Helping Teens Shed Pounds
Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, can help teens who are very overweight and face serious medical problems. At Nemours Children’s, our goal is to help teens not only lose weight but be healthier overall.
Our surgeons perform gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss. This involves removing a large part of the stomach to create a smaller one that holds less food. This operation is “laparoscopic.” That means we use very small cuts and a tiny camera to guide the procedure. Laparoscopic surgery may help your child heal faster.
We’re part of a recognized pediatric weight management program that’s one of the busiest and longest running in the country. We coordinate care with different specialists who are all working for your child’s success.
We consider your child’s physical health and emotional maturity too. For the weight loss surgery to be successful, we’ll fully involve your family in decision-making and follow-up care.
Find Weight Loss Surgery Care From Nemours
Find the weight loss surgery specialist closest to you:
Nikki's Story
Nikki began to develop serious health problems because of her weight. She had liver disease, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome and more. Her family turned to Nemours for help. See how Nikki gained health and confidence after weight loss surgery.
Conditions & Treatments
Your child may be a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery at Nemours if they:
- Are at least 14 years old
- Are 100 or more pounds over their ideal body weight
- Have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight
- Have serious weight-related problems like diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and joint issues
Your child gets complete care at Nemours. As part of our weight loss surgery program, pre- and post-surgery services include:
- Psychological evaluations and counseling
- Nutritional counseling and education
- Exercise evaluations
- Personal training
Weight Loss Surgery From an Experienced Team
Successful weight loss surgery involves an expert team, and commitment and support from your teen and family. We’re here for you, every step of the way.
- Our team is highly skilled. Our team includes board-certified pediatric surgeons with special training in bariatric surgery, physician assistants and a nurse coordinator. We work with other weight management experts.
- We help teens get healthier. After gastric sleeve surgery, our patients usually eat a lot less, feel less hungry, and have better controlled blood sugar levels.
- Your family is supported along the journey. We help your teen adopt healthy habits to last a lifetime. We support your child and family well beyond surgery to improve weight loss success.
- We address your child’s emotional needs. We understand the challenges teens who are overweight can face. We offer support groups and counseling services.
- 175+ Number of weight loss surgeries performed
- 2007 Year we began our weight loss surgery program
- 98 Average weight loss in pounds one year after surgery
Access Research and Clinical Trials
Nemours is looking for new and better ways to help all kids become healthy and thrive. We’re involved with diabetes and obesity research and clinical trials. When you come here, your child may have access to care and insight not available everywhere.
Learn More
Come Talk to Us
Learn more about bariatric surgery at one of our monthly informational sessions. Call (302) 651-4730 to reserve your spot.
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