For many of the 1% to 2% of U.S. teens who are severely obese, making a serious commitment to a doctor-approved diet and exercise plan is all that’s necessary to shed excess pounds and avoid obesity-related complications such as diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea.
But for others, even major lifestyle changes aren’t enough. In these cases – where regular weight loss attempts have failed and medical problems persist – weight loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery) might be an option.
The Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, is pleased to offer a bariatric surgery program for adolescents. All children who undergo surgery will be enrolled in an FDA study of the safety and efficacy of the Lap-Band procedure in adolescents.
What type of surgery do we offer?
Our teen bariatric surgery program relies on the gastric banding (or Lap-Band) technique. This minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgery involves placing an adjustable silicone device at the very top of your child’s stomach to create a small pouch. This pouch reduces the size of the stomach and decreases the amount of food that can be comfortably eaten. The band can also be tightened or loosened to increase or decrease weight loss, and it can also be removed entirely, if desired.
How do we determine if your child is a candidate?
Figuring out if a teen is a candidate for weight loss surgery is a big decision that requires a team approach. Our team consists of a surgeon experienced in all aspects of laparoscopic gastric banding, as well as a pediatrician, gastroenterologist, psychologist, nutritionist, and exercise physiologist.
Children must be at least 14 years old and 100 pounds overweight to be considered for surgery. But the team will also consider other things as well, such as your child’s overall health and emotional maturity. In order for the surgery to be successful, your family must be fully involved in the decision-making process as well as in the follow-up care. Long-term care – which typically includes medical screenings, education about nutrition and exercise, and access to psychological resources – are all provided in a supportive, teen-friendly environment.
