Question:
Does anyone know of a 15 year old having WLS?
Hello all. My niece, who is 15 years old, weight 308 and is 5'4" tall. She received a referral from her Kaiser Physician. However, the committee stated that she was too young. My Sis-in-Law is now searching for other Surgeons. She is considering traveling to Southern Cal in order to interview Surgeons. Any information that can be provided will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Tonya — ellton (posted on March 15, 2002)
March 15, 2002
I have heard 15 yr olds having this surgery actually my surgeon has done a
couple of teenagers. I don't know of any surgeons in California but i have
heard good things about Dr Wittgrove in San Diego from my PCP.
— Tammy N.
March 15, 2002
I dont know any teenagers personally that had the surgery but I have read
on here of them having it. and i have to agree with the previous poster dr
wittgrove is awesome he was my surgeon.
— Deanna Wise
March 15, 2002
I had the surgery at 28 years old. Many on this site have told me I was
smart to get it while still a young person. (I was 408 lbs. and in
misery.) Looking back, 28 was the perfect age for me to "get
skinny." It was early enough that my health could still be spared but
not so early that I got unwanted sexual attention from men that I was
unprepared to deal with. (I'm happily married and have been for 5 years.)
My opinion: if your niece is mature and able to handle the social
consequences of losing a massive amount of weight in a short time, I'm sure
you will be able to find a surgeon who would be willing to operate. If
your niece is immature, though, and unable to process this change, it may
do more harm than good.
— Terissa R.
March 16, 2002
I had my intestinal bypass in 1977, when I was 17 years old. I went into
the hospital exactly one month after my graduation, and got out the day of
my 18th birthday. Even though this particular surgery is no longer done,
and many people had serious complications, I was one of the lucky ones that
didn't. I am so glad I did it at that early age, before going to college.
It was like a whole new world had opened up for me. To that end, make sure
your niece will have a strong support group as well as a therapist or
counselor. I say this because at that young age, the sudden attention from
EVERONE, not just boys, can and will be overwhelming, and can often lead to
bad choices. Been there, done that!!!! Even with the bad decisions, and
the fact I am now looking to have a revision to RNY, I am so glad I did it
at that young age. You repeatedly hear people say, I only wish I had done
it sooner. I am convinced YOUNG adulthood is the BEST time. Hope all
works out for the best.
— csrodriguez
March 16, 2002
Another point. Did your niece bring up the idea of having surgery? I am
NOT saying this is what happened, but I think it's important to know
whether SHE wants this or whether she is trying to please someone else who
wants her to have it. I would definitely agree that some counseling both
pre and post op is a good idea. This is a life-changing surgery for
anyone, but could hit a 15 year old harder because they don't have the life
experiences to help them cope.
— garw
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