Hey everyone.

My name is Mike.

I am 17 years old and I live in New York.

I don't know my exact weight now, to be honest.

But from the weight I was at my last doctor visit, my BMI is well over 50.

I am not diabetic but it does run in my family and I have no doubt I will be soon if I don't change.

I have been researching WLS for over a year now.

I never really thought of it as a possibility until just recently.

I also found another forum, Thinner Times, and that place is great so I decided to find some other forums and found this place.

I am well aware of the risks of Lap Band, or any WLS, and I really do feel that this would be a good thing for me.

I feel that, considering my age, regular RNY surgery is just to invasive and I don't feel comfortable enough to do something that permanent.

The band seems like just the right tool to help me get healthier.

Like I said, I just turned 17.

I've read mixed things on the Lap Band for people under 18.

I have Aetna insurance, under my mom, and I didn't see it specify any age on the Lap Band specifically.

But, if required, I could just wait until I'm 18.

I would have to do a 6-mo supervised diet anyway so it'd be almost 18 by then.

I've tried every diet pretty much.

I feel different than most people, though.

It seems that most people CAN lose weight but just can't keep it off.

Me, though, I have trouble losing any weight at all.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about me wanting the surgery so young.

Thank you,

Mike.

Edited August 1, 201016 yr by mloffa

Heh. Just noticed it automatically takes when you say |ap band and turns it into LAP-BAND®.

Hey Mike, I must say, you sound very mature for your age.

If insurance is your only option of paying for the surgery, that's where I would start. It depends on your Mom's employers, and if they have included WLS in her coverage. If WLS is covered there may also be certain conditions regarding preferred surgical centers and doctors.

I called the lone bariatric center in my area, and was given the info for an upcoming seminar which I attended a couple of weeks later. The staff was experienced at dealing with insurance companies, though I didn't go into details with them myself, as I already knew my insurance was a no.

Nutritionists are helpful and could assist you with exploring your options. Whether lap band is an option or not, it's good you are seeking help. Many of us have struggled since our teens with obesity and wish we had taken action at a younger age. Good luck in your quest!

Hey Mike, I must say, you sound very mature for your age.

If insurance is your only option of paying for the surgery, that's where I would start. It depends on your Mom's employers, and if they have included WLS in her coverage. If WLS is covered there may also be certain conditions regarding preferred surgical centers and doctors.

I called the lone bariatric center in my area, and was given the info for an upcoming seminar which I attended a couple of weeks later. The staff was experienced at dealing with insurance companies, though I didn't go into details with them myself, as I already knew my insurance was a no.

Nutritionists are helpful and could assist you with exploring your options. Whether LAP-BAND® is an option or not, it's good you are seeking help. Many of us have struggled since our teens with obesity and wish we had taken action at a younger age. Good luck in your quest!

Hi :wub:

Insurance is pretty much the least of my worries.

I've spoken to them many times on the phone regarding WLS and they do not require a referral or any specific doctor as long as they are in network, obviously.

For now, I'm just trying to get as much information as I can.

I hope to be able to go to a seminar ASAP with my parents or just my mom.

First, though, I need to speak with my PCP.

I am nervous about that.

Not really sure what to expect.