Weight Loss Surgery Information: Answers to Common Questions
Why Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery can help teens and young adults who haven't had success with other weight loss methods. More than 85% of teens with severe obesity will become adults with obesity. While diet, exercise and behavior changes can help, sometimes they don't lead to enough weight loss. It's important to treat obesity early to prevent serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
Who Can Get Weight Loss Surgery?
A teen might be considered for weight loss surgery if they:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher (usually more than 120 pounds over ideal weight) with health problems like sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure or significant quality of life or mobility issues.
- Have a BMI of 40 or higher with less serious health problems.
- Not enough weight loss with diet and exercise alone.
Surgery is a big decision that needs careful thought, family support, lifelong follow-up and a long-term commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
What are the Weight Loss Surgery Options?
The options are:
- Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: This is a safe and effective method for weight loss recognized by the National Institutes of Health. It has been performed and improved over 30 years.
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: This was first done as a step before Roux-en-Y for adults with severe obesity who were too high-risk for bypass surgery. It was found to be effective on its own and has been done at Cincinnati Children’s since 2008.
What are the Major Risks of Weight Loss Surgery in Teens?
The sleeve gastrectomy can have serious complications like leakage of intestinal contents, bowel obstruction and bleeding, but these are very rare. All patients need close follow-up to monitor iron and vitamin levels.
What is Life Like After Weight Loss Surgery?
Most patients lose 60-70% of their extra body weight within the first year. There is a period of rapid weight loss at first, then it slows down. The results in teens are similar to or better than those in adults. Weight loss surgery in teens is much more effective than lifestyle changes alone in lowering BMI, improving health problems and improving quality of life.
Because part of the stomach and small intestine are bypassed, some nutrients are not absorbed well. Patients need to take vitamin and mineral supplements and make dietary changes for life to stay healthy. Motivation and family support are essential for long-term success.
