A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles found that obese teens who are given a choice between gastric bands and gastric bypass surgery prefer the bands. However, the procedure is relatively new among young people, and its safety is still in question.
“Gastric band surgery may appeal to teens because of an intense marketing campaign by manufacturers, the researchers wrote. The adjustability and possible reversibility may also appeal to young people… Insurance concerns may also drive surgery choices: Those who were paying for their own procedures were more likely to get gastric band surgery (it’s less expensive).” - Source: Live Science
Because of the uncertainties about both the safety and efficacy of gastric band surgery in teenagers, the procedure hasn’t been approved by the FDA for use in young people. Exceptions can be made, but researchers emphasized that gastric surgery of any kind should be a last resort for obese teens who have tried diet and exercise but haven’t been able to lose weight.
Labels: gastric band, teens, surgeries
Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton
