Considering RNY

 I'm 26 years old and looking into the surgery. I've spoken to people in their 30s and 40s who have had it but I would like to speak to someone around my age. Anyone out there?!

Honey, I've got 20 years on you, but age really shouldn't be a big deciding factor.  Ask yourself these questions:

1)  Have I honestly tried everything I can to permanently lose weight AND MAINTAIN that loss?

2)  Do I completely understand all four major weight loss surgeries?  The risks, lifestyle changes required, supplements, etc?  (Lap band, RNY, DS and VSG)

3)  Am I willing to COMPLETELY and PERMANENTLY change my habits and lifestyle?  You will lose weight with all weight loss surgeries.  How successful you are long term is directly linked to how much you change your habits and lifestyle.

4)  Do I have issues that cause me to overeat?  If you do, I strongly recommend you work those out BEFORE having surgery.

Everyone has different reactions to surgery-some people can still eat anything they want, can still drink alcohol and some have very limited things they can tolerate.  You don't know until after the surgery, so you really have to be prepared for it.  Also, I highly recommend you start exercising regularly now-you'll need the good habit for life, and it will help you recover better if you do have surgery.

Do your homework.  Really understand what is going to be done to your body.  Know the long term success/failure rates for the surgery you select.  Learn the good, bad and horrific about the surgery you choose.  Once it is done, it likely cannot be undone, so research much and cut once.

Read "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies"-it really helped me.

Wishing you the best on your journey!

Kim

I was 18 when I got mine done, 21 now.

There is also a board for WLS in your 20s in this site ;)

I am 28 years old and I had RNY 8/30/11.  I have only lost 101 lbs so far and I have another 40 or 50 to go.  I do not regret having the surgery, I just regret waiting to have the surgery. 

When you lose 101 pounds it's not ONLY!!!!!

I do not think age matters - I think it is a big decision that is personal.  The risks are all the same. Do your research, make a list of your pros and cons and follow your heart. I had mine at 42 and I wish I would have done it sooner as well.
Good Luck in your choice.

 I would think it depend on your maturity level and you ability to make a commitment to a life long change. You will be taking vitamins everyday..for the rest of your life. You will lose weight like crazy the first 18-24 months. After that, there will some work involved in maintaining that weight loss.
For me, I was was too crazy at 26 but I may be the exception. 
It's a big and permanent decision.
Good luck with yours.
Deb T.

I started my orientation when I was 29. I'm 30 now and 5.5 months out. I've lost a total of 130 lbs. Love my RNY!