It's time...Now I need your help. - ThinnerTimes

JustAnotherVictim1 · 02-03-2006, 02:39 PM

Hey everyone,

I may seem to be rambling, because, well...I am.

First let me introduce myself. My name is Eric, I live in Portland, Michigan, which is close to Lansing. Now I am only 15 (16 on July 5th), but I am not small (obviously) and am tall for my age.

For the last three years (at least) I have been researching Gastric Bypass Surgery. It amazed me so much, but I knew at that time I was too young.

Let me start at the beginning of the trail. A few years ago, I met with my doctor, and he was very concerned about my weight. For the last few years I have been over 350lbs, no matter what I try. My Grandmother believed it to be a thyroid problem, so my family doctor sent me to a specialist. While I was there, he did a bunch of random examining, and considered I have many signs of being a pre-diabetic, and told me I WILL be diabetic if I continued.

After that doctors appointment, to be honest I ignored it. I then went to counseling for quite awhile, and now believe myself to be cured of depression. I love school, don't get me wrong, but this year the bullying has gotten worse, to almost daily. I am the guy who is the biggest kid in the grade, but is liked by everyone.

So anyways, after the appointment with the thyroid specialist, I went on Atkins with no success, for the couple months I was on it, I only lost a few pounds. I even flew out to Oregon to live with my Uncle for awhile, because he lost a lot of weight on Atkins (and eventually gained it back), and still nothing.

After I returned from his place, I quit again, due to no success showing. A few weeks later I tried a new diet, suggested by my Grandmother, a low-calorie diet. I tried this one for a month and a half or so, and saw no results. Again, after no results for the second time, even though I only did this one for 1.5 months, I decided it wasn't right for me.

I also tried another in MY opinion "fad diet", and tried Slim-Fast, but those made me sick.

I again went on Atkins in the spring of last year, 2005, and actually stayed on this one until the end of last year, November I believe. I got really serious with this diet, and even though I am reaching 375 pounds, I walked with my mother on a bi-daily basis. In the end, the total weight loss? 22 pounds.

So here we are. At the start of this new year, I made a new years resolution to not drink Mountain Dew, or any other sodas for the rest of the year (at least). So far, so good. Haven't touched soda yet.

My Mother's male friend, about my weight ( a little less ), and the same height I believe (but her age) just had Gastric Bypass Surgery, and he is doing great. He said he had no problems with the surgery, and he didn't have to pay a thing. That really got my hopes up. I know he is my mother's age, and I am only turning 16, but I did some research on the actual SURGEONS, and there is a lot of surgeons that do them at 15, FOURTEEN even.

That really got my hopes again, and made me come back to Gastric Bypass surgery. Not like the last 3 years, where I just looked up information and did research, but take serious action. So I am. I talked to my Mother, Sister, and Grandmother, and I told them how I feel. I told them about how I feel health-wise, and how the specialist told me I would die early and would have diabetes if I didn't change my way of living. I told them my emotional feelings about my weight and how I am the biggest in my school and am always being picked on for my weight. The impossible happened, I convinced them, and they support me!

Today I called my family doctors office, and made an appointment for Wednesday at 11am. I know have a consultation with him to see what he has to say. If he does say NO WAY, I will not give up.

The only factor that I believe may stop me is my age. Not my 50 BMI, not my 367lbs and highering weight, not being 6'1", but my age. I know it is more common for teenagers getting it done, but I am still a little afraid that he won't like the idea.

END OF RAMBLE.

I could really use some opinions, and a whole lot of support. After researching this for so long, I know it isn't a quick fix, and i know it will take a lot of time, most likely including a 6 months re-try at a diet, but that is okay, I don't mind. Whatever helps me towards the surgery that could make me healthy again is worth it all.

Gladitsme · 02-03-2006, 02:50 PM

Just,
Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure about having GBS at 16, but I can understand why you are looking at it. Good luck and keep posting!

JustAnotherVictim1 · 02-03-2006, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loser2be

Just,
Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure about having GBS at 16, but I can understand why you are looking at it. Good luck and keep posting!

Thanks, Loser2Be (or LoserIam?

, I hope to be here for awhile.

I know Im only 16....but at almost 400pounds...its scary, I'll tell you that.

ChristyMcD · 02-03-2006, 03:05 PM

Eric,
Welcome to the forum. The only thing I can say is read as much as you can. Know that this is forever. No sugar, carbonated beverages, and a lot of other things that have to be given up. You also have to be on complete liquid diet for a couple of months. I think it doesn't matter what age as long as are apsolutly positive this is what you want to do. Also look into the lap band. This is not so restrictive and you can always have it removed. I personally think you need to have a close relationship with God. I know not everyone is religious but to believe in prayer really helps. This is a good site for support. Good luck to you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Christy

JustAnotherVictim1 · 02-03-2006, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristyMcD

Eric,
Welcome to the forum. The only thing I can say is read as much as you can. Know that this is forever. No sugar, carbonated beverages, and a lot of other things that have to be given up. You also have to be on complete liquid diet for a couple of months. I think it doesn't matter what age as long as are apsolutly positive this is what you want to do. Also look into the lap band. This is not so restrictive and you can always have it removed. I personally think you need to have a close relationship with God. I know not everyone is religious but to believe in prayer really helps. This is a good site for support. Good luck to you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Christy

Yeah, I agree. I just hope he answers my wishes, and I get a positive response from my doctor.

