Advanced Pediatric & Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
Childhood and adolescent obesity is an epidemic in the United States. The latest statistics from the U.S Surgeon General show that more than 12.5 million children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 are overweight. And these numbers are on the rise.
Obesity occurring at an early age can have a myriad of negative effects. Because of this, growing numbers of children and teens are at increased risk for diseases traditionally seen only in adults, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, trouble breathing, difficulty sleeping, and degenerative joint disorders. Teenagers who have weight problems tend to also suffer from lower self-esteem and can develop depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues. Studies also show that the majority of children and adolescents who are obese remain obese as adults.
But we are proud to be a New Jersey health care provider with a viable solution.
If weight loss surgery is deemed an option for an adolescent, he or she should turn to centers with multidisciplinary weight management teams. Luckily, our pediatric bariatric centers offer the expertise of seasoned and experienced surgeons, well equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and facilities. Procedures such as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy are the procedure of choice for obese teens between the ages 15 and 18. It’s a procedure of choice to its nature as restrictive operation that doesn’t include any mal-absorptive component – hence no real vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies.
But families and patients who may be suffering from pediatric and adolescent obesity can work with our physicians and facility staff to find the right health care options for them.
