Record numbers of overweight teens are turning to surgery to help them lose serious pounds. Doctors are concerned that youth may think the operation is a quick fix to their weight problems. In reality, it can take longer than dieting and exercise. Bariatric surgery is designed for folks who are grossly overweight, and doctors never perform it on teens who haven’t gone through puberty as the operation can mess with bone growth and sexual maturity. “This is not a cosmetic procedure,” says Dr. Marc Michalsky from Columbus, Ohio. “Most of these kids actually are quite sick, and they feel quite sick.” In addition, would-be patients also must undergo some psychological testing before the operation, and families are studied to determine if they’ll be able to give support to their children who suffer through the dietary and lifestyle changes the operation will require. The lifestyle changes are drastic. “My body was different day to day,” says 19-year-old Michelle Montanti, who had the surgery four years ago when she weighed 250 pounds. “One day I could tolerate mac and cheese; the next day I was throwing up. It’s a really hard transition.” (CNN)