12:08 PM CDT on Monday, October 18, 2004

By Ellen Durckel / 11 News Medical Producer

An area teenager is so obese that he is routinely sent home from school because of health problems.

He was supposed to have weight-loss surgery, but days before, the insurance company refused to pay.

But thanks to good old-fashioned Houston generosity, all was not lost.

KHOU-TV

Brandon Bennett, 16, will have a gastric bypass surgery donated by the Obesity Surgery Specialists in the Heights.

In just nine days 16-year-old Brandon Bennett will have a gastric bypass surgery donated by the Obesity Surgery Specialists in the Heights.

He has dreams of life after the weight loss.

"I'd like to do stuff with my friends like ride bikes and skateboard and just have fun with them," said Brandon Bennett, weighing in at 408 pounds.

His surgery will use staples to create a small stomach that will restrict the amount of food he can consume.

"He can expect to reasonably lose probably close to 100 pounds within the first three months and up to 70 percent of his excess body weight within a year to 18 months," said Laurie Cantrell, Bariatric Program Director, Obesity Surgery Specialists.

For his parents the weight loss will mean an end to their son's high blood pressure, sleep apnea and a close call with type 2 diabetes.

"We look forward to getting some motorcycles and going on a motorcycle ride together. That's one of Brandon's dreams and I'm all about his dreams," said Michael Bennett, father.

"I would love to see him have a date to the senior prom. I would love to see him be able to get a job. When he wants. He looked all summer and nobody would hire him," said Allison Bennett, mother.

For the next year Brandon will meet with a dietitian each week and attend a support group.

He will not be able to eat any solid food that is not ground up and will not be able to drink any fluids when he eats. He will have to omit all sugar and fat in his diet and limit his snacking.

"I just want to fit in with everybody else," said Brandon.