Alexis Shapiro, 12-year-old WLS Patient, Returns to School Despite Health Challenges

August 26, 2014

Alexis Shapiro, the 12-year-old Texas girl who underwent weight loss surgery earlier this year to control a rare, medically induced obesity, returned to school this week.  Once a normal weight child, Alexis rapidly gained 140 pounds after brain surgery, where the doctors removed a brain tumor.  She was left with damage to the portion of her brain that regulates weight and appetite. She weighed 203 pounds and had Type 2 diabetes when she underwent vertical sleeve gastrectomy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in March. Since surgery the diabetes has resolved, Alexis  has lost 50 pounds, and has regained her smile and confidence, however she still faces serious health challenges. Along with new colored pencils and notebooks, Alexis returns to school with an emergency syringe of medication and a walkie-talkie to communicate with the school nurse in case she suffers an "adrenal crisis". In the event of such a crisis, a dose of the drug Solu-Cortef must be administered within 30 minutes. Since ambulances do not stock Solu-Cortef it is vital that Alexis has the medication with her at all times, and there is someone readily available to administer the injection. 

“If I ever want her to be independent, I have to let her gain some independence, even though it’s really, really hard.” Jenny Shapiro, Alexis's Mother

Alexis can feel the symptoms of an oncoming crisis, and typically her mother is the one with her to administer the medication. Now both have put  faith into Alexis's teachers to quickly alert the school nurse in the event of an emergency. Stress can be a trigger, and the fear is that returning to school for the first time in two years might have some stressful moments. As she enters 6th grade, Alexis is happier and healthier and her mother is hopeful that school will be a welcoming place.  Jenny Shapiro shares Alexis's journey on the Facebook page Hope and love for Alexis. Along with medical updates, supporters can follow Alexis' life as a pre-teen.  Some highlights and non-scale victories shared (NSV):

  • In June a brain scan showed that Alexis was still tumor free.
  • Alexis jumping on a trampoline for the first time since surgery.
  • Alexis seeking information for a 5k where she can participate with her dog.

Post by Hope and love for Alexis.

 

Another sign Alexis is returning to life as a pre-teen is her review of the first day of school.

Post by Hope and love for Alexis.

Photo credit: Jenny Shapiro

Source: Briggs, B. (2014, August 25). Once-obese Texas girl returns to school 'reborn' but at risk. NBC Today Health.