Gastric Action: 'Lap-band' surgery for teens gaining acceptance

Andrew Burrill says that the worst moment occurred last year in his high school cafeteria. Heading for a table, his tray laden with an extra portion of his favorite school lunch, Andrew was intercepted by a teacher who loudly asked, "Are you SURE you should have gotten doubles?" Andrew, who at the time was nearly 5 feet 4 and weighed 260 pounds, burst into tears.

"There were times when I felt I just couldn't go on," recalled Andrew, a sophomore, who lives near Charlottesville, Va. At 15, already a veteran of numerous failed diets, exercise programs and summer "fat" camp, Andrew became convinced that weight-loss surgery, which had transformed the physique of a family friend, was his only hope. He pleaded with his mother for help. Click here for full article.