is there anywhere in the united states that will do lap-banding on a teenager (14yrs) (285lbs,)?

Answer 1

Have you spoken to a doctor whose specialty is obesity? This doctor will know where they do what procedures.

I suspect that they're reluctant to do banding or other bariatric procedures on someone so young, especially since they have not yet lived alone and been in total control over what they eat. Some overweight teens turn themselves around and make much better choices once they're on their own, especially if they are able to shop and cook for themselves.

Answer 2

Not sure about 14 years old... but I have heard about gastric bypass surgeries being done on older teens (like 17 or 18 years old).

I would imagine that most doctors would be very hesitant about doing that kind of surgery on someone that young. At age 14, kids (especially boys) can still continue to grow taller.

If you are a guy, and you eventually grow to be well over 6 feet tall, 200 pounds (or even a little more) would still be an acceptable weight.

If you grow to be over 6 feet tall, and you are able to at least maintain your current weight until you are 17 or 18 years old, there's a good chance that most doctors will be reluctant to do lap-band or gastric bypass surgery on someone who is roughly 75 pounds overweight.

I think these type of surgeries are done mostly on people who are at least 100 pounds overweight. Don't get me wrong... being 75 pounds overweight is still serious. But it would be possible for someone in that situation to go from being "obese" to "overweight" (less than 25-30 pounds overweight) in about one year without resorting to surgery.

Answer 3

Most doctors will prefer that the lap-band isn't used on a person who isn't full-grown yet, and many of them will want you to try anything else- diet, exercise, etc. before using surgical procedures to reduce weight. If you do get the doctor's approval for the lap-band it will only be as a last-ditch effort, like if you're so morbidly obese that your life is literally on the line.

Answer 4

talk to your doctor