Hi everyone,

I was trying to find a site that i could talk about the lap band surgery and I guess Ive succeeded. I guess i have a few questions.

Ive been struggling with my weight for many years thorughout highschool.Its held me back from alot of activites and social events. I never go to dances or even act girly because Im so self concious about my weight. I pretend I dont care but I really do.

I started to gain weight in the 8th grade when i was diagnosed with polysystic ovarian syndrome. Its a genetic disease. My mom had it too, but she never got the full affects like i did. I used to be skinny, i was always a skiny kid. But now im 5'6 and weigh 220. The disease makes it hard for me to lose weight. Ive dieted and exercised. In fact at one point i got a personal trainer that put me on a strict diet. I stayed with it for 6 months and I only lost 10 to 15 pounds. It frustrates me, beacuse i have the will to lose weight, i want to diet and exercise but it discourages me that i only lose like 1 pound every 3 weeks.Ive tried everything, more then once. Ive even tried diet pills that i think made me gain weight. I just want to be normal. I want to be like all my friends and dress cute and go to prom.

We've tried to get surgery before when I was 16 but they said they wouldnt do it becuase I was 16. I know the age requirement is 18, but I dont think I can wait anymore. I want my life back. I want to walk down the street and be confident with myself.

So i guess my questions are... is there anyone on this site my age that wnet through this that i can talk to

or

Does anyone know a doctor in the Louisiana, Texas area that will perform it on me? My 18th birthday is in 2 months... but i just want it so bad. Ive been wiating so long... I just want togo to my prom. I want to be myslef again...

Can anyone help me?:phanvan

I don't know if any doctors in your area that will do the surgery on a teen. However, a lot of doctors in Mexico will do it for you and most of them are really good.

Hello there, I feel really bad for you going through this and hope and pray that you find the answer for you. I know I am excited planning the surgery and I can't imagine how disappointed I will be if my insurance doesn't approve it.

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 22. The weight came on and I have never been able to lose it. It is very difficult with PCOS to lose weight. I volunteer with a website that may be of help to you. www.projectpcos.org

Keep us posted on how you're doing!

If the dr.s in the U.S will not help you, I would suggest the surgens in Mexico. The proceedure has been available in Mexico for appx 8-10yrs now and the surgeons are more experienced than in the U.S. You can do a web search and look up info, you can even speak to persons who have been "banded" in Mexico right on this site! Good Luck.

I was banded by DR. David Rau with Surgical weight management. He is located in Houma, LA and number is 985-868-2206. Just call and ask questions if this is close enough for you. Right now out of pocket expense is 13,800. Best of luck to you.

Keep us posted! good luck

Hi, Bsoutherngirl. I wanted to have Dr. Rau do my surgery but I needed a hospital that was a Center of Excellence so my insurance (Medicare) would pay. Went to the seminar and support group in Houma. Enjoyed if very much. Went to Oschner and talked to Dr. Richardson. Am going through the process now. I will be going to do the tests this week. Can't wait.

Keep up the good work. It sounds like it's a little rough in the beginning but I still want it done.