Adolescent Bariatric Surgery

For some teenagers with severe levels of obesity, behavior change and weight loss are not enough to prevent serious, life-long health problems. For these teens, bariatric (weight loss) surgery may help.

Brenner Children’s Hospital has the only dedicated Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program in North Carolina. Pediatric Surgeons work in conjunction with the Brenner FIT Program to offer surgery to teens that have demonstrated commitment to behavior change and weight loss, but who’s health has not improved. To be a candidate for bariatric surgery, teens must participate in intensive weight management (as offered through Brenner FIT) for a minimum of 4 months and demonstrate compliance with treatment. They must also have reached full adult height and finished puberty (usually 13 years old for girls, 15 years old for boys), be morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2), and have a serious co-morbidity (diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure).

For more information, contact the Brenner FIT Program, or ask to discuss bariatric surgery during your first visit to the program.