Adolescent Bariatric Surgery

Texas Children's Program for Comprehensive Surgical Management of Adolescent Obesity

OPRAH features Texas Children's On her Feb. 4 show, Oprah featured Dr. Mary Brandt and how the Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program is saving the lives of teens battling obesity. Visit Oprah.com to learn more about one patient’s journey, see photos and read more about the show.   Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Main page Treatment team About Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery Frequently asked questions Bariatric support group See also Pediatric Surgery Center Research My Pyramid.gov Small Talk, Bariatric Surgery Newsletter (pdf)
Criteria for considering  adolescents for surgery Adolescents who have reached physical and psychological maturity; Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater; Significant obesity-related co-morbidity, including but not limited to conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, joint disease and fatty liver disease; and Unable to lose weight after 6 months of supervised participation in two separate behavioral or medical weight loss programs.
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Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Comprehensive Surgical Management of Adolescent Obesity is devoted to adolescents and their special needs. The center is at the forefront of providing bariatric surgical care for adolescents.

Our pediatric surgeons perform the less-invasive laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, which is known for its reliable results for improved health and its greater success at achieving long-lasting weight loss. Our patients’ outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive in all surgeries performed since the center began operations in 2005.

How we're different
At Texas Children’s Hospital, a multidisciplinary board of physicians, surgeons and medical professionals collaborate in recommending the best medical option for each individual patient. They offer expertise in the areas of gastroenterology, pulmonary, cardiology, endocrine, psychology, gynecology, anesthesia, and more.

We strive to ensure the relationship between professional staff and patients is supportive and individualized. It involves a 10-year commitment to ongoing, comprehensive care, including nutritional and psychological support.

Why bariatric surgery may be necessary
One in five American children are overweight or obese, according to the National Institutes of Health. Morbid obesity can predispose patients to other medical conditions (called “co-morbidities”) that if left untreated are potentially life threatening. Recent studies show that:

• A child who is obese by age 12 has more than a 75 percent chance of becoming an obese adult.
• Overweight children and adolescents have higher risk factors for type II diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• The most immediate consequence of being an overweight child is psychological problems, including poor self-esteem and depression.

Bariatric surgery may be required to reverse these life altering and life-threatening co-morbidities and getting started on the path to lifelong health.

Referral and insurance information
The center welcomes inquiries from patients and health care providers. We do accept self referrals, but prefer that you work with your child's primary care physician to obtain a referral. Please note: Organized attempts at weight loss are required for evaluation. Patients who do not meet this requirement may contact Texas Children's Nutritional Services and Weigh of Life programs for help at 832-822-2778.

Bariatric surgery for adolescents is covered by some insurance plans. Once a patient is determined to be a candidate for surgery, our nurse case manager will contact his or her insurance plan to obtain authorization of benefits.