Can My Child Have a Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Obesity among adolescents has become a public health crisis over the past several decades. If untreated, adolescent obesity and its effects can linger throughout adulthood. While most parents try their best to help control the problem, professional intervention can sometimes provide an extra boost to help achieve life-changing results.

The option of surgical intervention rarely comes to mind for many parents, but Dr. Jacob can provide safe and effective procedures that can help restore your child’s health and confidence. If you’re curious about how a sleeve gastrectomy can work for your child, here are a few things you should know as you prepare to make your consultation.

How Old Does My Child Have to Be?

Being old enough is a common requirement for undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy procedure. Most bariatric surgeons state that sleeve gastrectomy procedures are safe for children 16 and older. Dr. Jacob can safely perform a sleeve gastrectomy on patients who are 15 years old. 

Also, Dr. Jacob understands the nuances that come with providing care for adolescents through in-depth conversations to help lay the groundwork for pre and post-operative care.

How Can I Prepare My Child?

Preparing for a sleeve gastrectomy takes work to ensure that the recovery process runs smoothly. Based on your child’s circumstances, Dr. Jacob can recommend making significant dietary changes several months before the procedure. Adhering to professional advice helps strengthen your chances of achieving long-term success, so it is crucial to stick to your pre-surgery instructions.

What is The Recovery Like?

The point of an adolescent sleeve gastrectomy is to help your child lose weight quickly. It involves removing part of the stomach to permanently reduce its size, limiting how much food your stomach can hold. After the procedure, it’s crucial to follow instructions for managing pain and addressing the incision site to avoid infection.

During the first few weeks following the procedure, your child may be placed on a high-protein liquid diet, followed by two-week intervals of pureéd foods and soft foods before eventually returning to solid foods. 

Also, pain management is essential to help ease the recovery process.

The results your child achieves can vary, but the first step in finding out what’s possible is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacob. 

To learn more about the adolescent sleeve gastrectomy procedure, please schedule a consultation with our office by calling us today at 212-879-6677.