Gastric Bypass Operation Can Save Girl With Rare Eating Disorder

Doctors have suggested that a gastric bypass operation can save a 12-year-old girl's life. The girl suffers from a rare eating disorder that has led to her gaining a lot of weight over a short period of time.

Alexis Shapiro, a 12 year old Texas girl underwent a brain surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. The surgery damaged her brain's hypothalamus, or pituitary gland, leading to a rare condition known as hypothalamic obesity. The disorder causes the young girl to think she is always hungry, which leads to her overeating. According to reports, Alexis currently weighs a little over 90 kilograms or 198 pounds. Her weight currently increases by a pound every week.  

"It is a beast and we have tried so hard to control it. But, it has been found that no amount of diet or exercise will stop this obesity," Alexis' mother Jenny Shapiro posted online, according to a Yahoo report. "Alexis has gained about 140lbs in not even 2yrs. It has been heartbreaking for her and for us. She cannot do the things she used to love."

Doctors have stated that a gastric bypass operation was an only way to save the girl's life. Else, the disorder would leave the girl fighting a lifelong battle against health and weight issues. Unfortunately, US military, who is the family's health insurance provider, refused to cover the $50,000 bill saying she is "too young".

"Our reviewers have denied your request for Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass," a rejection letter sent to the family this month reads, adding that Alexis must be 18 or have achieved full bone growth in order to be approved, according to an NBC News report.

With the help of crowd funding website Go Fund M, Alexis' family has been able to raise $53,000 for the surgery.

"Oh my!!! I can't believe this!" Jenny Shapiro posted on the page 'Hope for Alexis', Yahoo reported. "We are so grateful. I am going to contact the hospital on Monday. To find out if this will cover all the costs. Thank you to everyone who cares. Also I will set up a PO box for cards and letters. Alexis would love to get mail."