Obesity in teenagers has been a growing issue for years. With all of our fast food restaurants, flavors of soda, and endless potato chip choices, the number of overweight teens just keeps on growing. According to Troubled Teen 101, the US Department of Health and Human Services recently published that 14% of adolescents in the United States are overweight, which is a figure that has nearly tripled in the last 20 years. Many obese teens and their parents may find themselves considering surgery in order to reach a weight lose goal. Surgeries have risks and are not always the right choice, especially for young people. But with so many celebrities going “under the knife” these days, surgery is no big deal to most people anymore. Plastic surgery and weight lose surgery have become norms in our society.

Noteworthy like how we peer ourselves relates to the images of celebrities blasted on the TV screen. Everyday, we are fed false images of how a pretty girl and pleasing boy should look. Girls are suppose to gawk stick thin with a few curves. Boys are suppose to look sleek and cut. Not everyone is made that way. In fact, it is really not that pretty or handsome at all. It’s just plain fake! So don’t go on a diet due to the fact that you consider you are full because you have some meat on your bones or because you are not cut exactly like the celebs on that screen. They have personal trainers and people who manage their diets for them. They are not perfect. The same goes for parents. Don’t expect your child to be something he or she isn’t. Net him or her how she is and help him or her to love himself or herself for who he or she is.

If your child does need to lose weight due to a doctor’s advice because your child is dangerously overweight, do check into the following medical procedures. According to Troubled Teen 101, obese teens are at risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, and Type 2 Diabetes. “Additionally, teens who are dealing with teen obesity have a very high probability of being obese as adults further increasing their risk of other serious health problems,” reports Troubled Teen 101. For all you teens reading this, these are some surgeries you can consider if you need to lose weight due to being severely overweight. Don’t even think about surgery if you are not at least 100 pounds overweight. I don’t know why anyone would put themselves through surgery to lose some vanity pounds. Surgery should be for those who need it due to medical reasons. There are plenty of diets you can sample to lose weight without going “under the knife”. Also, you could try good old exhaust.

Weight Lose Surgeries:

1. The Lap Band AP System
The Lap Band is an adjustable gastric banding device The Lap Band works by reducing the amount of food that your stomach can hold at one time helping you gradually lose weight and keep it off. The Lap Band is specially designed with proprietary OMNIFORM® technology and has pre-curved sections (or pillows) that conform to fit your body, which minimizes leaks due to creases or folds and offers a 360° inflation area for an even distribution of pressure, more secure placement, and complete coverage of the stomach anatomy.

The Lap Band is effect into place during a laparoscopic map, using general anesthesia. The surgeon uses long, thin instruments, which he inserts through a few tiny incisions. The surgery itself takes about an hour and is typically done on an outpatient basis. First, the surgeon implants the Lap Band around the upper part of your stomach. Second, a tube is connected from the Lap Band to a small access port, which is fixed beneath the skin of your abdomen. After the first four to six weeks, adjustments to the Lap Band may be made through the access port. Adjustments are done as need and are usually done more frequently in the first year. Adjustments may be needed in order to maintain optimal weight loss, by adding or removing saline solution.

Cost
The Lap Band System procedure including the facility, surgeon, and anesthesiologist may cost anywhere between $12,000 – $25,000. First year, postoperative band adjustments are typically included at no charge. Follow-up visits, first year and beyond, typically range between $35 – $200 per visit.

Positives
The Lap Band is FDA Approved and can abet you live a healthier life. The Lap Band is designed for Advanced Performance and developed in collaboration with leading bariatric surgeons. The Lap Band is designed for increased flexibility and comes in two sizes and a wide range of adjustments to suit your loyal needs. The lap Band is safer than other weight lose surgeries because there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach. The average hospital stay is less than 24 hours. Patients have reported less pain with the surgery involved in placing the Lap Band than in other surgeries. Recovery time is relatively faster than with other surgeries.

If you are getting the Lap Band System, only go with a surgeon who has been certifies through the Lap Band Total Care Certification Program. A surgeon who has been certified through this program has completed training in: patient education and relationship management, medical requirements and assessments, financial requirements and sources, the Lap Band adjustable gastric banding system surgery and related issues, food choices and lifestyle management, regular adjustments and checkup, unsatisfactory weight loss and complications, and whole body image.

