Please know that you are doing something great for your health and your future. You have decided at an early age to put yourself first instead of thinking that anything that pertains to you could go on the back burner. You did not wait until the aches and pains of arthritis and other disorders have set in to limit your movement and ability to exercise.

Treasure this moment. As I tell my own young lapbander, this is not an easy journey but know you have changed your life forever. Don't let anyone make you feel bad, saying you took the easy way out but understand the strength it took to reach for something like this to better your life.

Just know you have a family here that supports you and are very proud of you for having taken such a big step. Reach out to us for strength if you need it. God bless!

Thank you for your encouraging post. It's something we all need to hear. I was banded at 22 (I am 23 now). Best decision I could have made for my health. I did not want to suffer from diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity like so many in my family do. No regrets!

I am right with Daisy.. I also just turned 23 in October and was banded last Friday. I thought I would be super emotional about being banded, so far all I feel is pride. I'm so proud and feel so privileged to have the opportunity to get healthy now, before it's a bigger problem then body image like diabetes, stroke, joint problems.

I am already down 23lbs and nothing tastes as good as healthy feels. Best decision I have ever made!

Well my 21 year old just was banded 11/14 and she has felt at times, that she is and has been judged by the decision she made. One of her friends was actually upset that she got the band. Not sure what that is about except that people are fine as long as you stay the fattest chick in the room but try to change that and people's attitudes change.

Heck I was banded in September and others are upset with me. I will never regret the band.

If you do not mind me asking how much have you lost?

We are so proud of all of you young banders. Hang in there.

I just turned 29 in aug and I've been overweight my whole life although because I'm tall I never looked obese but after having my dd at 25 and going threw gestational diabetes by 28 my type II diabetes went out of control very quick and I needed a fast healthy weight loos to reverse it I was banded Monday i still feel disappointed in my self for not being able to loose weight on my own but I understand that I chose this to better my health. And it maybe hard but it will be worth it. Best of journey to all of us

congrats to all!! 25 yrs old here..was banded june18th! Starting my weight loss journey i was 309 ...i am now 223 lbs (86 lost and still counting) Better to get control of our lives/health now than later...best decision i have ever made!! Would do it again in a heartbeat

I am 30 and was just banded mid November. I have 5 kids and need to be healthy for not only myself but for them as well! Me and my doctor's next goal is for me to kick the cigarettes. I was surprised he allowed me the surgery since I smoke, however his reasoning was good... When we try to change to much at once, we give up on it all and don't succeed at anything! he said weight first, then my half a pack habit gets kicked in 2013!!! Love my doc!

You all are doing wonderful and are an encouragement. Stay strong and continue to fight the good weight fight!

I am 28 years old and I did it because my dad passed away 2 years ago from kidney failure from diabetes. I have no medical problems at all and I wasn't going to let any start either.

I'm 24 now, I got my band dec 2010! It will be 2 years next month and I don't regret it one bit! I did it for me myself and I

27 here, getting banded on December 12th and I cannot wait to be healthy! I've been overweight for what seems like my whole life. I can't wait to see what the future holds!

I turned 20 in June and got banded in August...I have to say I fell off the band wagon but have decided to get right back on. I've made some goals to meet by the holidays and the new year and I'm excited to get started and reach them. I initially lost 25 lbs...I've gained some back now but I'm determined to lose it all and more. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I got the surgery for me and nobody else. It's hard not to care about what other people think and expect but it's what you have to do to make it work. I also feel disappointed knowing I couldn't lose the weight with out the surgery but I have no regrets

I am 29 & was banned 2 days ago. I struggled with my age & wondering if I should proceed. but I have struggled with weight for almost 30 years now, why wait 10, 15, 20 more years before I make a change?

I'm 24 and getting banded on 12/4. I'm doing this so I can have healthy pregnancies and babies and so I can be a good mom someday. I don't have any health problems except for obesity and I want to keep it that way (except for the obesity part).

Hey I am 19 and got banded in July!!

Saying this means alot to me !!! it made my day!!!!

I needed to read this because everyone at home are telling me I got the easy way out! They think it's the band that's doing the work! And everytime i get stuck they would say this thing is killing you need to go get rid of it you cant even this and that!! ( but all they mainly eat is junk and this is why i am mostly drinking protien shakes or eating too little as a result my weight loss has slowed down) Urgh I have not told any of my friends (I don't want people judging me and they would disagree against the band)

I am happier like this and feel much healthier! I look much much better!!!

This decision has changed my life to the better ... I am down 23ish-24 kilos since July and it has changed me mentally abnd physically!!! To the better!!! Anyone thinking of getting it at a young age... GO FOR IT if you are ready to change how n what you eat forever!

Thank you to everyone here for being supportive And for those people who helped me in this journey alot ! You all are amazing!

It really does mean alot to have everyone here helping out!!! Xxxxx