RWJUH Bariatric Surgery Center Provides Weight Loss Opportunities for High-Risk Teens

Ragui W. Sadek, MD, Medical Director, Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

At just 17 years old, 365-pound Allen Ross was running out of options. After struggling with weight problems throughout his childhood, Ross’ morbid obesity was putting his health and his future at risk. Despite diligent adherence to diet and exercise programs, Ross’ body mass index (BMI) remained at an alarming 50, which classified the North Plainfield teen as morbidly obese, borderline diabetic and was negatively impacting his asthma and social life. If Ross did not lose weight soon, he would be at an increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and even a shortened lifespan, many of the dangers associated with adolescent obesity.

Given Ross’ background and risk factors, he fit candidacy for adolescent bariatric surgery at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH). As the world’s first designated Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation, patients between 15-21-years old who have a BMI over 40 are led through a structured program while in consideration for surgery. Ross, like many of the admitted teens, are screened by a team of specialists, including pediatricians, nutritionists, psychologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists and gastroenterologists, to determine the best course of action based on their individual conditions and risks.

When diet and exercise alone are not enough to reverse obesity, and associated conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea and high blood pressure are present, adults and teens can be considered for one of four bariatric procedures currently offered at RWJUH:

• A sleeve gastrectomy reduces the stomach into a small, banana shaped pouch to reduce the capacity of the stomach and controls hunger by regulating hormones.
• Gastric banding, also known as “the band,” places an inflatable band around the top of the stomach to create a small pouch.
• Gastric bypass, seen as the “gold standard” of bariatric surgery, provides the least complications by bypassing the stomach to create a small pouch through a laparoscopic procedure.
• ORBERA™ Managed Weight Loss System, currently only available for adults, is a non-surgical procedure that inflates a small balloon inside the stomach to reinforce portion control.

For Ross, a minimally invasive laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was the best procedure for his individual case. A common treatment for patients with a BMI over 35, a sleeve gastrectomy is the most natural-feeling procedure and stabilizes important components of digestion such as hunger, satiety and blood sugar. Unlike other procedures, a sleeve gastrectomy generally does not leave patients vitamin deficient as the natural food stream is only reduced, not interrupted. When committed to the necessary post-operative lifestyle changes required with a bariatric surgery, sleeve gastrectomy patients can lose over 50 percent of their overall body weight within the first three to five years after surgery.

In addition to significant weight loss, there are a variety of health benefits associated with weight loss surgery in general that often occur over time, including:

• Improvement of Type 2 Diabetes
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol
• Relief of sleep apnea
• Relief of acid reflux
• Improved mobility
• Improved mood and self-esteem

Now living the life his weight once denied, bariatric surgery and his resilience in abiding by the program has given Ross the opportunity to be a healthy, normal teenager. Ross is considered a model patient and shares his experience with adolescents going through similar procedures during a support group that meets at the hospital monthly. Just over a year later, he stands 135 pounds lighter and has seen dramatic improvement with his associated symptoms. Thanks to his continued dedication to a follow-up diet and exercise plan, and the support of his family, Ross is benefiting from his improved asthma, stabilized blood levels and increased mobility, which affords him a happy and healthy future.

The Bariatric Surgery Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is a highly accredited, comprehensive medical program providing care for overweight and obese patients age 15 and older. The Bariatric Surgery Center staff is composed of a highly trained team of specialists who develop a personalized lifetime care plan for each patient based on their individual needs and risk factors. Qualified individuals participate in medically supervised weight loss programs before referral for bariatric surgery. Throughout the process, patients benefit from educational programs, support groups and specialists to aid in the life-changing transition. To find out if you or a loved one is a candidate for bariatric surgery at RWJUH, please call 732-253-3156 or visit http://www.rwjuh.edu/bariatric-surgery/bariatric-surgery.aspx.