It is easy to jump to the conclusion that teens have no business exploring bariatric surgery as a solution to their weight loss problems, but there is a lot more to this decision than just a surface judgment.

What if all the other avenues have been explored? Diets pursued, exercise encouraged, pediatric doctors consulted and nutritionists brought on board, but the weight continued to pile on. This is a reality for many teens and it can damage their self-esteem and cripple their social life.

There are also several serious medical complications that occur in morbidly obese teens. An increased risk of sleep apnea, joint problems, heart disease and diabetes are among the most common afflictions.

According to Dr. Snyder, a bariatric surgeon at Rose Medical Center in Denver Colorado, “Being a teen that’s had bariatric surgery is difficult” but “being a morbidly obese teen is a total nightmare.”

Several arguments can be mounted against allowing your teen to take this road, but probably the most convincing is the level of commitment involved in the decision. Bariatric surgery involves artificially controlling the appetite of the patient by introducing an elastic band around their stomach that creates the feeling that they are full. But along with this big help comes the need for the patient to change their attitude towards food and adjust their diet and exercise program to encompass a healthier regimen.

This kind of change can be difficult even for adults, but the level of maturity required for successful results can be extremely hard for teens to muster. Of course, this is a generalization because there are teens who can accept a stricter lifestyle if the trade off is a better body image. The important factor is recognizing this ability in your teen before signing them up for this surgery.

The following are some of the things parents should consider carefully.

  • Does the teenager truly fit the criteria for the surgery? They must have a BMI of at least 40 which equates to being about 100 pounds overweight for their height and be at least 14 years of age.
  • Does the teen understand what will be required of them post-surgery?
  • Have you discussed the risks with your doctor and child?
  • Have you considered the success rate and if it is worth the risk involved?

Bariatric surgery should not be taken lightly. It can be a ray of hope in an otherwise dismal outlook but it requires hard work and dedication to reap the rewards promised.