BLAH! I feel so young :(

[livelifelovexdinelle]

Hello! I'm Dani from NYC and I'm currently going through the final stages before the gastric sleeve surgery. I just turned 18, started
1/2013 and I'm a high school grad (Class of 2013 WOO!). I was blessed to not only find a surgeon that took my insurance but also worked primarily with adolescents. I've gone through the 6 month process, visits with surgeon and nutritionist, all labs, blood work, cardiology, psych eval. and exercise test/pft and I'm glad it's almost over. This journey so far has been stressful, annoying, infuriating and honestly a blessing. I joined this forum just to get some insight from everyone else who has gone through it and hopefully gain some support from everyone. I'm doing this to change my life, my physical and mental health and live my life the way I want to. I don't see this surgery as a quick fix and I know I won't be a size 6 by my 19th birthday but I do know that I will be on my way to a healthier and happier me. But anyhoo! Catch me lurking among the other posts

[housediva82]

HI THERE!! You will love this site as for the surgery It saved my life and dont regret it one bit!! WELCOME

[Rox]

Welcome - glad to see that the medical community is addressing people your age. There are alot of rules with the sleeve, and it's not easy - but i'm sure you know that

[aclabombard13]

Depending on when your 19th birthday is... you never know I lost my weight at a record pace. I envy you for doing this so young. It's really going to improve your life in so many ways. I highly recommend a good exercise program because I believe that made all the difference for me. I reached 135lbs at 8 months post-op (I'm 5'6") so have been in maintenance for 5 months now and still managed to lose an additional 7 lbs. I think you'll be pleased with your decision when all is said and done. It is hard in the beginning and can be frustrating at times but is sooooooooooooo worth it. Best thing I could've possibly done. Congrats on beginning your journey

[Fatfloydfan]

I am sooo jealous too!!! I'm 28 and I have wasted my whole 20s overweight.
You are lucky lucky lucky! I wish I could go back.
Enjoy it!! Travell!! You have plenty of time to settle down study and have kids. Go out and see the world!!

[Bruce53]

Hi Dani,

I will turn 60 in about 6 months and I am in the same stage of the process as you. When you said, "This journey so far has been stressful, annoying, infuriating and honestly a blessing." you captured my feelings perfectly so don't think your feelings are because of your age. I think it is a pretty mature response to a very life changing event. I am getting sleeved on July 16th and am also excited and a little freaked out as well. I am also really glad to be done withn the endless rounds to different doctors to get all the clearances! That was a real pain for me with all the work expectations I have. Congrats on your grad and your decision. What an exciting time of life for you. See you on the sleeved side.

[kelz]

Hi fellow new yorker and congrats on your decision. I have not had mine yet but yes the running around is crazy but in the end is so worth all the time good luck again.

[Elbie]

If you had not said that you were 18, I would have never known because your post is so insightful and mature. May the blessings continue to abound as you finish the process and get sleeved! It is hard work but well worth it. Good luck!

[Rose69]

It's a great decision you've made. My son's friend was 20 when she got sleeved. (it was because of her success that I decided to have it done also) Anyway she always tells me how happy I am and how glad she is for getting it done. Now she's finally living her life, don't lose another year! Best of luck to you and keep us posted.

[Harley Granny]

I wish this was around when I was 20 years younger! My niece has been obese her whole life. I'm going to talk to her about this surgery. She's 21 now, has a knock out gorgeous face and I would love for her to experience life differently.

Very happy for you for making this decision!

[livelifelovexdinelle]

Thank you all for all the warm welcomes! I'm tearing up at reading all the replies. I understand how hard this is going to be just with everything I've had to do even before the procedure. I can't honestly say I'm 100% ready for this life changing event, but I'm going in with a lot of support and motivation.