I'm Amanda, and I'm 17 years old. I'm most definitely getting the lap band whenever we sort out all the financial issues at hand.

I was wondering if anyone had any good doctors to recommend around Texas? Well, anywhere? I'm wary on who I want to go to. And if you don't mind saying, about how much was the surgery for you? When you found a doctor, how long was it until you had your surgery?

Thank you, I can't wait for this change. I've always dreamed of being the person I knew I could be.

Edited May 28, 200818 yr by Manda

Sweetie, you look way too beautiful to be overweight! You're certainly too young to be considering this surgery, in my opinion. I think your body is still growing and changing and to do something like this would not be wise for a few more years, assuming your BMI and other issues are high enough to consider even then. I don't know any doctors in Texas, but if you are seriously looking at this, check into the bariatric center of excellence website to find a good one. Good luck.

Thank you for you're honest feedback!

I really am overweight, I'm 265 and have a BMI of 43. I've talked to some of the doctors we've been weeding through and they believe that I should definitely go into it, although I should take my age and my future choices in concern.

Thank you again!

Wow! It certainly doesn't show in your face, that's for sure. You are gorgeous! Well, if your doctor says to do it, who am I to argue? Please let me know if I can ever offer support! That's what we're all here for! Good luck!!

I went to Dr. Ortiz in TJ Mexico. He is awesome! He is one of the top if not hte top lap band surgern in the world. His clinic is top notch and his staff is way better then anyone in the us. The pest part is it is olny about $7,000 and olny about 1 month waiting time 2 weeks of the you are on a pre op diet. He has his own web page and forum. obesitycontrolcenter.com or lapbandforum.com check it out.

MANDA:

I can totally relate to you and I'm super excited for you that you have chosen to get the lap band.

When I was 17, I weighed about the same as you, and as the years went by, i only got bigger. My intentions were to lose weight but somehow i just couldnt.

Now I'm 19, and I just got the lap band 2 weeks ago. I'm super happy and I wish that I could have done this sooner!

My parents didnt want me to go to Mexico, even though I'm sure they are great doctors and surgeons there...They chose to do it here in the U.S., around where I live and it cost me about 16,000. They payed out of pocket, which was hard, but it was do-able.

I hope that you get everything situated, and on to the road of a new life! I'm excited for you!

If you need to talk, I'm here.

<3Nina

hey! i got the lap band in february, and i had started to look into getting it when i was 18. some people told me i was too young, but i had tried everything else and failed. this was the best decision of my life. we actualy didnt pay much for my surgery, my moms insurance cover like 95% of it, but we had to do a lot of calling and doctors appointments to make it work. tell your parents to call their insurance provider and to check all avenues.

2 things i wish someone would have told me before my sugery is that, YOU need to accept this happening to you, YOU need to be confidant that having this surgery doesnt change who YOU ARE AS A PERSON. also that dont be suprised if some of your friends dont really support you 100% on this journey. i was blown away when my best friend told me that she didnt want me to get smaller than a size 14, cause then i would be smaller than her. do this for YOU, and for YOUR OWN REASONS. God bless- maddy

Sweetie, you look way too beautiful to be overweight! You're certainly too young to be considering this surgery, in my opinion. I think your body is still growing and changing and to do something like this would not be wise for a few more years, assuming your BMI and other issues are high enough to consider even then. I don't know any doctors in Texas, but if you are seriously looking at this, check into the bariatric center of excellence website to find a good one. Good luck.

I don't mean to be rude but what is that supposed to mean? Only ugly people can be over weight? And I actually have a question for you, what size/weight were you when you were 17/18? And if you were around the same size as she is now how would you feel if someone said to you that you shouldn't have this surgery?

I'm Amanda, and I'm 17 years old. I'm most definitely getting the lap band whenever we sort out all the financial issues at hand.

I was wondering if anyone had any good doctors to recommend around Texas? Well, anywhere? I'm wary on who I want to go to. And if you don't mind saying, about how much was the surgery for you? When you found a doctor, how long was it until you had your surgery?

Thank you, I can't wait for this change. I've always dreamed of being the person I knew I could be.

well hello there fellow 17 year old!!!! thank god im not the only one :tt2: although my moms insurance covers me I looked at your other comments on this thread and noticed you are the same age and weight as me. It sure sucks being in school and having to go through this :thumbup: Im just starting my procedure of all the group visits, going to get bloodwork, doctor visits, and all that fun stuff :thumbs_down: just sucks to have to wait so long! i was hoping i would have it before going back to school lol well anyway im always on here and willing to talk and meet new people!

Hi Manda, I was wondering if you have had your surgery I just got banded 12/30/08 and I just turned 17 today new year 09, I have a great doctor for you if u are still interested and if u have been banded, I hope everything is going great for you. Good luck. I am going through bandster hell as I am only 3 days post op, the gas and bloating is killing me hopefull it will be resolved as the days go by. I started at 210 lbs, I lost 15lbs on the liquid preop diet and so I am waiting for 2weeks on my follow up with the doctor to know how much I weigh. :Yawn:

Stephanie