i'm new here.

hello everyone! my name is niki.. and obviously i'm new. i'm still not quite sure how this all works, so if this intro post is in the wrong spot, let me know! i'm 21 years old, 5'3", 275 pounds, bmi=48 i'm very interested in having gastric bypass surgery. my insurance covers most of it, everything except a $1000 co-pay. the problem i'm having though, is convincing my doctor to 'ok' it. he is very leery because i'm so young, and i don't have any symptons like diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. i have shortness of breath, aching back, legs swelling, sweating, etc. if anyone has any advice, please help a girl out! thanks!

Hmmm.....I don't know why your Dr. is so on the fence. I was 22 (almost 23) when I had my surgery. My surgeon does a lot of patients in that age bracket. I know he has operated on a few teenagers as well. I think you should just remind your doctor that while you have some co-morbitities you would rather have the surgery now then devlop further co-morbitities. Maybe that will light a fire under his butt. Good luck.

Hi Niki, Welcome to the Michigan Board. Yes, you are in the right place if you are looking for answers to questions about wls, if we don't know the answer we will know where to direct you. If you have been over weight all of your life I would explain to him that if you where able to lose the weight any other way you would have done it already. I want to wish you the best in your journey. Do your research. The more info you have the better you will do. Good Luck to you. It is quite a ride.------Toni

HI Niki, Welcome, I am in agreement with Julie. I had a hard time convincing my doc at 48 years old. My doc now admits after he sees how healthy I look that I was right, and he is now on board with my thinking. In the beginning, I finally had to tell my PCP, I really wanted his blessing to have this surgery. I also told him I understood if he could not give it to me, but I was going to move forward with having it anyway. Stand Firm, Phyllis

My daughter had her weight loss surgery at your age, her Doctor also thought that her insurance company might not cover it. But the Dr. was wrong. She is now 2 years post op and living a new health life. And loviny every mintue. What kind of Insurance do you have I might be able to help ? write to me.... Cindi

Welcome to the Michigan board Niki. You might want to remind your doctor that you don't have those co-morbities YET. It's only a matter of time that they will start to become a problem and then they rob you of years of your life. Having this surgery will help to keep you healthy (you need to do some work on your own too) and at such a young age, you will live a long and productive life.

I am new to. I make friends easily and will be support for all who need it. I am 178 kilogram now and wish to 97 kilogram. Ahmed Rasheed Habim

Welcome Niki, You may need to switch doctors. I respect that docs can have their opinions, but they need to really listen to what the patient wants and then make their decision. Have you done all of your research on WLS? I see a great PCP in Ann Arbor, had my surgery done at U of M. If you want more info. let me know. I didn't have comorbidities either, but I surely wasn't healthy! My doc was the one that told me to research the surgery. Good Luck to you, and remember now is the time to document EVERYTHING. Brenda

Don't wait til you are sick to become a healthier person. That makes NO sense. It is silly for doctors to want illness in someone to help them with a long term preventative measure. This is NOT for everyone, and please do your research, but if you have done that and have also decided that you are not able to lose the weight any other way, then I say go for it. Your doctor will respect your decision if it is informed and determined. Wendy

Dear Niki, I agree with a lot of the others; if you could lose and keep it off you would have done it too. Explain to your doctor you don't want to wait for the problems to come and get out of control before you take care of it! Ask him does my home have to be on fire before I can add sprinklers or a fire alarm! My fam doc was not so suportive either! I did have a lot of health factors. You are young, my daughter is only 30; and I encouraged her to do the lapband because of her age. Also I think it may be smarter for someone younger because of the nutrutional stand point of maybe wanting children. You must weigh all your decision and factors and decide for yourself! Don't let anyone stand in your way if this is really what you want!!! Good luck to you; and this is definatley the right place for help and advise. Sincerely, Judy R