Dave Said:

Lap-band/Gastric Bypass Questions?

We Answered:

If you have a BMI of 48 that is high enough, so if you were an adult, you would definitely qualify. Yes, I have seen and heard of some surgeons doing it on minors, however, they have always been those with extremely high BMI's 55+, so I don't know if 48 is high enough. However, all you can do is try.

If you are serous the only way to know for sure is to speak some surgeons in your area (not just one). One of them may be willing to do it. This is also how you should "go about getting this procedure" and they will be able to tell you how to get qualified to do it.

If you go to http://www.obesityhelp.com/ I would guess you can find a list of surgeon's in Canada. However, I don't know if it they have information on Canada or not. However, they do have a lot of very good info on all types of weight-loss surgeries. If they don’t have info on Canada, I would ask your general doctor for a referral. He will know a good surgeon.

I personally think they should do it for you or any other minor who qualifies, but is mature enough to understand that what is going on. I don't know statically the numbers of obese teens who get skinny, but I don't think its a stretch to say 6 year-old's who are obese have any better chance of getting skinny then any other adult, which is not a very big chance. Unless you are one of those lucky ones who can do it, most obese people don't get skinnier as they get older. Why not get started at 16 and reduce the damage. I had to have my first knee surgery at 15. If I had lost the weight then, I wouldn't have bad knees now. Yes you are a minor, but a 16 year old is old enough to understand the consequences of this decision, however, that is my opinion.

Herbert Said:

Best diet/lifestyle/recovery for major osteoarthritis in knee of 48 year old woman.?

We Answered:

I myself have had two hip replacements, due to osteoarthritis, and am overweight. I have lost about 45 pounds so far and now that I can walk better and exercise with my new hips it will be easier to continue to lose more weight.

Certainly there are many diets that can help you lose for a while. But the trick is to maintain the weight loss. So a lifestyle change is the only real solution. I am not going to say that this or that diet is the way to go, but here are a few suggestions:

--Eating a diet of anti-inflammatory foods and cutting out inflammatory foods helped me with pain and swelling in my joints as well as helping me drop weight. It is a very healthy diet and is good for prevention of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
--Cutting out all refined sugars, white breads and white pastas, etc.
--Cutting out all sodas.
--Cutting out fried and high fat foods.
--Eating snacks such as fruit (apples, pears -- high fiber) and nuts like walnuts (rich in Omega 3 fats which we need).
--Portion control.
--Exercise at least 3 times a week.
--Low impact exercise like walking, cycling or swimming.
All these things can help with your pain and weight loss and you can start with small changes and build up. Don't think of it as a diet. If you eat something "bad" some days -- don't worry. Just go back and do the best you can. There are times when you will want that pizza, so have it, but go back and go for the salmon and broccoli the next day. I also went gluten free and dairy free. But make sure you take a good multi vitamin and perhaps a fish oil supplement. Good luck with everything.

Keith Said:

Would my weight loss surgery be covered by insurance? (in Canada)?

We Answered:

health-quotes.isgreat.org - here is my health insurance plan. As I remember they can provide such a service.