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Bariatric Surgery/lapband on 15 year old female

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Expert: - 6/9/2009


Question
I'm a 15 year old female and I live in NY. I weigh around 265+ and i'm 5'5. I was wondering if I'm able to get the lapband surgery. Also do you know if theres any rules in NY against 15 year olds getting the surgery?

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

Not being sure what your weight is (265+ what?), the only thing that I know is that your BMI or Body Mass Index is 44.1.  A BMI over 40 is normally enough to begin the conversation with your Primary Care Doctor regarding any type of Bariatric Surgery.  I'm not certain whether there are any "rules" in NY regarding bariatric surgery for a minor, but I'm fairly certain that it would involve some kind of agreement with your parents or legal guardian.  

You should go, with a parent or legal guardian, to see your doctor for a consult regarding this type of surgery.  In most cases, insurance would require that you have some other type(s) of co-morbidities.  Co-morbidities are ailments that are caused by being over weight such as high blood pressure, diabetes, GERD or sleep apnea.  Lap band surgery is only one type of bariatric surgery that can be a tool for losing weight and your doctor (or a gastric surgeon referred to by your doctor) will be able to answer your questions.  

Do not be afraid to discuss your concerns with your parents or with a school counselor if your parents object to the concept.  Having the discussion is the most important part.

Take heart that there are people out there who can help you take steps to save your life - and that's all that anyone should be concerned with.

Let me know how things go - keep me updated as to your progress.

Your friend, Steve.

Bariatric Surgery

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Steven West

Expertise

I can answer any and all questions from the perspective of a weight loss surgery patient. I have had Gastric Bypass Surgery - Roux-en-Y - and can answer questions from the perspective of one who has experienced the pain and suffering of murderous obesity. I have mustered the courage to open myself to the opportunity to live life again! Let me help you get there, too! Weight loss surgery isn't for everyone, but for those who fit some specific criteria, it is a viable option. With the rise in obesity in America, there are suddenly weight loss surgery centers springing up on every street corner, it seems. Choosing to have weight loss surgery is a major decision in your life, and choosing the right center can mean the difference between weight loss success and failure. There are three main types of weight loss surgery being performed today at most all surgical weight loss clinics: the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, which creates a small stomach pouch and bypasses part of the small intestine; the Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, which is similar to the first surgery, but is done laparoscopically, so it reduces the size of the incision, and reduces the pain and recovery time of the surgery, and the LAP-BAND surgery, which is a band fastened around the stomach to create a small pouch. Weight Loss surgery is not for everyone who is obese. In most cases, candidates must be at least 100 pounds overweight. Surgery should be the last resort, rather than a quick-fix. Surgery is a long-term answer to managing your weight, and you need to be aware it will change your life.

Experience

I am a post operative patient of Weight Loss Surgery (Gastric Bypass, RNY). I am interested in providing coaching for pre-operative and post-operative patients.

Organizations
Member of obesityhelp.com.

Publications
Profiled in Obesity Help Magazine.

Education/Credentials
Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. I am an engineer working for Computer Sciences Corporation in the Washington, D.C. area.

Awards and Honors
I am a retired veteran with over twenty years of U.S. Naval Service.

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