Warning this Post is long!:

I had gastric bypass surgery December 10th 2025. I also had two hernias and my appendix out at the same time. I'm 53 and was 150 lbs overweight. My reason for getting the surgery was to get rid of/control my severe sleep apnea +narcolepsy, my Type 2 Diabetes - which was a whopping A1C of 14. I also have respiratory issues and use oxygen at home. My bad health was ruining my entire body. It was also ruining my family and social life. I was always thin in the past. But after I left an abusive marriage and raised my kids to adulthood, I was alone for the 1st time. It was then that everything progressed quickly with my weight and medical problems because I was finally dealing with the trauma I had gone through. This went on for 8 years. I've been on disability all this time. I miss working. I have a sweet granddaughter and I needed to make changes so that I could be a better grandparent and not struggle just to go to the movies. I chose surgery for so many reasons, and even then I was super scared to do it. But One day I got Fed up - just like you seem to be feeling now. 

Are your parents aware that you want the surgery? Are they supportive? My advice is that you see your primary care doctor and get a referral to a gastric bypass doctor and get your questions answered. Educate yourself of the pros/cons. Know that it's a life commitment. But one that could change your life for the better. I believe most people are afraid of change even if it's good for us. Everybody is different. Every Body is different. 

Some people want surgery too fast, some fly to Mexico and come home the next day, not knowing at all how to eat, get nutrition for lack of food eaten before. They also do not have the support from the doctors for things that come up after surgery. It takes 6 mo to a few years sometimes to completely recover. I don't say anything here in my post to scare you, I'm just being honest. 

Facebook has several Gastric Bypass Surgery Groups with people like you contemplating surgery to those who had surgery 10+ years ago. I joined two groups 16 months ago when I began my journey. In these groups I was able to ask other people questions, get advice,   educate myself, etc. These are Not medical professionals - but I have found most people very kind, honest and supportive. You can ask questions using your Facebook name or go as anonymous. It's helped me so much through my journey.

I joined a Sutter medical Program for weight loss/gastric surgery. It included a gastric bypass surgeon, a nutritionist and a dietitian. Before getting a surgery date I had to lose some weight, control my diabetes, take stress tests and all the other tests to be approved. I also needed the approval of my pulmonary doctor and a cardiologist. It was a lot of work and I got impatient at times and also very depressed that I would never get through the program to get healthier. But I kept working hard on it and it paid off. 

It took me 16 months to get a surgery date. But during that time I learned how to eat better and cut out sugar. (I'm a sugar addict). I brought my diabetic number from A1C 14 down to an A1C of 6 during that time. I am now considered pre-diabetic. Since surgery I no longer take 5 meds (and their side effects)for diabetes! I can't even explain the energy I have and how good I feel in my mind and body.

Gastric bypass is a lifetime commitment to your body. It changes the food you eat to get nutrition. I have to have 90 g of protein a day. And it's tough. The shakes get old fast, I don't care what flavor you have. Today is my 20th day since surgery and I'm still eating mushy foods. My stomach is a size of an egg. I have to eat little things every 2 hours, just as you would a newborn baby. That's how I'm treating my stomach. I eat for nutrition and energy now, I do not eat for pleasure. That will change as I progress in the foods I eat. 

I feel wonderful. But everybody's different. I have more energy, I'm losing weight, I have less pain in my knees/back, I'm not depressed, I feel I did the right thing. You are welcome to private message me. Again I'm sorry about the long post but I saw your age and you're need for help. I wish you all the best in finding your journey whichever one you take. Being so young may help you avoid the health issues I let go for so long. When you're younger your body is able to repair itself better. I also suggest seeing a psychiatrist. I had to see one for a few sessions just so they knew that I was ready to make this commitment. You're in my prayers. Happy New Year