Am I Too Young for Gastric Bypass Surgery?

ON Mar 22, 2010 at 12:00PM

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I am 14 years old, 5'11, and 270lbs. I have tried life style changes, and exercise but an excuse always pops up. I have no weight-related health problems but I'm starting high school in the fall and I need to shed the misery and pain that my weight causes me and start over new. Please give me some ideas and tell me if gastric bypass could be a recommendation for me or if you know a less dramatic option.

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Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D.
ABOUT THE EXPERT

Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D.

iVillage Health Editor-at-Large Madelyn H. Fernstrom, Ph.D., CNS, is the Today show’s Diet and Nutrition Editor as well as the... Read more

A: At 14, you are unlikely to be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery - and for good reason. This is an operation that takes a lot of commitment to lifestyle, and a good understanding of your personality, reasons for eating, stress management, and a lot of behavioral reasons related to eating. So, it's not to say that you would never be a candidate, it's just that you need to get a comprehensive approach to your weight issues - it's not just about the food. You need someone to help and support a healthful eating plan, behavioral issues relating to eating, the right kind of physical activity that you are willing and able to do, and good medical care (to evaluate hidden causes of weight gain). Also, most insurance compainies will NOT cover obesity surgery for those under 16, and with very special circumstances for those between 17 and 18. Surgery is NOT your next step. It is finding the right plan for you, to get a handle on all of the lifestyle issues I mentioned above.

 

For starters, you need to visit your pediatrician, and get a referral to a dietician and behaviorist - or best, a medical-center based weight management program where integrated care is all in one place.

 

Don't lose hope with lifestyle! You CAN do this - with the right kind of support. I hope your family is helpful to you - this is important at any age, but especially for a teenager.

 

Let me know how you are doing - write back, and we can take some additional steps!

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