if the
circumstances are right. This is a great topic to discuss with the
surgeon. Pick one that has been doing these proceedures for a long
time.... at least a few years. Good luck to you....
— Pamela W.
February 2, 2002
HI, I am 21 also. I have surgery in less than two weeks! I asked the same
question and my surgeon said as long as I get my vitamins in I should be
fine. Talk to your doctor about your concerns, he/she will be very helpful.
I think I will be much healthier at 40 than I am right now at 21! Good
Luck! missy
— M. S.
February 2, 2002
Im 21 and im currently waiting for insurance approval--my advice is do it
now while your young,,being morbidly obese has so many physical
restrictions we are young and have a whole lotta life to live and who
knows--if you wait till your older you might be alot heavier and alot more
unhealthier and possibly have comorbidities that arent reversible by that
time...just go for it girl!!!best wishes
— TRULUV2329
February 2, 2002
Hi Missie, Just wanted to let you know I'm 22 and a little over 6 months
post-op from Lap RNY. I wondered the same thing before surgery and none of
us really know what the future holds for us. But in doing my research for
WLS I found that most people are able to keep the weight off and lead
normal, productive lives. My life has changed so much since the WLS. I am
in college on a very large campus and before WLS when I weighed 265, it
took all my strength to be able to walk around campus. Now at 175, I can do
an entire hour of intense cardio exercise at the gym with no problems. When
I look back at my life when I was 15 or 16, I know that everything would
have been so different if I had been able to have the surgery back then
although in many ways, I am very grateful for the experience of being
obese. I don't think your age should have anything to do with your decision
to have this surgery. At this point, you should be asking yourself if you
are truly ready for a lifelong commitment to health because that is what it
takes to make this surgery successful. Best of luck.
— Angelia M.
February 2, 2002
Missie, I'm 19 and I just had my surgery on the 21st of January. And let me
tell you one thing, dont wait around for something that will change your
life forever. I am so much happier now, and I'm only 2 weeks post-op so you
can imagine what its going to be like years and years later when you've
taken all the weight off. You should never have to wait for happiness.
You'll be and do fine.
— Miko P.
February 2, 2002
Hi! I am only 21, and am now 3.5 weeks post-op. I know this was the right
decision for me. I didn't want to lose out on my life because I was fat. If
I was 269 at 21, what would I be later? I also have a family history of
obesity, diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure. I also have
PCOS, which affects my fertility. I don't want kids now, but I know I do in
the future. I didn't want to develop any of these things, and saw WLS as my
only permenent solution. It isn't the easy road, I eat healthy choices, go
to the gym, take my vitamins... It will all be completely worth it when I
won't be out of breath from climbing the stairs, when I'm able to have
babies, when I'm able to fit into a size 10/12 (I know, that's the vain
part, but don't we all fantasize about that!!), and so many other
incredible things! I figured, so many people say "I wish I'd done this
20 years ago!"... I did! Good luck on your journey!
— Angela B.
February 2, 2002
Hi there, I am 22 and 2 months post-op. I was 476 and am now at 411
already. My quality of life was virtually nil and I didn't have much of a
life being that big. I was glad i had the surgery because it will give me a
second chance at life and being only 22 means that we have plenty of time
to enjoy all the aftereffects. We have a rare chance that not many people
get. This surgery has given me a second chance to start life over and I'm
taking FULL advantage. Good luck on whatever you decide and god bless!
— Lisa W.
February 2, 2002
Hey girl. I'm 22 and in the process of getting my surgery date. It depends
on how bad your condition is now. I know I'll only get worse if I wait. I
have a 1 year old and my knees are getting sore carrying him around all the
time. I KNOW this is the BEST choice for me, but you have to really feel
comfortable about your own decision. Wishing U all the best~Crystal &
Jayden
— Crystal T.
May 1, 2002
Hi Missie, I'm 17 and currently waiting for insurance approval. My mother
also had weight loss surgery. Now both of my aunts are having it too
(actually, one of them already did, now the other one is waiting for
approval). I think you are a great candidate for this surgery and I think
that the younger, the better, as long as you realize the risks and
everything (which I bet you do since your mom had it). You'll finally be
able to regain your youth, just like I will. E-mail me at
[email protected], I would love to talk to you. Keep us posted.
— Krissy J.
May 1, 2002
I'm 21 and waiting for insurance approval.... I didn't ask the question,
but I'd just like to say thank you to all that answered it. You've set my
mind at ease because I was worrying about this very same thing.
— Toni C.
May 1, 2002
Hello! I am 22 and now 3 months post-op. I was about 380 (368 officially,
but I last suppered myself another 12 pounds) and now I'm 303-298
(depending on what scale I use). That's almost 80 pounds in 3 months and a
week!! I say go for it! Age is on our side since we'll heal faster. I also
was concerned about long term affects, but just recently talked to my
surgeon about it again and he assured me that we're increasing our life
span, not decreasing it in any way.
— Paula Prichard
May 1, 2002
I too am 22. I will be having surgery on June 5. My mother has just had
her consultation with the same surgeon and is well on her journey to WLS.
I feel that if I can help myself now, why shouldn't I? Why should I be
miserable for another 5, 10, 20 years and allow the comorbidities to pile
up? I feel it is a great decision you are making, and I wish you the best
of luck.
— Maggie C.
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