Hey all, I'm very excited to have found a forum for people in their twenties. I'll be turning 23 in July and I'll be a senior in college in the fall. I was worried that it would be more difficult to find a doctor to band me because I'm young.

Did any of you face obstacles because you're young?

Is it more difficult to find a surgeon to operate if you're in your twenties?

Is anyone from Upstate NY with suggestions for a surgeon and where to begin?!!?

Thanks so much, any comments/advice is welcome!

Sorry I can't help you in your quest to find a Dr in NY as I live in UT and was banded in Colorado. My Dr. had no problem that I was young. I think it is actually better for recovery the younger you are. Welcome to the 20's forum. Good luck with finding a DR!!!

Hi, I'm just as new as you here with just as many questions and limited suggestions. But if you're in upstate NY you might want to look into the Fletcher Allen Bariatric Surgery center. Its in Williston Vermont. That's most likely where I'll be getting mine done. They have an on site psych person too.

I don't really think age has anything to do with it. I know someone who got banded at 19. I think as long as you fit the criteria for surgery (BMI, health, etc.) that they will do it. As far as finding a doctor, my first suggestion would be to call your insurance company (if you have one) and find out if there are restrictions on who you can go to. My insurance made me pick from a handful of doctors that they pre-approved so that really narrowed my decision down and made it easy to find someone because they had all the contact information on the website. After that, there is a surgeon search on here and lapband.com and realizeband.com also have surgeon searches. Best of luck to you!

Good luck with all of your pre-op decisions! I can't help you with a doctor, but I can tell you that now is the time to do it. We are young, we will heal faster, and our skin will not be as saggy! My surgeon was so optimistic because of my age (24) that he said there is very minimal risk and wayyyyy faster healing time. In fact, he said it only took him 30 minutes because I'm young. Let us know if you have any other questions...but I really don't think any surgeon would be reluctant to do it because of your age!