I have had the lap band for almost a year and have lost 100 lbs. I have a granddaughter. 12 years old, who has been overweight since babyhood. Her parents have done everything to help her including doctor's and nutritionists, gym clubs, etc., nothing seems to work. She is 5'2" tall and 170 lbs and still gaining. They see the success I have had and wonder if she would benefit from the lap band surgery. I know Dr. Ortiz has done it on patients as young as 13. She will be starting middle school next year and everyone knows how mean kids can be especially in that age group. Does anyone out there have experience with this for their child and if so how did it work out? What are the problems and successes? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

GrannyAces

Banded 7/13/06

305/205/155

my heart aches for your granddaughter. i wish the band had been around when i was a kid.

not sure if it is available for someone so young, maybe contact Dr. Ortiz ????

best of luck to her (and you - great loss!!)

I imagine there are doctors out there who'll do it for some cases. It seems awfully young to me though. I think there has to be a certain maturity in the person (no matter what their age is) for them to be able to follow the rules enough to not cause themselves trouble.

Also, has anyone had any conversation with her about this? What does she think of it? I don't think it will work well if it's something she feels forced into. I know that's why the diets I was on at her age did not work for me, I'd just sneak things when I wasn't around my dad...

Another consideration is whether she'll qualify in the US based on the weight stats, before you even get to the issue of age. 170 at 5"2 isn't morbidly obese. It's just barely obese (I'm 5'2 and I think the "magic" number for going to "overweight" is 164 or so, so she's closer to "overweight" than "MO").

Of course, having been that child, I believe it's a progressive disease and I understand your desire to help now rather than pounds from now. If you're looking for a US practice, check out Dr. Fielding at NYU. If you're not wedded to the US, I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Dr. Ortiz.

Good luck.