Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Pros And Cons Of Teen Bariatric Surgery

Sadly, obesity not only affects adults but also many adolescents. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 18 percent of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 are obese. The excess weight creates a host of physical and psychological problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure and low self-esteem. After many failed weight loss attempts, adolescents and their parents sometimes turn to weight loss surgery as their last hope for a healthy, happy life. However, in the long term teen bariatric surgery might pose more risks than benefits.

Teen Weight Loss Surgery: Lack of Studies

The main problem with adolescent bariatric surgery is a lack of clinical studies about the long-term effect of various weight loss procedures. While the results of bariatric treatments in adults have been documented fairly well, the effects of weight loss surgery on teenagers have not been studied systematically. Some of the potential problems include the effect of the procedure on skeletal development, the consequences of reduced nutrient absorption over many decades, and the psychological effects of having to follow a very restricted diet for life.

Bariatric Surgery Procedures for Teenagers: Minimally Invasive

Due to the lack of studies and the potential negative impact of weight loss surgery on the developing body, some bariatric surgeons recommend that teenagers pursue less invasive weight loss procedures. Less drastic bariatric treatments include Lap Band and gastric balloon. During Lap Band surgery, a surgical band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. The band can be tightened or loosened by adding or removing saline solution. It can also be completely removed. The purpose of the Lap Band is to reduce the amount of food that enters the stomach at any time and to make the patient feel fuller faster.

The gastric balloon is a relatively new incision-free procedure. During this treatment, a surgeon inserts a silicone balloon in the stomach. The balloon is then filled with liquid solution or air. Like Lap Band, the goal of the gastric balloon is to reduce the amount of food that enters the stomach and to reduce the patient's appetite.

Bariatric Surgery Procedures for Teenagers: Invasive

If the Lap Band or the gastric balloon fail to produce the desired results, a more invasive bariatric surgery procedure might be needed. Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery are complex procedures that permanently alter the way the body processes nutrients. During gastric bypass surgery, a small stomach pouch is stapled off from the rest of the stomach, and the small intestine is attached to the pouch to avoid absorption of certain nutrients. Due to the extent of surgical manipulations needed, gastric bypass cost is typically higher than that of a Lap Band.

During gastric sleeve surgery, more than 80 percent of the stomach is removed. The result is a much smaller stomach that holds very small quantities of food. As a result, the patient can lose weight very rapidly.

While both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery can help teenagers slim down quickly, these are complex procedures that require life-long dietary changes and ongoing medical monitoring. Therefore, teenagers and their parents should consider these treatments very carefully and pursue them only if all other options have been exhausted.

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