Is Weight Loss Surgery an option for Teens?
Weight loss surgery can be an option for some teens if they need help losing weight. If someone has severe or morbid Obesity it means that they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to being also overweight up to or more than 100 pounds. With today’s diet of fast food, dollar menus, and chain restaurants, there are more children at risk for obesity each and every day. There is a very high percentage of teenagers who are classified as ‘severely obese’ in many countries such as Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Obviously, traditional dieting or exercise is not helping them lose weight and as they get older not only are they unhealthy but most end up having long-term medical problems and comorbidities.
Most obese teenagers, at very young ages, suffer from other physical health conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, etc. Besides, adolescents impacted by obesity often find themselves the target of bullying and suffer as they are growing up. These teenagers need something to help them to deal with this struggle and complex situation; children who are severely overweight may need an effective treatment option.
The most common Weight Loss Procedure for teens is Gastric Sleeve Surgery and some even may consider gastric Bypass surgery if they have a large amount of weight to lose. Both surgeries have shown to offer a great, safe and effective option to help teens who are 15 years or older lose weight and change their lives. These surgeries can help people in general and even teens lose up to or more than 80% of their excess body weight and keep it off with the patient’s commitment and effort.
It is true that when it comes to Weight Loss Surgery for teenagers, there would be risks for nutritional deficiencies, low vitamin levels, and surgical complications as any other surgical procedure. However, the main reason for having the surgery is to improve the adolescent’s long-term health in all aspects (physical, emotional, and mental) as they grow into adulthood, and parents can help their teens get in their daily vitamins to ensure no lack in these deficiencies.
As such, a teen during adolescence might actually be the best time for them to have weight loss surgery. It is important to note however that the decision for weight loss surgery should in reality come from the teen and not from the parent. The parent may suggest the idea but in reality, the teen must be on board and ready for surgery to achieve success. There are studies that have shown that teens who are 15 years and older who have undergone a weight loss procedure, have lost about 80% of their excess body weight while achieving amazing health benefits, lower rates of depression, and social acceptance.
Weight Loss Surgery should be considered for any severely obese teen who has been unsuccessful in losing weight using diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. However, it would depend on previous complete medical studies and examination by a bariatric specialist.
It is important to mention that Weight loss surgery does not correct unhealthy eating behaviors, and remember the teens must be serious and committed to a life change and be supported by their parents and family. The teen must follow all of their surgeon's pre-and post-op recommendations. Mental health support is elemental to go through a weight loss journey because of the changes young patients have to face causing obviously a lot of stress in their lives.
The goal of Weight Loss Surgery is to provide the most benefit possible to the young patient, in this case, with the lowest risk. Adolescents who decide to undergo Weight Loss Surgery should be evaluated and cared to a team of expert doctors such as the doctors who practice at Weight Loss Team and the CMQ Riviera Nayarit Hospital in Puerto Vallarta.
For more information regarding Clinics/ Hospitals and Weight Loss Options mentioned in this article:
Weight Loss Team – Bariatric Clinic at the CMQ Riviera Nayarit Hospital
Website: www.weightlossteam.com/
Email: info@weightlossteam.com
Telephone: Toll free 1(800) 404-9064 or + 1(818) 949-6911
