<p>To the OP: how much weight would you have to lose to be comfortable with your body weight? </p>
<p>I ask this because “morbidly obese” could mean different things to different people. </p>
<p>At age 50, I was obese (moderate, not morbid) - about 50-60% over my ideal body weight. I decided to get serious about dieting and exercise and over the course of about 18 months, took off about 75 lb. That was 8 years ago and since then I have gained back about 10lb, but otherwise held steady. </p>
<p>I really didn’t follow anyone else’s diet – I invented my own based on reading others and figuring out what I would be able to stick to – but the really key, most important thing was that I realize then and there that I was going on a diet for life. That doesn’t mean that I was on the SAME diet for ever – it’s a different process to try to lose weight than to try to hold steady – but I did have to come to the understanding at the outset that there was no going back. </p>
<p>I agree with the others that you should give Weight Watchers or some similar, alternative plan your very best shot for a sustained period before going with the surgery, precisely because you are so young. Either way, surgery or not, you will be making lifelong changes – but I have to tell you that it’s nice for me right now that I have no dietary restrictions other than the ones that are the rules I made up for myself. I am not going to get ill if I eat too much at Thanksgiving dinner … right now I just compensate by for the occasional big meal by eating light & sticking with soup & salad for a few days after the big meal. </p>
<p>When I read about the surgery that you are contemplating, it is the irreversible part that would be a sticking point in my mind, especially if you were my daughter. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I don’t know you and I honestly don’t know the magnitude of your problem… so I do understand that we well-meaning parents could be missing the mark given your real health issues. It’s always a good idea to get a second medical opinion before proceeding with surgery, however.</p>
<p>OP. I had a co worker whose son was obese- he was 5’6" and weighed upwards of 350lbs. During two or three summers he went to “fat” camps, would lose a little weight then once he came home he would gain it all back.</p>
<p>He begged his dad for lap band surgery for his 15th BD. Dad and Mom finally agreed. He now weighs about 150lbs and is happier than ever.</p>
<p>Once the weight came off, he was able to focus on staying healthy. He still had to work with a psychologist to overcome the hold food had on him, but it has been 3 years since the surgery and you would think it was an entirely different kid.</p>
<p>Do you homework- be aware that no surgery is 100% safe and good luck.</p>
<p>Lots of fear going on around the whole surgery debate. As a gastric bypass patient I have had minimal problems and have kept off 60-75 percent of my weight loss ten years later, and in my support circle I am not unique. I have only known one person who had a problem, and quite frankly her size/age/poor health were mitigating circumstances. Done by a great surgeon, in a reputable hospital, surgery of all kinds is safer than driving home on the freeway at rush hour. (well, at least where I live ;-)</p>
<p>I did it all…WW, liquid diet, diet pills, Nutri System, Jenny Craig, starvation, moderation…you name it, I did it. They all worked. For awhile. For seriously food addicted, large people, you lose the sensation of “full”, or satiated. I could eat huge quantities, and still not be full. Very frustrating. With the surgery, and the smaller food pouch, I definitely know what “full” feels like. If I overeat I pay big time. Great motivation to really think about what goes in my mouth. It keeps me honest…on most days. Some days I fall back into the grazing lifestyle, and the calories (and lbs) pile back on, so the GBP is not perfect. It’s just an incredible tool for those who have failed at all (most?) other avenues. The counseling prior to surgery made me realize that my weight issues would continue if I didn’t change my head first…so lots of appts and follow up are KEY to keeping the weight loss going, and from keeping it off long term. </p>
<p>Those who have not been seriously overweight might not “get” it like those of us who have been. It’s an addiction that you can’t really ever get away from…you have to eat, unlike the drug/alcohol addict who can stop his/her consumption and still live. This tool, coupled with a good exercise plan AND support system, is a slam-dunk for those who are in over their heads.</p>
<p>Good luck. I hope you get the help you need.</p>
<p>I wonder why you ruled out the lap band? My friend got it done in her mid 20s and has lost a ton of weight, but she’s changed a lot mentally, too. She is very into healthy eating now and goes to the gym and does all those things, you have to be ready to do those consistently, too. But she looks fantastic, she’s done great.</p>
<p>THANK YOU EVERYBODY ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR RESPONSES…</p>
<p>I like the idea of doing WW until the summer. I know that my surgeon will want me to lose some weight before the surgery, and this will also prove to my mom that I am serious.</p>
<p>The reason why I have ruled out the lap band is based on the amount of weight that you would lose. For me to be at a weight where I would feel comfortable, yet still a bit obese, I would have to lose at MINIMUM 240 lbs. With the lap band, I would lose around 80-100 lbs because you would only lose around 40 to 50% of the excess weight. If that is the case, I might end up needing a sleeve anyway after I get the band, or more seriously, a gastric bypass. Also, I have the heard that the band might not start working to its fullest until after the 4th or 5th adjustment. I would prefer to just get one surgery and know that it will help me out to the fullest.</p>
