Young and sleeved?

[Sara51692 162]

So I'm only 23 and I'm scheduled for surgery on this Tuesday, May 26th. Anybody else young and very heavy like me who got sleeved? I used to think it made so much more sense to get wls when you're younger because then you'll get to enjoy the rest of your life, so to speak, but now I'm realizing how scary it is to make a life-changing decision when I've still got so much life left to go! I think about how hard it might be to find a relationship with someone who shares the same values and how going out with my friends or family will change. I keep reminding myself "it's scary, but it's scarier to think about being fat for the rest of your life." it's sort of my mantra. I'm not having doubts about getting it, but I'm scared and anxious. My head, logically, is like "you're crazy. You can do it." and the other part of me is like "uhm any surgery is scary! You could die! This is such a crazy decision!" Needless to say, I haven't been a very big risk taker in my life so far.

[Sara51692 162]

Thanks! That makes me feel better. =) I never really saw a life worth living in my future until this surgery.

[cjnorris 103]

I'm proud of you for being proactive at your age. You have your whole life ahead of you as a healthy person. Endless possibilities lay ahead. Best of Luck.

[judyoz 240]

Go get em girl! I am 55 and just was sleeved 3 1/2 weeks ago. It is going to good. You will be a whole NEW you. Best of luck.

[Sara51692 162]

Thank you cj and judy! =) I'm so nervous and getting more anxious as it gets closer but I'm excited.

[AvaFern 3,516]

I had the sleeve done when I was 29. I fluctuated in my 20's from down to about 137 to up to 237 at my highest...I lost about 80 pounds 4 times, and it really made having a social life difficult. If I could have spent the entirety of my 20's being as thin as I am now, which was never possible before the sleeve, I think I would have really had a lot more of a chance to enjoy life. I can appreciate though the feeling that what you are doing will impact you for literally the rest of your life and when you have 80-90 years left to live that can be a scary thought. Honestly, that still freaks me out a little bit so I try not to think about it, lol, but I am quite happy and I hope that you will be too!

[Sara51692 162]

Thanks! How long have you had the sleeve? How's your social life doing now? I've been super stressed about how that will all change too...

[sleever0526 0]

Hi I'm also going to have surgery 5/26 good luck to you , im nervous and scared but I know this is the best decision I have made.

[lovingdavid 119]

Hi I don't feel old lol I am 35 yrs and I was sleeved last year in July and I can say I feel great, motivated to keep going???? I have lost 90 + pounds so far. I started at 252 pounds day of surgery I am now 162 pounds and want to lose 30 more pounds. It is a life changing journey but for the best. I wish you the best in your surgery.

[RaginCajun 177]

I may be the opposing view, and it is noted that I am a guy and that is very different body image perspective versus you ladies.

However, I think its worth noting that there is no data on the long term effects of VSG surgery. So, there is some risk.

Also, there are issues with having any bariatric surgery that you need to take into account. You should read this forum from end-to-end to discover what those are. And, you will find that everyone's journey is different.

From my perspective, if you are 23, its important NOT rush into this type of surgery. While you may have many issues with weight management so far in your life, you have most of your life in front of you.

Key factors may be: 1) Why are you heavy - is it a medical condition or eating disorder or psychological matter? 2) Do you believe if motivated that you could control your weight and manage it; 3) Do you believe if motivated that you could control your intake of food?; 4) Do you have the capability of increasing your exercise level, including using a personal trainer?

A total assessment of why you are where you are, and a truthful discussion with a professional could validate that you are making a wise choice - or not.

Best of luck!

-RC-

[ohh_mandyy 211]

I had my sleeve done when I was 22. Best decision of my life! You will do great!

[Sara51692 162]

@@ohh_mandyy Thanks! @@RaginCajun, thank you for your honest input too! I see a therapist regularly and we've discussed this for a long time. I don't know why that doesn't reassure me more, but I've always had a fear of failing and I've always felt like I take the easy way out, and this time, I wanted to take a risk and do something hard. The easy way out would be to stay overweight. And even though there's a part of my brain screaming "No! What about pizza!?", it doesn't seem to be as strong as the part of my brain telling myself all the good things I'll get to experience after this. I've been doing great on my liquid diet, and I know that doesn't mean much, but it makes me proud because I'm starting to have confidence in myself.