Yes, Christy, I do know this is a lifetime. I have looked into the 'band', but do not really approve of it. I know the other way is permanent, but that is what I am looking for. I never want to be this way again, so I do not mind.

As for carbonated sodas, I do not miss them, not one bit. Thank God too, because I was addicted to Mountain Dew, up until this year, it is almost all I drank.

Also, thanks for keeping me in your prayers,

bridgetgirl · 02-03-2006, 03:43 PM

Go to your primary doctor and tell him/her that you are worried/concerned and that you want to be put on a medically supervised diet... pill... whatever. Then pick up the book, Weightloss Surgeries for Dummies and books about Overcoming Overeating. Perhaps try Overeaters Anonymous for additional support.

To be 16 and 400 pounds, man you are really brave to be considering this surgery. I understand what its like to be "the big kid" at school-always! Welcome to the board and we wil help you along your journey no matter where it takes you. (( HUGS )) lil bro!

JustAnotherVictim1 · 02-03-2006, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bridgetgirl

Go to your primary doctor and tell him/her that you are worried/concerned and that you want to be put on a medically supervised diet... pill... whatever. Then pick up the book, Weightloss Surgeries for Dummies and books about Overcoming Overeating. Perhaps try Overeaters Anonymous for additional support.

To be 16 and 400 pounds, man you are really brave to be considering this surgery. I understand what its like to be "the big kid" at school-always! Welcome to the board and we wil help you along your journey no matter where it takes you. (( HUGS )) lil bro!

Yeah, but I was told, and was planning on, telling him I have researched Weight Loss surgery for the last few years, and then when he says I need to do 6 months of supervised diet, I will.

Pixie · 02-03-2006, 04:12 PM

Eric,

Welcome to the forum. It sounds to me like you have tried a lot of alternatives, and it sounds like you are capable of keeping to a strict diet, and regular physical activity. The my friend is half the battle post-op so it sounds like you are a good candidate. Although your age may be of concern, your body may be developed enough that it can handle the surgery. As you have already acknowledged, it is a long road, but it is worth every agonizing minute. I can honestly say that I wish I had been emotionally ready to do the surgery at a younger age, but I will be the first to admit that I wasn't where you are at at your age. I totally agree with Christy, that it helps to have faith, that is what got me through some of the rough patches. But this forum is a great source of info and support, through every trial pre and post-op. So don't hesitate to post specific questions or use the search tool to find old posts on issues that are new to you. We are all here to support you any way we can. And I too will be praying for your journey.

Good Luck

JustAnotherVictim1 · 02-03-2006, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pixie

Eric,

Welcome to the forum. It sounds to me like you have tried a lot of alternatives, and it sounds like you are capable of keeping to a strict diet, and regular physical activity. The my friend is half the battle post-op so it sounds like you are a good candidate. Although your age may be of concern, your body may be developed enough that it can handle the surgery. As you have already acknowledged, it is a long road, but it is worth every agonizing minute. I can honestly say that I wish I had been emotionally ready to do the surgery at a younger age, but I will be the first to admit that I wasn't where you are at at your age. I totally agree with Christy, that it helps to have faith, that is what got me through some of the rough patches. But this forum is a great source of info and support, through every trial pre and post-op. So don't hesitate to post specific questions or use the search tool to find old posts on issues that are new to you. We are all here to support you any way we can. And I too will be praying for your journey.

Good Luck

Thanks for the reply.

When it comes to my body, yes, I am tall for my age, and big (obviously). I am not a Doctor (

) , but I think I am quite fully grown.

Hopefully my Doctor understands. My Grandma had cancer for a long time due to smoking, so he knows her well, and he is a nice guy anyways. So..he sort of knows our family as more than just regular patients.

Don't know if that will mean anything though. He did excuse me from Physical Education last year, so he understands how I am emotionally.

Ah well, we'll see.

SaturdazeChyld · 02-03-2006, 04:26 PM

Hiya Eric,

Welcome to the forum. We're glad yer here!

You sound like a very mature 16 year old. You write very well and sound like a confidant, condsiderate young man.

I too know what it's like to be (almost) 400 pounds and I feel yer pain. To be honest I can't imagine it at your tender age tho, and I will pray for you on your journey, no matter where it leads you.

I hope your doctor can help you decide what is right for you. Keep posting to let us know how it's going with you.

Hugs to you young one