Negatives
Using the Lap Band, you have the same risks that you would have with any other major surgeries. Risks increase for those seriously overweight. The following are complications of the surgery to location the Lap Band: nausea and vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation), band slippage/pouch dilatation, and stoma obstruction (stomach-band outlet blockage), Esophageal dilatation or dysmotility (poor esophageal function), constipation, diarrhea, and dysphagia (anguish swallowing). In very rare cases, a possible second surgery may be needed to fix a problem with the band or initial surgery or an additional intention may be needed to fix a leaking or hooked access port. Please check out the website at www.lapband.com for complete statistics on complications. The following are adverse events associated with the Lap Band and surgery to residence it: esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), hiatal hernia (some stomach above the diaphragm), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), abdominal pain, hernia, incisional hernia, infection, redundant skin, dehydration, diarrhea (frequent semi-solid bowel movements), abnormal stools, constipation, flatulence (gas), dyspepsia (upset stomach), eructation (belching), cardiospasm (an obstruction of passage of food through the bottom of the esophagus), hematemsis (vomiting of blood), asthenia (fatigue), fever, chest distress, incision pain, contact dermatitis (rash), abnormal healing, edema (swelling), paresthesia (abnormal sensation of burning, prickly, or tingling), dysmenorrhea (difficult periods), hypochromic anemia (low oxygen carrying part of blood), band system leak, cholecystitis (gall stones), esophageal ulcer (sore), port displacement, port position pain, spleen injury, and wound infection. The following are risks associated with this surgery: ulceration, gastritis (irritated stomach tissue), gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation, heartburn, gas bloat, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), dehydration, constipation, weight regain, and death. Problems associated with laparoscopic surgery are: spleen or liver damage (sometimes requiring spleen removal), injure to major blood vessels, lung problems, thrombosis (blood clots), rupture of the wound, and perforation of the stomach or esophagus during surgery.

The Lap Band can spontaneously deflate due to leakage, which may come from the band, the reservoir, or the tubing that connects them. The band can slip, and there can be stomach slippage. The stomach pouch can enlarge, and the stoma (stomach outlet) can be blocked. The band can also erode into the stomach Obstruction of the stomach can be caused by: food, swelling, improper placement of the band, the band being over-inflated, band or stomach slippage, stomach pouch twisting, and stomach pouch enlargement. There is a possibility of infection, and the band can erode into the stomach.

What You Should Know
Weight loss with the Lap Band is typically slower than with some other weight loss surgeries. Hasty weight loss may lead to symptoms of malnutrition, anemia, and related complications. The Lap Band System is advised for adults at least 18 years old-fashioned or older. With the Lap Band, you must be willing to perform major changes in your eating habits and lifestyle. Do not use the Lap Band if you have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohns disease. Do not use the Lap Band if you have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a dreadful candidate for any surgery. Do not use the Lap Band if you have a predicament that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. Do not use the Lap Band if you have portal hypertension. Do not use the Lap Band if your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). Do not use the Lap Band if you have cirrhosis or chronic pancreatitis. Do not use the Lap Band if you are pregnant.

Remember, you should be at least 18 years or older to get the Lap Band. If you accept the Lap Band, you will need to obligate to following the dietary rules that come with the procedure. Do not get this device implanted if you cannot tolerate injure.

2. Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery works by making the stomach smaller and allowing food to bypass part of the limited intestine. You feel full quicker than when your stomach was its modern size. In result, this reduces the amount of food you eat and thus the calories consumed. You also fill less calories when you eat helping in weight loss.

According to WebMD, the most current gastric bypass surgery is a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. In a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the surgeon uses surgical staples or a plastic band to make the stomach smaller by creating a slight pouch at the top of the stomach. Once this is done, the smaller stomach is connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine (jejunum), bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the little intestine (duodenum). This commence procedure can be done by making a great incision in the abdomen. This procedure can also be done by the laparoscopic approach in which a puny incision is made by using small instruments and a camera to guide the surgery.

Cost
The cost of gastric bypass ranges from $18,000 to $35,000, which includes: anesthesia fees, the hospital facility fee, the surgeon’s fee, pre-op lab and X-ray fees, and some period of time after surgery for post-operative care (typically 90 days).

