Weight Loss Surgery, Delaware Valley
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.
Nikki's Story
Nikki began to develop serious health problems because of her weight. She had liver disease, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome and more. Her family turned to Nemours for help. See how Nikki gained health and confidence after weight loss surgery.
What happens during weight loss surgery? Find answers from Nemours experts at KidsHealth.org.
Obesity puts kids at risk for medical problems that affect their health today, and in the future. Learn the risks and how to reduce them.
Conditions & Treatments
Your child may be a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery at Nemours 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. 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
Related Specialties
Weight Loss Surgery From an Experienced Team
Successful weight loss surgery involves an expert team, and commitment and support from your teen and family. We’re here for you, every step of the way.
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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.
Access Research and Clinical Trials
Nemours is looking for new and better ways to help all kids become healthy and thrive. We’re involved with diabetes and obesity research and clinical trials. When you come here, your child may have access to care and insight not available everywhere.
Come Talk to Us
Learn more about bariatric surgery at one of our monthly informational sessions. Call (302) 651-4730 to reserve your spot.