A report on the Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States by the Center for Disease Control shows a grim picture of the state of adolescent health in the country.

According to findings, obesity affects around 12.7 million children and adolescents, aged 2-19. This number accounts for 17% of the total population, and though the number may not seem troubling right now, the problem of obesity fares far worse for our future generation’s physical and mental health.

The Effects of Obesity on Teens

Aside from the many health risks that accompany obesity, teens are subjected to various social and mental problems as well.

Teens face many obesity-related mental and social challenges, which include:

• Bullying
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Dating problems
• Discrimination due to obesity
• Social teasing
• Unhealthy and risky behaviors (alcohol use, tobacco use, harmful dietary practices, physical inactivity)

As time goes on, these mental and social issues transfer into the teen’s adult life, and cause long-term effects that hinder them from reaching their full potential, thereby limiting their chances of success in later life.

Common Health Problems

Teen obesity comes with a similar set of health problems as obesity in adults. Morbidly obese teenagers suffer from at least one obesity-related health issue, the risk of which increases as time goes on.

Their condition may be associated with:

• Metabolic syndrome
• Orthopedic injuries such as spinal problems, acute fractures and joint pressure
• Hypertension
• Fatty liver disease
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes (Type-2, which leads to other severe heart-related factors)
• PCOS, a common health problem for females (Polycystic ovarian syndrome)
• Skin infections (fungal infections)
• Skin thickening and darkening (acanthosis nigricans)
• Dyslipidemia (abnormal amount of lipids such as triglycerides, cholesterol and fat phospholipids)

Common Weight-Loss Procedures

According to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, numerous procedures in bariatric surgery have proved to be effective for teens seeking a solution to aid their weight loss journey.

The most common procedures that have been deemed the most effective are:

• Gastric bypass
• Laparoscopic gastric banding
• Vertical sleeve
• Duodenal switch

Nevertheless, before a patient chooses a procedure for their weight loss, several factors must be taken into account. Keep in mind that since the patient is an adolescent, there is concern about protein malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.

What You Should Know

If a teenager requires a procedure for their weight loss, they must have consent from a parent or guardian before they consider their option.

They must also have a BMI over 35 and should have reached a physical or skeletal maturity so there is less risk of health deterioration. They must also have participated in a clinically supervised program for weight loss. They must also be psychologically evaluated, so that the medical institution has complete confirmation that their patient understands the procedure and risks (if there are any) involved.

For all these details, it is important that patients acquire help from professionals through programs such as International Patient Facilitators so they have comprehensive support. The program offers the best clinical teams in medical destinations such as Mexico so their patients have an affordable chance at an effective weight loss procedure.

By following the right instructions, teenagers can take the necessary steps to support their weight loss so they can benefit from its long-term effects.

Can Summer Holidays be good for your health ?

Normal story goes something like this ,,,, the summer holidays takes a toll on your health:  it can be a vortex of barbecues and get togethers with booze and stress and family too – too much chocolate, cheese, potato and pasta salads and every body falls down the rabbit hole and we collectively climb up in September with strained bank accounts and tight pants.

I hear patients say all the time that “I always put on weight during the summer holidays because there is too much booze and food”.  Here’s the lowdown:  it’s not the food that makes you gain the weight, YOU choosing to eat too much of “said food” makes you gain the weight.  Nobody is forcing anybody to binge drink or overeat…… unless you choose to spend your summer holidays and the Señor Frogs in Cancun because if you do, there’s nothing that I can do to save you 🙂

I am writing this after my personal short vacation and I invite you to also think what it can mean for your life and your health if you are having this same problem.  Let’s discuss some ways that your summer holiday can actually work for you and not always against you.

 You can choose to be more mindful of your choices when your routine is semi-disrupted.

I can imagine that you already have a pretty solid established routine during your regular weeks.  Your summer vacation can provide you with an excellent opportunity to ,,,, think about it – think about your established routine.    It may be your routine to go for a walk or a run before you go to work each morning, but when you take that walk on your summer vacation before you spike your coffee with bailey’s’, it’s a really serious win.  You could even forgo that baileys that everybody is having and save yourself for the afternoon sangria.  You have some extra time now to make some new goals for September and think about how you want to feel for your next holiday at ThanksGiving.

Get fit together with your family and friends.

