Question:
Which surgery is best for a 15-year-old?
I have read stories and seen interviews that have stated that teenagers can get weight loss surgery, but when I look for one that suits me, it says that I must be 18! It's very frustrating. I have a BMI of 39 and I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other conditions qualifying me for the surgery. I want to get it now so I can have a normal life. If anyone knows anything to help my case, please let me know at [email protected] Please and thank you. — nbaker (posted on April 21, 2008)
April 21, 2008
I am a dietician and ALOT of surgeons will not perform weight loss surgery
on anyone under 18. You may want to speak to your PCP and maybe he can
suggest a diet that is right for you to help lose weight.
— Karen M.
April 21, 2008
Try this link within Obesity Help
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/teen_wls/
— Dave Chambers
April 21, 2008
Hello Nickki.................
I know it must be so hard to deal with a big weigh issue at your age. But,
for me ...........I have to say that RYN is the best. I had it done is
December of 2006. I have lost over 150 lbs. For me it really helps to
know that I will get very SICK if I have to much sugar or eat to fast!!!
So, because of that I am able to really learn to eat better and really use
the tools that the doctor gave me with the surgery to do what is best for
my body. Granted I am now 32 yrs and a single mother of 2 boys. But for
you have to see what is best for you. Also what your insurance will cover.
I can tell you ............LOSING the WEIGHT...........has really changed
my life!!! I am sure for you that it will change it more since you are so
young. You really have to talk to your doctor and see what you think is
best for you!!! Only you and your doctor can really make that decision.
But, from the bottom of my heart. I think if you want to make sure you are
able to make the most of this life changeing event you need see what you
think will work best for you. I belive in the RYN and think that is you
are going to have a major surgery....This is the way to go to make sure you
get the most out of the expericence and to be able to really make a postive
change in your life. But, I am nto trying to saying that the Band or
another surgery will not help just a much. It is more of what you think
you are able to handle and for you to know what your limits are and how you
must learn to deal with them from a food/eating experience. This is the
BIGGEST change you are going to make in your life and it is a decision that
you really need to explore and see what will work best for you!!!!
Congrates on wanting to push forward to make your life heathy!!! But, just
talk to your doctor and your family to see what your options are and what
is best for you in your situation.
You can email anytime with [email protected]
Good luck with your quest for a better life.......
Ronda
— Ronda C.
April 21, 2008
Dear Nikki,
Your body is still growing, and I don't mean the weight but internal body
parts, and while a BMI of 39 is not very good for a young lady like
yourself, it is not serious enought for a surgeon to risk other injuries to
your grouth until you are fully grown at 18 years old. Talk to your family
doctor and tell him your concerns and maybe he can refer you to a sergeon
or help you get into a program to assist you. We all were required to lose
some weight before surgery, so that is where you are going to have to
start. I know kids in school can be hard to deal with, but at 15 your are
smart to be concerned about your weight, but if it takes a few more years
before a solution works for you, you still ave a great life in front of
you. Best of success to you.
— William (Bill) wmil
April 21, 2008
Nikki,
My surgeon does ALOT of LapBand surgeries on adolescents here in
Jacksonville Florida. He doesn't do any other type of WLS at this time
other than the adjustable band on anyone.
I will call him tomorrow and see if he can recommend someone in your area-
he seems to know surgeons everywhere in the country.
I would also suggest that your PCP enroll you in a physician supervised
weight loss program- either way- whether you have surgery or not, you will
have done something that is good for you in a healthy way. If you do have
surgery, most insurances require a 6 month diet program anyway so you have
nothing to lose but pounds.
Contact bariatric surgeons in your area as well and ask if they know
someone who works with adolescents. Research and learn as much as you
can.
Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
— DawnVic
April 21, 2008
RNY's and gastric banding have been proven to be safe for young teens--
given that a BMI approaching 39 can have serious health, social and
emotional effects on a teenager, surgery is not out of the question. The
"best" procedure, however, can only be determined by sitting down
with an experienced bariatric surgeon and examining the path you took to
obesity, what side effects you can live with and how much maintenance you
are willing to do. You have lots of options-- and those of who were obese
in our younger years all probably wish that we had your same courage to
consider weight loss surgery at your age.
— SteveColarossi
April 21, 2008
Nikki,
My son is a young teen and had the Lap VSG just over a year ago. It has
ben an excellent surgical option for him - arresting his co-morbidities and
giving him an incredibly positive post-op quality of life.
Let me know if I can answer any questions, okay?
Blessings,
dina
— Dina McBride
April 21, 2008
No surgery is best for 15 year old. If I was the Dr I wouldnt perform
gastric bypass or any other surgery on anyone until they were 18. A 15 year
old is still very immature in body and mind. Dont do it.
— Joanc
April 21, 2008
For a 15 year old I would suggest the Lap Band. I am a BIG RNY proponent,
but I have already had my children and am a full grown woman. A 15 year
old is still growing and you will probably want kids. (Not that you can't
do that with the RNY.) Just my thoughts as a nurse. You can loose with
the Lap Band. You won't have the hormone change as with the RNY, but you
will have more ability to control your eating which is probably what you
are looking for.
— MAG
April 25, 2008
I heard the VSG is great because there's no malabsorptive component to
interfere with the needs of a growing body. Also, there's not a need for
frequent followups for fills going on into eternity. Even better for the
social life of a teen...once the healing is done, very few foods are
completely off limits as long as you are getting enough protein and
remember that your pouch is only so big and you can only eat a few bites of
whatever your friends are eating. So much of socializing involves food!
If the VSG turns out not to be sufficient after a few years, it can be
converted to a DS or RNY. At that point, the teen will be older and more
able to make an informed decision that will affect the rest of his/her
life.
— abeeba
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