Bariatric surgery is an option for overweight people who are obese and cannot lose weight by traditional means or who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems. This surgery may be performed in two ways. The first is open approaches. This involves making abdominal incisions in the traditional manner. The second form of surgery is by laparoscopy. (The laparoscopy is an instrument somewhat like a miniature telescope with a fiber optic system which brings light into the targeted area. This surgery is sometimes considered a treatment option for overweight adolescents who have developed extreme obesity. Our research suggests that both weight and health of extremely obese youth can be favorably changed by this surgery. Typical candidates for this surgery are those who have not been able to lose weight through traditional methods of weight loss. When Should I Consider Bariatric Surgery? Experts recommend that surgical treatment only be considered when candidates have tried for at least 6 months to lose weight and have not been successful. Although it is becoming clear that adolescents can lose weight following the surgery, there are numerous unanswered questions about the long-term effects of these surgeries on the future growth of body and mind. To help determine if this surgery is appropriate for a candidate, NIH launched a prospective study called Teen-LABS in 2007. You can simply type “Teen-LABS in 2007” in a Google search box and it should come up in the top 5 search results for Google. What is the Down Side? Research indicates that about 10 percent of patients who undergo this surgery may have unsatisfactory weight loss or regain much of the weight that they lost. Two kinds of hernias may occur after a patient has bariatric surgery. Patients who undergo this procedure must also commit to a lifetime of healthy eating habits and a regular exercise routine. This surgery produces weight loss by restricting food intake and, in some cases, interfering with nutrition through insufficient absorption. What is the Most Popular Method? Most of these surgeries today are performed laparoscopic ally because it involves a smaller cut, creates less tissue damage, shorter hospital stay, and has fewer complications, especially postoperative hernias. Will Insurance Pay? If you are considering this treatment, contact your regional Medicare or Medicaid office or health insurance provider to find out if the procedure is covered. The surgery may be covered if it is performed to treat an obesity related illness. The procedure is sometimes considered as a treatment option for adolescents who have developed extreme obesity. In Closing: Bariatric surgery may be the best option for people who have been fighting diets and emotions for years. It may be the only way to go if you have an obesity-related disease. We read that over the next 5 years, the multi center study will collect data from adolescents who are scheduled for surgery to evaluate the benefits and risks. We will be tracking these studies and adding the data to this Website.
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