teen weight lossAs weight loss surgery figures rise for adults, more and more adolescents and teenagers are being recommended for weight loss surgery, such as lap band surgery and gastric bypass surgery. There is no doubt that for many obese teens, losing weight before they reach adulthood can prevent many serious weight related health conditions and change their lives for the better. Until now, however, there have been few large studies looking at the safety of weight loss surgery in teens. The largest ever case study on teen weight loss surgery has shown that there are few complications and that the health benefits could last for life.

The Study

Obesity in adolescents is a growing problem in America and abroad. The new study, led by researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital was funded by the National Institutes of Health. It was conducted across five sites around the U.S. and offers the largest ever multi-center investigation into the safety of teen weight loss surgery and the possibility of complications in years to come.

The study took place between 2007 and 2012. There were 242 participants, with an average age of 17. Median body mass index was 50.5. Every participant suffered from health complications as a result of their obesity.

Of the 242 patients, 66 % underwent gastric bypass, 28% had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) and 6% had a gastric lap band fitted.  Participants were monitored closely for 30 days following their procedure to record any complications that arose.

The Results

Most of the participants experienced no complications post-surgery, whilst others experienced minor complications, such as dehydration, and a handful experienced more severe complications that were rectified with further surgery.

What It Means

These results show the short term safety of weight loss surgery and will help families of obese children to make a decision on whether to proceed with weight loss surgery.  With obesity threatening the long term health implications of millions of teens, weight loss surgery appears to be the most viable option for teens and their families who want to change eating and lifestyle patterns, negative health implications and self-image early on, and for good.

Why Weight Loss Mexico?

At Weight Loss Surgery Mexico we don’t perform weight loss surgery on everyone. In order to qualify for a weight loss procedure every patient must meet a set of health, weight and emotional requirements. The ongoing support that our patients receive from their weight loss team of bariatric surgeon, psychologist and nutritionists mean that ongoing weight loss is supported and maintained.

We don’t have wait lists, we offer one of the world’s leading bariatric surgeons and we provide state of the art equipment and the highest quality of care and accommodation to help all of our patients to recover fully.

For many families, weight loss surgery is a hard choice to make, but often the only one. By coming to Mexico for your weight loss surgery you can ensure the highest quality, at the lowest cost. If you would like to find out more about weight loss surgery in Mexico, or to discuss whether you or someone you love may benefit from weight loss surgery, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation from one of our US based case managers.