So I'm 21 and I'm currently 236lbs I'm looking into getting a weight loss surgery done but not really sure which one to go with. I just really need some advice and someone to talk to and kinda bond with over their journey... any takers please feel free to respond or email me at buddaflybeauty23@gmail.com... Again I just want to talk to someone about which surgery is best.. Why do you choose it? And how has it changed your life? And much more questions lol so please please I'm starting to feel like nobody is out there to reply...

Support is definitely out here, Sweetie. The problem is every person who responds can only respond based on what they know. I personally know nine people who have had WLS. Three chose gastric bypass. All three weighed well over 350 pounds, thus having the most weight to loose. They chose what I would consider the most invasive surgery for what they hoped would give them the most weight loss. Forward to today.... One lost all the excess weight. The other two list over one hundred pounds, but stalled or gave up or were satisfied there. None of the three became exercisers. One guy I know had the sleeve. He is in his twenties. Lost about 125 pounds..... Very physically fit. Became an every day at the gym guy. Five people, Including myself, had the lap band. One of those lost about 50 pounds, became complacent, gained it back, and has had the band removed. Three others have lost 100 pounds, and have kept it off. I don't believe any of them became exercisers. I personally had the lap band surgery 5 1/2 months ago, I am at the gym six days a week. I have lost over 100 pounds, 50 of those pounds before the surgery. I chose the lap band because to me it was the least invasive. There probably comes a time when you have to go with what your heart tells you.... You've done all your research so you're very well-informed. You can and will be successful If you follow the guidelines that your doctor sets for you. I'm 53 years old, I have a husband and four children. I have a lot of support and my family. You are 21. Do you have family that can support you through your decision? Ultimately of course it is your decision. I have no Doubt that once you make up your mind you will be happy with whatever you choose.

Thank you for responding.. Yes I have a supportive family so far I have only told my mom and sisters eventually I'll tell the rest of the family I'm just not ready or sure what I want to do.. I see the suergon feb 13 and I guess I'll decide then I know I'm going back and forth between the sleeve and bypass I'm just really scared bout the complications I have a 4 year old I don't want something to happen to me and I'm not able to be there for her.. I'm also concerned bout the extra skin I don't want to have a surgery to remove it... I have been doing lots of research and watching lots of videos on YouTube to follow journeys and I tried reaching out to people for answers and nobody responded.. I know I need to do something to change my health I don't want to wait til I get bigger and my daughter doesn't want to be seen with me so I have to change now for sure...

Does your suregon have a monthly seminar and support group meeting? I urge you to attend both. Go to the seminars, listen, take notes, think about the overall feeling you have about the surgeon. Most seminars have some of the surgeon's patients there for a question and answer period.

I went to four seminars before choosing my surgeon. I did not attend the support group because I felt confident in my decision but it sounds like you would benefit from it. You can meet people and talk about your questions and concerns.

Good luck!

I was suppose to start my weight loss class today but due to the snow it was pushed to the 11th which sucks cause I was looking forward to it... I know last January I was seeing my doctor for back pain and she sent me to physical therapy I also was working on losing weight I saw the nutritionist and I list 9 pounds in 2 weeks I started the gym to loose more but I wasn't losing anything so I recently emailed my doctor 2 weeks ago and she referred me to the suergon I see her on the 10th then I got my class the 11th and then I see the suergon all on the same week so I'm ready I was just looking for someone to talk to so when I go I'm prepared and kinda get an idea what to expect...

Welcome to the forum. You're in the right place. You'll find lots of very knowledgeable and very supportive folks here that in all different stages of their journey. By all means ask your questions. You'll get lots of answers!

I haven't had my surgery yet (the 25th is the big day) but I'm near the end of my pre-opp journey so if you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them if I can. Just remember this journey is yours, keep in mind that what my doctor tells me is good for me isn't necessarily what your doctor is going to tell you. Doctors and insurance policies could be different from someone else's. Good luck on your journey and welcome to the forum! :-)

I am more than welcome to talk to you. I was undecided on the bypass and sleeve and ended up with the bypass. Feel free to email me and I will share what I have been through so far! I am 21 and it's harder for younger people come out and start their journey. I applaud you! Cfergie911@gmail.com

You are certainly in the right place for support! Everyone here has had amazing journeys - definitely keep lurking and posting and do your research! The right surgery IS out there for you - it just depends on what you want from it! We are all here to answer any questions you might have and none of us are afraid to share the good, the bad, and the ugly with you!!

Thanks and once people started writing and answering questions it seemed like it came in a big group all at once which is very great and I appreciate all the advice and answers and different journeys...

I am pre op and I am 23 and was also undecided between the sleeve and bypass. I decided on the bypass and will be having it next month to me the risks of being obese outweigh the risks of having surgery. God forbid something ever happened to me... At least I died tryin'. I'm confident nothing will but there was a point where I was thinking some of the things you are and that was my mentality. I'm taking a stand for my life, my family, my health.

Thanks and once people started writing and answering questions it seemed like it came in a big group all at once which is very great and I appreciate all the advice and answers and different journeys...

Girl I will be here for you! There is so much support here and it makes me thankful for the friends that I have made.

Well let me start my putting myself out there for you. I have yet to do any wls yet I'm waiting on a date. I was looking into the sleeve and bipass and I decided that I will go with the bipass. I have gone a great program. We have monthly meetings. I have facebook pages. I have a binder full of info from my clinic I looking on you tube & google. I'm willing to sharing anything anything and everything I know I have completed my program jus waiting on my opperation date. Here if you wanna ask any thing. You or anyone can email me with questions

I wish you the best of luck - with whatever surgery you choose! Just that you are making the change to better your life is so important! Good luck - keep us informed

Hi Kristina,

Thanks for your very helpful post. Can I ask a question? (I'm also in my 20s and have been debating--non-stop--on which one to go with.) Are you afraid of the malabsorption issues and some of the immuno issues that go along with GP? And are you choosing RnY because you're more of a sweets person (vs portion)?

****I'M TOTALLY LOST. If It wasn't for the absorption things I hear, plus comments on hair loss, I'd be doing the GP. But then again, who knows.*** lol.

TIA,

jess

PS Surgery in three weeks. I have 21 days to decide, lol.

I am pre op and I am 23 and was also undecided between the sleeve and bypass. I decided on the bypass and will be having it next month to me the risks of being obese outweigh the risks of having surgery. God forbid something ever happened to me... At least I died tryin'. I'm confident nothing will but there was a point where I was thinking some of the things you are and that was my mentality. I'm taking a stand for my life, my family, my health.

Congratulations on your decision! Please keep us posted on how you're doing - this forum is wonderful!