According to a CBS news story, Courtney Dunham of Milford High School in Ohio underwent a 2 ½ hour gastric bypass procedure to get rid of her excess 200 pounds. At 18 years old, she now has changed her diet, habits and her way of life.
Obesity derives from the Latin “obesus,” meaning stout, fat or plump. In today’s society, obesity is characterized by having too much body fat—which can lead to various medical conditions.
According to the American Obesity Association (AOA), the percentage of overweight and/or obese children and adolescents is now higher than ever before:
- Approximately 30.3% of children (ages 6-11) are overweight and 15.3% are obese
- For adolescents (ages 12-19), 30.4% are overweight and 15.5% obese
AOA states that this is the most inactive generation in history. Many of today’s kids, much like adults, fall into the “couch potato” category—preferring video games and television to riding bikes and outdoor play.
Inactivity coupled with poor genetics, lifestyle, diet, metabolism and other factors only worsen the weight issue.
Surgery for Overweight/Obese Kids
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) estimates that more than 3,000 individuals younger than 18 underwent liposuction in 2005—a 22% increase over those receiving the procedure in 2000. However, plastic surgery should not be used as a kind of quick fix for obesity.
With the rise of adolescents seeking liposuction, the ASPS cautions that liposuction and tummy tucks are inappropriate procedures for weight reduction.
“Liposuction can be ideal for patients who have reached physical maturity, are at or near the ideal body weight, and have stubborn, localized deposits of fat they want to remove,” commented Dr. Roxanne Guy, President of the ASPS.
Nowadays, the most popular form of drastic weight reduction is gastric bypass surgery—the same surgery Courtney Dunham had. This surgery shrinks the stomach from the size of a football to the size of an egg. The surgery is primarily performed on adults, but CBS news says an ever-increasing number of youngsters are having it done.
The Bottom Line
A classmate of Courtney Dunham teased that she triggered earthquakes when she walked. The insults and the teasing led Courtney to seek life-altering surgery. After the surgery, she could only eat a cup of food a few times a day and had to avoid sugar, which can lead to other complications such as stomach bleeding, nausea and rapid heartbeat.
Her self-esteem is better, but is it all worth it? Dr. Guy’s advice: “My message to young kids-proper diet and exercise are still the best way to slim down.”
Interested in learning more about body contouring after gastric bypass surgery? Click here to arrange a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.