I'm 18 years old and strongly considering lap band surgery. I have a relatively low BMI of about 32 with sleep apnea and gastric reflux, which means i will be paying out of pocket for surgery.I have been overweight since the age of 5 and tried countless weight loss techniques, all of which failed. This is not an impulsive decision i'm making, I've been doing research for a very long time and my parents are completely on board. However, being 18 i have some concerns. One of which being scarring. As a young teenager I don't want people knowing I received weight loss surgery...I typically scar pretty easily. I've looked for surgeons that's use the single incision approach but haven't found one. Any suggestions for how to minimize scarring? I already have a story if people ask. I've had pretty severe gastric reflux so I'm saying i had that operated on, but since it will coincide with major weight loss people might be suspicious. Suggestions? Also, being an 18 year old I do participate in casual drinking on the weekends, nothing too serious. Not drinking for a while won't be a problem for me but I think if i stop drinking for no reason people might ask questions. How long after surgery can i start casually drinking? Any suggestions on how to hide it or excuses? Thanks !

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If you have gastric reflux do not get a lap band! It will get 10 times worse. I just had mine removed and revised to a bypass. Can't tell you how relieved I am to have it out. I developed horrible reflux with the band...now, blissfully gone. I wish I never had the band.

I just recently had a revision to sleeve, but all my band scars are gone. I had the band back in 09 and they faded fast... And you're much younger so I don't think you have to worry about that at all. As far as drinking, I know some who enjoy a glass of wine from time to time. Although I don't drink, my band surgeon did not forbid it. It's best if you can ask your surgeon what he/she recommends regarding the drinking and the reflux. Some are strict, others are not.

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