Bariatric surgery in adolescents (2023)

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Find the right teen bariatric surgeon or location that's right for you.

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Our team is currently performing two bariatric procedures on adolescent patients. The right choice for a candidate depends on many factors, including your goals, comorbidities, and unique health history.

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  (Video) Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents Improves Obesity-Related Diseases

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Each patient is cared for by a multidisciplinary team with experience in attending to the metabolic and psychological needs of children and their families.

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respond to your youthFrequently asked questions about weight loss surgery

We know that your considerations about bariatric surgery contain many questions. Here are some answers to some common questions and concerns.

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At what age can parents consider having their child undergo bariatric surgery?

In general, a child under the age of 12 is unlikely to be considered a potential candidate for bariatric surgery. Even so, other ways in which children can overcome obesity without invasive methods are being explored; Surgery is considered a last resort.

How do I know if my child is suitable for bariatric surgery?

Every child is different, and bariatric surgery is not right for every child with obesity. It offers an option for children who have not been able to maintain weight loss and manage their health through diet and lifestyle alone.

To qualify for bariatric surgery, our bariatric care team must recommend patients for bariatric surgery following an evaluation process:

• The patient will be hospitalized in six months.weight loss programif you haven't completed one yet
• You must complete the bariatric surgery assessment which includes our online information session
• There is a research component associated with this program; All patients admitted for surgery must sign a consent form for data collection.
• Patients must be above their ideal weight (BMI greater than 40 kg/m2 or BMI greater than 35 kg/m2 with medical conditions)
• We also use the BMI percentile; Obesity > 99th percentile of BMI for age or severe obesity > 120th percentile of BMI for age

What are the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery in adolescents?

risks to know

Each child has unique risk factors for weight loss surgery. All risks are assessed, scored, and communicated prior to surgery, including short-term and long-term risks, such as:

• Risk of bleeding and leaks
• development of other health conditions
• surgical site infection
• Concerns about nutritional deficiencies
• regain weight

Two years after bariatric surgery, some studies reported an overall complication rate between 2.5% and 9%. Most importantly, the care we offer is tailored to each child's unique situation and we will work with your child and family to assess the risks and benefits.

useful benefits

While weight loss is the main benefit of bariatric surgery, there are other important long-term benefits. In bariatric surgery we see a great improvement in comorbidities or health problems associated with obesity.

Results may vary from patient to patient, but research shows that there is evidence of:

• The best lifestyle options
• 74% remission of blood pressure
• increased physical activity
• improvement of self confidence
• Remission of abnormal renal function in 86%
• Up to 66% reduction in dyslipidemia (lipid imbalance)
• Resolution of up to 95% of type 2 diabetes

Does my child need to try weight loss pills first?

We understand that weight loss surgery for adolescents and children is a big decision. For this reason, we will first review your child's previous weight loss attempts and explore more conservative options to see if this is the best step to take.

Although weight loss medications such as Saxenda® and Qsymia® may be approved for weight loss in adolescents, it is best to consult a doctor before giving your child any drug treatment. Our experienced team will speak with your family to assess whether medical weight loss is right for your child. We want to provide your teen or child with the best solutions for their needs, and we have created a weight loss plan that focuses on their overall health.

Can bariatric surgery help reduce NASH in adolescents?

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, is a condition caused by the buildup of fat in the liver and is often associated with obesity. Because weight loss surgery can result in a lower BMI and better health outcomes, it can be used as part of a complete NASH treatment plan. Our teams are experienced in treating NASH in adolescents. We will help you decide if a conservative approach or surgery is the best approach for your child.

Will weight loss surgery solve my teenager's diabetes?

Research has shown that adolescent weight loss surgery can lead to partial resolution of type 2 diabetes, but this is still being studied on a daily basis. We will evaluate your child's type 2 diabetes to determine the best way to manage it.

What is the difference between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure that does not require repositioning of the anatomy. The gastric bypass is restrictive and desorbent, but requires an anatomical reorganization.

In the short term, bypass surgery allows for faster weight loss with quicker resolution of some comorbidities, but with an increased long-term risk of complications and nutritional problems.

(Video) Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Options - Abdalla Zarroug, M.D. - Mayo Clinic

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