Despite the increase, fewer than 1,000 U.S. teens have bariatric surgery each year, compared with 200,000-250,000 U.S. adults. To be a candidate for the procedure, both teen and adult patients should generally have a body mass index of 40 or higher.
The procedure is usually not performed on children before puberty due to increased likelihood of a nutritional or vitamin deficiency that could hinder bone growth and sexual maturation.
Read the CNN report on teen bariatric surgery.
Related Articles on Bariatric Surgery:
Study: Bariatric Surgery Linked to Diabetes Remission
Study: Gastric Bypass Surgery Saves on Long-Term Medical Costs
Study: Plication Could Become Option in Bariatric Surgery
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