At Nemours, we offer bariatric (or weight loss) surgery as a treatment option for severely (morbidly) obese teens — those who qualify and who haven’t had success losing the weight on a doctor-approved diet and exercise plan. Children and teens are considered obese when their body mass index (or BMI — a calculation of weight and height that estimates body fat) is at or above the 95th percentile, as compared to other children the same age, height, and gender nationwide.

On average, a patient who had a BMI of 53 (which would be considered very obese) and weighed 321 pounds before the operation would see these kinds of drops in BMI and weight in the first year after the surgery at Nemours:

• At 1 month: BMI of 51 and weight of 305 pounds
• At 3 months: BMI of 49 and weight of 292 pounds
• At 6 months: BMI of 47 and weight of 280 pounds
• At 12 months (1 year): BMI of 43 and weight of 256 pounds

Not only do teens see a change in their appearance, many who undergo bariatric surgery with us also find relief from other co-existing conditions that often come with being morbidly obese — like diabetes, depression, gastroesophageal reflux, and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Bariatric surgery at Nemours is performed with a team of experienced, specialty-trained pediatric anesthesiologists and surgeons in the safest environment. And our Weight Management Program at Nemours works with your child and your family to create a lifestyle that promotes a healthier weight not just now, but for the long haul.