Positives
Most people can return to their normal activities in three to five weeks after surgery. With Gastric Bypass Surgery, weight lose is fleet and continues for up to 12 months. According to WEBMD, in a study, it was renowned that people lost about one-third of their excess weight (the weight above what is considered healthy) in 1 to 4 years. Even with the laparoscopic approach results showed that individuals lost 69% to 82% of excess weight over 12 to 54 months. Gastric Bypass Surgery can increase your chances of living longer. In some studies, people who had Gastric Bypass have shown to have a smaller chance of daying of heart problems.

Negatives
Risks related to getting Gastric Bypass Surgery include: an infection in the incision, a leak from the stomach into the abdominal cavity or where the intestine is connected (resulting in an infection called peritonitis), and a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism). You may also develop gallstones or a nutritional deficiency condition such as anemia or osteoporosis. Death is also a risk. After a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, you may experience an iron and vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia, narrowing of the connection between the stomach and the intestines (stomal stenosis), nausea and vomiting after eating, and ulcers. The staples may pull loose or a hernia may develop. Hiccups and bloating may be caused by enlarging of the stomach. You may have a deficiency in iron, calcium, magnesium, or vitamins, which may cause long-term problems, such as osteoporosis. You may need to work with a dietitian and take extra vitamin B12 as pills, shots, or nasal spray.

What You Should Know
After Gastric Bypass, you need to commit to sensible eating. You can eat only a few ounces of food at a time because your fresh stomach will only hold a tiny amount of food. If you do not eat very slowly and chew your food to mush, you may vomit often and have pain. Because there won’t be enough room in your stomach, you won’t be able to drink for 30 minutes before you eat, during your meal, and for 30 minutes after you eat. Once you get the surgery, you may have to avoid foods that contain simple sugars-like candy, juices, ice cream, condiments, and soft drinks because of a complication called dumping syndrome. Dumping Sydrome is when food moves too quickly through the stomach and intestines, which with sugar, can cause shaking, sweating, dizziness, fleet heart rate, and often severe diarrhea.

Consider Gastric Bypass Surgery if your body mass index is 40 or higher or you have a life-threatening or disabling condition related to your weight. You should only consider this surgery if you have been obese for at least five years and you have not been treated for depression or another major psychiatric disorder. You must be at least 18 years of age before you consider Gastric Bypass Surgery.

3. Duodenal Switch Procedure
Duodenal Switch, also known as vertical gastrectomy with duodenal switch, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, DS or BPD-DS. The Duodenal Switch combines two surgical techniques: restrictive and malabsorptive. With the restrictive component, the size of the stomach is reduced. Your bariatric surgeon divides the stomach vertically and removes more than 85 percent of it. The duodenal switch leaves a portion of the stomach intact, including the pyloric valve, which regulates the release of stomach contents into the miniature intestine.

With the duodenal switch, you steal more food than with other weight loss surgeries, but you still acquire less food than before the surgery. Keep in mind that the food you eat cannot be digested as normal and a large amount of food passes through the shortened intestines undigested.

The duodenal switch can also be performed laparoscopically. With the laparoscopical procedure, the surgeon inserts a viewing tube with a small camera (laparoscope) and other tiny insert instruments into small incisions to perform the duodenal switch procedure.

Cost
Duodenal Switch Procedure can cost at least $20,000.

Positives
The remaining stomach is larger after duodenal switch surgery than following gastric bypass, which allows for larger meals. Duodenal Switch reduces the risk of developing ulcers. The intestinal bypass part of the surgery is partially reversible. There is a possibility of astronomical long-term weight loss and a itsy-bitsy chance of regaining weight. This procedure provides more rapid weight loss than a gastric banding procedure provides. This procedure provides a more complete disappearance of obesity-related illnesses than any other weight loss surgical procedure.

Negatives
The short-term risks of the Duodenal Switch include: bleeding/blood loss, blood clots, infection, leakage, difficulty in consuming liquids immediately after surgery, and death. The long-term risks of Duodenal Switch include: nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, night blindness, malabsorption of protein, malnutrition, chronic diarrhea, and foul-smelling stools and gas. Carbs may still be absorbed, resulting in inadequate weight loss.

4. Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric Sleeve Surgery, known as Gastric Sleeve Resection, is typically used to safely jump-start the surgical weight loss process in people who are too obese or sick to have more invasive weight loss surgeries or are not candidates for gastric banding procedures such as the Lap Band. Gastric Sleeve Surgery is usually done before gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgery. It just brings the individual down to a pleasant weight to undergo more advanced procedures.

