I am new to these forums, and the idea of Lap Band.

My name is Amanda, and I'm 17 years old. I've been overweight my whole life, and I'm at my worst point. I'm around 265lb, my BMI is 43 and I recently found out I'm eligible for Lap Band.

I was just wanting some advice, recommendations for doctors, ANYTHING you can give me! Success stories would really get me through this anxiousness that accompanies my excitement.

Thank you!

There's a section under Age Specific Lap Band Support Groups for teens that you might find helpful. For doctors and other bandsters in your area, you might try the Texas section under the USA Lap Band Support Groups, which is under the general Lap Band Support Groups section.

Welcome to the forum. Hope you can find what you are looking for here.

Hi Amanda!

Well, I'll tell you a little of my story, since we are pretty close in age (I'm 22). I just was banded last week, on May 20th. My pre-op weight was 265, like yours, and I'm 5'5". I'm still in my recovery stage of the band but so far I feel pretty good about my decision. There were a few days there right after surgery where I was thinking "what have I done?!?" But I think thats pretty normal. So far I have lost 10lbs. I'm still on my liquid stage (my doc requires me to be on liquids for one week after surgery), but tomorrow I start my mushy stage. Thats where I can start adding in mushy foods like mashed potatoes and cottage cheese and oatmeal. I can already notice my face getting slimmer, and it has really given me hope. I did write a long winded post about my time right after surgery and its posted in the "post-op questions" board right at the top in a section about your surgery stories. Like I said, I'm only a week out, but I do think this will be one of the best things I could ever do for myself (I was self pay). I know it will be hard, there is no getting around that, the Lap Band takes work and dedication. I hope you make the right choice for you, and feel free to message me with any questions! Good Luck!

I am new to these forums, and the idea of Lap Band.

My name is Amanda, and I'm 17 years old. I've been overweight my whole life, and I'm at my worst point. I'm around 265lb, my BMI is 43 and I recently found out I'm eligible for Lap Band.

I was just wanting some advice, recommendations for doctors, ANYTHING you can give me! Success stories would really get me through this anxiousness that accompanies my excitement.

Thank you!

amanda, i see from your picture that you are very very pretty but also very sad. don't be. you are lucky enough to be born at a time when being overweight is no longer a lifetime sentence. once you are banded and following your surgeons instructions the pounds will melt away. and you won't recognize the girl in the mirror. trust me, it's going to happen, just stay focused on your goal.

Amanda,

Congratulations on moving forward on your journey to weight loss. I'm 20 years old and am currently on a weight loss journey, although I do not have a LapBand. I work with LapBand patients at a clinic and so I guess you could say I have had an inside peek at what the LapBand lifestyle and journey is like. I have to tell you, from seeing the way the lapBand works an unbiased perspective, I would definitely go for it if you and your doctors know that it is the right step for you. Of course you will be nervous, but that is allowed. Anything worth any meaning to you will come along with a bit of nerves. You are so young and you deserve to feel and look your best, and from what I have seen, the LapBand is an exceptional means of getting there. Email me if you have any questions about anything!

best of luck Amanda!

Congrats to all you young ladies for taking care of your weight loss NOW! I have watched my weight yo-yo for almost 40 years now, and each time it is harder than the last to lose it. I admire your courage, and am glad you have the lap band available to you--I'm sure there are bunches of us here who wish we had it when we were younger!

hi Amanda,

welcome to LBT. there is a ton of information here, my suggestion, read read read here... take a look at before/after pictures, etc.

best of luck to you!