Gastric_Bypass

Gastric bypass surgeries should be a legal option for obese children and adolescents. PRO If used correctly and not abused, gastric bypass surgery in children provides a safe and effective means of reducing obesity. Risk associated with having gastric bypass is much less then risks associated with being obese. Gastric bypass surgery has less then a 1% risk of death due to complications during surgery whereas obese individuals have a 50-100% increased risk of premature death when compare to a health individual. Statistics show that obese children are likely to continue habits and maintain and increase obesity status through adulthood. Gastric bypass surgery for children is a preventative measure. Although the surgery itself is a means of treating obesity, in adolescents it can serve to prevent future developments associated with obesity such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and even some forms of cancer. Research demonstrates that bariatric surgery is able to reduce body weight by 35-40% as opposed to diet and exercise, which on average decreases body weight by 5-10%. Further, weight lost through exercise and dieting is often regained. If an obese individual were able to reduce there body weight by even 10 kg they would experience a: 20% reduction in total mortality 15% reduction in LDL cholesterol Improved lung function 50% reduction in fasting glucose An overall increase in health related quality of life Its likely that if a child wants to have gastric bypass surgery but is not allowed to that this will only postpone them from getting the surgery until they are old enough. This doesn’t make sense because the child will ultimately get the surgery and by waiting to get it that person will probably develop diseases associated with obesity. It doesn’t make sense to allow someone to develop side effects associated with obesity before considering someone for this surgery. This could be avoided and prevented if a child were to be allowed to have the surgery. Children are more likely to be able to change habits and lifestyle post surgery then an adult would be. Not all obese adolescents should consider gastric bypass surgery. There should be restrictions so it is not abused. A child should have a BMI of at least 35 as well as co-morbid factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular problems and even then it should be a case-by-case bases. Presently gastric bypass seems to be the most effective in the achievement of a long term weight loss and in the resolution of obesity related morbidities. When it comes down to it, this debate is over the legality of gastric bypass surgery for adolescents. Even if you do not think this surgery to be the best option for children it is an effective means of preventing and treating obesity and should not be made illegal. It has been effective in the past in adolescents.