I am currently 19 years old. Many people feel that I am to young to understand the risks and responsibility of having this surgery. As a little bit of background I have been overweight as long as I can remember. When I was 10 my mother started me on my first diet program. I have been on countless programs that just haven't worked for me. I would just like some opinion on the topic of my age. What do you think?

[rquote name=Hannahb3997" post="4091431" timestamp="1456787884]Thank you everyone for the advice and comments. I have been doing a ton of research and I do think WLS is the best choice for me. I believe that I can commit to the changes necessary for this to work. I want to be able to enjoy my life and be healthy while doing so.

This is great to hear.

Keep us posted on how you are doing and let us know how we can help.

Hannah, you haven't said whether you do understand the "risks and responsibility." It is imperative that you and anyone else contemplating surgery comprehend that it isn't a cure. The real work remains in the hands of the individual. I can't give you an opinion based on your age, as, at 67, I go back and forth about surgery for people as young as you. Even with opinions and discussions with your regular doctor, the choice must be yours. I think you'll do well to attend support groups organized by the hospitals in your area. If you're in the NYC part of NY, they all welcome people regardless of surgery location. You can ask questions and hear from others.

You were specific about requesting opinions based on your age. I'll break that to say that your mother must take three steps back. Surgery is about you alone and all of your own reasons for wanting to lose weight. I believe that she loves you like wildfire and wants the best for you, but pleasing her shouldn't be one of your reasons.

To clarify, my mother was at first terrified at the idea of me getting surgery. Totally against it. But, I showed her all my research and all my reasoning for it and she eventually opened up to the idea. She understands that I know all of the risks and responsibilities of this surgery. Of course I want to please my mother, but this time this is for me, and me alone.

Edited February 29, 201610 yr by Hannahb3997

To clarify, my mother was at first terrified at the idea of me getting surgery. Totally against it. But, I showed her all my research and all my reasoning for it and she eventually opened up to the idea. She understands that I know all of the risks and responsibilities of this surgery. Of course I want to please my mother, but this time this is for me, and me alone.

It's great that your mom is opening up to the idea!

Here's an interesting read... kind of an overview about relationships post WLS.

@@Hannahb3997, you sound clear-headed and great. I'm glad your mother is on board. Regardless of what I wrote earlier, everything will be so much easier with her support.

You know that you can always find support and sharing in BP and I still think that attending support groups can only be helpful.

P.S. @@Hannahb3997,

If you and your mother live together, she may like to take part in a couple of support groups sessions so that she can better understand the whole thang.

Some time back a woman brought her spouse to two lapband meetings. He loved and wanted to support her, but couldn't comprehend the emotional aspects that she was experiencing. He won hearts when he introduced himself, "I'm Joe. I'm the hus-bander." Even better was that he learned something about what he'd hoped to learn.

I don't think age is so much a concern for me, I'm more curious on other things. Have you done all your homework ? Read everything, talked to others who have had WLS, ask yourself if you're really ready for the big changes that WLS brings ? Mentally, physically and emotionally ? Can you stick to your Dr.s rules 95 % of the time ? Do you have a good patient/ Doctor relationship ? How about eating and socializing for the rest of your life ? Peer pressure ? Future dating ? Others possible negative and uninformed comments ? If you can answer YES to most of these questions, then I say go for it, because you're existing, not living and you deserve so much more than that ! Good luck and keep us posted !!

I don't think age is so much a concern for me, I'm more curious on other things. Have you done all your homework ? Read everything, talked to others who have had WLS, ask yourself if you're really ready for the big changes that WLS brings ? Mentally, physically and emotionally ? Can you stick to your Dr.s rules 95 % of the time ? Do you have a good patient/ Doctor relationship ? How about eating and socializing for the rest of your life ? Peer pressure ? Future dating ? Others possible negative and uninformed comments ? If you can answer YES to most of these questions, then I say go for it, because you're existing, not living and you deserve so much more than that ! Good luck and keep us posted !!

I believe that I am ready! Thank you for you feedback and support!

@@Hannahb3997 I almost had WLS as a 17 yr old and I am glad I didn't. Looking back I don't think I was prepared to have t then. I ended up having it at 23, although I wish I did have it sooner. I though college would have been hard following the guidelines. But, everyone is different and if you think you are ready then go for it. Everyone is different.

If I had the opportunity at 19 to have this surgery, I would do it in a heartbeat. Like you said, age is just a number. If you feel are ready and understand that this is a tool to help and not a solution and follow the program provided, you will do just fine.

We are all in the same journey with you and are here to help