Can Teenagers Get Bariatric Surgery?
Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States. An article published by National Public Radio (NPR) states that about one in five children in the U.S. are classified as obese, and approximately six percent have severe obesity. Given the health risks associated with obesity, many parents may wonder, “Can teenagers get bariatric surgery?”
Weight loss surgery decreases the stomach’s size and alters the digestive tract to encourage rapid and significant weight loss, which can have lifelong health benefits. Here, the team at Vision Bariatrics in Tijuana, Mexico, discusses teenage candidacy for bariatric surgery and how to decide if surgical treatment is the right option for your family member.
Is Bariatric Surgery Approved for Adolescents?
There is no set age limit for bariatric surgery, but in the past, the procedure was not readily available to adolescents or teens. In many circumstances, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) recommends bariatric surgery for people between the ages of 18 and 65. However, NPR reports that the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently endorsed advanced treatment for severe obesity in kids, which includes surgery or medication.
Bariatric surgery may be appropriate for children as young as 13, provided they meet specific medical criteria. If an adolescent is unable to lose weight even under medical supervision and if they have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, or a BMI between 35 and 40 along with a comorbidity (a disease or condition that threatens one’s health), they may be suitable candidates for bariatric surgery.
Is Bariatric Surgery Safe?
Many parents struggle when deciding if bariatric surgery is a good choice for their child. Safety is usually the top concern. No surgical procedure is free of risks. Surgical complications that could develop after bariatric surgery include infection, ulcers, dumping syndrome, and malnutrition. Although complications can occur, the risks of bariatric surgery are low. Many patients recover from surgery without any issues. Furthermore, our Tijuana patients often find that the benefits of weight loss surgery outweigh the potential risks.
Long-term Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
People often want to lose weight for the aesthetic effects; they want a slimmer figure. However, the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery go much deeper than appearances. Bariatric surgery can help adolescents and teens live longer and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Other potential benefits of bariatric surgery include:
- Improvement or cure of weight-related health conditions (including type 2 diabetes and hypertension)
- Faster metabolism
- Better quality of life
- Enhanced confidence
- Improved mobility
Should I Consider Medical Tourism?
Insurance companies do not always provide coverage for bariatric surgery, particularly if the patient is an adolescent or teen. When the cost of bariatric surgery is prohibitive, individuals should consider medical tourism. Medical tourism through our Tijuana bariatric center allows patients to undergo bariatric surgery in a state-of-the-art facility at a fraction of the cost. Treatment is safe, and packages are all-inclusive, so patients do not have to worry about additional costs for transportation or accommodations.
Contact Vision Bariatrics
Bariatric surgery assists obese patients in losing weight and taking control of their health. If you would like to learn more about the weight loss techniques offered at Vision Bariatrics and whether they may be right for your teen, contact our practice online and request a consultation at your earliest convenience.