First of all, just want to say hi to everyone. This website is amazing. I've been doing research most of this year and I'm on this site a lot but this is my first post. Everyone seems really supportive. I'm having my surgery in Mexico by Dr. Ortiz next Friday and I'm freaking out. I think it's partially because I haven't told anyone yet. I am also younger than most of the people I see posting here. I've never had any type of surgery and I'm just praying this one goes well with no complications. The complications that are possible have almost scared me out of taking this HUGE step in my life. I mostly want to say hi because I'm sure I'll be coming here with more questions in the months to come. I also am wondering if there is anyone out there who had this surgery with Grave's Disease? I was diagnosed over two years ago and my thyroid levels have been mostly stable (though when my medication is adjusted I have gone up and down by 40 pounds). This last weight gain was just enough for me, I've had it with the yo-yo dieting. Anyway, I haven't had my thyroid ablated with radiation or surgery..anyone else have a similar experience?? Thanks

we're the same age and i'm getting banded next wednesday! i'm sure that you've got nothing to worry about and you'll do great! good luck to you! :thumbup:

hey. I also feel like am younger than most people here. But dont worry. I feel the same way about my surgery. Mine is in 2 weeks and the closer it gets the more nervous I get, but everythign will be fine. You'll see. Keep me posted on how ur surgery goes. When is it?

Thank you both for responding :thumbup: Good luck to both of you with your upcoming surgeries! I get banded on January 2...looks like 2009 will be a turning point in our lives! I'll definitely keep you posted. It's reassuring to know that people my age are going through the same thing..we have a long (and hopefully successful) road ahead.

Good luck to you! I'm going through the process with Kaiser in Richmond and am hoping to be banded in Feb or March. I'm sure everything will be great and you'll be SO happy you made this big decision for yourself.

I don't have Graves disease, but I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and it explains all the troubles I've had with losing and gaining weight, so I think I can feel a little bit of your pain!

Feel free to chat anytime. I can't wait for 2009, it'll be the best year yet...for all of us here! :thumbup:

Hey - don't worry about the surgery - because you're younger, you'll probably have a quicker recovery time than most of the rest of us... just make sure that you follow the post-op diet to the letter. I didn't know but if you move onto mushies too quickly you can cause yourself all sorts of complications down the path. Good luck and relax - I'm only 1 week after surgery and I'm already feeling almost back to normal and getting on the treadmill every day for a little walk. s

Shelley2b--that's awesome! I hope i recover that quickly!

Hey! I just turned 24 and had my surgery exactly 1 week ago! My doctor and nurses said I was doing very well just a few hours out. Right now, I am moving around just fine. Just slight belly soreness in what I think is my port area.

I think being young is an advantage because your recovery will probably be easier. I have hypothyriodism and have heard the surgery will only help me!

I've only told a few people about the surgery -- only those closest to me. If it helps, I don't remember ANYTHING about the surgery. I remember going into the room, the mask, and then being moved from operating table to hospital bed.

I'm happy I made this decision and can't wait to lose some more weight! By the way, I've lost 7 lbs since surgery!

Thanks for all the support you guys..and good luck again! Laurenica23 -congrats on your successful surgery! I'm just wondering what you mean by it only helps you? Do you mean people with hypothyroidism are more successful than those with hyperthyroidism? Though I was hyperactive in the past, my levels are stable now. Just wondering what doctors may have told you.

thanks :hurray:

Thanks for all the support you guys..and good luck again! Laurenica23 -congrats on your successful surgery! I'm just wondering what you mean by it only helps you? Do you mean people with hypothyroidism are more successful than those with hyperthyroidism? Though I was hyperactive in the past, my levels are stable now. Just wondering what doctors may have told you.

thanks :hurray:

My levels are stable now, too, but my doctor and dietician told me the surgery would only help me because those with thyroid disease often have trouble losing on their own. The lap-band makes it much easier for us to lose, so it can only help us. :laugh:

cool, thanks for clarifying..both my parents had thyroid issues and i was the unlucky one to get the same issues. it is a lot harder to lose and maintain a healthy weight with thyroid disease. i hope the band works for both of us.