Question:
How can I find a Dr. to do Gastirc Bypass on my 16 year old daughter?
My daughter if very obese, her BMI is 49. i would like to get this surgery for her so she does not have any long terms affects such as diabetes. — bloopers (posted on November 29, 2006)
November 29, 2006
I know my doctor did a girl that young but the question that I have for you
is, Does SHE want the surgery or are you pressuring her? If she is not
doing it for herself, the psychiatrist will not condone the surgery.
— Jamal Young
November 29, 2006
Everything I have read they won't do it until she is 18. I could be wrong
but that is what I have read.
— Silkie
November 29, 2006
Some surgeons are doing it. The children's hospital in Houston has done a
few. My surgeon will not perform the surgery on anyone under 18 here in
Maryland. You just have to ask the surgeon and as another poster stated,
does your daughter want to have the surgery.
— the7thdean
November 29, 2006
i understand your concerns for your daughter's health, but i think the most
important thing is to FIRST try to understand why she is so overweight at
such a young age then maybe you will be able to come up with a less drastic
approach to weight loss. also she needs to decide for herself whether GBS
is right for her. most surgerons will not perform the surgery on kids under
18 because it is a lifelong change and the person needs to be mature enough
to understand ALL aspects of the surgery. there may be surgerons willing to
do it under special situations. good luck and remember to support her with
whatever decision SHE makes for herself. hope this helps... holly
— RNlvnCARSON
November 29, 2006
I can totally understand your concern for your daughter. I have a child
who is morbidly obese, as well - and my heart breaks watching history
repeat itself for him! It's like watching my life all over again in slow
painful motion.
I've done a lot of research about the options for a child who is morbidly
obese. The thing that keeps me from going forward with a surgical approach
for my child is that he is not - in my estimation anyway - capable of
making an informed choice at the moment. He doesn't understand the
long-term ramifications, or the post-op requirements in order to maintain a
healthy lifestyle.
I know for certain that if we ever do get to the point where a surgical
option becomes more pressing (i.e., when he moves from the borderline
diabetes level to the full blown type II diabetes diagnosis, or other
significant co-morbidities are present and poorly controlled with excellent
medical care) I would likely only give my (aka "Mama's") stamp of
approval to something along the lines of a Lap Sleeve Gastrectomy (also
known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy). It does not involve a malabsorptive
component, yet when performed with a small gastric sleeve, has excellent
surgical outcomes. It is a nice option from the post-op supplement issue,
as well - fewer vitamins, etc. required for a healthy post-op life.
It's a huge deal - I know! Maybe your daughter can join this web site and
do some research on her own to decide if it's something she's willing to
make a lifetime commitment to. This is SO about the rest of your life.
It's a very valuable thing to have good research under your belt, make an
informed decision, and to make sure you have a world-leader caliber surgeon
in your court.
Blessings,
dina
— Dina McBride
November 29, 2006
Check with my surgeon Dr Philip schauer president of the ASBS, cleveland
clinic. Great surgeon wonderful person:)
— bob-haller
November 29, 2006
I know you're concerned but you're going about this in an appallingly bad
fashion. This surgery MUST MUST MUST be done for only the patient's sake.
While I know you have her best interest at heart this is NOT a decision you
should be making for your daughter. Instead help her get her head in the
right place so that when she is ready to make a change she will be ready.
— newslady72712
November 29, 2006
I have read this and I have a nephew in the same boat. I have read all the
answers to your ? and I think ms dina McBride has an awsome answer . I
would take that to heart..
— jameskessell
November 30, 2006
By no means am I encouraging you to make the decision for WLS for dtr.
But...if this is something she is considering I know Cedars Sinai Medical
Center in Los Angeles, CA has a new program for teens. But the teens have
to undergo alot of counseling. If you think we had to go through alot
imagine that x 3. I'm just informing you not encouraging. Good luck with
whatever decision you two make.
— fattykoo30
November 30, 2006
I agree with the other poster that said you need to find the reason as to
way she is over weight. WLS surgery isn't a quick fix to help your daughter
loss the weight. It's a lifelong change one that she has to be ready to
commit to. I struggled my whole life with my weight, going from 40 lds over
weight to 170 lbs overweight and as a kid I was active, I was on the track
team, I was in ballet and I surfed. But I still struggled. Your daughter is
going to have to commit to a level of activity for excericse, I don't know
what she does now but try walking with her and having mother daughter time
so that you can talk. Get rid of junk food and frozen meals in the house
and start cooking together so that she is eating healthier. Use the WLS as
a last resort when she is ready not because you want her to have. I hope
this doesn't come off as to rude, I know that you are a concerned mother
and want the best for your child. Good Luck and just take a look at your
lifestyle as a family and make changes there first.
— Jenney
November 30, 2006
Not knowing where you live presents a problem for a good response. Be sure
to read and understand all of the above replies! There is a doctor in
Edmond, Ok, a suburb of OKC, who will operate on teens. I personally know
of one, and she has had excellent results and has blossomed since the
surgery. She says it is the best thing that has happened to her in her
whole life! The doctors name is Philip Floyd. He was also my surgeon and he
is just GREAT!
— Patticake
December 1, 2006
I personally had the surgery when I was 18.5. I will be 20 this month and
it is personally was the best thing I ever did in my life. I started the
process when I was 17 but had to wait til I was 18 for surgery. So, 1 day
after my last final for my first yr of college I had the surgery. Many
people would say I am to young to have the surgery ( btw I had LAP RNY),
but I would say I am to young to die and to young to start having
"adult" health problems.
If your daughter choses the surgery and this is right for her, or even the
lapband procedure (less invasive for people younger). If she needs someone
to talk to during her journey I would be more than willing to help her.
— AFSPOOH
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