<p>One of the other pluses that I have heard is that when you remove the stomach in the sleeve, the sections that secrete gastrin (the hormone that tells you when you are hungry) are removed. One of my biggest problems is being hungry all the time, and this would help curb that. My nutritionist said that one of her patients had the sleeve and is still not really hungry after 3 months. Additionally, there are some vitamin absorbing problems, but they are not as serious as with gastric bypass.</p>
<p>BUT to all of those people who say that I am too young, i want to live a long and healthy life. I am a smart kid with hopes on going to an ivy/top tier school and I want to be a doctor. This weight will be my biggest obstacle until I get rid of it. And I’m sure it can be done, but losing 240+ lbs on my own would take many years and truly outstanding discipline. I would use the sleeve as an insurance package rather than a crutch to rely on. I would exercise a lot more by joining a local gym that just opened, and I would not be able to eat large meals after using the excuse that I just worked out. I would be physically incapable. Also, I find that I am a big snacker, and this would totally change. </p>
<p>In reality, I think the sleeve is the best way to go. If I wait too long down the line, I will end up needing a gastric bypass which I am trying to avoid at all costs.</p>
<p>I am not MD. However, I am strongly convinced that surgery is extremely dangerous and has about 50% success rate. It is possible to stretch stomach again by overeating (eventually). You do not need to exercise to loose weight, althoug exercise is highly desirable no matter you are losing, gaining, or maintaining. I personally exersice 2 hours every day. My H. has lost 115 lbs without any execise. His plan was drastic and he was not allowed to exercise because of very low calories intake. The key is the balance of energy consumed/energy used. Anybody can lose/gain at any age, no matter how busy you are. Actually eating less and healthier is taking less time, not more. If you consume load of raw fruits / vegetables, you do not spend much time preparing food. I myself lost 50 lbs over one year after having a baby (and mind you working full time) and no diet plan whatsoever. My plan was 1 lb / week. If I was not accomplishing it during certain week, then I skip most eating on Fridays, not a biggy, although I was still breast feeding my baby. I was in my 40’s. Younger person has much easier time loosing, keep this in mind. Yes, you have full control. And the more you think this way not only about weight loss but about many other aspects of your life, the better your life will be. Self-relience is a key to success. Just do not go crazy, do not starve or purge or any other insane activity. Develop your own personal plan and stick to it. Ask you mom for help. She will be very happy to do so. Best wishes!</p>
<p>Based on what? Personal experience? Instead of actually reading meta-analyses of studies? There are plenty to be found. Or do you not believe in science? I find it offensive that you would ‘advise’ a young person with such authority when you are just making stuff up with absolutely no basis whatsoever. </p>
<p>On a different topic- the reason I came back to this thread is to tell the OP that I just saw this article in the New York Times, and it seems to have a lot of relevance for you. </p>
<p>Frankly, I would never allow my child to go thru this surgery. Why? There is nothing special about loosing weight, especially being so young. Anybody can do it.<br>
“Or do you not believe in science?” - I believe in science only if I am sure that information is NOT tinkered. Lately, there is plenty of evidence that it is not true.
Whatever you find offensive, is not the point. OP is asking for our opinions. If you or OP are offended by mine, so be it. This is my honest opinion, without any kind of pleasantries added. Again, in my opinion, it is extremely important to be brutally honest with young people. Sorry for having different opinion from yours. I am not offended, you can comment as honestly as you wish.</p>
<p>The OP needs to lose 240 pounds and is 17 years old. We don’t know exactly what she weighs, but given a typical height for a woman, it’s probably at least 350 pounds.</p>
<p>This is not a typical or common situation. The best approaches to weight loss for someone 50 pounds overweight, as you were, may not be the same as the best approaches for someone who is 240 pounds overweight.</p>
<p>Loosing 115 as my H. did was an overhelmign task (yes, he was over 300lbs). However, making goal of losing 3 lbs / week is very attainable especially when overwieght by that much. Try to loose from 120 to 115 - very hard because you need to eat close to nothing. Loosing from 300 to 297 is much easier, 297 still requires good amount of food to maintain the same weight. Frankly, when my H. was loosing (in his 30’s), he was loosing 10lbs / week sometime. I myself have lost 20 lbs / month in one instance when I wanted to win a contest. I was in my 40’s. To tell a young person that she absolutely cannot loose weight without surgery is a great disservice, it is simply not honest. Yes, she/he can if focused and dedicated and seeking help from devoted adult like mother (might help, but is not required).</p>
<p>Marian, no, we know she is likely considerably more than 350, since she says she will still be obese AFTER losing 240+ pounds. I don’t see why, OP, you say that you would suddenly no longer be a big snacker after the surgery. You have the power to stop being a snacker NOW, without any insurance, tools or crutches.</p>
<p>And I still say any diet that pretends sweet desserts (other than fruit) are ok is a bad one. Without a major change in the way you eat, your taste buds will not get used to the taste of real food. </p>
<p>Aspartame is not food, it’s a chemical. Sugar is not food, it’s concentrated calories. Crisco is not food. I’m starting to think white flour is not food. All of the above (except for the aspartame) are pretty much ready to apply directly to our hips. :)</p>
