Young and RNY: Insane or Good Idea?

Just wondering what some opinions are from the vets (and the newbies of course) about getting a RNY in your early 20s. I constantly hear people say "I should have done this sooner" but at the same time I can't help but wonder how hard this journey is going to be for forever... and ever.

(This is called the "Im past Orientation and now im *****ing my pants, let me over analyze everything" stage)

Heres my biggest pro & con

PRO: If im this way , this young, how much worse can it get?

My body should be able to take the surgery better than someone older. (also the concept of teaching a not so old dog new tricks)

This is going to be a life altering move, for a long time coming

WHICH brings me to the con.

No tylenol or aspirin forever

What are the involments of this, for ever and ever and ever?

I'm a huge commitment phobe and I'm so excited for this surgery but my jitters are getting to me !! HELP!

Hi there. I'm one of the people who wishes I did it a long time ago. I would say that having had the surgery after my son was born, would have been perfect. My health was getting worse, and by the time I was only 37 I had diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, depression and a few other weight related issues. My doctor said I wouldn't make it to 50 at the rate I was going at. So, I decided to make the big decision with RNY. I'm glad I did. I'm very healthy. I do have some issues with iron, and low sugars, but I would much rather have those minor issues, than the MAJOR issues I had pre-surgery. I wouldn't have qualified in my 20's with my weight alone, but my blood pressure was already getting high by my mid 20's, with a BMI of 35.

Now it's perfect. I would keep going looking around here, and going to support groups in person, as well as your upcoming appointments with the nutritionist, social worker etc. That will help you. You don't have to have the surgery in the end. Even with attending the appointments. But go and get more info, and you may gain the confidence. Many of us had second thoughts and jitters before surgery. But I would guess (yes, just guess) that 90% of us would have the surgery again, or sooner.....in a heartbeat!

this is just an opinion - take it for what it is worth. LOL

I would think long and hard before you have surgery done at such a very young age. I would start with trying to figure out if there is a reason why you have a hard time getting your weight under control - because these will be the same reasons after the surgery. Once you know for sure it is 100% food related - then you are in a different position.

Why the difference - ? - because I assume ( and can be wrong for sure) that you are still going to think about possible baby's and your hormones will flip in a major way the, In addition, as we all get older our metabolism changes (and gets slower)

Don't think everybody is going to think along the same way - and they should not. Just my 2c worth.

You can also start with having a great honest chat with your family physician - Endocrinologist - look at family history - look at possible co-morbid diagnosis. etc...

Do I think young people are not worth it !.. for sure NOT. But the implications long term need to be clearly weighted and the pros and cons carefully looked at.

Your pros outweigh the cons so I think you have already answered yourself.  I think most of us would prefer to have had surgery sooner as the longer you are obese, the more strain you put on your joints, the more chance of your skin not bouncing back as it has been stretched so long, pregnancies can be a lot riskier when obese, feeling embarassed for your kids when you are the fat mom and on and on.  Also with RNY, you can still have Tylenol, it's Advil that you are not supposed to have unless it's for short term and with a PPI to protect your stomach.

I will repeat what another poster mentioned.

I've struggled with my weight forever. When I was 24 I did a weight loss program but after the initial weight loss stopped I got angry and went back to my old habits.

I know I'm only 7 months out but I am surprised that I have been able to handle all the changes. I sometimes wonder if I could handle all this when I was younger.

Just something to think about.

Another person on this board has been discussing the long term affects of surgery so from a physical perspective you might want to look into that and see what the research says.

It will ultimately be your own choice that is for sure so you have to decide what is important for you personally.  We have a young gal in our OH support group who is 24 or 25 and had her RNY& this past July.  She is rockin it and very happy. You do have to consider that you have to wait at least 2 years before you can have children-- the timing has to be right for you and the commitment has to be there for the long haul....this is forever and ever and ever. You are young enough that the change in life style started now can be  carried on into your senior years with little problems. It all comes down to your commitment to this and how healthy you want your life to be. 

I feel that as you have come this far in the process that you are indeed concerned for your future and this says a lot about where your mind is really at.  Good luck with your decisions and by all means feel free to vent or post here if you have questions or anxieties--this site sure helped me through any anxious times I had pre op and is an amazing place to get answers!!!

Johanna

Hi Sabby,

I had the surgery a year and a half ago and am only in my twenties. I'm quite happy with my choice and really explored the pros and cons. Have you checked out the WLS in your 20s forum on this site. That was very helpful in deciding whether this was the right choice for me. 

Best of luck!

I didnt know that even existed! Ill immediately look into that... thanks so much!

The surgery is for life no matter what your age.  You have to change the way you eat, think about food, drink, everything.  Old habits can sneak back in if you are 50 or 20.  It's not a short term diet.  It's an investment in your future.

I wish you the best in the decision only you can make :)

I really wanted to say a very big thank you to every single person on this thread. I adore this community, i'm so glad i have a place where I can get honest answers.

I am young, and im trapped in my own body. I think having to watch what I eat , taking vitamins, being careful trumps sitting back watching your 20s pass you by.

All opinions still welcomed , but as someone states earlier.. i think i already know the answer... for once my gut is telling me something smart and not... EAT MORE FOOD!