The problem of obesity in the United States has grown considerably in recent years. Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese. Obesity is among the easiest medical conditions to recognize but most difficult to treat. Unhealthy weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year. Overweight teens are much more likely to become overweight adults unless they adopt and maintain healthier patterns of eating and exercise.
What causes obesity?
- poor eating habits
- overeating or binging
- lack of exercise (i.e., couch potato kids)
- family history of obesity
- medical illnesses (endocrine, neurological problems)
- medications (steroids, some psychiatric medications)
- stressful life events or changes (separations, divorce, moves, deaths, abuse)
- family and peer problems
- low self-esteem
- depression or other emotional problems
What are risks and complications of obesity?
There are many risks and complications with obesity. Physical consequences include:
- increased risk of heart disease
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- breathing problems
- trouble sleeping
Teens who suffer obesity have increased risk of emotional problems. Teens with weight problems tend to have much lower self-esteem and be less popular with their peers. Depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder can also occur. How can obesity be managed and treated?
Obese teens need a thorough medical evaluation by a pediatrician or family physician to consider the possibility of a physical cause. In the absence of a physical disorder, the only way to lose weight is to reduce the number of calories being eaten and to increase the adolescent's level of physical activity.
The Lap band in teens offers great chances of successful weight loss control for the adolescent. It is proven to be a safe and effective procedure.
The less invasive aproach that laparascopic procedures offer is one of it's major advantages, since the teen is not exposed to any major surgical operation at such young age and allows to go back to normal activities such as school or sports.
Testimonial |
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Richard is a 12 years old teen with lap band. |
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| Richard at 266 lbs |
Richard 6 months after lap band surgery
at 206 lbs |
Richard 8 monhts after surgery
now 160lbs |
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| Before |
After 6 months of weight loss with the INAMED lap band. |
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| Pre Surgery
My name is Mary Hubbard, and my 12 year old son had his surgery on
the 12th of August 2005, he started his pre-op diet the week prior
and managed to loose 4lbs from 270 to 266, it is very important that
the pre-op diet is followed, makes it easier to manuever around the
liver. Because he followed the diet, his surgery was only 40 min.
and went quite smoothly, with no complications, he had the Inamed
band put in a 2cc of saline, he has lost a total of 11.5lbs and is
doing great!! I would recommend these Dr's to anyone interested in
this procedure. Richard was well taken care of and his every need
met without hesitation. The staff at obesity goodbye took wonderful
care of us and the Grand Hotel was wonderful. Richard stayed in the
hostpital the day of his surgery then went back to the Hotel saturday
at about 11 am rested for a bit then managed to walk about 8 blocks
with no complaints!!! He has had no complaints of pain and has only
pbing 3 times since surgery, he drinks slowly and does not gulp
liquids, uses a straw with everything going in. People tend to look
at Mexico or Tijuana as a scary place, but the facilities and the
staff at these Hospitals our as good if not better than some in the
States!! I will sing the praises of Obesity Goodbye from the
rooftops, they have given my son a new lease on life, that no Doctor
in the States would have until he was near death. We as richards
parents do not regret taking this step and neither does richard. If
richard was given the choice to be fat or thin, he would most
definatley pick thin, who wouldn't. will keep posting his progress
as the days go by. you can e-mail me or call if you have any
questions or are thinking about having your child done.
Post Surgery 6 months later
Richard was banded on August 12,05 and is now 6 months post-op, and going strong he is close to 60lbs lost and has grown 2 inches since banding, he has no complaints and has had no complications.
Mary Hubbard
Email Richard's mom |
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