<p>We need to do more “work” on our food…eat it in a state closer to nature, especially since most of us are WAY more sedentary than our hunter-gatherer ancestors were. This makes sense to me.</p>
<p>MiamiDap, your blithe “anybody can do it” remark ignores the fact that keeping the weight off is the intractable part of the weight loss challenge. Generalizing from your experience and that of your spouse is silly. OP is basically in a health crisis, and since traditional weight loss methods have a very low success rate in cases like hers, a more drastic measure like surgery may be necessary to preserve her health and well-being. I recommend this recent article to give you a broader perspective on the issue:
[The</a> Fat Trap - NYTimes.com](<a href=“The Fat Trap - The New York Times”>The Fat Trap - The New York Times)</p>
<p>Well you know what, not all opinions are equal. Sure make an opinion “I would never get that surgery done” or “my boss had it done and it didn’t work” or even “I read of 3 people that died from it”. </p>
<p>But offering up statements such as “its extremely dangerous and has a 50% success rate” is not an opinion…it comes across as a fact when you know perfectly well you are pulling this out of your behind. </p>
<p>Do you know what an metanalysis is? It’s a large scale statistical study of all data in relevant studies- often from 100s of studies. So now you want to conclude that because you read somewhere that sometimes there might be some tinkering (again out of thin air), you will just throw around imaginary numbers like ‘50% success rate’ and not even look at or care about analyses of a large set of studies over several decades? Or are you into conspiracy theories now? </p>
<p>As an adult talking to a kid looking for advice about a serious health issue, I call that irresponsible. I’m not advocating one thing or another for her, but good lord, at least point her to something valid and not just imaginary false statements!</p>
<p>Thanks for the article, MommaJ. It validates what folks who have struggled with weigh say–they have to exercise so much more & eat so much less than those who have never had to be concerned about their weight. </p>
<p>There sure is a lot we don’t understand about metabolism, cravings, and the exercise/weight loss/weight maintenance connection. </p>
<p>Really unfair that some folks can just basically be couch potatoes and with very little physical exertion & maintain their weight just fine while others have to have weight be a major issue for them all the time, eating less and exercising more daily for YEARS! Wow! Does provide interesting insights about some of the biology at work.</p>
<p>To the OP: Even if your family can afford to pay for this surgery if your insurance does not cover it, it might be helpful to find out what your insurance company’s criteria are for paying for it and whether you can meet those criteria.</p>
<p>Insurance companies do not want to pay for surgery that is not justified. But many do pay for bariatric surgery under some circumstances for certain patients because the procedure is medically appropriate. Finding out whether you would qualify to have your surgery covered by insurance might help you make the decision (and help convince your mother, if the decision is yes).</p>
<p>Also, I have read that some insurance companies require you to undergo a period of counseling and/or to participate in a physician-supervised weight loss program for a specified period of time before having bariatric surgery. If your insurance company has any requirements of this sort, you could get started on fulfilling them now – whether or not you eventually have the surgery.</p>
<p>Consider myself silly. I really do not care, it is not about me, it is about saving very young person who is convinced that she cannot loose weight without surgery. And she is being pushed to surgery by most on this thread. I believe that saying that my H. and I are the only ones who ever lost without surgery is silly, but again, I do not care. Call me dumb. The only thing is important is to say that it is very possible for teen to loose and much easier to do so than for adult in her 40’s who work full time, going to college and taking care of her family (including teenage kid), who absolutely has no time to even think about cooking any special meals fo herself let alone stop at home to eat dinner. This young person absolutely needs to start loosing TODAY. She does not even need to be on a diet, she is not loosing from 120lbs to 110 lbs. At the level that she needs to loose, all she need to do as of now is to cut her intake by 30-50%, which still will be plenty of food. She can even have her favorite junk food. Yes, later on this approach will need to be adjusted. Nobody should look at loosing grazy amount, it is way too overhelming. She needs to focus on 3 lbs / week for now. It is not honest to say that we are the only ones who lost, many did and kept it off too. Apparently, she has to wait until she has financial means to have surgery, her parent will not support it. Does she have this time? I do not think so, she has to act now.
BTW, not everybody is a candidate for surgery, some require to loose considerable weight before, as their risk for surgery at current weight is too high.</p>
<p>I don’t think we’re pushing her into surgery. She did not seem fully informed about the seriousness of the surgery and its effects on her future life at the time when she first posted, and several of us have pointed out the potential problems with surgery, which might have tended to discourage her. I do think most of us realize that given the severity of her problem, she may be an appropriate candidate for surgery, and that the possibility of this type of treatment should be considered. But this is a very important, life-changing decision, and it should be made very carefully, after obtaining as much information and professional advice as possible and considering all the risks and benefits.</p>