Proven weight loss results for teens

Teens who go through our program generally experience more success than is possible without surgery.

Research shows that making diet and exercise changes typically helps people lose 3% to 5% of their overall body weight. But teens experiencing obesity often need to lose more than that.

Metabolic and Bariatric surgery can be a great tool for a teenager to take better control of their health. This is because the long-term success of surgery depends on developing healthier habits. We work on those habits for months before surgery – and for years after surgery. Teens who have surgery and follow our program’s guidelines typically:

• Lose 25% to 50% of their body weight, in 6 to 12 months after surgery.

• Have an 80% decrease in weight-related health issues. These can include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep-disordered breathing.

A judgment-free approach to weight management

Many factors can contribute to obesity. These factors can include a person’s metabolism and family history. It also includes how hard it can be to find or pay for healthier foods. Our team looks at obesity through all these issues compassionately.

Our approach starts with a full evaluation of each adolescent’s mental and physical health. This helps us understand which factors are contributing to their obesity. For example, our evaluation may include understanding how other health conditions or medications affect a patient’s metabolism. It could also include a genetic test or a sleep study to identify underlying genetic disorders or sleep issues.

When a teenager comes to our program, they get the benefit of an expert team that includes:

• Surgeons: Our specially-trained bariatric surgeon evaluates over a 100 patients per year and, with low complication rates.

• A program coordinator: Our coordinator is a physician assistant who serves as your go-to person to answer all your questions. This helps you know what to expect from surgery – and gives you support at every step of the way.

• Endocrinologists: Our pediatric endocrinologists evaluate teens for hormone imbalances and metabolic problems that can contribute to weight problems.

• Dietitians: Our dietitian helps patients find recipes they like, plan meals and identify healthy, affordable alternatives to unhealthy foods. They also help you closely follow our eating guidelines before and after surgery.

• Social workers: Our social workers provide mental health support and financial support. They also help teens learn how to manage stress in a healthy way, which can lead to a healthier relationship with food.

• Psychologists: Our psychologists provide counseling for bullying or self-esteem issues. They can also help with trauma or difficult family issues.

Long-term support to stay on track

Life can get hectic, and we know staying on track with healthy food choices can be difficult at times. If you or your teenager need support with staying focused on your goals, we’re always here for you.

After surgery, our team does everything we can to help keep the healthy momentum going. We see each patient regularly, talk about what they're eating and give them tips on how to stay healthy.

We help every teen and their family stay motivated and supported by offering:

• Convenient, home monitoring of weight, diet and exercise.

• Ongoing visits with our program coordinator, social worker and dietitian.

• Ongoing visits with our psychologist as needed

• A full five years of follow-up care.

Many times, our ongoing support has a ripple effect through an entire family. Many families start eating healthier together and doing things like taking family walks after dinner.