During the Gastric Sleeve Surgery, the bariatric surgeon removes about 60 percent of the stomach so that it takes the shape of a tube or sleeve. Most of the time, Gastric Sleeve Surgery is performed laparoscopically. The surgeon inserts a viewing tube with a small camera (laparoscope) and small surgical instruments into dinky incisions to remove part of the stomach. The remaining stomach is sealed and closed with staples.

Cost
The average cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery may be more than $10,000 and cost at least $20,000.

Positives
Most people who have gastric sleeve surgery lose 30% to 50% of their excess body weight over six months to one year. According to studies, people who net Gastric Sleeve Surgery show improvement in diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea within one to two years. No foreign objects are left in the body during the procedure.

Negatives
The following are risks and complications associated with Gastric Sleeve Surgery: leaking of the sleeve, blood clots, and wound infection. Weight may be regained over time because the stomach can stretch. These plot surely has more risks and complications than listed here. However, this is a new procedure and little is known about it at this time. That is a negative in itself.

Non-Incision Bariatric Surgeries

1. Endoluminal (EndoBarrier) Sleeve
The EndoBarrier Sleeve is implanted and removed through the mouth without surgery. Basically, Endoluminal Sleeve lines the upper part of small intestine. According to studies, this procedure results in weight loss and may even help reverse diabetes.

2. Transoral Gastroplasty (Toga) Surgery
Transoral Gastroplasty Surgery is an incision-free bariatric surgery that involves insertion of a stapler down the throat and into the stomach. The surgeon staples a section of the stomach, which decreases the size of the stomach.

If you haven’t noticed, all of the surgical procedures point to one thing. That one thing is that you get surgery if you need it in order to lose weight for health reasons. Do not choose to get any surgery just to look “hot” or “pretty”. You are pretty the way you are, and these procedures are big-time surgeries with big-time risks including death. Consider that before doing anything rash! Also, for most of the surgeries, you must be at least 18 years old.

There are diet pills. I don’t suggest pills either. Pills can be so addictive. They also have a range of side effects. I do suggest them over surgery though. Surgery does not need to be an option for someone as young as you. Pills are not the best measure for a teenager either. If you are interested in checking out pills, do your research! You teens should not be taking strange over-the-counter drugs. You need to speak with your parents and get pills only from your doctor or ones over-the-counter that your parents know and approve. Do get a doctor’s advice about weight loss drugs whether they are over-the-counter or prescription.

The best alternatives to weight loss surgery are plain old diet and exercise. Dieting does take dedication. You must want to lose weight. However, if you notice, all of the surgeries take the same kind of dedication. There is no quick fix or easy way out. There are so many diets and diet programs out there from which to choose. There are diet programs with individual personalized meals such as Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem. There are diets like The South Beach Diet where you get a specialized diet without already prepared meals. Also, you can do a lot with just watching what you eat and counting carbs. I used to crash diet a lot. Crash dieting is not healthy at all. I do not suggest it! Get information on healthy eating habits and just start living by them. You will noticeably see a difference. Also, get out there and exercise. You don’t have to run a mile or hang out at a gym. Just get outdoors some. Walk, swim, or whatever it is you like to do. Even if you are inside, get up and do some aerobics or something. Just get up from in front of the TV or computer. Put that cell phone down. Start living! If you are active, the pounds will start coming off!

List of Sources:
www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/incision-free/
Consumer Guide to Incision-Free Weight Loss Procedures
Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery

www.webmd.com/diet/weight-loss-surgery/what-is-gastric-bypass-surgery
What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
WebMD

www.yourbariaticsugeryguide.com/duodena-switch/
Duodena Switch
Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery

www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/gastric-bypass-cost/
Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost
Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery

www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/gastric-sleeve/
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery

www.troubledteen101.com/articles42.html
Troubled Teen 101

www.lapband.com/en/learn_about_lapband/device_how_it_works/
Lap Band AP System

Tags: gastric banding side effects, gastric bypass side effects, Stomach Stapling Complications, stomach stapling dosage, stomach stapling side effects, Stomach Stapling Side Effects Risks, tummy tuck side effects

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