HOPE’s obesity treatment initiative focuses on the systematic evaluation of gastric lap-band surgery in morbidly obese adolescents. This work evaluates the safety and efficacy of the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGP or Lap-Band) procedure and investigates adolescent and family predictors of successful weight loss and the maintenance of weight loss over time. In addition, this program aims to examine the potential mental health, learning and quality of life benefits of substantial weight loss in morbidly obese adolescents.

Like obese adults, obese adolescents face a high risk of serious medical disorders, including hypertension, diabetes, respiratory disorders, accelerated growth, high cholesterol, musculoskeletal problems, psychosocial problems, and cancer, as well as a greater chance of premature death. Unfortunately, obesity is rarely something children "grow out of." Without intervention, 80% of obese children will be overweight as adults.

Although there is a consensus that it is imperative to address obesity at an early age, there is sparse data to guide parents and physicians who are trying to help morbidly obese adolescents.

At present, there is only one FDA-approved surgical option for morbidly obese adolescents: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This procedure has been shown to be both safe and effective in adolescents, with substantial reductions in weight and improvements in co-morbid conditions and psychosocial factors like self-esteem and socialization.

A more recently designed procedure, already scientifically tested among adult patients, is Lap-Band surgery. The procedure is much less invasive than gastric bypass and, if the patient desires, the band can be removed after sufficient weight loss and behavior modification. Studies performed in Australia have shown that the Lap-Band is a safe and effective method of weight loss in morbidly obese adolescents. In fact, when compared to a matched control group of adults, adolescents did better in terms of weight loss and complications. Because of these advantages, HOPE investigators believe that the Lap-Band is a better option than gastric bypass surgery for adolescents. Recent findings support the efficacy of the Lap-Band in improving the physical and mental health of adolescent recipients Surgeons continue to conduct ongoing clinical trials supported by HOPE that compare the benefits of Lap-Band surgery with those of gastric bypass surgery in adolescents. NYU is one of just a handful of institutions allowed to perform Lap-Band surgery on this patient population.

To learn more about bariatric surgery, visit the NYU Program for Surgical Weight Loss website.

Click here to read about a recent success story.