Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
Percentiles and charts typically determine the ideal body mass index (BMI) for adolescents. Young patients whose weight exceeds the normal healthy range are often given a prescriptive lifestyle that includes optimal exercise and diet. However, lifestyle modifications aren’t always successful—especially when it comes to genetic obesity.
What Is Adolescent Bariatric Surgery?
The surgeons at LILD prefer to perform the gastric sleeve procedure for adolescent patients, also referred to as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. This is a weight loss surgery that involves reducing the size of the stomach. The gastric sleeve leads to weight loss because:
- It restricts the amount of food required to feel full and reduces caloric intake.
- It changes the metabolism and how the body produces hormones; including ghrelin, the hormone associated with hunger so patients have fewer food cravings.
Failure to reach a healthy weight can result in feelings of inadequacy, shame, and guilt for both the child and their immediate family, the stress of which can hinder weight loss. The experienced weight loss surgeons at Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors (LILD) are dedicated to helping adolescent patients in Long Island, NY reach their weight loss goals with adolescent bariatric surgery.
Benefits of Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
There are significant benefits associated with adolescent bariatric surgery, including:
- Adolescent patients lose one-third of their total body weight in 9–12 months following bariatric surgery
- 100% resolution of hypertension
- 94% resolution of diabetes
- 91% resolution of sleep apnea
- Adolescent patients gain self-confidence
- Improves quality of life
Candidates For Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
Adolescent bariatric surgery is recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) that is
Trusted Source
Childhood and Adolescent Obesity
ASMBS
Go to Source
above 120% of the 95th percentile
for their weight and age. In addition, adolescents considering bariatric surgery should have a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 with other weight-related health issues.
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Contact Us
If you have an adolescent struggling with obesity, we can help your loved one find lasting weight loss and take control of their health! Contact us to schedule a consultation or for more information on adolescent bariatric surgery.
1 ASMBS. Childhood and Adolescent Obesity. Available: https://asmbs.org/patients/adolescent-obesity. Accessed September 9, 2022.
The doctors at Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated: