Question:
Will the Dr. perform a lap bad procedure
on an obese 15 year old girl, my daughter. — snickers6206 (posted on January 31, 2008)
January 31, 2008
Not an expert on this one...but from what I've heard, there aren't many
surgeons that would perform surgery on a child of that age. I'm certain
they'd recommend going through a nutritionist and weight loss program
before considering surgery, and it would be difficult to find a surgeon
willing to do it on someone that young. Insurances don't often cover it
either on someone of that age. I also would think they'd have to have a lot
of other medical issues that the weight attributed to. Call around to
surgeon's offices and ask, that's about the only true advice I can give
you. I know it's hard...and even though I don't have adolescent children,
I understand how she must feel. I have a niece in the same boat, except
she's 17 now. Let alone, having been an overweight teen myself. It's so
hard watching them suffer, and the self-esteem issues that come with it are
horrible too. You're in my thoughts and I hope you can get some help or
answers for your daughters sake. Good luck and lots of hugs......Cheryl
— Cheryl K.
January 31, 2008
Sorry to say if a doctor would do the surgery, I would think twice about
that Dr.
— Joanc
January 31, 2008
Sorry to say if a doctor would do the surgery, I would think twice about
that Dr.
— Joanc
January 31, 2008
Hi there. Most surgeons would not perform surgery on someone so young.
However I'm sure there are extenuating circumstances...such as overall
health....or a major obesity related condition that is a life and death
situation.
Good luck.
— cjjordan
January 31, 2008
I dont know where you are from,but my surgeon does if he thinks they are
mature enough and will follow the band rules.I dont know where you are from
but I am in South Dakota.If you are interested contact me and I will give
you his number.He is a great surgeon.He did gastric for over 29 years and
does mostly lapband.He had had no fatality either.Sandy Hanson
— Sandy Hanson
January 31, 2008
Most doctors won't perform lap band's on children. They will refer the
child to a dietician. Most insurance regulations state that the insured has
to be atleast 18 to have Lap Band.
— Karen M.
January 31, 2008
I empathize with you. I was an obese child and adult. I am now nearly 4
weeks out from RNY. My concern is this. I know at 15 I did not have the
determination that was needed to have any kind of bariatric surgery. I
wanted to eat Big Mac's, fries, shakes, just as all my other skinny friends
did. In a couple of years she will have more choices to make. To drink or
not to drink. My opinion is at 15 put her in an aerobics class. Join a
gym. Hire a personal trainer. Eat healthy. See a dietician. Join weight
watchers. There are so many different options to take. Surgery is not
always the first or the best answer. If she proves that she can do this
because she wants to be thin she will succeed. If she struggles at least
it has been given an honest effort. She has a long road ahead of her. God
bless and good luck!
— mary_rn
January 31, 2008
There are a few -- depends on what state you are in. The Children's
Hospital in Houston, Texas have been doing them on teens for a few years
now. Check out Discovery Health website -- there you might find the answer
to your question.
— the7thdean
January 31, 2008
My friend works at a Jr High in San Diego and there are two girls at that
school that have it done.
— jhart
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