Bariatric Surgery Associated with Improved Mobility and Less Walking Pain

The benefits of bariatric surgery seem to be in the news more and more frequently. With obesity levels reaching as high as 35% of Americans, many people are turning to gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and adjustable lap band surgery to help them control their intake and help promote weight loss.

While bariatric surgery is more common in adults, some teens also qualify for surgery. Studies on the benefits of bariatric surgery for teens are less common than those for adults. But one recent study on the benefits of obesity surgery focused on teens and showed positive results.

As published in the JAMA Pediatrics, researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School investigated the effects of bariatric surgery on the functional mobility and musculoskeletal pain. They studied 242 teens aged 19 and younger, with an average BMI of 51.7, who had gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or adjustable lap band surgeries. Within 6 months of their surgery, the teens began to show improvements in pain during and after a walking trial, time needed to complete the walking trial, resting heart rate, and post test heart rate. Benefits continued to be seen at the one year mark, as well as two years after their surgery.

Dr. Shillingford, M.D., P.A., performs bariatric surgery on teenagers with qualifying conditions. If you or a loved one is obese and seeking bariatric treatment, please call Dr. Shillingford at (561) 483-8840 to schedule a free informational session at his Boca Raton office to learn more about gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band surgery. Dr. Shillingford’s bariatric patients travel all over Florida, as well as the country for his services, including as far away as New York, Texas, and Hawaii.