Helping Teens Be Healthier
Weight loss surgery, also called metabolic and bariatric surgery, can help teens who have severe obesity and are at risk for serious medical problems, such as diabetes, disability, heart disease and mental health issues. At Nemours Children’s, our goal is to help teens not only lose weight but be healthier overall.
Our surgeons perform laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss. This involves removing a large part of the stomach to create a smaller one that holds less food, and helps eliminate hormones that drive hunger. The term “laparoscopic” means we use very small cuts and a tiny camera to guide the procedure. Laparoscopic surgery may help your child heal faster.
Our work has been recognized for excellence — we’re the only pediatric weight management program and hospital accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) in the Delaware Valley to safely perform weight-loss surgery for teens.
We consider your child’s physical health and emotional maturity. For the weight loss surgery to be successful, we’ll fully involve your family in decision-making and follow-up care.
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Both in-person and video visits are available.
Weight Loss Surgery Expertise, Care and Compassion
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Come Talk to Us
Learn more about metabolic and bariatric surgery at one of our monthly informational sessions.
Call (302) 651-4730 to reserve your spot.
Why Choose Us?
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 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 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.
We’re part of a nationwide effort to improve pediatric surgical care. Our surgical centers in Deptford and at our hospital in Delaware have been recognized as a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons Children’s Surgery Verification Improvement Program.
Patient Story
In this video, you’ll meet Nikki, who began to develop very serious health issues because of her weight. Bariatric surgery is an option for some adolescents and teenagers who are dealing with health issues related to weight.
Conditions & Treatments
Your child may be a candidate for weight loss surgery at Nemours Children’s if they:
- Are at least 12 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 Children’s. 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
