A.A.P. Announces WLS is Safe for Teens and Children

.. particularly RNY and VSG., when the criteria is met .. I knew we'd likely see this happening in our lifetime, given the increasing rate of childhood obesity ..

https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/Parents-Urged-To-Consider -Weight-Loss-Surgery-For-Obese-Children-564125581.html

We went to a weight seminar at Childrens Hospital in Denver, Colorado which has been offering VSG and RNY to children for a while.

The whole family have to undertake healthy eating classes etc before surgery is considered

This is a recent official study of WLS and children and teens published in the medical journal Pediatrics which is mentioned in the article. It outlines the recommended guidelines to consider when making the decision as to whether a pediatric patient is a candidate for WLS:

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2019/10 /24/peds.2019-3223

This is really interesting stuff. But one part of the research had me really surprised:

"A 2017 meta-analysis of 24 studies reviewed outcomes for 1928 adolescent patients *****ceived LAGB, VSG, and RYGB. In this analysis, the mean absolute BMI decrease at 6 months was 5.4% in patients who underwent LAGB, 11.5% in patients who underwent VSG, and 18% in patients who underwent RYGB."

So if a minor has a BMI of 35 (145lb at 4'6") and undergoes RNY, the average BMI after the first six months is only 28.7, which is a weight of 119lb and 26lb lost. That seems really low to me, though granted it's six months out as opposed to one year. I guess when you're shorter as a kid, and one pound makes up more BMI points, the scaling might seem weird.

If they're growing taller at the same time, that can account for part of the reduction in BMI as well.

Hadn't thought of that, but that's a really good point!

Your comment re height made re remember-

When I was 11 or 12, my mother, observing my weight on the scales (135 pounds-and something like 5' tall) said this to me, "Bonnie, don't gain any more weight and when you become 16 years old and taller, you will be just the perfect weight". Bless her heart. Obese her self all life long and desperate for her daughters not to follow in her footsteps- that was the best (totally unrealistic) advise she could offer. No need to say it didn't work- by the time I graduated high school I was up to 225, and onward and upward...

This made me so sad to read. I know many of us are parents and although I wish I hadn't passed on certain habits that led me to morbid obesity I fear that I did. I worry about what careless words may have slipped from my mouth related to weight and obesity. Did you ever talk to your mother about health and WLS? Did she ever find health and a more normal weight?

My mother spent her lifetime dealing with her weight; her intentions were good and she did her best to try and get help for me and herself. This was back in the very late 60's and early 70's and came in the form such as TOPS and the family doctor who prescribed diet pills. That was the wisdom of the time. She died at 58 of weight related issues- diabetes, blood pressure, heart problems, and the cumulative stress of living in a totally dysfunctional environment.

Dysfunction in any form is a sneaky ******* and a shape shifter. As I have grown older (and hopefully wiser) I understand the concept of do not judge lest you be judged. My parents, who grew up in dysfunction tried NOT to pass it along to their children. They did better than their parents, but some of that dysfunction came out sideways and passed to me. I am less disabled because of those efforts than they were. Despite my attempts to raise my children well and not pass some of my crap- I am certain that in a sideways way I did. But you know what? My children are mentally, emotionally, and healthier than I was. One day, in some generation maybe there will not be so much dysfunction in my family line because of efforts to do better. I hope so.

We work with the light and the wisdom we are given and can do no more. I try to give myself a break and in doing so, give my parents a break. We all need to do this. Thank you -

Ah yes, TOPS... (off and on for YEARS...some good things some horribly toxic advice at times. It was peer support so it was what it was. I met some wonderful people fighting the same fight.) I am sorry for the loss of your mother. I am happy that you know she tried and have extended grace with the understanding that many of us try to do better...not in judgement of our parents but with love to our children and the new information that trickles down to us as we do the best we can to fit it all together. God do I ever get it. I love your final sentence. I embrace that 110%.