Danny’s Place recognises that whilst weight loss surgery is rarely required in young people, there is increasing acknowledgment of its role in managing severe obesity in teenagers. Although surgery is not the first option, if needed, we can provide access and support for bariatric surgery based on internationally accepted guidelines.
The unpredictability of life in 2020 and 2021 has meant that Danny’s Place has had to learn to be flexible and pivot with the times. We are undergoing a change of internal structure with Dr Sanjeev Khurana, our paediatric surgeon stepping away from being in Danny’s Place and whilst we will not have an inhouse surgical service anymore, Danny’s Place will still be there to provide adolescents:
- With the multidisciplinary, pre surgical and post-surgical support that is needed when undergoing weight loss surgery at other clinics
- Act as a concierge service to adolescent surgery by providing the appropriate referral pathways should your child need further interventions or just want to chat about what is possible”
Provide an online support program for any adolescents having weight loss surgery
TYPES OF SURGERY
There are many types of weight loss procedures being performed in Australia today including restrictive, malabsorptive and combination procedures. Below is a list of some of the procedures that can be performed by the bariatric surgeons at the Adelaide Bariatric Centre. To find out more about each procedure click the link below.
Bariatric Surgery
The success of any bariatric procedure depends upon lifelong care with an integrated health care team. As such, Danny’s Place has developed a team to provide comprehensive pre and post-operative care for the young person undergoing bariatric surgery and their transition through to the same comprehensive care as an adult.
Bariatric Surgery key points
- Weight loss surgery offers the best long-term results for the treatment of morbid obesity
- The surgery is generally very safe
- The procedures are almost always able to be performed as minimal access (keyhole surgery)
- The best outcomes following surgery can be achieved by having regular follow up with a multidisciplinary team for support
Surgical
How do I know if my child could benefit from weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is currently only available to those aged 14 years and older with severe obesity and related health problem. A thorough medical and psychological assessment must be completed first.
What type of weight loss operations are done in children?
The three main operations for weight loss are adjustable gastric banding , sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass. The procedure most recommended in Australia for children (14-18 years) is adjustable gastric banding.
How does surgery work?
The gastric band procedure works by drastically reducing stomach capacity, and also reducing hunger.
What are the risks associated with weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is a major undertaking. Although it has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in young people, there is still a small chance of major complications.
What happens after surgery?
As surgery is only a tool to help with weight management and it relies on life long care, it is important for you and your child to understand that there will be regular visits to Danny’s Place. The first year is the most intensive with visits but in the 2nd year onwards visits can be scheduled for every 3 months.
Will I need to have multivitamins and protein after surgery?
Yes and Yes, as the amount that your child eats is dramatically altered after surgery, it is important to understand that they will need lifelong multivitamin support and will need to have a whey protein everyday as well as eating good sources of protein from food.
Remember the Benefits?
We provide a 6 month program that focuses on health and wellbeing changes to promote weight loss.