Ok so I'm only 16 years old and I way 266 pounds. I've been obeist my whole life but it's just getting worse. I've tried everything to lose weight but I just keep gaining pounds and the doctors say despite my weight I'm healthy but I can take being this size any more. I gained over 50 pounds over this past summer alone but I exercised every day and I was on a good diet. Its just no matter what I do nothing works. My doctors has already talked to me my parents about the lap band and told us to come back if we want to discuss it further and my parents have been talking about it too. I just want to be comfortable when i go out with my girlfriends and not have to worry about being made fun of. I want to be around boys with out being so shy. But most importantly I want to be a healthy size and to able to up a flight of stairs with out being out of breathe. I already know everything about the lap band I' ve researched so much. So should I have the lap band surgery?

Hi KaitlynMarie, you are definitely on the right track to get to good health. It sounds like your doctor and your parents are fully supportive of you, and you're doing your research. That's a huge part of the battle. There's a whole teen forum on LBT, and you'll soon see that you are not alone. We really can't tell you if lap band is right for you, but it's certainly a very good option. I think if you go to the teen section, you'll see lots of kids just like you who have been very successful with the band. Good luck sweetie.

Welcome LBT!

It sounds like your a good candidate for the procedure. But have you considered the long term life-style changes that come with any type of WLS?

WLS are a tool. You can cheat around WLS procedures and never lose weight and/or gain weight. But Kaitlyn, if you play by the WLS rules, you will acquire a healthy life-style, filled with energy and confidence. WLS is not easy. It is hard work, but well worth it.

Here is a link to the teen section. Teens - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

Good luck with your decision.

I am 20 and just had the lap band. I love it so much, it changed my life. I think that having the band at a young age is good because you can avoid some of the health problems that result from many years of being obese. Also, nipping a weight problem in the bud young in life will help your self-esteem to rise and stay that way. Just ask the folks on this forum if they would have had the band at a young age, had they had the chance. They all say yes. And look at it this way, right now you are dependent on your parents (and I'm assuming they will be paying for the band), you should have the surgery now instead of having to pay for it yourself later in life (it sucks, believe me). And finally, if you decide that you don't like the band or it doesn't work you can have it unfilled or even removed... but believe me, you won't want to do that, you will love it so much!

It sounds like your on the right track and doing the research. Having supportive parents also helps. The only person who can tell you if the lapband is right for you is you . . . because you are the person who will be living the banded life.

Definitely check out the teen forum as well, it is a great place to meet new people that have went through what you are going through now.

Hey,

you remind me so much of myself when i was 16..I weigh 270 and i felt like there was no hope...i am now 25 and I am finally doing something about my weight..i weigh 286 now which sucks..I can tell you this about getting the lap-band you cant do it do people will like you or anything like that. you have to do it for yourself. Dont listen to people who say you dont need it..that you can lose weight other ways. Just remember you are not alone.

Thanks so much for the teen link I'll deffinatley check it out and thank you for the support.