Question:
Whish surgery is the best for a 16 year old?

I am 16 and i have been researching WLS for a over a year. I talked with my regular doctor and I have been approved for the WLS by my insur. The problem is, My doctor is Dr. Hanan and he only performs VBG surgery and I have heard a lot of negative things about this procedure and i would like to know from all of you. It is so hard for me because I am 16 and I want a chance to live life how it should be lived, I feel so captivated in my wieght. I feel like a prisoner in my own body and I want to make the right decision but I am very scared. Well I would like to year from anyone pre or post op. Thanks.    — Shannon H. (posted on July 26, 2004)

July 25, 2004
I belive the 'lapband' would be the best for a 16 year old.
   — star .

July 25, 2004
I used to live in Midwest City!!! Back to your question, talk to your regular doctor and ask about which surgery they would recommend. Ask why they recommend that particular surgery. Discuss the concerns you have with that surgery. You are right to research all of your options. I have seen very successful teens have RNY's or Lap Bands. My particular surgical group in Miami where I live now will interview the patient and discuss their lifestyle and help them decide which surgery is in their best interest.
   — Shayna T.

July 26, 2004
I had the VBG and a year later had to have the open rny. So I would go with the RNY. I think that you have a better chance of getting the weight off and keep it off with the rny. I had staple line failure with the VBG. Now it can happen with the rny to. But with the rny I have better control of my food intake. I weight 227 when I had the VBG I lost about 50 pounds gain all of that weight back plus I had rny in Dec and I have lost 62 pounds so it is working for me.
   — maxine84

July 26, 2004
I would recommend the lap band surgery. It's a similar surgery to the VBG in terms of how it works (restrictive), but since the band can be adjusted post-op ("fills"), it really is a much better surgery than the old VBG which has a high rate of re-gain.
   — mom2jtx3

July 26, 2004
Hi, Shannon. Visit this website. read at least a few weeks of postings. www.clos.net clos means center for laparascopic obesity surgery. Check it out! It's cheaper, safer, and faster.
   — Nancy P.

July 26, 2004
I would look closely at the lap band, adjustable band. Its safe, adjustable and reversible. Sometime in the next 10 years they will get a safe effective weight loss pill. But this is available now, and thats a big plus..<P> My surgeon Dr Philip Schauer world known for bariatric surgery doesnt do the MGB, and has publically stated its a bad WLS, because a high percentage of patients end up with acid troubles, and other complications. You can see his comments here, along with a wealth of other info. Its in real player which is available for free. Good luck on your search, your lucky to be so young.
   — bob-haller

July 26, 2004
http://www.upmc.edu/obesitysurgery/monthlySupportGroup.htm<P> I wouldnt get the VBG, dr schauer says its 5 year failure rate is 85%...
   — bob-haller

July 27, 2004
Hi Shannon my name is Donald. I am 19 and I had a lap band. It will be 4 mo. on July 29. I have lost 73 lbs. Before my surgery I weighed about 340 and now I weigh 267. If I were u I would look into it. I had high blood presser, on 2 different medicines, taking 15 pills in the morning. And now I have no more high blood presser and I am only taking 5 or 6 pills. If you need to talk to me e mail me at [email protected]
   — Donald W. K.

August 12, 2004
Hi Shannon, First of all, I want to congratulate you on making a decision to do something for yourself... I am very proud of you. This is a life-changing event in your life. My son had VGB surgery when he was 16, he weighed 377 lbs., he now fluctuates between 200 - 225 lbs. (was as low as 185 lbs.) and did fine with the surgery. The only thing you can do is exactly what you're doing right now... ask lots of questions until you feel secure with your final choice. I highly recommend pre-counseling too... that is so important. God bless you honey... you'll be in my prayers. ~~ Kimmie in Texas
   — Kim T.

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