Letters

Adolescents and Surgery (1 Letter)

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Published: February 22, 2010

To the Editor:

Re “A Debate on Gastric Surgery for Youths” (Feb. 16): As a bariatric surgeon, I have seen gastric bypass surgery save the lives of many patients. However, I caution against the rapid implementation for adolescents.

In most cases, adolescents simply aren’t emotionally prepared for the realities of bariatric surgery. It isn’t enough to just undergo the procedure. To be successful, the patient must also commit to a complete lifestyle overhaul, including support groups, exercise programs and diet changes.

There is no quick fix when it comes to a problem as complex and mysterious as obesity. Bariatric surgery is simply one possible component and certainly not something that should be undergone without plenty of planning and preparation.

Sunil Bhoyrul, M.D.

San Diego

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Next Article in Health (36 of 42) » A version of this article appeared in print on February 23, 2010, on page D4 of the New York edition.