I don't personally know of any doctors who do WLS on teens, but I bet there are some. However, most insurance companies require that you have a history of obesity in order for them to cover the surgery. Some require that you've been obese for two years. Many require that you've been obese for five years. So getting your insurance to cover your surgery be an issue for you. Unless you've been obese since you were 11.
I personally have a lot of concerns about them doing WLS on teens, although I guess I would rather them do lap band than gastric bypass, if it's going to be done. But the concern is that after surgery, you really have to change what you eat. It's really hard work. And I think it's hard for most teens to do that. I'm sure some are mature enough and responsible enough to do it, but I doubt many are.
Also, lap band surgery is a really risky surgery. Very serious complications can occur. Are you sure you're ready to take that risk?
I don't know what you've tried so far to lose weight. You may have already tried a bunch of different diets. Most people have, by the time they come to consider WLS. If you haven't done so yet, I encourage you to talk to your primary care physician about a weight loss plan, and also to talk to a dietician about what you're eating. There may be other options for you besides surgery.
Kelly
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RNY 11/4/08
surgery/current/goal
270/147/130
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