Adolescent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (weight loss surgery)
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (weight loss surgery) is done laparoscopically, with small, thin instruments inserted via five or six small incisions in the abdomen. This is the only weight loss surgery performed by Children’s Health℠.
What is an adolescent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (weight loss surgery)?
The sleeve gastrectomy removes up to 75% of the stomach, which limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. It is also thought to encourage weight loss by removal of ghrelin-secreting cells in the upper stomach that encourage eating.
Although it does not rearrange the configuration of the small intestine, it has weight loss that is rapid and comparable to the gastric bypass.
Weight loss surgery is done laparoscopically, with small, thin instruments inserted via five or six small incisions in the abdomen.
What are the benefits of an adolescent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (weight loss surgery)?
Weight loss surgery is a highly effective way to achieve lasting weight loss significantly reducing other conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, depression, and arthritis. It also greatly improves overall health and self-esteem. For adolescents, this surgery can help reverse the effects of obesity.
Laparoscopic surgery results in positive outcomes including:
Less pain and reduced need for medication
Less risk of wound infection
Quicker recovery and return to daily activities
Shorter hospital stays – one or two days
What are the risks of an adolescent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (weight loss surgery)?
Although rare, complications can occur. Your surgeon will review those with you and your family.
What can I expect with an adolescent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (weight loss surgery)?
Weight loss surgery changes how the body handles food and beverages. In order to allow the stomach to heal, weight loss surgery patients will be placed on a special meal plan. A very specific diet must be followed for 6 weeks. This diet restricts the types of foods and how much to eat and drink. After the first 6 weeks, there will be other very specific dietary recommendations.
What can I expect after an adolescent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (weight loss surgery)?
On the same day after surgery, you will be able to move around. You will be started on clear liquids the first day following surgery. It is important to follow the feeding instructions that your surgeon provides.
In addition to diet:
A long-term exercise plan is prescribed
You will have to take daily multivitamins and minerals
Attend regular follow-up appointments
Remember, surgery is only the start of a new you. You will be in control of the results of the surgery.
The first year after surgery is the most critical and this will determine how much weight you can lose.
What is the surgical criteria for an adolescent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (weight loss surgery)?
Be at least 14 years of age and nearly through puberty
Have a BMI of at least 35 with severe negative health effects, a BMI of greater than 40
Have attempted weight loss with diet and medical management for at least six months
Express willingness to follow program requirements including all clinical testing and regular appointment follow-up visits
Be confirmed by a psychologist or psychiatrist that the child is mature enough to follow through on making life-style changes
Complete all pre-surgery tests and health evaluations.
This is usually performed in cooperation with COACH, which is our medical weight loss clinic. The providers in this clinic can also medically optimize patients with chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure. Click here for more information about the Adolescent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Weight Loss Surgery service for more information about this service.
Candidates who meet the criteria for the surgery must sign an assent form and their legal guardian must sign a consent form.
Weight loss surgery is not appropriate for all adolescents, including:
Those who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant within 12 months
Are not mature enough or mentally capable enough to follow through on life-style changes
Have certain chronic conditions of the heart, liver or intestines
Those who take certain anti-inflammatory medications