LAP-BAND ® is a surgery that involves placing a silicone band around the stomach to create an even smaller stomach, so that less food can be eaten. If less food is eaten, more weight is lost. Dramatic weight loss with extremely obese adolescents greatly improves health.
Candidates
Adolescents that would be better candidates are those that are extremely obese and have failed with traditional diet and exercise programs.
Advantages
Extremely obese adolescents are at more risk to develop type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as most have high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Studies show that adolescents who have undergone LAP-BAND ® surgery have greater confidence and better self-esteem. Reports show improved sleep from the weight loss from the surgery.
Risks and Side Effects
Reports show digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and on rare occasions fever from infection. Studies reveal that the band may slip and the pouch and stomach may enlarge once again. Approximately 1 in every 2,500 adolescents die from the lap-band procedure.
No long-term studies have been done on the long-term consequences of a LAP-BAND ®. Most physicians consider LAP-BAND ® surgeries to be safer than gastric bypasses for adolescents, as there are no risks for any type of intestinal leak.
