So my surgery is on July 8th, and I am quite young, and Im so scared because I dont know if I am making the right decision!? My only hesitation is that I am so young and I have the rest of my life. I want to be healthy and thinner so badly, and Ive tried EVERY diet out there (trust me). But the thing is everyone says this isnt a 'diet' its a 'lifestyle'. Does this whole mental game ever get easier??

thanks xo -Chloe

If I had one regret it would be that I did not get this done sooner. I'm 47 and have been over weight since I was 25, I went through a major depression. All I can tell you is that I had all kinds of second thoughts and fears before having the surgery. I was scared it would not work for me or I would fail at it. But I was so ready I had to go through with it. I was banded the 28th of May and have lost 17 pounds since and I can say I'm glad I got it done. Even if something happens and it does not work I at least tried. But I do believe you need to want it like Carolina girl would say. It's all in the "want power". Good luck

~~~Stephanie

I know it must be nerve wrecking but I think the consensus is that you are giving yourself the biggest gift ever. Most of us did this later in life 30, 40s and even 60+. What life would have been like if we did this in our 20s instead. Trust me, you don't want to wait if indeed you need this. You'll thank yourself once you live life the way it was always suppose to be lived-free of weight obstacles lol

So my surgery is on July 8th, and I am quite young, and Im so scared because I dont know if I am making the right decision!? My only hesitation is that I am so young and I have the rest of my life. I want to be healthy and thinner so badly, and Ive tried EVERY diet out there (trust me). But the thing is everyone says this isnt a 'diet' its a 'lifestyle'. Does this whole mental game ever get easier??

thanks xo -Chloe

How young are you?

I am young too (23) and I was feeling the same way as you and here I am 10 days post op. Just think of this as a tool to change your life, I am on liquids only and I am like...omg when can I eat food again, surgery doesnt make anything mentally easier but I know the PHYSICAL limitations I have in me now and it does help. For example 1 can of tomato soup has lasted 4 meals. Before.... try 2 cans and some crackers for 1 meal. Look inside yourself and you will find the answer, its not easy by any means. I realized how much I depend on food and and its it just crazy, slowly my mind is putting priorities in place and I dont think it could have been done without the band

How young are you?

17

17

I think the main question is- are you ready to change your eating habits for a lifetime? That isn't age specific, by the way. That is the case whether you're 16 or 60. It's so important to go into this surgery realizing that the band is a tool, not a magic fix for fat, and that the work will be yours to do.

Do you have good support from your family? At your age especially, that will make a huge difference.

If you're truly ready for the commitment this surgery entails, and your BMI is high enough to meet the requirements to qualify for it, then I would do it. I know what it's like to go through college and young adulthood obese and it sucks. If you can save yourself from that- more power to you.

First, it was a great idea to come on this website to gather information and find support. I'm actually quite surprised your physician/surgeon suggested this surgery. I have no idea how much you need to lose or your health issues, but the reason I'm surprised is because of the emotional and psychological part of it. I'm not saying you are immature or not ready, but in general I know in healthcare we tend to try supervised weight loss, nutrition and therapy until you are a tad older. The biggest concern is that you wouldn't be in a place where you can optimally be ready for a lifestyle change so permanent and different from your peers. This age is hard to stand out on your own because you are so closely influenced by your peers. My hope for you is that I'm totally wrong about this and you are mentally and psychologically prepared. Good luck to you and ask any questions or for support on here if you need it, these people are wonderful.