First of all, I'm fourteen years old, and I'm obese with a BMI that fluctuates between about 34 and 37. Over the past two years I've been experiencing obesity-related health problems, such as menstrual irregularities, gastroesophageal reflux/heartburn, and sleep apnea.

I read an article online about a twelve year old girl whose mother brought her to Mexico to get the procedure done. I think that's a little insane, and I know realistically that if I couldn't get it done locally or pretty nearby then my parents would never go for it. But I'm very concerned for my health, and I'm getting worse and worse. I have tried everything. I've been struggling with my weight since I was eight years old.

So, here are the questions I have:

1. Would a doctor in Illinois even do the lap band procedure on a fourteen year old if she met the requirements [bMI of 35+ with two or more obesity related health problems, I believe]?

2. Would my insurance likely cover the procedure if I met those requirements, considering my age?

Thanks.

[Am I posting this in the correct forum? If not, let me know and I'll move this somewhere else.]

From what I've read, because it's not approved by the FDA, the answer in the U.S. would be 'no.' 18 is the minimum age. But I swear I have heard of some doctor somewhere that took a patient a year or two younger. But I don't think any doctor would touch 14...too much liability.

Even with parents' permission?

I think you need to check your with your insurance. If you are not self-pay that's a starting point. I know my dad's insurance won't cover the surgery until I'm 21 but my mom's will. It will probably say clearly what/if the age requirement is. Also, if you're going through your insurance, they want you to go through an "in-network provider" for a surgeon. I hope that helps!

First things first....talk to your primary care physician! Tell him your concerns and take it from there.

You should be proud of yourself to even be thinking about this. It is by the way FDA approved, but you would still need to speak with your doctor and the insurance carrier.

I wish you luck!!

First things first....talk to your primary care physician! Tell him your concerns and take it from there.

You should be proud of yourself to even be thinking about this. It is by the way FDA approved, but you would still need to speak with your doctor and the insurance carrier.

I wish you luck!!

Could you tell me where you found this information? I'm not being argumentative, I seriously want to know. I couldn't find anything supporting that statement. I found FDA approval for STUDIES back in 2005 which would include banding selected teens:

Newswise Medical News | FDA Approval to Study Safety of Gastric Banding Surgery on Teens

And then I found a hospital in California that is working on specializing in the field of teenage gastric-banding:

Putting the squeeze on fat with new weight-loss surgery for teen - Lucile Packard Children's Hospital

It says in that article that:

[Drs]Albanese and Morton anticipate that the lap band procedure will become more common in adolescents if and when the device receives FDA approval for pediatric use.

I just would think that would be a big announcement - FDA approving Lap Band for teens. Heck, approval for the J&J band seemed to be big news, I just imagine I would have seen something. When I was researching the band, I remember 18 being the minimum age.

In Tejuana,Mexico they did not even ask me for ID. Of course your parents would have to be there, but they would do it. Cash only no insurance coverage is excepted there, as far as I know.

In Tejuana,Mexico they did not even ask me for ID. Of course your parents would have to be there, but they would do it. Cash only no insurance coverage is excepted there, as far as I know.

My surgeon said that the Lap-Band isn't FDA approved for anyone under 18. However, the daughter of a friend of my parents had the procedure done when she was 13. Her case was unique in that child services became involved after her middle school contacted them due to her extremely dangerous weight. She weighed close, if not more than 400 pounds. I don't know any of the specific details of her procedure, just that she had it done and looks amazing (I didn't even recognize her the last time I saw her)! Like others have said, you should really speak to your doctor, no matter how uncomfortable it feels to talk about your weight. Don't get your hopes up that you will be able to have the procedure, though. Your doctor will probably recommend a change in diet and exercise before surgery could even be considered. Plus keep in mind, the Lap-Band isn't a miracle cure that will make a person lose weight. Everyone who has the surgery must follow a nutritious diet and exercise plan if they wish to be successful. If you are able to get into the habit of eating healthy and exercising while you are still young, you may not even need to have surgery when you come of age!

Sorry it took so long for me to answer this....if you all look at this weeks issue of PEOPLE Magazine, you will see an article about a teen girl who was banded by an FDA approved surgeon in Jersey.

Check it out!

I went to a seminar here in Dallas where there was a 14 year old girl with her Father. They were talking to the Dr. and he said he would do it. You have to see a Dr. and ask him/her.

The youngest patient my doctor has is 16 years old.

I would look into it I watch "Big Medicine" on TLC and I think they had younger patients

My sister is 16 and her BMI is 38 I wish she would get it done

Good luck and let the docs know you are serious that you are not just lightly talking about it.