is there any doctor in the united states that does the lap-banding procedure on teens ?

Question

my best friend has a granddaughter that is 14 and 285 pounds, and wants to have the lap-banding done

Answer 1

I rather doubt it, at that age many things about her metabolism could change. The only way to know for sure is to call around to the bariatric surgeons in the area and ask.

Answer 2

I would check with the bariatric doctors, and ask. The main concern should be after finding a doctor will the insurance company pay for it. It is hard enough to get one authorized and paid for for an adult, let a lone a child. My suggestion would be to get her in w/ her doctor or a Nutritionist and get her on some sort of program, I would even see if weight watchers or something like that would work with her. I would start w/ diet and exercise first, and then go the surgical route, also make sure they fully explore the lap banding, there are a ton of reasons to do it, but there are just as many reasons not to have it, and to go with the traditional gastric bypass. It may be easier for them to get it authorized for the insurance as well.