Gastric sleeve as a teenager

[gracie25 10]

Hi everyone! This is my first post, so please be kind 😅

I'm currently 18 years old and my surgery date is set for March 26th, 2024. Only two more weeks to go! Both of my parents have had weight loss surgery, and the main difference between the program they went through and the one I'm going through at my children's hospital is how long it took. I had to complete a six-month program which started in July, plus other miscellaneous appointments.

I'm just curious if anyone here had their surgery in their teenage years or as an early adult. How was adjusting to the new diet while also being in school? Is loose skin more or less common in younger patients? Please comment if you have any answers, tips, or words of encouragement.

I look forward to hearing from the people! Lol

[NickelChip 739]

My words of encouragement are these: Know why you're doing this and don't let yourself forget.

I am long past my teen years but I have kids at that age now, and I know what a hard time in life it can be. It seems like everyone else can make bad choices and have zero consequences. It's the age where every meeting you go to for school or extracurricular activities has pizza and soda, where ramen is a legit choice for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and where even the skinniest kids pack on 20 lbs thanks to college dorm food, pulling all-nighters, and overindulging in alcohol.

Swimming against the stream is going to be a struggle. So stay focused on that reason or list of reasons that you're doing this. Have faith and confidence in yourself, and don't be afraid to be different. Young people often have no filters. They say things that are mean because they are insecure or unaware of how it will sound to others. If they're eating wings and beer for dinner and you have some poached salmon and broccoli or only drink Water with lemon in it, they might feel bad about their own choices, but they're instinct may be to make you feel bad about yours instead. Be strong and remember why your health is important.

God willing, you have a very long life ahead of you. You also have decades of hard times, stress, and the temptation to turn to food for comfort. Work on that now, and don't stop. Take care of your mental health while you're young because life is a challenge. The good news is, you will never be so resilient physically as you are right now. Your body wants to be healthy. Your skin wants to bounce back like a stretchy piece of elastic.

You're going to do great and you've got a brilliant life ahead of you!

[summerseeker 1,860]

On here we are all kind and very helpful. Its not Facebook, there is no one-upmanship here. If we can, we will help in anyway we can. I hope you get the answers soon

[Spinoza 1,194]

Oh we will always be kind here. We are mostly much older than you but who doesn't love a young thing mixing it up and asking the right questions!?!? Sounds like you have your parents to guide you but your journey will be completely different (because everyone's is).

I know that you'll be hoping to hear from really young people and I'm really hoping to hear from them too because that's a voice that has been missing here before.

I suspect your skin will be much more forgiving than the older folks but that stretch marks might limit that a little bit. It means less to me than other people who I know have had surgery to tidy things up. They can share their experiences as you go along.

Anyway - welcome. It's lovely to hear from you and I wish you all the best on your journey. 🤩

[Bypass2Freedom 137]

Hello and welcome!

I don't even know if I am considered a young adult at 27, but I feel it sometimes!

I will probably just echo what others have said - your reasons are your own, you don't have to feel that you need to share these with everyone. You are making the right choice for yourself.

I am also pre-surgery so if you need to talk at all please feel free! This place has been amazing for me so far!

[j.apple 6]

Hi Gracie!! I got VSG surgery at 20 years old. I started my pre-op diet two weeks before surgery at 19. (My birthday is on January 2nd) I’m also a college student and I will not lie to you, getting weight loss surgery and coming back on campus was the hardest thing I ever had to do. My dining hall on campus didn’t cater to my needs during the post-op stage. To be honest, I was going home every other weekend because I knew I would get what I needed from home. I live about an hour and a half away from campus so it was pretty pricey to do so.

I’m down approximately 40 pounds since January and I don’t think I have loose skin but I definitely lost my booty lol. It’s not really a big deal for me but I do plan on going to the gym more often.

If you have any other concerns or want to know more about my experience, please reach out!! I don’t know much young people that have gotten weight loss surgery but I’m excited for us as we are turning our life around!! I hope everything goes well!!