Manish Raiji, MD - 2024 Pediatric Bariatric Surgery Update Course

A 17-year-old cancer patient has a lot of influence on the decisions being made for her, unlike a neonate who has no autonomy.

The medical values of children as they become adults are influenced very heavily by their parents.

Children on Medicare and Medicaid are up to 2 times more likely to suffer from obesity, but comprise just over a third of patients obtaining bariatric services.

There is a large mismatch between the number of bariatric centers per state versus the prevalence of obesity in those states.

Children as young as 7 or 8 years of age require assent, especially for invasive procedures.

Most guidelines suggest no age limits for the performance of bariatric surgery.

Children with intellectual and developmental delays are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to have obesity because of medications, behavioral issues, and dietary issues.

Bariatric surgery should be thought of as a very effective strategy and more as a primary therapy rather than an endpoint to a spectrum of failed other options.

Obesity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations that don't have the same kind of insurance access.

Addressing disparities in bariatric surgery access involves state and federal level advocacy.

The societal bias that obesity is a personal choice is the first barrier that leads people not to seek any kind of care or treatment.

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for sleep apnea is only 35% effective in kids with obesity.