Weight Loss Surgery for Children

Written by Jane Long

Obesity in America is on the rise. Over half of the population is considered overweight, and one third of individuals are considered medically obese. Unfortunately, children are no exception. It is more than simply being fat, and not being accepted by mainstream society. Kids are becoming more overweight, which leads to various health problems now and as adults. What seems like more of a social problem today is actually a dangerous health concern. For this reason, some individuals may want to consider weight loss surgery for children.

However, as always, bariatric surgery should be the treatment of last choice. Children who are obese may have not been taught how to eat well. In most cases, they can only eat the food purchased at the store by parents. So, who really needs a lifestyle and eating habit change?

Change Home Habits

Realistically, it is too dangerous to perform this type of surgery on a child. Oftentimes, the family approach to dietary changes will help, without facilitating long-term side effects. For example, be an example. In many cases, if a child is obese, the parents do not have the best eating habits either. So, if you want your son or daughter to eat better, make sure only healthy foods and snacks are available.

Get rid of the potato chips and ice cream. Replace unhealthy snacks with fruits and vegetables. Cook for smaller portion sizes, and do not provide for seconds. Create opportunities for health promoting activities, so “Junior” does not sit in front of the television after school, snacking up until time to sit around the supper table.

Wait a Few Years

Weight loss surgery is the procedure of last resort. It is an alteration of the digestive system. It means a different method of ingesting nutrition and calories. Essentially, it works because it prevents absorption of everything a person eats.

Therefore, it is vital to wait until a child has stopped growing. Altering the digestive track during development can cause more harm than the potential benefits of bariatric surgery. Wait a few years. Follow the pediatrician’s advice and do whatever is required to facilitate weight loss, without drastic measures.

Of course, it will require family participation. Changing your child’s eating habits will not work, if he/she is the only one asked to eat healthy, portion controlled meals. Everyone in the house needs to participate in a lifestyle change. The whole family will need to start eating right during meals, choosing healthy snacks, and exercising for health. For example, simply walking can be a great form of exercise for the entire family. Alternatively, bike riding can be a great family pastime.

Hopefully, making healthier choices will result in a healthier child. However, if weight is still a significant issue after growth and physical maturity is not an issue, then it might be time to consider weight loss surgery.

A Personal Choice

Weight loss surgery is a personal choice. Parents cannot make this life-changing decision for their child. Bariatric surgery will alter digestion and eating habits for a lifetime. It is not for a parent to make such a monumental choice. A child must have the wisdom and maturity to opt to undergo surgery for weight loss.

Parents cannot speak for a child and say this is a choice their son or daughter has made. As with any surgery of this nature, you child will undergo psychological testing. Even adults cannot have this procedure without making certain they understand the risks as opposed to the benefits. Also, no one will undergo this weight loss option, unless he/she is thorough cognizant of, and prepared for, the monumental changes to life after surgery.

Weight Loss Surgery Criteria

Even if you and your child agree that weight loss surgery is the only viable option left to achieve a healthy weight and better quality of life, it is not a done deal. Like adults, your son or daughter will have to qualify for weight loss surgery. A battery of test will be done, in order to verify that all of the criteria for weight loss surgery are present.

For instance, your child must have reached his/her full height and be sexually mature. In other words, growing and development have achieved full potential, and the surgery will not stunt growth in any way.

Again, the BMI is crucial to determining eligibility. If your child has a body mass index over 40, with healthy problems directly related to obesity, he/she might be considered a likely candidate. Similarly, if your son or daughter is grossly obese, with a BMI over 50, she/he may be moved to the top of the list for weight loss surgery. Your pediatrician and bariatric surgeon will have a list of criteria necessary for such a drastic procedure.

So, if you believe your child is a good candidate for weight loss surgery, think again. You cannot make this type of life-changing decision for your son or daughter. He/she will have to be physically, emotionally, and sexually mature, before any weight loss surgeon will even toy with the idea of weight loss surgery in children.