National Institute of Health criteria suggest that surgical treatment for obesity to be considered for individuals older than 18 years of age. However surgical treatment is being considered for adolescents less than 18 years of age on an individual basis.
FDA does not approve the use of Lapband device under the age of 18. However several Bariatric Centers are performing the Lapband out of FDA guidelines under specific protocols. These protocols include extensive psychological counseling of the adolescent, family counseling among others. Gastric bypass is a safe procedure in adolescents for appropriate indications.
Prior to considering bariatric surgery, the adolescent and the family need to evaluate all the options carefully and the adolescent need to try non-surgical methods of weight loss for several months on a regular basis regardless of the results. This helps in understanding the discipline of weight loss and leads to better results following surgical treatment. |
