Childhood obesity is a rising concern for many parents across the country. According to the CDC, approximately 14.7 million children and adolescents in the US are obese, accounting for 19.7% of American youths. Obesity in children is especially dangerous because not only are you more likely to be obese during adulthood, but other health conditions are likely to develop. Obesity in children is most often associated with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea. If childhood obesity goes untreated, other conditions such as arthritis, strokes, and cancer may develop later in life.
In less extreme cases, childhood obesity can be treated with a change in diet and exercise habits. However, when the child’s obesity becomes severe it is almost impossible for significant weight loss to occur by lifestyle changes alone.
Childhood obesity can be a difficult condition to overcome but weight loss surgery can start the road to better health for your child. Here is a weight loss surgery option that is suggested for children struggling with obesity:
- Laparoscopic or robotic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG)
During a sleeve gastrectomy, a large part (80-90%) of the stomach is removed, leaving a much smaller “sleeve” of the stomach. This affects the amount of food the child can eat before feeling full but not the amount of nutrients absorbed.
The sleeve gastrectomy will lead to weight loss when paired with a more healthy and active lifestyle following surgery. If your child is obese and you want to explore surgical treatment options, contact Dr. Ahmad for a consultation today!
Dr. Arif Ahmad specializes in laparoscopic robotic surgery and has performed over 2,000 laparoscopic robotic surgeries. He is renowned in the Long Island area for his impeccable track record of safety and success.
