Recently reports have been made about the risk of bariatric surgery for adolescents. Before, we expound on this controversy we shall explain the nature of this type of operation, what exactly it is.

Brief Intro and Explanation

In case you are wondering what bariatric surgery is, it is a type of procedure performed on the stomach. Usually the objective of this procedure is to reduce the size of a stomach. Usually this is done with either a gastric band or by removal of a part of the stomach.

In any case, the main issue is whether or not it is safe to perform this operation on obese teenagers. More about this is presented in the next section.

The Story

Researchers surveyed a random number of pediatricians and family doctors. The main question was whether or not they would consider obese teenagers for stomach surgery.

About half of the practicing physicians said they would not. However, the “soul-searching” regarding this matter is not yet finished.

There is still much left to be learned, according to Susan Woolford, M.D. M.P.H., and medication director of the University of Michigan Pediatric Comprehensive Weight Management Center. So far, some determination has been made that surgery could help teens but apparently not enough to suggest that it would be approved all across the board.

Further Research Efforts

More studies on teen surgery as a solution to obesity is being conducted. Part of this includes physician-endorsed participation in monitored weight loss programs.

Suggested participation of diet observation for potential teenage bariatric surgery patients is three months to five years. This helps encourage healthier eating habits and if the weight still does not come off maybe there is the possibility of surgical correction in the future.

Further studies are also going to explore the risks and benefits of adolescent bariatric surgery. This will help open up new doors and increase possibility of surgery success.