Lauren87

Congrats on getting your surgery date!!! Good luck on your New Year's resolution!

Hi Tracey! Good luck on your journey!

WASabubblebutt: I couldn't agree with you more! I'm glad I have someone who sees where I am coming from! Apple Smith1216: I will be twenty on the 30th, crazy huh? I'm glad that you had an easier time with the psychologist! At least one of us had some success in that department! You know what's also weird? We're about the same age? How crazy is that? I agree, I've been fat my whole life and can't agree more about the not trying thing. I would try a new doctor, I am confidant with the surgeon but am not impressed with the office staff, but my insurance only covers this surgeon. Bummer huh? I have the dream surgeon picked out...but they are not an in-network provider. Thank you both for your support!

OK, so I had my psychological evaluation...one of three appointments. I must admit, I was prepared for the questions regarding my decision but I was not prepared to defend my decision based on my age. I am very frustrated. The conversation started off by the psychologist giving me a speech about paying "special" attention to patients under 20. What I got from that was, "your not emotionally mature enough. Just for the record, I will be twenty in 13 days. Anyway, without not knowing me on a personal level, I find it hard for the psychologist to assume I am emotionally immature. Yes, I do realize this will be a big change and it will require a determination but I am fully capable of handling the situation. I think it is crappy to put all young adults in a basket and label them as incapable of handling the surgery. The second thing that was irritating was that he (the psychologist) was pushing RnY. Because I want to lose 180 lbs. he thinks that RnY would be a better option. I am not budging on my decision. There are plenty of people (even on here) that lose 180+ lbs. I have the determination to do this---and I will. I'll just keep rolling with the punches...:clap2: Sorry to rant but I feel like those of you on here are by best form of support.

I hear you! I am SO tired of being fat...and I'm only 19. Sometimes I feel pathetic...but I just try to take each day at a time. This site is great for support...so many people know how you feel. It's funny how people seem to know why you're fat and that you just need to get off of your behind. I've run into those people...plenty of times. The important thing to remember is that this is YOUR life and YOUR decision. At the end of the day, you're the only one who can control you...your with yourself 27/7. Surgery won't cure everything but it can sure help things. Best of luck to you! Keep us posted!

Congrats on the loss! I can tell you I'd be happy to see 21 pounds gone!

Hi, welcome! A lot will depend on your insurance. Sometimes surgeons want a letter of necessity from your PCP. As far as the length...it depends on a lot of factors. I'll give you some insight into my journey. I attended a seminar in late June. I filled out my paperwork for the surgery center in July...the waiting came with medical records. I am not going to blame anyone in particular but the two physicians had to send medical records TWICE because they weren't recieved the first time. I have confirmed that the first set of records were sent but who knows where they went? Anyway, after they got all of my medical records, mind you it took almost 6 months just to get them, I was able to make an apt. for my psych. evaluation. However, the psychiatrist was booked up for a month...so I had to wait again! Now, after I have the evaluation, I will make other apts. (cardiologist, etc.). The whole process has taken so much longer than it should have...but patience is a virtue right? haha. To sum it up, it just depends on a lot of factors. For some people, they get through the system pretty quickly, others don't! Hopefully you have a speedy journey! Good luck and I hope that helps!

I think you need to check your with your insurance. If you are not self-pay that's a starting point. I know my dad's insurance won't cover the surgery until I'm 21 but my mom's will. It will probably say clearly what/if the age requirement is. Also, if you're going through your insurance, they want you to go through an "in-network provider" for a surgeon. I hope that helps!

Welcome! Good luck on your upcoming surgery!

Aww, virtual hug! That was a really ignorant comment to make, especially having not seen you in years (sorry if I'm making an assumption and correct me if I am wrong)! I feel your pain, that's really harsh--but you'll have the last laugh. I hope the surgery went well!!

Hi Gina! Welcome to LBT!! I too am just starting. I've got the medical records sent but...I have a ton of hoops to jump through, but it's worth it! You know, the psych. evaluation, cardiologist...ect. I too am nervous that I will be turned down--I don't have too many co-morbities...YET. I'm 19. Anway, keep us posted! Good luck!

