17 year old son

I'm not really sure why I have never noticed it being a problem before but I guess I was so wrapped up in my own weight roller coaster that I neglected my son and must have started him down the road I began many decades ago.

My question is this...he is 17 and he is his fathers son. I do not believe that diets will work for him.  Does anyone know if there is a surgeon or group that will perform lap band for him if he wanted it?

My step-son was just over 17 when my husband began his WLS adventure.  He was witness to all of Ed's co-morbidities and obesity related complications.  At age 17, he weighed over 400 pounds.  By age 20, he was well over 500 pounds. He began having problems associated with his weight such as poor circulation to his legs and feet which caused his skin to look blue.  He already had sleep apnea, which worsened with his weight gain.  He rarely left the recliner chair, sleeping most of the day away.  It was saddening to witness this decline in such a young man.  We were afraid for his life.  At this point, my husband and I began encouraging him to seek professional help by way of bariatric services.  He had gastric bypass on March 1, 2007 and has lost over 350 pounds since then.  The transformation is amazing, and he is healthy once again.  This young man knew he was "big" but never really considered it a problem until he simply didn't have the energy to get out of that chair every day.  He had to turn sideways to get through doorways, and eventually had to stop working because he could no longer fit in the drivers' seat of his car.  This surgery saved his life.

I don't know your son's situation, his current weight or weight gain history, co-morbidities, etc. , but as a parent you are concerned - - an indication that there IS a problem.  I would definitely speak with him and possibly set up a consultation appointment for him.  I am not sure if there is a doctor or clinic locally(in DE) but I know my step-son had his surgery in Philadelpha at the Albert Einstein Clinic.  You could call PMRI and ask them....check around.  Good luck to you and your son.

Gary, there was just an article in the News Journal about this and there is a Doctor at AI duPont Hospital that is now doing the Lap Band surgery on teens.  I can't remember his name but I am sure if you call the hospital they will tell you.

Good Luck,
Deanna