Is your daughter so overweight you’re afraid she’s obese? Does she come home from school crying because she’s not as popular as her friends, or someone has said something mean or cruel to her? As a mom, you want to do what’s best for your daughter. You’ve tried to help and encourage her. You prepare healthy meals at home and try to encourage her to exercise with you, or join sports programs at school, but she’s just not in any kind of shape to be accepted onto any sports team.

While you may have been putting it off, bariatric surgery may be your only option. Don’t wait.

Teen obesity is hovering near epidemic numbers in recent years. The American Heart Association has determined that 15% to 33% of teens in the U.S. are overweight. Worse, your teen may be diagnosed with obesity-related diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or other physical problems, including joint weakness.

Two common weight loss procedures performed on teens include the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding procedure. Gastric banding  is also popular and known as lap band surgery. This surgery involves placement of an elastic band around a portion of the stomach to decrease its size. This procedure is adjustable and  removable.

The problem is, most bariatric weight loss surgical procedures are not covered by health insurance. Nevertheless, thousands of teens have benefitted from traveling abroad with their parents to receive excellent and effective obesity surgery in countries like India, Turkey, Mexico and Jordan, with wonderful and long-term results. Don’t put it off. Help your teen be healthy, now and in the future.