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nd more teenagers are facing and its life-threatening effects. s have found that bariatric surgery emely effective for obese adults. t OK for teens?

en other treatments have failed, y may be a safe option for severely teens, according to the National tes of Health (NIH).

earch shows that surgery has obese teens who have been un- lose weight otherwise. And the y is at least as safe for them as it dults, reports the NIH.

wever, surgery should only be con-d if the adolescent meets all of the ng conditions. He or she must: e tried unsuccessfully for at least nths to lose weight.

xtremely obese, typically with a ass index (BMI) over 40. e reached adult height (usually lder for girls and 15 or older for

e serious weight-related health such as type 2 diabetes or heart e, or signifcant weight-related logical problems.

ns’ bodies and minds are still de-g. Although surgery can help kids eight, parents and patients need motionally and physically prepared lifelong changes ahead.

ou have a severely obese teenager considering weight-loss surgery, e to talk with someone who spe-s in that type of surgery for teens.

still haven’t lost a signifcan pounds. Now you’re conside option in your quest for a hea bariatric surgery.

The surgery can litera altering event—especially i is seriously hurting your he perts say you need to unde involved, including lifelon changes and medical follow- before committing to such dramatic step.

AN EFFECTIVE TOOL T

no doubt that bariatric surgery can help people lose weight.

“For obese people, surgery is more ef-fective than any other method for achiev-ing long-term weight loss,” says Robin Blackstone, MD, FACS, 2011–2012 presi-dent of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

It can also help improve overall health. “Ofen, if you solve the central problem of obesity, you resolve many of the associ-ated health problems too,” Dr. Blackstone says. “Some obesity-related health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may get better or resolve completely.” Still, bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), you may be a candidate for the surgery if you are an adult with: ● A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds for women). ● A BMI between 35 and 39.9 and a serious obesity-related

DIFFERENT TYPES Bariatric surgery is not a one-size-fts-all type of procedure— several options are available. Your doctor will help you choose a procedure based on your eating habits and health status, as well as the benefts and risks associated with each operation.

Te four most common surgeries are: ● Adjustable gastric band. ● Gastric by-pass. ● Duodenal switch. ● Gastric sleeve. Each procedure involves making the stomach smaller. Some procedures actually reroute the path of digestion.

According to the NIH, these surgeries may aid weight loss by making people feel full faster (restriction) or by reducing the number of calories that can be absorbed during digestion (malabsorption). Some surgeries may do both.

these procedures work because of the way they change the hormonal regulation of metabolism, satiety [feeling full] and hunger,” Dr. Blackstone says. “Te results are based on hormonal changes that are caused as a result of the surgery, rather than from restriction or malabsorption.”

JUST THE BEGINNING Bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fx. It is the frst step in a jour-ney that requires the patient’s long-term cooperation and commitment.

Afer surgery, patients may need to fol-low strict exercise and eating guidelines for the rest of their lives.

According to the American Dietetic Association, people who’ve had bariatric surgery may be advised to: ● ● Eat small portions of food.

● ● Avoid beverages for at least 30 minutes before and afer eating.

● ● Eat at regularly scheduled times. ● ● Spend at least 30 minutes at a meal,

A LIFE-CHANGING DECISION Bariat-ric surgery and the subsequent lifestyle changes are not necessarily easy. Some people, however, see it as a second chance at life.

“Patients can get up and move and feel like they can participate normally in the lives of their kids, spouses and families,” Dr. Blackstone says. “Tey no longer have to sit on the sidelines.”