Dr Curry and Dr Selwyn important question

I am wondering what the youngest age is that either of you will consider doing a lap band on? My son is 13 and is obese already (just like I was and my father and grandmother) He has high cholesterol, knee problems, high triglicerides, borderline diabetic. I see him going down the same path. We have tried diet, and his weight affects his ability to excercise, he has bad feet to begin with and the extra weight just makes it worse. I really would like to get him a restrictive tool, berfore he ends up as I was. I really think heredity has caught up with him, my other son is fine and they both eat the same things. He just got my genes. Any help you can give would be appreciated. I really dont think he needs RNY, but the band would be a good solution for him. Sincerely Sherri Swartz lap RNY 12/20/2004 Dr Selwyn 357 day of surgery 255 today

Sherri, Our minimum age is 18. They do have a program at Children's, although they are very selective about who they will operate on (as they should be for kids). I would suggest giving them a call, I don't think you will find any surgical weight loss center that would operate on a 13 year old outside of Children's. Good luck, Dr. C The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 559-2545

Another good program they have at Childrens is called Health Works. Its a great program for kids! My daughter went through it- you might want to look into that before surgery.

Sherri: The minimum age I will operate on is 17 but only if their growth has been stable for 2 years. The band at the current time is not indicated for children. Dr.s' Garcia and Inge are the two pediatric surgeons who are taking selected cases of teenagers who are obese, but at this time they offer the gastric bypass. I would still contact their program as they have one of the largest surgical weight loss published series on teens/children and they also offer weight loss alternatives to surgery at Children's Hospital. I'll see you soon I'm sure. Sincerely, Dr. Selwyn UC Center for Surgical Weight Loss 513-475-8000 [email protected]