Long Beach Press Telegram

Together In Living Large

Health: Singer Carnie Wilson, Teen Share Weight Reduction Surgery Reactions. Kristopher Hanson
Staff writer

Singer Carnie Wilson had never met 15-year-old April Ward before Wednesday, but the two already shared a common history. Wilson, a famous songwriter who sold millions of albums as a member of Wilson Phillips, and Ward, a shy teenager from Pasadena, both know what it's like to be morbidly obese. The health problems, depression and insecurities that accompany the disease left both women physically and mentally distressed. Carnie had experienced it before undergoing bariatric bypass surgery five years ago, and April is still struggling with being overweight two months after having a similar operation.

On Wednesday, a six-months pregnant Wilson surprised Ward at a bariatric bypass seminar in Long Beach to present her with a courage award and talk with others who have already had the procedure or are awaiting it.

"You have so much to live for and look forward to,'' Wilson, who has lost more than 150 pounds since the operation, told Ward. "You absolutely saved your life by having this operation.''

In late November, suffering from joint problems, diabetes and pushing the scales at nearly 315 pounds, April underwent bariatric bypass surgery at Bellflower Medical Center. The 45-minute procedure, performed by doctors Shyam Dahiya and Stephen McColgan, dramatically reduced April's stomach size, thereby preventing her from eating more than a few ounces at a time for the remainder of her life.

Results since have been dramatic. April, who is believed to be the youngest patient to have the surgery in California, dropped more than 40 pounds from her 5-foot 5-inch frame and says she's more energetic and healthy than ever.

"I'm feeling really good, better than I have in a long time,'' Ward said. "I went to the mall last week for the first time in a long time and I could actually pick clothes off the rack that fit me. Believe it or not, that's a big deal for someone like me.''

Ward, who named Wilson as one of her inspirations for having the surgery, plans to keep in touch with Wilson via e-mail.

"Yes, she is young, but I'm so proud of her for making the decision to go through with it,'' Wilson said. "She'll be able to have a normal high school life and won't be suffering from all the weight-related problems that (morbidly obese) adults suffer from as she grows older.''

Bariatric surgery, which includes several forms of stomach-reducing surgery, is becoming more common among Americans looking to lose significant amounts of weight and keep it off. An estimated 140,000 people nationally underwent some form of obesity surgery in 2004, although figures for teenage patients are unavailable.

Still, teens like April are making up an increasing number of patients, experts say.