So I had an appointment with my doctor last week. He wrote me a referral and also had me get some blood work done just to make sure I don't have thyroid problems or anything. I got my blood work back today and another doctor went over it with me. He said everything was fine, but saw that I was trying to get the lap band and was telling me I should reconsider and try something else. He thinks that I am too young to get it done, because I am only 19. I know some other people feel the same. Just because I am young, doesn't mean I haven't suffered or been through hell and back with my weight, too. I'm just feeling so confused. My husband, dad, and best friend are all very supportive, but other than that, I feel like a lot of people are against it. I have my seminar on Thursday and I am so excited about it. I just wish I would stop being put down about this.

think of what could happen if you DON'T have the surgery!!! THAT you are to young for..... I'm sick that I waited until age 48 to do something about this. I got fat at age 31. 17 years of putting my life on hold was dumb. I admire you for wanting to take care of it early. You will not only help yourself, but your husband and his health, and you will also bring up your children to be healthy eaters, and not set them up for future problems. Find another doctor. Start looking at the posters on this site. There are quite a few who are close to your age. they did it. so can you. find a supportive doctor.

Im 20 and looking in to having the lapband. I think it would be better to do it young.

1- you heal faster when your younger.

2- you dont keep gaining weight.

3- you health will improve instead of decline.

I just hope when i go to my doctor in december he will agree with me. My dad is inline with me but everyone else just thinks im over weight because i eat wrong or i dont exercise. That is bologna b/c i used to run 5 miles a day and i still am overweight. Anyway hope yours goes well and mine will too!

I'm 20 and my Dr. never even asked my age. I don't think that that is an excuse. I think that wanting to do it at this age is a good thing. I'm so excited to be getting my life in my own hands and being in control of things. I'm doing this for myself, my future children and my health. I've wanted WLS since I was like 13 and it's so unreal to me that it's finally happening. Go for what you want!

I was married 2 weeks before my 19th birthday also. My husband was in the Navy when we met but got out when we started dating. If you ever want to chat, just message me on here.

I'm 15, waiting for my band. I've been going through the program I am in for almost 14 months. Since I was 14, and I'm turning 16 next month. The reason for the long wait is because of me being that young, my team wanted to make sure I was "mature" enough before and after the band surgery. Since it is a life changing - change. I was waiting for insurence to approve since August 28th. I go back to Chicago on December 18th, HOPEFULLY for a surgery date. I'm pretty nervous. Mostly just scared of something going wrong in the surgery. You know, just the basics. I thought to myself today and was like "this might be my last thanksgiving." But I've always thought the negative instead of the positive. Even tho I'm trying to turn that around.

I've taken alot of time to prepare, think about this. I'm still nervous, I still doublethink this. But I know I need this. I can't crash diet anymore. I want to be thinner, not because of a prom dress, not because of boys, okay we'll mabey just a little! But I really do want to be a healthier person. I want to run more then 10 seconds. I want to keep up with everyone else. I want to get rid of my diabetes - or mabey just make it not as severe. I just want to be a regular teenager. I know I'll always have flaws, I'll always have something I won't like about myself. But that's life, and that's what it's all about. I'm here to enjoy the ride, not be miserable.

ANYWAYS, lol do what you think is best. Don't listen to what other people think, if you think your ready then let the lap banding begin! Just make sure you have thought about this long and hard. Make sure you have a good support system too, if not with family (some of mine aren't supportive of it) then I'm sure there's a weight loss group around your area!

Good luck, and hope you had a great thanksgiving!

Nicole

Don't let people deter you from what you think is right for your body. I'm 24 and people gave me so much crap for considering surgery and now when i tell said people about how much i've lost they say things like of course you're losing weight you eat less than your baby. I just let it roll. I got upset/hurt about it before but I don't care anymore. I'm just happy I decided to not spend the rest of my life fat and unhappy. I want my kids to have a healthy outlook on life and good body images, kwim?

Side note: DH and I got married when I was 19 he was 20. Saturday is our 5 year anniversary. and he's been in the Navy for 2.5 years. =)

This Doctor is crazy! find yourself another one. After all is he concerned the you are "mature" enough to deal with diabetes, high cholesterol and muslce and joint pain that is associated with obesity.

I wish the band was available when I was 19, although I think I was still in denial about my weight issues.

There are doctors out there that will do the surgery.......good luck

I don't think that age means a thing. I'm 38 and last year I would not have been ready for this. I think it's all about where you are emotionally and if you are ready to admit to the problem and go forward in helping yourself.

I wish you good luck, I hope that you have much success with whatever you decide to do. Remember this, no one has to live in that body but you, and no one has to deal with the negatives of being overweight but you. It's all on you.

I have too been overweight for a really long time. When I was 17 I began a program that was the beginning steps to be approved for wls. After going through the steps they told me I was too young for the surgery. I was devastated.

After that I tried countless diets where I would lose some and gain it back.

I finally had enough and I went to a different doctor and began my process in June, and was banded on November 14. I am also 20.

There are many doctors out there who band people who are 18 and older, and I know there are some who do it younger.

I don't think age is as important as the maturity level. You need to be completely open to a full life change.

Good luck.