Hi there.. I am 23 years old 5' 5" and 305lbs. I am looking into getting lap band. I have attempted multiple diets including weight watchers and going to the gym. I am a paramedic and my job is pretty demanding and sometimes its tough being that I am soo out of shape. My only medical problem is asthma and seasonal allergies. I really want to loose weight before I develop hypertension and diabeties. I was wondering if 23 years old is to young to have a surgery. Also how to convince my doctor who things I can loose it on my own to let me have this surgery.

My insurance is MVP.. I dont need referals which is a nice thing. Does anyone know any good doctors in the hudson valley? Id appreciate any information possible. Also how to get started.

IMHO, 23 is not too young. I had my surgery just after my 22nd birthday.

Think of it like this - why waste your 20s being fat, when you could be fantastic? :thumbup:

Plus, having surgery at a younger age presents fewer risks as your body is (generally) healthier and more resilient. Losing a large amount of weight at a younger age is (generally) easier as your metabolism has not started to slow down due to age, and your skin is more elastic and more likely to "snap back" into shape, which means less risk of plastic surgery to remove loose skin after weight loss.

Good luck with your decision! PM me if you like.

Annie.

im 22. and i was banded at 21..... def. not too young

No, I think i is a great age because you are younger and recovery from surgery will be easier. Your body is younger and working out will be easier.

I go banded when I was 19 (now going on 25) and have no regrets.

I am with everyone else, 23 is not too young! Good for you for getting control of your weight at such a young age! I wish I would have done it when I was younger myself, then I wouldn't have so much to loose!!

Wish I did it back when I was 23. 10 years (probably some of the best years of your life) I could have been at the weight I needed to be.

you know what the best thing about it is that u have so much of your life ahead of you and u are taking prevenative measures to prevent what may come if u continue to ignore the weight issue... When u talk to your Dr. don't ask him/her if u should have it let them know that you have done the research and u know that will be the best option for you. It's safe and this way he/she wont have to prescribe anti-hunger pills for you to reduce your hunger, and or high blood preasure pills, etc... and then ask them if they have your best interest at heart they will see it your way... I hope everything goes great for u...

Im 23 and was banded april. Youre not too young! at least youre doign something about it early! Youre smart!

I got my band 15mths ago just before my 22nd birthday.. i am currently 23...

This is the way i think of it... you are taking control of you weight problems young so you are a decreased risk for long term effects of obesity... it also means you would prevent you from from gaining further weight..

My old pcp was completely against me having the band because she is against bariatric surgery saying she didnt believe in it.. needless to say i obviously went against her opinion an followed my heart...

And with jumping through some hoops to get insurance approval.. i went down from a BMI:47.1 (288lbs) to BMI: 31.4 (192lbs)... So in my opinion it is th best decision i ever made for myself and i would do it again in a heartbeat... The only thing i regret is that i didn't do it sooner...

So best of luck to you on your journey which ever decision you may choose... And if you have any questions feel free to email me at jmakowski@ix.netcom.com

Hi there.. I am 23 years old 5' 5" and 305lbs. I am looking into getting lap band. I have attempted multiple diets including weight watchers and going to the gym. I am a paramedic and my job is pretty demanding and sometimes its tough being that I am soo out of shape. My only medical problem is asthma and seasonal allergies. I really want to loose weight before I develop hypertension and diabeties. I was wondering if 23 years old is to young to have a surgery. Also how to convince my doctor who things I can loose it on my own to let me have this surgery.

My insurance is MVP.. I dont need referals which is a nice thing. Does anyone know any good doctors in the hudson valley? Id appreciate any information possible. Also how to get started.

HI guy!!

you are surely are NOT to young to be banded! I just turned 20 a few months ago, and wish i could have gotten banded back when i was a teenager!

You're never to young to make the right health choices.

and dont let ANYONE discourge you about your age, because if i listened to everyone who said "your to young", i'd never be banded

good luck!

I am 22 now and I get banded in november so Ill be 23 then, not it's not too young :embaressed_smile: