I have been *fat* since I was about 7... I have tried every diet and workout program, some worked for a while, but they always just stopped working. Then I would give up. I was never able to be in football or do things other teen boys could... Not because I was too big but because of the fear and ridicule. At one point (9th grade) a group of 11th graders were following me around campus throwing rocks at me calling me a fat fa**ot.. Now that I have been doing online school, working a steady job for 3 years eith good pay, and have other things in my life together, shouldn't I treat myself to this amazing operation? I only have my final weigh in then I get to have my surgery pushed thru to my insurance which is a forsure thing... Some of my friends (a few that are bigger themselves) arw saying I shouldn't do it or that I don't deserve it.. I want to live a normal and happy life and do the things I couldn't do in my teen years in my 20's... Is that so much to ask? I just want some support and guidance... Thanks in advance

Sorry for the type-o's.. lol

Welcome! I applaud you for taking charge of your health at such a young age. I think that your age will be a good thing and bad thing. I think that being younger you have the opportunity to take charge and better yourself before a lot of damage is done. On the other hand being younger you will definitely deal with more peer pressure and difficult situations, such as drinking, that can in turn be detrimental. If you haven't already, create a list of the reasons why you are doing this, and those days when it feels too hard and you feel like giving up.... pull that sheet up and remind yourself, than march right back on here for help! I can't wait to follow your story!

Hi.... I had my sleeve 4 month ago and am 20 years old I encourage u to have the surgery..... it's a hard decision to make but in my opinion it's worth it.... life is short and nobody deserves to be missing out on anything because of the way they look..... Think very well and make a list of the pros and cons.... Wish u best of luck keep us posted

Thanks guys! And I can't wait to get my surgery scheduled. I just want to lost this weight and be able to be a real, active guy!

You should definitely have the surgery and all the benefits it will give you.

You should know though, that this is not going to be a cure all. It is very possible to gain all of the weight back if you don' t make permanent changes in your eating habits.

There are several of us in the veterans forum who are dealing with trying to take off the regain. It is much, much harder later on down the road. You're going to have to find a work out program that you won't give up on, and you may need to change the people you hang around with, if you want to be successful later on . You have your whole life ahead of you, and they will do surgery on your stomach, but that is not going to change the way you think about food.

You deserve to be happy and healthy. As the others have said, it is a life style change, and the best advice I can give you is to not underestimate that. I'm and old woman with kids your age, and I think it took me a lifetime to really grasp that concept. The sleeve helped me realize that the choices I make every day, every time, impact the overall outcome. It might mean making new friends, going to different places, getting new hobbies. and of course, you will need to change your eating habits. The nice thing is that as you lose weight, you will gain the confidence to do all of those things! Good luck!

I have always been big the majority of my life. I am 29 now and I missed out on a lot of stuff in my teens and 20's because I didn't feel comfortable doing them. I secluded myself from people a lot. If this surgery had been around back then, id have jumped at it. I applaud you for taking a step to change NOW rather then later. There will be people that look down on you for it but you have that at any age. I have people that judge me on it now also. I don't care. I did what I had to do. Good luck to you!

I am very excited and your guys support and storues are really giving me a confidence boost! Is there anyone that has had the surg and has their success story/how long it took to heal or lose some weight? I know it won't be an instant result type thing and I want to be biking and jogging again within the first month... is that a possibility??

I am very excited and your guys support and storues are really giving me a confidence boost! Is there anyone that has had the surg and has their success story/how long it took to heal or lose some weight? I know it won't be an instant result type thing and I want to be biking and jogging again within the first month... is that a possibility??

I think the most important thing is to make sure you heal well the first 6 was. But you can walk like crazy!! Plus you are a guy and they lose great. Mine is in nov. just follow your drs guidelines..drink Water and don't eat more than your 4 oz that's what I pick up and keep your Protein from. 60-90 daily, right guys?