Hi Joyce (and Joyce's daughter) I definately know where your coming from...although I am 19 I still feel like the age is close enough (not that anyone else's isn't) to put my two cents in. I started looking into the bad myself last summer. Both of my parents are very supportave so there wasn't much convincing to do. I was nervous to tell them that I wanted to have the surgery done but once they gave me the "ok" I then asked my doctor. Both of my parents also went to the siminar with me and it was so great to have them there. Because they are going to be taking care of me after surgery, it's important for them to know what exactly I am having done. I have never had a boyfriend and the only dance I went to in h.s. was prom--because I felt I "had to" because if I didn't I would "regret it." Now, in retrospect, I don't know if I would regret going or not. I liked getting dressed up but it wasn't a life changing experience. That is not meant to be negative either. I've always been headstrong and felt good about myself but I have seen girls regardless of weight have a lot of issues with confidance and feeling good about themselves. I see where your daughter is coming from. Sure, there are days when I don't feel attractive but that's not the only reason I want the surgery--I want it to be health. As far as the knees go--I hear 'ya! As long as your daughter is confidant in her decision and is doing it for the right reasons, not for a dress or boys or for the looks, but for HERSELF (because that's the most important thing) then she should do it. As far as your husband (and dad) just have all of the facts ready when you talk to him about it. Show him that she (you) are mature enough for this. I am sure all he wants is for you to be happy and healthy. More than anything, I am sure he is just worried about you having surgery (and changing your body)...but give it time. Be persistant with your choice...let him know that you really want this and that it is for the best. Hopefully that helps! Good luck! :clap2:

Thanks Sue Magoo! From the stats, you seem to be doing great with your band! Yay! Keep the good work up!

Hi everyone! Like many others, I too have read this site for some time now. This is my first post because I've been a little apprehensive to post--but then I thought, "what the heck" and decided to introduce myself. I'm 19 (young I know) and I decided to begin my lap-band journey in June of this year. Basically, my main reason for choosing to have this surgery is because this really is a last resort. I know some of you may be thinking that I'm awfully young to have to move to a "last resort" but, hear me out. I've been overweight my whole life, seriously, my mom started watching what I ate at age two. Anway, at twelve I was diagnosed with dismetabolic syndrome with insulin resisitance. We hear about this a lot now, well type two diabetes in children now but when I was diagnosed my case was actually just surfacing. In one of the leading children's hospitals in the nation, I was the only patient with a condition like mine in the whole hospital. Anyway, sorry to go on and on. So, now at 19 I am at risk for PCOS and have normal blood pressure but it's abnormally high for my age. My mother and gradmother are also overweight--so I guess you could say it runs in the family. I am experiencing things that a fifty year old woman should be dealing with--not a nineteen year-old. I'll give a few more details about my self, just so you get the idea---I promise to make it short! :eek: I also have lower back pain and joint pain in my knees. I did tae kwon do for three years and while I was healthier, the weight never seemed to come off. Oh, I almost forgot my diet! Since about twelve I have been eating low carb but have not cut out carbs completely. And last but not least---my weight and height (for the whole world to see) I am 5'7 and about 330. OK, so now you know a little about me. Let's see, what else can I say...ah yes, surgeons. I have United Heath Care (primary) and Coventry (secondary) insurance but am having to go through conventry. My primary won't cover the surgery until I am 21 so...secondary insurance it is. As far as the surgeon...really my only option is Dr. Hohen from the Bariatric Center of Kansas City. Coventry only has Dr. Hohen in their network--at least that's anywhere close to where I live. I like in the KC metro area but go to school in Springfield, MO. While I am mentioning school--I'm an English Education major and I love literature---Go English! :biggrin1: Anway, this is getting to be a novella...so I'll end it here. I look forward to meeting all of you and have enjoyed reading the plethora of information on this site--it's amazing. Oh, and as of now, I am still in the beginning of this journey. As of Friday, my file is being referred to the person in charge of the psych. consult! Finally, after 3 months the ball begins to role!:clap2: Lauren :kiss2:

Hi "SVM", I too am beginning the process. I am also a little nervous but look at these boards, so many people have had great success. I don't know if I can offer any advice--because I am new to this too but if you ever need anyone--well, I'm here!