A landmark study published in this month's edition of the respected medical journal JAMA found that gastric banding surgery was far more effective than diets and exercise in treating obesity in teenagers.
The government-funded randomised controlled study by Melbourne's Professor Paul O'Brien involved 50 teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 years. All participants had a body mass index of at least 35, and 40% already had developed the Metabolic Syndrome. 84% of the gastric banded teenagers lost at least half of their excess weight compared with just 12% of those in the diet and exercise group. The Metabolic Syndrome had resolved in all of the teenagers who had gastric bands. Whilst one third of those in the gastric banded group underwent a revisional procedure, this was to correct relatively minor problems- there were no serious complications or deaths.
At OClinic we are happy to consider gastric banding surgery on teenagers aged 14 and above provided they are competent and mature enough to make an informed decision, and have the complete support of their parents and physicians.
Click here to read more about the teenage gastric banding study