NMCM All Things Family Blog

Researchers have found that most teens are only successful in losing about 22 pounds even with medication. A growing number of teens are much more obese than that.

The problems associated with this amount of obesity in teens include diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea. The quality of life for these teens has been found to be about the same as those kids suffering from cancer.

Obviously, the social life of these kids is also much affected by being overweight in a society that looks on beauty as something so much to be desired.

Lap band surgery for teens has become the treatment of choice in those whom medication will not product the required weight loss. Weight Loss Surgery is also called bariatric surgery. This type of weight loss surgery can normally be done with a laparoscope. This involves three - sometimes four - small incisions in the abdomen. A band is then placed around the top part of the stomach making a small pouch.

When the teen eats, he will only be able to eat a small amount before feeling full. It will be much easier to control the appetite in that way.

This type of surgery is very safe. And the weight comes off. In fact, the usual weight loss is about sixty five pounds.
The cost of this Weight Loss Surgery is about $30,000, but more and more insurance companies are covering the procedure. Not only is it helpful for those suffering from obesity as a teen, but it actually saves the insurance company money in the long run.

At present, this surgery is still the treatment of last resort. The first step would be dieting. This might be accompanied by a support group, counseling or even a dieting camp. The second step would be medication. The final result would be for the teens.

Tags: Family Health & Fitness

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