Hello everyone! My name is Katherine, I am 21 years old and I live in Quebec, Canada.

I have been struggling with my weight since I was 6-7 years old. My family did not understand my overweight body at the time, considering that everyone in both of my family is skinny/average. They did an awful job at trying to manage my weight and it left me with not only a bad self-esteem but also how my metabolism is functioning now. I was put through all of the diets in the world as a child yet nothing would work. When I became a teenager, I redid all the diets all over again by myself. I did every diet on the planet: you name it, I did it! Yet my weight has been fluctuating for forever. I can't get a good shape even through exercise, even through a good diet. It's the worst thing in the world and everyone is doubting that I am "really" trying.

Which brings me here! A few months ago, I decided that I couldn't take it anymore and I started considering bariatric surgery. First, I was thinking of getting a lapband but now I understand that they don't do it in my city and I'd have to wait 2-3 years to get one. Then, I discovered there were more cons than pros compared to the gastric sleeve.

I got informed about the gastric sleeve and I believe it's perfect for me!

But my parents and friends are really not supportive. I am going to the private, the whole surgery is going to be around 16 500$ and I would probably be able to have it within the next few months.

Everyone is scared, everyone is pissed, everyone is telling me that I "can't possibly have tried everything!?" WHEN I DID. It's making me feel so depressed and alone. Only my sister and my boyfriend are supportive of what I do. Right now, I am waiting for the clinic to call me back. They might think I am too young?

I weight 245 pounds, 5'8'' with a BMI of 37.3

I will take advice, support, explanations! Do you believe that I could have the surgery?

Sent from my iPod touch using the BariatricPal App

This is the reason I only shared with my Husband who has always supported me. I shared with some family just before surgery. I knew I would put far more effort into learning and making this decision than anyone else would. There truly is so much negative, inaccurate information out there, that it's like trying to explain rocket science to a 2nd grader. Most people do not get it. My advice is to educate yourself. Really educate yourself. Read books, look at statistics for complications and success/failure rates, read other's experiences (good and bad) and spend time thinking about whether this is the right decision for you. Learn about your surgeon's experience doing the sleeve and what your responsibilities will be to ensure your success. And remember wls is NOT the answer. But it is a heck of a great tool. It is one piece of the puzzle. I could not, absolutely NOT have done this without surgery. I am thankful every day that I had it and would do it again in a heartbeat. The best to you in your journey