I recently made the decision that I would like to go through with this surgery, but only in the process of trying to get in to see my doctor. Basically I'm 18, 5'4'' and pushing something around 245, and have been for years. I have a BMI of at least 41, and incredibly high blood pressure. I've been trying to lose the weight for 5 years give or take. I've done as much research as I possibly could but I really don't know how to get this process started. All information I have come across has said that you have to be 18 for starters to qualify but would my age set me back at all from getting approved? I plan on seeing my doctor on the 22nd of April or sometime before. About how long of a wait would it be starting from the time I see the doctor to approval and everything in between to actually getting the procedure (in your experience or otherwise)? I'm also just a military dependent, so would I really have a chance of getting covered?

If anyone has any answers, thank you so much!

hi kayleigh, i don't have any idea about insurance since i was self pay but no, i don't think you're too young for the surgery. i have read that some as young as 16 have been banded but it might depend on your insurance. i think there is a group on here somewhere that is for "teens". going to see your family physician is a great start but he might try to talk you into just dieting since you are young. research bariatric surgeons in your area and attend their free seminars. i'd find at least 2 different surgeons so you can pick the one you feel more comfortable with after the seminar. i think consultations are free as well.

HI Kayleigh,

!st thing is to go to a seminar. (at least that is what most folks do). Then they will tell you what they need you to do. The surgeon's office will contact your insurance t determine what their restrictions are. Mine and my son's both required a 6 month

dr monitored diet. My daughter's insurance required no such diet. Good luck Karen.

By the way, I was excactly your height and weight when I started 2 years ago. I am now 135. You can do it too!

You are probably on Tricare. Do a search of Tricare's coverage and see what they require. I believe they require 100 lbs overweight rather than BMI, but I am not sure.

Your doctor will want some sort of "proof" that you have tried the diet and exercise route. WLS should be the last resort. Being young, I can hear some doctors saying you could not possibly have tried. Yeah, right. I was put on my first diet at 10 years old. So, if you have any weight watchers records or something like that, bring it with you. So you can show you are serious about this. Gym membership would be great, too.

If the doctor does comment on you being so "young"....many of us wish we could have had this done when we were much younger. How different my life might have been to have a stable weight when I was in my 20s rather than waiting until I was 43 to be banded.

I say good for you!

Best wishes!

Yes, I am on Tricare. I have been put on things like child-safe weight loss supplements and such all during my childhood and teen years (My weight gain all started by a doctor's misdiagnosis and mistreatment when I was about 6/7 so I have been trying to lose weight since that all started). But living overseas my whole life I was never "old enough" to go to the gyms on base or able to drive to a gym or anything. Even now, I currently live 10 miles out of my town, and was in an almost fatal car accident where my car flipped and turned over about 4 months ago. So the concept of getting to a gym is impossible (my father also commutes 50 miles to the base). I have been a yo-yo dieter in the past, I've tried many fads, bought countless books, etc.

I really do worry about my health. I'm about to be put on blood pressure medication before I even turn 19. All of my attempts at a life style change have failed and I think it's time to get REALLY serious about it.