Question:
Looking for a surgeon for teen son.

Hi Everyone. It's been a while since I have posted anything (since I am doing so well!). I am trying to find out some info for my son who is 15 years old. We are considering rny for him, but we know there are not many surgeons who will operate on teens and accepts Medicaid (anyone have any info about Medicaid paying for surgery for those under age?). We live in N. Myrtle Beach, SC and would like to find someone in either Florence, SC or Charlotte, NC (preferably Charlotte). My son is 5'11, weighs 303 lbs. and has a BMI of 42.3. Both sides of his family are large people and his diabetes runs rampid in both familes (his father just passed away due to it). This has been a difficult decision for me. He has wanted surgery since before I had mine (September '02), but I told him he could not until he was 18 and could make that decision on his own. Now I am thinking differently. I know that if he does go through with surgery, he needs some therapy and a support group before and after. Anyways, any help you could give will be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!........Karen (lap rny-9/20/02- down 150 pounds- only 11 pounds til goal!)    — karmiausnic (posted on July 10, 2003)

July 10, 2003
I don't have any info for you, but thought I'd extend my support. I know a few here in MN that were 18 and there is a internet group for the younger. Let me know if you're interested in that addy. Best of luck to you both!!!!
   — ZZ S.

July 10, 2003
I swiped this info from other posts in the library: Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati has a bariatric surgery program for morbidly obese adolescents. The phone number is 513-636-2222 or email them at [email protected]. The web site is www.cincinnatichildrens.org - if you put "teen" into the library search engine you should come up with quite a bit on this topic. Good luck to you and your son!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 11, 2003
Dr. J.K. Champion of Atlanta is one of the founders of current laparoscopic WLS techniques and has some adolescent patients. Five of us in my family have had lap RNY with him, and he is an exquisite surgeon with an international reputation in his field. We are in Asheville, NC, and didn't mind the four-hour drive at all. It's a little farther from MB, but still not a bad drive. Feel free to email me privately if you would like more information. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

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