You are here:
- Home
- Health/Fitness
- Obesity
- Bariatric Surgery
- 14 and 14st
Bariatric Surgery/14 and 14st
Advertisement
Question
Hi,
I'm 14 years old, I turned 14 alsmost 2 weeks ago. I am only 5ft and weight 14'6st. I was wndering because how much it's affecting my life would I be able to get surgery at this age on the NHS for free ? My mum is a drug addict and my dad passed away. I live with my gran who has really no money. However, all my family are obese except my mum and dad. I know I cant blame other people for my weight, its my fault. I've tried dieting, keeping track of my food, dieticions,starcing,excerise and still no luck! I don't know what to do anymre. Its effecting my life so much I've self harmed. I wont go to school, socialise or anything. I feel unworthy of my family because my weight, I am horrid looking becasue of it. I cant live my teenage years!
Please help!
Hi Kim,
You should know that there are 14 year olds everywhere in the world with problems just like yours. You should take heart that there are solutions for you. If you have not consulted with a physician, you should ask your school counselor for some advice on where you can go and who you can see for help. I know that it is a scary thought to ask for help, but there are people in the healthcare system that are just waiting for you to ask.
Typically surgery is only an avenue taken for adults but in some cases, there are other things that can be done until you are old enough to pursue the surgical option.
If you would, please ask your school counselor or your school nurse for advice and then get back to me, via the ALLExperts website and tell me what you have learned and what path you have decided to take. I am interested and care very deeply about you because I was extremely overweight myself and my life was saved by my surgeon.
You can be helped out of the problems that seem so insurmountable right now, Kim. Just ask for the help that you deserve! You are worthwhile.
Please let me know what path you decide to take, ok?
Thanks for asking,
Steve
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you so much Steven! You were a great help, and sounded really genuine and caring. I'll do as you suggested and contact you again. And again, thank you. You've really helped! | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Steven West
Expertise
I can answer any and all questions from the perspective of a weight loss surgery patient. I have had Gastric Bypass Surgery - Roux-en-Y - and can answer questions from the perspective of one who has experienced the pain and suffering of murderous obesity. I have mustered the courage to open myself to the opportunity to live life again! Let me help you get there, too! Weight loss surgery isn't for everyone, but for those who fit some specific criteria, it is a viable option. With the rise in obesity in America, there are suddenly weight loss surgery centers springing up on every street corner, it seems. Choosing to have weight loss surgery is a major decision in your life, and choosing the right center can mean the difference between weight loss success and failure. There are three main types of weight loss surgery being performed today at most all surgical weight loss clinics: the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, which creates a small stomach pouch and bypasses part of the small intestine; the Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, which is similar to the first surgery, but is done laparoscopically, so it reduces the size of the incision, and reduces the pain and recovery time of the surgery, and the LAP-BAND surgery, which is a band fastened around the stomach to create a small pouch. Weight Loss surgery is not for everyone who is obese. In most cases, candidates must be at least 100 pounds overweight. Surgery should be the last resort, rather than a quick-fix. Surgery is a long-term answer to managing your weight, and you need to be aware it will change your life.
Experience
I am a post operative patient of Weight Loss Surgery (Gastric Bypass, RNY). I am interested in providing coaching for pre-operative and post-operative patients.
Organizations
Member of obesityhelp.com.
Publications
Profiled in Obesity Help Magazine.
Education/Credentials
Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. I am an engineer working for Computer Sciences Corporation in the Washington, D.C. area.
Awards and Honors
I am a retired veteran with over twenty years of U.S. Naval Service.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.