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While weight-loss surgery has typically been targeted to obese adults who have not been able to lose weight through dieting or exercise, a growing number of teenagers are having lap band surgery to overcome obesity.

In addition to helping teenagers overcome problems associated with obesity such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, the surgery also helps teens develop an improved self esteem. In recognition that solving problems related to obesity when a person is young improves health and lessens medical needs in the long run, more and more insurance companies are covering the procedure.

Having weight-loss surgery is still considered an option of last resort for teenager. The first recommendation is dieting combined with increased exercise. Certain medications can also be considered. But when weight-loss surgery is agreed to, the result can be life-altering for a teenager or young adult physically as well as emotionally, and start a path toward healthy eating and living.

Teens considering weight-loss surgery should receive counseling as well as nutritional guidance about eating choices and how their food consumption and sedentary lifestyle will need to change after a surgery in order to keep the weight off for the rest of their lifetime.

Teens and their parents are invited to attend one of our upcoming free seminars to learn more about the procedures and whether weight-loss surgery is something worth considering.