Can 15 or 17 year olds have lapband surgery?

[BetsyB 9]

We're not talking about adults for whom dieting has been a long-term part of their life landscape, though. We're discussing teens who have not really had that emphasized yet---who are still in a stage of their development for which there IS a good chance that lifestyle change can make a big impact.

Really, for many, diet and exercise do work. And you don't know until you've given it a good try. (And that doesn't mean they have to beat their heads against the proverbial wall until they're 30-just that it may not be the right time now.)

If nothing else, it can help prepare them for the rigors of living with a band.

I don't think banding of a young adult is a bad idea. I don't even think that banding a teen is, necessarily.

But I think it has to come from the teen---and there has to be greater-than-average motivation. Developmentally, adolescent males are known for medical noncompliance. Does this mean they all are noncompliant? Not at all. But surgeons may be reluctant to take them on---based on their own experiences.

[pattygreen 5]

well said, and I agree with you.

[nawlinzlady 1]

well said, and I agree with you.

My first thoughts on this were. OMG if I could have had this done when I was obese in my senior year of high school, I would have had a much happier life today. I wish I had the lapband back them.

My second thoughts were of me as a teenager back them...

~Part of the lapband lifestyle is exercise and healthier eating habits. Can they handle both of these? If these were my kids I would want to see them begin both of these parts first. Let them eat as much VOLUME of food as them want but the healthier parts and begin some type of exercise regiment. If they do these two things, I would do this for my children rather than let them suffer the life that I lived.

[JodiMc 0]

I'm only 25 years old and preparing to have surgery (self-paid... have been saving up for YEARS as my insurance does not cover it) in September.

I WISH with all of my heart that I could have had it done when I was around 19. That would have prevented so much weight gain for me and kept me so much healthier.

However, at 15 and 17 there is NO WAY I was ready. I was still living at home with mom and dad and not responsible for my own actions in the capacity that I am today.

[btrieger 21]

However, at 15 and 17 there is NO WAY I was ready. I was still living at home with mom and dad and not responsible for my own actions in the capacity that I am today.

And she is talking boys. We are far more irresponsible than girls at that age and I'll be the first to admit it.