Our Summary

The rising number of childhood obesity cases in Europe, specifically Spain, is alarming. Bariatric surgery, a type of weight loss surgery, could be a potential solution for severely obese teenagers. But currently, Spain has no specific guidelines for this surgery. To address this, the Spanish Society for Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases conducted a study involving 60 experts from nine national societies. These experts answered two online questionnaires to help create guidelines for different obesity treatments.

The results showed that all societies are highly concerned about obesity. There was broad agreement on how to treat obesity in teenagers, diets, the influence of environment and social factors, and the goals for obese teenagers. The experts failed to agree on the use of intragastric balloons (a non-surgical weight loss treatment) and other techniques. They did not approve of biliopancreatic diversion (a type of weight loss surgery) as a primary treatment and agreed on the need for psychological/psychiatric assessment. The criteria for inclusion were similar to those for adults except for performing surgery on those with a body mass index less than 40.

In conclusion, Spanish societies that focus on obesity are aware of the problem of childhood obesity and are in the process of developing national strategies to address this issue. These strategies are based on the consensus of various specialists.

FAQs

  1. What is bariatric surgery and how could it help severely obese teenagers in Spain?
  2. What were the findings of the study conducted by the Spanish Society for Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases?
  3. What are the criteria for including obese teenagers in the potential treatments and how do they compare to the criteria for adults?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to make sure to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team. This may include changes to your diet, exercise routine, and medication regimen. It is important to be fully informed about the risks and benefits of the surgery, and to have realistic expectations about the outcomes. Additionally, regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team are essential for monitoring your progress and addressing any concerns that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI greater than 35 with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease. Additionally, patients who have tried other methods of weight loss such as diet and exercise without success may also be recommended for obesity surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals including a bariatric surgeon, nutritionist, psychologist, and other specialists to determine if they are suitable candidates for obesity surgery.

Timeline

Overall, before obesity surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of consultations and assessments to determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery. This may include meetings with a bariatric surgeon, a nutritionist, and a psychologist. They may also be required to make lifestyle changes and lose a certain amount of weight prior to surgery.

After surgery, the patient will likely experience a period of recovery and adjustment. They will need to follow a strict diet and exercise regimen to ensure successful weight loss and to prevent complications. Regular check-ups with their healthcare team will be necessary to monitor progress and address any concerns. Over time, the patient should see significant weight loss and improvements in their overall health and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about obesity surgery include:

  1. What are the different types of bariatric surgery available and which one is most suitable for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery?
  3. What is the expected weight loss outcome and timeline after surgery?
  4. Will I need to make significant lifestyle changes following surgery, such as diet and exercise?
  5. How will obesity surgery impact my overall health and any existing medical conditions I may have?
  6. Will I need to take any medications or supplements after surgery?
  7. What is the long-term follow-up care plan after surgery?
  8. How will obesity surgery affect my mental health and emotional well-being?
  9. Are there any support groups or resources available to help me both before and after surgery?
  10. What are the costs associated with obesity surgery and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Vilallonga R, Moreno Villares JM, Yeste Fernández D, Sánchez Santos R, Casanueva Freijo F, Santolaya Ochando F, Leal Hernando N, Lecube Torelló A, Castaño González LA, Feliu A, Lopez-Nava G, Frutos D, de la Cruz Vigo F, Torres Garcia AJ, Ruiz de Adana JC. Journal: Obes Surg. 2017 Apr;27(4):997-1006. doi: 10.1007/s11695-016-2413-8. PMID: 27752806