Educational Media Reviews Online

The expert producers at NBC News have packed a lot into this 15 minute program on gastric bypass surgery for teens. News journalist Al Roker, a veteran of gastric bypass surgery, interviews two teenagers – one who had the surgery and another who is preparing for it. Weighing the Risks provides a brief overview of procedure, the risks – both physical and emotional, and the change in lifestyle resulting from the surgery.

Performing gastric bypass on teenagers is a controversial issue. Yet, the surgeon at New York Childrens Hospital at Montefiore suggests that by allowing young people to have the procedure, it will help prevent them from a life of chronic problems as an obese adult. With an epidemic of obesity plaguing youngsters in the U.S., more insurance companies are willing to pay for gastric bypass for teens. As more kids show up with “adult” problems associated with obesity such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acid reflux and joint problems, the preventative aspects of this surgery present a significant impact on health care.

This slick, news program excels, as one would expect from an NBC News production, at telling the emotional side of this procedure, both from the point of view of Jonathan LeBron, the 17 yr. old, 345 lb. young man who desperately wants a new beginning; and that of Michelle Parsons who lost 100 lbs and was blindsided by the huge hole having less food left in her life. It covers the basic facts, is easy to watch, and is a good length for classroom showings. However, it is a news program, and geared towards the general public, and so it is recommended for high school level health collections and those academic libraries supporting lower level nursing and social work programs. Comes with a teacher’s guide.