Do you think that the WLS experience should be targeted and optimized for the obese in their 20s or 30s? Clinically, this age group may have fewer complications than those in their 50s, 60s and older. If WLS ever became socially acceptable and mainstream like getting glasses, do you think a person's age should have an impact on targeted WLS advocacy? In other words, should the health industry or government advocate addressing the obesity disease with WLS at an earlier age rather than an older age? Secondarily to the well being of an individual, it would save trillions in healthcare costs over time. In the future, I can see that either the obesity gene will be eliminated or government will mandate WLS to get healthcare costs under control.

Should Wls Be Performed At An Early Age?

Yes, that's why I got it at 62.

I had just turned 28 when I was sleeved and I wish I would of known about it sooner but oh well. I personally wouldn't want to experience a pregnancy after wls so I'm happy that I gave birth to 3 kids before getting it done. Sorry I didn't answer your question.

I had just turned 28 when I was sleeved and I wish I would of known about it sooner but oh well. I personally wouldn't want to experience a pregnancy after wls so I'm happy that I gave birth to 3 kids before getting it done. Sorry I didn't answer your question.

That's alright. I mainly asked the question the get a discussion going.

I am on the younger side- sleeved at 27... Although I considered bypass multiple times from 21 on. I wish the sleeve was an option back then! I think definitely it should be ok if you are 18 or older. I was a chubby kid since the day I was born... It only gets worse. But I have maintained for more than 7 months now and plan to continue to maintain!!

I'm 31, I kinda wish I had done this 3 years ago, but I was scared an the stigma was really strong. I am SO excited to lose the weight and have more kids- I cannot wait to experience a "skinny" pregnancy (I was 280 w/my first)

I don't know if "targeted" is the right word, but I do think removing the stigma, so people don't suffer with reduced functionality for 20 years before they feel its socially acceptable to get the tools they need.

See it all depends on the person. Although I have always been a bit more mature for my age (im 25) I personally don't think I would have been able to make it through this journey if I was say..21? I was still very mature for my age when I was 21 but I wouldn't have had the focus it required to do a pre op, full fluid diet, excersise etc. I also think that those psychic evaluations and mandatory group meetings come in handy. I see some 40+ year olds on here posting things like "I'm 3 days post op and just ate a bag of Doritos. Do u think I will be ok"? And then some young people offering such great advice and inspiration!

I was sleeved at 33, i have been looking into WLS since my early 20s but never had insurance to cover it and couldn't afford to pay myself. I wish I could have been sleeved younger, and 70 to 100 lbs lighter.

At the same time though I wish I had been suggested weight loss surgery earlier such as at the age of 21 when I was 220 lbs...I wouldn't have had that extra 60lbs to lose (I was 280 at my highest)... And the 4 years of suffering in that body

I am only 20 and got sleeved on the 22nd. I absolutely think that it should be encouraged at a younger age. I had heard about wls when I was 16, and I think when you are so young you're afraid to be judged by your peers. I am so happy to get this done early to enjoy the rest of my life being healthy

Youngest one here.sleeved at 15 years and half about to turn 17.

After someone is fully grown and capable of making their own decisions, then to each their own. However, children should not getting it, IMO. Their bodies are still growing and I do not believe anyone who cannot legally give their consent should be taking on such a decision.

I think it should be targeted to young people. I know when I was 23, I considered it but thought "I don't have any other health issues, I don't need it." and here I am, 9 years later, 150ish lbs heavier, and now have HTN as well. If I had a time machine, I'd go back and have it done when I thought about it way back then! If just one person would have suggested that being heavy was reason enough to take control and have surgery, I would have looked into it. But back then, even my overweight mom threw shade on me because she didn't think I needed to do anything that 'extreme'.

Mom's on my side now, tho.

Someone at my seminar said they were there because they saw a commercial for surgery on TV. I haven't seen any, but I thought that was a bit odd... I guess breaking the social stigma is a good thing, though. We shouldn't be ashamed if we're getting help for our problems!

I am SO excited to lose the weight and have more kids- I cannot wait to experience a "skinny" pregnancy (I was 280 w/my first).

Me too!! :} I was 236 (w/a gain up to 309 due to pre-eclampsia) for my 1st & 244 (w/a gain to 294) for my 2nd. I have wanted another child for 10 years but wanted my body & life in order 1st. I wanna see a real bump instead up just more lump! ;}

347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

I have wanted to have a surgery for awhile but wanted to wait until I felt I matured more and left the college lifestyle. I had it done 2 weeks ago and am 26. I think it all depends where you are emotionally and mentally.

I am 31 and will be sleeved next week. I knew about the lapband a few years ago but could never feel comfortable about doing that. The sleeve only came to my attention this year.

I don't know that I would have been ready to

do something like this in my early 20's. It's as scary as having a baby!

BUT I have never been bullied because of my weight (I was not overweight until 17) or had major health complications - yet. I think there could be circumstances where younger people (18 or over) might benefit from surgery. I think you really need to have your head in the right place to do this. It's huge.