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Adolescent weight loss patient sharing image pre-surgery

Adolescent Weight-Loss Surgery Program

phone 954-276-1440
Obesity can be difficult to treat with diet and exercise alone. For teens with obesity, frustration with their weight may be coupled with related health and social issues as well. We understand how challenging that can make the teen years.

At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, we want teens to be healthy and happy. That’s why we offer an adolescent weight-loss surgery program especially for teens ages 15-17* — the first of its kind in South Florida.

Is weight-loss surgery the next step? Call for an appointment with our team of weight-loss expert:

954-276-1440

Helping Teens Take Control of Their Health

Our goal with this program is to help teens with obesity enjoy healthier and more active lives. For teens, weight-loss surgery can:

  • Increase self-esteem
  • Improve or eliminate Type II diabetes
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduce cholesterol
  • Improve or resolve sleep apnea
Bariatric surgery is not for everyone. It requires understanding and making a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle. When weight-loss surgery is the right option for a teen, our team of experts can help with a supportive, compassionate program that teens and their families can trust.
Our Nation-Leading Adolescent Weight-Loss Program

Our Nation-Leading Adolescent Weight-Loss Program

Adolescent Weight-Loss: Frequently Asked Questions

Am I Eligible for Adolescent Weight-Loss Surgery?
The following requirements need to be met in order to be eligible for adolescent weight-loss surgery. Call our office for a consult.
  • Ages 15-17*
  • Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or 35-39 with other significant medical conditions
  • Failure to lose weight with physician-guided diets and exercise regimens

*With parental consent

If Eligible, What Should I Expect?

If adolescent weight-loss surgery is determined to be right for a teen with obesity, he or she starts the 4-6 month program:

  • Pre-Op Treatment – personalized care plan, testing and assessment, including with a behavioral specialist
  • Pre-Op Education – review of dietary requirements and process
  • Surgery – gastric sleeve, which removes about 75% of the stomach
  • Post-Op Treatment – follow-ups with surgeon, dietitian, mental health professional and others as needed
  • Ongoing Support – teen-specific support groups
Ryan, who had weight-loss surgery in his late teens

Ryan's Bariatric Surgery

Adolsescent weight-loss surgery helped Ryan, who at age 16 and 308 pounds, had significant health issues that were unresolved by diets and exercise.

Read More

Our Team of Experts

We provide comprehensive care and expertise for the physical and mental well-being of the teen. Our adolescent weight-loss surgery team includes:

  • Bariatric Surgeon
  • Dietitian
  • Pediatric Endocrinologist
  • Mental Health Professional
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Pediatric Cardiologist
  • Pediatric Pulmonologist
  • Patient Navigator

Is weight-loss surgery the next step? Call for an appointment with our team of weight-loss expert:

954-276-1440
Nutrition Before & After Weight-Loss Surgery

Nutrition Before & After Weight-Loss Surgery

Learn about diet and lifestyle changes to prepare for, and transition through, adolescent weight-loss surgery.
Frequently Asked Adolescent Weight-Loss Questions

Frequently Asked Adolescent Weight-Loss Questions

Watch to learn answers to frequently asked questions about adolescent weight-loss surgery.
Adolescent Weight-Loss Surgery - Ryan's Story

Adolescent Weight-Loss Surgery - Ryan's Story

See how Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Adolescent Weight-Loss surgery program helped Ryan lose the weight he couldn’t.
What to Expect for Adolescent Weight-Loss Surgery

What to Expect for Adolescent Weight-Loss Surgery

Doctors with our Adolescent Weight-Loss Program, explain what to expect for weight-loss surgery.
Our Nation-Leading Adolescent Weight-Loss Program

Our Nation-Leading Adolescent Weight-Loss Program

Learn about one of the few formal adolescent weight-loss programs in the country at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

It matters to you. It matters to us.

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