Allergan, a medical device maker that makes Botox, breast implants and the "Lap-Band" used in obesity surgeries, is seeking FDA approval to use the gastric band in children as young as 14. While gastric bypass surgery involves rerouting the intestinal tract, the Lap-Band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, and can be adjusted or removed.
The procedure limits the amount of food that can be consumed, which is why some are saying it could help the growing obesity epidemic among children. But these surgeries are loaded with complications, including:
Subjecting children to these risks for a largely preventable problem is a perfect example of the health care system's fatally flawed logic of relying on quick-fix (and dangerous) solutions, when safe, natural options fully exist. If your child is obese or overweight, please review these tips to prevent or reverse the problem before resorting to a drastic and dangerous surgery.
Yahoo News October 13, 2006