Want to know what one of the biggest predictors of a solid exercise routine for life is ?  The answer is “social support and family”.  Now you know why people who exercise in groups are five times more likely to maintain their exercise challenges and then achieve their goals.  Why don’t you get your family and friends involved with your fitness goals this summer ?  You may be thinking that nobody is going to be thrilled about your fabulous hiking idea while on vacation but you might just get a surprise that others might feel happy to get up and move a bit instead of just lying in a hammock.  

If this information just doesn’t motivate you and you choose to follow your summer ritual of of suspending all your healthy living rules and indulge in that big summer party after party after party – then I salute you for being intentional with your choices and I will be waiting for you in September with open arms and lots of healthy advice.

Allow the bariatric experts to help you if you need support. Please reach out every opportunity you get with every question that you have – it’s not just our work to assist you.  We celebrate in seeing you succeed.

About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Nutritionist and Bariatric Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery patients for 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric patients.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teens.

Time for a “Bariatric Expert Vitamins ?  Here is a perfect way for bariatric patients to get it now on Amazon:  

Bariatric Expert MultiVitamins
Bariatric Expert Biotin
Bariatric Expert D-3

Eat Like a Bariatric Expert with our Nutrition Plans.

Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group. I would love to connect with you.

Pricelist for Bariatric Procedures in Tijuana and Cancun

Make August 2017 YOUR Month!  

Respectfully,
International Patient Facilitators – Cancun and Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Sergio Verboonen and Sheri Burke – Bariatric Coordinator and Nutritionist.
info@ipf-mail.com

1 800 210 5124

Reach out to us if you have questions !

According to experts at International Patient Facilitators, VSG or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a weight loss procedure in which the surgeon removes a large part of your stomach. A banana-sized portion of the stomach is left, which limits the amount of food that you eat.

This makes you feel full after eating small amounts of food and that in turn, leads you to lose weight, especially when paired with a healthy diet and exercise.

Word of Caution…

Before reading further, understand that Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is not a quick fix for obesity. Like all bariatric surgeries, you must greatly change your lifestyle and diet to balance the effects of the procedure.

After the surgery, you must control your food portions, eat healthy foods and exercise. Otherwise you may have complications from poor weight loss.

Advantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Procedure reduces stomach capacity but allows your organ to function normally so that food is consumed. However, it only consumes does so in small amounts.
• The procedure eliminates that portion of the stomach which produces Ghrelinhormone, which stimulates hunger.
• Minimizes risk of ulcer
• Eliminates intestinal obstruction, anemia, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency, since the procedure avoids the intestinal bypass.
• Works effectively as a first-stage procedure for patients with high BMI(BMI>55 kg/m²)
• Offers promising results as a single stage procedure for patients with low BMI (30-50 kg/m²)
• An appealing option for those concerned about banding procedures on foreign bodies
• Preferable option for patients suffering through the complications of intestinal bypass procedures
• Preferable for patients weighing over 500 pounds

Causes of Concern for Patients with VSG

Although VSG stands as a better option for patients seeking effective treatment, there are some factors that must be taken into account.

• May not have adequate weight loss, though this factor is true of all procedures.
• Patients with a higher BMI will require a second stage procedure.
• Patients must limit themselves from soft calories since that can slow weight loss.
• Insurance companies must be consulted for financial support before this procedure.
• Patients must consider the non-reversible aspect of this procedure.

Prognosis of Vertical Sleeve Surgery

In comparison to gastric bypass surgery, the final weight loss is almost as much as the former option mentioned. However, the weight will come off slowly, so the patient may have to practice strict dietary restrictions for 2-3 years before easing themselves into a routine.

Using Our Guidance

After reading all the above information, you must have a good idea about VSG as a simple and viable weight loss procedure. If you’re considering VSG for your weight loss, allow us to guide you through the process.

International Patient Facilitators locates some of Mexico’s best surgical teams to aid your treatment. Seek a trusted facility for your weight loss surgery in Mexico!

Contact us by emailing us at info@ipf-mail.com and inquire about this Gastric Sleeve Procedure.

Time for a “Bariatric Expert Vitamins ?  Here is a perfect way for bariatric patients to get it now on Amazon:  

Bariatric Expert MultiVitamins
Bariatric Expert Biotin
Bariatric Expert D-3

Eat Like a Bariatric Expert with our Nutrition Plans.

Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group. I would love to connect with you.

Price list for Bariatric Procedures in Tijuana and Cancun

Make August 2017 YOUR Month!  

Respectfully,
International Patient Facilitators – Cancun and Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Sergio Verboonen and Sheri Burke – Bariatric Coordinator and Nutritionist.
info@ipf-mail.com

1 800 210 5124

Reach out to us if you have questions !