Weight Loss Surgery, Delaware Valley

Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, can help teens who are very overweight and face serious medical problems. At Nemours Children’s, our goal is to help teens not only lose weight but be healthier overall.

Our surgeons perform gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss. This involves removing a large part of the stomach to create a smaller one that holds less food. This operation is “laparoscopic.” That means we use very small cuts and a tiny camera to guide the procedure. Laparoscopic surgery may help your child heal faster.

We’re part of a recognized pediatric weight management program that’s one of the busiest and longest running in the country. We coordinate care with different specialists who are all working for your child’s success.

We consider your child’s physical health and emotional maturity too. For the weight loss surgery to be successful, we’ll fully involve your family in decision-making and follow-up care.

Your child may be a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery at Nemours if they:

• Are at least 14 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. 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