Question:
Need resources for Teen RNY

I have had RNY surgery and have been succesful. My niece who is 15 HAS to lose weight due to a congenital condition in her legs. She has tried Weight Watchers for the last year and very minimal success. Are there any resources in Northern Illinois, Chicago Area, that would do lap RNY for Teenagers? Please help, she's a beautiful girl and needs help desperately! Kim T. 11/13/02 -101    — Kimberly T. (posted on July 17, 2003)

July 17, 2003
if you put "teen" into the library search you'll find lots of good info and resources. Good luck to her (and you)!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 17, 2003
The Chicago area has one of the foremost programs for teen RNY's. Check out Chicago hospital. They do reasearch there on Teens and weight loss surgery. I know because I have a daughter who has weight loss surgery, as well as myself, her aunts, and her father. Don't give up, keep researching, and don't take no for an answer. They do this all over the world, an lots of countries don't have hang-ups like we do about age. ..... good luck!
   — sandieguy

July 18, 2003
Children's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama has a wonderful surgical weight loss program. They are doing RNY. I believe they are working together with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It is very comprehensive and candidates are thoroughly screened before considered for surgery. You can call Ms. Haynes with the Pediatric Bariatric Program at 205-939-9100. Best wishes to you and your niece. I commend you for making such an effort to help her.
   — ronascott

July 18, 2003
I know that Dr. Constantine Frantzides (my surgeon) out of Rush Presbyterian St. Lukes in Chicago accepts patients at age 16. Even though your niece is only 15, perhaps he would be willing to see her. By the time the consult, insurance approval, pre-op testing and a date gets set, she might be 16, or close enough that it wouldn't be a problem. He is listed on the surgeon site here, which is where I found him. He is a compassionate and sympathetic man. I think if he could help her, he would.
   — Vespa R.