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ShareWashington: Lap band surgery has been found effective in improving the health of morbidly obese adolescents, say researchers.
The study found that Lap band surgery or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding improved glucose metabolism, reducing the adolescents' risk of developing insulin resistance.
Additionally, bone mineral density was not impacted by the surgery, suggesting that bone growth is not affected.
The study involving 50 girls and boys ages 14-17 showed significant decreases in total and android fat mass 2 years after surgery
"This study is the first to demonstrate the improvements in overall health and distribution of weight loss after Lap band surgery in adolescents," said Dr Evan Nadler, the lead author and pediatric surgeon at Children's National.
"While weight-loss surgery should always be a last resort for adults and adolescents, these findings show us that surgery in adolescents reduces the risk of significant health complications," Nadler added.
The study appears in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
