Question:
Weight Loss Surgery for Children

Does anyone know a surgeon that works with obese children. It would be great if she could receive help now. So she could still enjoy her teenage years doing all the things a teenager does. WE all know how small school desk are, the gym class requirement, school bleachers and the dating game. She has been to many MD's for her weight , tried many diets, works out regularly but can't escape obesity. Older sister, who is as thin as a rail, she sees eating more and exerseing less and never feels hungry only makes situation worst. Thanks for any leads. Does anybody know of a WEB site like this for children so she could chat with other young girls who can't escape obesity. THANKS    — Cindy1963 (posted on September 16, 2007)


September 16, 2007
How old is this child? How does she feel about this? Why has she been to many doctors? Has she been to an endocrinologist? Has she been to Weight Watchers? Is all of the food in your house safe for her or do you have cookies and snacks for her siblings? I was a fat child and my mother and daddy were always on me to finish my plate and then not to eat too much, a double message. I dieted in High school and dated and had a normal high school experience but at 60 have just had gbrny. It is not simple and a drastic thing for a child. She should be old enough to make a rational decision before she has that or lap band, they change your life.
   — jbboling

September 16, 2007

   — dorkyfatgrrrl

September 16, 2007
Dr Philip Schauer head of the ASBS and cleveland clinic isnt far from you. On a selective basis he has done WLS on youngsters. The LAP band might be a good choice since its reversible. Best wishes I am 50 and was MO in high school. There was only one girl who would go out with me. I am happy to report we are good friends today although both married to others
   — bob-haller

September 16, 2007
The go to the discovery website and select the Discovery Health Channel and perform a search on childhood obesity. They have recorded many stories regarding childhood obesity. The only hospital that currently comes to mind that performs weight loss surgery for teens (16+) is Children's Hospital in Houston, TX. If she is within this age range or you might be able to contact them to see if they know of a credible surgeon in your area that performs WLS on teenagers. I'm not aware of any that will perform the surgery on children 15 and under. Mostly with children in this age group they usually send them to nutrition counselors and actively involve the children in their weight loss program. Lord, I remember those gym class requirements -- hated it! Good Luck!
   — the7thdean

September 16, 2007
Well I was 23 when I had surgery, and I experienced extreme ridicule at school and at HOME! I was the only FAT kid! My grandmother used to feed them when we went there and I was told I was too fat to have pie or cake! I got so self-conscience that I didn't want to leave the house. And it mainly stemmed from my mother not accepting me and constantly making negative comments over everything I ate--when I was never a HOG anyway! I ate normally and found out when I was 20 that I had insulin resistance and was put on metformin which made me stop gaining weight! Gosh--I feel pain thinking about my childhood and then thinking about someone else experiencing the same thing. I am so worried about my own child being fat and living a life of ridicule that I won't let her have sugar or bad foods (she is 11 months--and ofcourse everyone tries to feed her cake, icecream, pop, chocolate milk). I feel like if I don't get her started, she won't have a problem later.
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS

September 17, 2007
Can you get the child out and exercising? go for walks, etc? that would probably be a much better route than surgery at that age!
   — Novashannon

September 19, 2007
My daughter had gastric bypass surgery. Shes 15 years old. she had the surgery on june 6 2007 and has lost 90lbs to date. We tried every diet we could find. And yes we exercised often. Sometimes you just need more and we found it at MaGees womans hospital in Pittsburg. We both had the surgery and wouldn't change anything. Watching my daughter change every day has been wonderful and she is very happy.
   — DawnM1968

September 22, 2007
Get a referral for a children's hopsital. Most have programs for overweight and obese children and teens. If anyone is going to do WLS on a child, this is the most likely place. You might want to look at any of the major hospitals in your state... especially ones that are affiliated with a medical school.
   — mrsidknee

October 2, 2007
I had an RNY as a teen. I am not 1 yr p.o. yet so I can't tell you the long term outcome of a teen wls patient but what i can tell you is there is a lot of pain, scrafices, and emotional stress that goes with this. Your daughter would have to understand a lot. I am not sure if you are a wls patient or of your daughters weight and age. I would try behavior modifacation first, Jenny Craig, Seattle suttons, and nutri-system FIRST. For a few months each. An internist might be of help too. WLS should be entered into extreme caution and only be used as a LAST resort especially for teens. There are very strict guidelines to follow before and after surgery. as well as life long supplementation. There are so many hoops and hurdles to jump and mountains to climb to gain approval. It is extremely diffficult to get approved as an adult and multiply that difficulty times 3 to get your teen approved. They have a lot of requirements. Does she even want this or do you want it for her? There is a teen forum on oh but its rarely used. I had a lot of friends that had success on weight watchers point system. Have her try that too. That way she can enjoy the foods she likes but in moderation. I had a friend lose over 50 lbs on points. You can call different weight watchers groups. some have them for younger people. Ask a dr before beginning any program.
   — Liz0315




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