| WLS Procedures | Adolescent Weight Loss Surgery |
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Weight loss surgery is now available to the adolescent. The most commonly chosen weight loss surgery operation in the adolescent is the Lap-Band. While the Lap-Band is the most common choice for the adolescent in the Unites States, in other countries, particularly Europe and Australia, the Bypass and Duodenal Switch are offered more frequently. In the past, the greatest concerns that have been raised about weight loss surgery in the adolescent patient was the effectiveness of it if offered at such a young age, and if the rebellious nature of the adolescent would coexist with the demands placed on a weight loss surgery patient. Teenager patients have proven themselves as compliant and as successful as any adult patient. All the weight loss operations are performed laparoscopicaly. Our surgeons perform all bariatric surgery laparoscopically, even if the patient has had previous open surgery. At present our Weight Loss Surgery Program is the only one in Kansas and several states in the area performing the duodenal switch, biliopancreatic diversion and revision surgery laparoscopically, as well as the Lap-Band and Bypass operation. Proceeding with weight loss surgery is a very personal and often difficult decision. Educating yourself about weight loss surgery is a very important first step. Although the information presented here may be very helpful, patients have repeatedly told us that attending the weight loss surgery informational seminar helped the most. Family participation is always encouraged. For those of you who are not from Kansas, we treat many patients from out-of-state, and from all across the United States. When contacting the office, please inform the staff that you are out-of-state and access our out-of-state link for more information on how we can help you with the preparatory process. << Back to Top >> Am I a Candidate for the weight loss surgery? To be a candidate for any type of weight loss surgery, the individual must be morbidly obese. Below are tools you can use to determine if you are morbidly obese and potentially a candidate for a weight loss procedure. If you determine you are morbidly obese you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. Morbid obesity is usually defined as being 100 pounds over the ideal body weight. A better way of defining morbid obesity is by using the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a calculated number that takes weight and height into consideration. A person weighing 300 pounds that is 5ft tall will have a higher BMI than a person weighing 300 pounds but is 6ft tall. A BMI above 40 indicates that a person is severely obese and therefore a candidate for surgery. Surgery may also be an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 who already suffer from cardiopulmonary problems or diabetes. You are likely morbidly obese if you:
Once you determine you meet BMI criteria, the next step will be to attend a seminar or schedule an appointment to meet the surgeon. << Back to Top >> Available Weight Loss Surgery Options There are several weight loss procedure options available. The Lap-Band, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, Biliopancreatic Diversion, and the Sleeve Gastrectomy have been offered to the adolescent patient. Which operation is chosen will depend on patient choice, patient operative risk or health, and findings during the pre-operative preparatory work-up. Please access the links to learn more about each procedure. << Back to Top >> The medical and emotional benefits of weight loss surgery begin within a few months after surgery, and the cosmetic benefits follow their wake. Over time the benefits of weight loss surgery may include:
For more detail please review Risks and Benefits of Surgery << Back to Top >> Complications can occur as with any type of surgery, please review Risks and Benefits of Surgery for a complete list of potential risks. Also access the specific procedures for the specific risks associated with each operation. << Back to Top >> Deciding on weight loss surgery The decision about which operation is best for you is a complicated, and very personal decision. Although the information presented here may be helpful, you will be able to learn substantially more about the benefits and risks of the specific weight loss procedure you are interested in during your consultation with the bariatric surgeon or at our free weight loss surgery seminars. << Back to Top >> Post-operative support can greatly help patients improve upon their weight loss success. Our weight loss surgery program has a comprehensive post-operative support program. We encourage patients to take advantage of the informational seminars, nutritional classes, behavior modification classes, and social support groups offered. There is a lot of information we have introduced to you and want you to understand. The support programs are designed to motivate you, as well as continue your education in the area of nutrition, behavior modification, and your weight loss operation. Patients who have weight loss surgery must have lifelong medical follow-up. Our surgeons want to meet with you on a regular basis particularly during the first and second year when rapid weight loss occurs. Your primary care doctor is also a very important extension of your post-operative care. As you start losing weight your medical problems will start improving and you may not require the same dose of your medications or the medication itself. Together we monitor and adjust your need for medication. << Back to Top >> Proceeding with weight loss surgery is a very personal and often difficult decision. Educating yourself about weight loss surgery is a very important first step. Although the information presented here may be very helpful, patients have repeatedly told us that attending the weight loss surgery informational seminars helped them the most. At the seminar you will be able to separate fact from fiction, meet the surgeons, ask questions, and hear testimonials from patients who have already undergone weight loss surgery. The patient testimonials are often the highlight of the seminar. Individuals considering weight loss surgery enjoy talking to patients and getting first hand accounts of how the operations have worked for them and how it has changed their lives. The next step is to meet in consultation with the surgeon. The visit has multiple purposes: determine your health and operative risk, discuss which operation may be best for you, answer your specific questions and concerns, and start the preparatory process toward getting insurance pre-approval and scheduling your surgery. You can save about 45 minutes of your time at the doctor’s office by filling out the New Patient Forms prior to coming for your doctor appointment. While waiting for your insurance approval, or obtaining your medical work-up start reading the Preparatory Guide and the Diet Guide Specific to your operation. These will prepare you for your surgery as well as what to expect after your operation. For further questions do not hesitate to contact the office at (913) 322-7401. << Back to Top >> About Medical Insurance Coverage To determine if your insurance policy covers obesity (or "weight loss") surgery, please refer to the policy information that all insured people receive after they have paid their first premium, or if they have chosen a plan offered by their employer. Some policies will automatically exclude bariatric surgery. Others may have certain criteria about which bariatric procedures they cover, and how much of the costs they cover. At the time of the seminar our office staff is present and can help you read and interpret your policy information if you have it with you. After your consultation with the surgeon our office obtains pre-authorization for you from your insurance company. For more information about insurance coverage for obesity surgery, please access About Medical Insurance Coverage. << Back to Top >> |
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