Teenagers and Weight Loss Surgery

In the UK, most obese teenagers are still treated through diet and behavioural methods. However, weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery) is increasingly considered an option for teens that have health problems related to their weight.

What kinds of bariatric surgery are teenagers having?
A common type of bariatric surgery is gastric bypass, which involves sectioning off a small portion of the stomach into a pouch that bypasses the first part of the small intestine and connects directly to the lower portions.

Another common option is gastric banding, in which surgeons place a band-like device around the stomach to divide it into two smaller compartments.

What are the risks involved with teenagers undergoing bariatric surgery?
All surgeries come with the possibility of complications, but fortunately their incidence is quite small. There is even a slight risk of death from the complications that may appear after obesity surgery, but this is extremely rare.

The post-operative health risks of restrictive weight loss surgeries like gastric banding include:

• Slippage of the band - This and other band problems can be corrected surgically if diagnosed early.
• Food intolerances - In certain cases, food intolerances or even perforation of the stomach may lead to the band removal.
• Internal bleeding and blood clots - There is a 1% chance of blood clots occurring in the legs after surgery.
• Infections - There is a small risk of infection in the incision area if the procedure is open and the laparoscope is not used.
• Respiratory problems
• Pulmonary problems
• Heart attack
• Vomiting - Vomiting may develop when the small stomach pouch is stretched by food particles that have not been chewed well.
• Hernia - In 10-20% of the cases, abdominal hernia may occur. It can be caused by vomiting or straining after surgery, usually before the incision heals. Laparoscopy-assisted surgery greatly reduces hernia risk.

What are the risks of surgery vs. risks of obesity?
For most patients suffering from morbid obesity the big question is, do the benefits of obesity surgery outweigh the risks? The answer is ‘yes’. Severe obesity is a frequently progressive, chronic, life-threatening disease. There can be no doubt that the known health risks associated with morbid obesity far outweigh the risks associated with surgery.

The importance of patient attitude
In solving their obesity and weight problems, the higher the motivation of patients to lose weight and manage the post-operative requirements of dietary modification and behavioural therapy, the more successful surgery is likely to be.

Find out more

If you would like to find out more about obesity surgery, or arrange a consultation, contact us today on 08707 606 555, or by completing our online enquiry form for an immediate response.