my teen is almost 15 and weights 415, can he get a lap band
Answer 1
Lap band surgery is a good answer for obese teenagers who aged above 14 years and whose BMI is more than 40. However, for obese teen whose weight is about 415, the lap band surgery can be an option but at the same time it is risky too. Because higher the weight, higher will be the BMI and simultaneously there will be more complications. Also the teenagers who are severely obese are at higher risk of type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attack.
There is no doubt that the Lap band surgery is the most safest and effective weight loss surgery especially for the obese teens because first it is performed laparoscopically such that teens can recover soon and go back to its daily routine soon. Secondly, in a study done on teens whose average weight is approx. 300 pounds before surgery, about 50% of excess weight is reduced after 18 months following the surgery with proper diet and nutrition. Hence, lap band surgery provides an effective weight loss control for teens but for an extremely obese teen it can be risky. Therefore, it is better to consult some experienced surgeons before going for surgery.
