Retrospective single-center study of 76 patients aged 10–25 years (mean 22.6 years) who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy 59%, RYGB 37%, SADI-S 4%) at an ASMBS-accredited center in Louisiana between January 2020 and March 2025, with mean follow-up of 16 months (range 1–48).
At 1 year, mean total weight loss (TWL) was 29.4% (69% follow-up); 29.7% at 2 years; 32.0% at 3–5 years. Type 2 diabetes remission occurred in 94% (15/16 with data). Hypertension and dyslipidemia improved in 67% each. Thirty-day complication rate was 5%, reoperation rate 4%, and there was no mortality at 30 days or 1 year.
- Single-center retrospective design with only 76 patients limits generalizability. - Substantial loss to follow-up (50% retention at 3–5 years); outcomes likely reflect a selected, better-performing subgroup. - Only 12% of the cohort was under age 18, so results should not be generalized to younger adolescents specifically.
Bariatric surgery in adolescents and young adults (up to age 25) with severe obesity appears safe and effective, with low perioperative risk and high rates of T2D remission—consider it for eligible patients with class II–III obesity and serious comorbidities, supported by a multidisciplinary team. Be aware that follow-up attrition is a real-world challenge and reported outcomes may overestimate benefits in the full cohort.
Explore related topics
