How To Treat Childhood Obesity

Surgery

In extreme cases, pediatric weight loss surgery could be an option, especially if other treatment options have continued to fail. Currently, there are three common surgeries performed on severely obese children. These surgical options include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Each of these procedures works to limit the amount of food a child consumes. It is important to understand these are serious surgeries, which means they each come with their own risk factors, side effects, and aftercare procedures. It is recommended surgery only be considered an option in the most aggressive cases of childhood obesity.