Is there an age requirement in order to have a Vertical Gastric Sleeve?

[Beverlyp]

I have a niece who is 14 and she weighs at least 270. She doesn't want to ride the school bus because she is being made fun of and somedays refuses to go to school. Kids in School can be so cruel! She has seen my success and really wants to look into having this surgery. I imagine that each situation is diffrent, but I was wondering if anyone knew of a young teenager having this surgery. I know I wished that I could have had my sleeve when I was much, much younger!

[marrington34610]

I believe they do not operate on teenagers. I do think you have to be 18

[Mayflower]

I have read about 12 and 14 year olds operated on. It was highly successful on them too, as they get in the habit of eating intelligently from that young age. Much easier than older ppl to change eating habits,to stay till the end. You should really talk to the best doctor around to see what he/she thinks.

[DImplez610]

Yes, certain hospitals do operate on teens. Where do you live? I am getting Sleeved at Mass General Hospital in Boston and They have a special team specific to adolescent sleevers. There is probably somewhere in ur area that also does it. Look into it.

[WaywardSmiles]

Did she approach you about this? Do her parents know she is interested? Would they allow it? There are surgeons who will sleeve teens and preteens. (I came across success stories during my research). Does she have co-morbidities? First thing would be to check with her insurance provider to see if they have an age requirement. No point in getting her excited if she needed to wait for 2 years...if no age requirements, she needs to immediately get it on record with her family physician that she is trying to lose weight-how (calorie restriction and excercise) and why (self-esteem issues, health problems like high BP or prediabetes). Then follow through with insurance requirements (nutritionist/dietician for 3-6 months, psych eval, etc), but the weight thing with the doctors seems to be what we have all had to do. Best wishes to you both...

[Iyonah]

Yes, I'm 15 and I'm going to be having VSG in december if everything goes how I planned. It all depends where you like, they do it in NYC, Cincinnati, Texas etc. You have to research places near you. being a teen myself I think its best if they have had failed diet attempts because if not it not likely for them to get it. Btw Im 15 I turn 16 in june 6ft tall and I'm 310 lbs and I'm on the border of having diabetes and I have high cholesterol. I make youtube video maybe they could watch me if they want to see how I'm going (Im pretty mature for my age so it might be boring lol :-]) my name is TeensNGastricSleeve on there

[lindmar]

I think Dr. Alvarez in MX operated on his young niece. The surgery could change the trajectory of her life... I cringe at how hard it will be if she stays where she is at or continues to gain. The weight will cripple her in so many ways & cut her life short. The only thing is that she will need a huge amount of support to change her lifestyle permanently. Otherwise it will not be a fix. She can still gain if she doesn't make the changes. Also, I'll bet her family is kind of a mess too. I don't mean to be critical, but because she is so young, someone must be providing the wrong kinds of foods for her to eat & not insisting that she exercise. That will need to be addressed also.

[Beverlyp]

Thanks everyone! My niece called asked me about the surgery. My sister-in-law is going to check with their insurance to see what their requirements are. I advised her to hang out on this site to get a feel of what it is like both pre & post op. lyiona, I think she would be really interested in hearing your story. I plan to try and send her these responses and that may get her introduced to this site. Thanks, Beverly

[Truffles]

There is a novel that my tweens and I have read that I highly recommend. The book is called "Skinny" by Donna Cooner, and it is about a teen that gets an RNY. Even though the sleeve is a different surgery, the book is still relevant.

Here is a link to a review:

Book Review: 'Skinny' by Donna Cooner : NPR

The book deals with the psychological impact of obesity and WLS. EXCELLENT book.

[lapoore]

Thanks Truffle. I just ordered it!

[Beverlyp]

Thanks. I will order for my niece. I am so glad there are options now for kids fighting obesity. Obesity has caused so much pain in people's life of all ages for way too long!