Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
Almost one out of every three Georgia teenagers is overweight. Despite its prevalence, obesity still comes with a social stigma, and can result in exclusion and ridicule for teenagers. In addition, obesity in adolescents can lead to serious health issues, and serves as a strong predictor of adult obesity.
At the Emory Bariatric Center, we consult with obese teens and their families to find the right steps forward, whether through medical (nonsurgical) treatments or adolescent bariatric surgery.
Ideal candidates for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery may:
- Be at least 13 years old (for girls) and 15 years old (for boys)
- Have a Body Mass Index of more than 40
- Experience obesity-related health problems
- Have difficulty participating in physical activities with friends and family
- Have unsuccessfully attempted weight loss through other programs for at least six months.
- Understand the impact of bariatric surgery on the body, and comprehend the lifestyle changes it demands.
The two most common bariatric procedures for adolescents in the U.S. are the gastric bypass and the adjustable gastric band.
Gastric Bypass: Gastric bypasses reduce stomach size and divert food’s passage through the small intestine to limit digestion. Like in gastric banding, patients feel full after eating less food. In addition, food that is consumed has less opportunity to be absorbed because of the re-routing of the small intestine. Following a gastric bypass, most patients generally lose two-thirds of their excess weight within two years.
Gastric Banding: During this minimally-invasive procedure, doctors place an adjustable (and removable) silicone “Lap Band” around the upper stomach to reduce stomach size. Patients feel full more quickly and, as a result, eat less. The surgery is fully reversible and digestion isn’t impacted by gastric banding.
Gastric banding has yet to be approved by the FDA for use in patients under 18. However, Emory Bariatrics is one of several centers is using the Lap Band investigationally in adolescent patients.
Contact Information
The Adolescent Bariatric Surgery program operates in conjunction with the Emory Bariatric Center. Referrals to the program can be made by calling 404-982-9938.
