Who Is a Candidate for Adolescent Weight Loss Surgery?

To be considered for Weight Loss Surgery, adolescents must:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater with two severe obesity-related illnesses or a BMI of 50 or greater with two less severe obesity-related illnesses.
• Be at least 13 (girls) or 15 (boys) years of age and have a Tanner stage of at least IV.
• Have actively participated for a minimum of six consecutive months in a multidisciplinary pediatric weight management program including medical evaluation, counseling, education, diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications.
• Receive approval from our review committee which is comprised of pediatric surgeons, pediatricians, psychologist, physician assistant, social worker, exercise physiologist, and a dietitian.

Weight Loss Surgery is not an option for patients with the following conditions: Pregnancy or lactation, active substance abuse, end stage cardiovascular disease, anorexia, severe or uncontrolled psychiatric disorders.