Adolescent Bariatric Surgery at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

The Metabolic and Bariatric Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers surgery as a safe and effective treatment option for severe obesity and obesity-related health conditions in teens.

Bariatric surgery may be a good weight management option for your teen if they meet certain criteria. Our team carefully evaluates each patient to determine if they are a good candidate for surgery. The general criteria is as follow:

  1. Severe obesity - Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 120% of the 95th percentile for children with significant complications:
    • Diabetes
    • Obstructive sleep apnea
    • Hypertension
    • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri)
    • Non-alcoholic steatphelatitis
    • Blount’s disease
    • Gastroesophageal reflux

OR

  1. Severe obesity - BMI equal to or greater than 140% of the 95th percentile for children with significant complications or issues that impair quality of life or daily activities such as joint pain and physical functioning

How do I know my teen’s BMI?

BMI is calculated using your teen’s weight and height. You can determine your teen’s BMI by using the CDC’s BMI percentile Calculator.

We currently offer two procedure options. These include the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

What are some of the benefits of weight loss surgery?

The amount of weight lost will depend on your teen’s starting weight, health issues and ability to commit to dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Surgery may also help reverse obesity-related conditions such as prediabetes, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

What can you expect from the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center team?

Our bariatric team is committed to providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary obesity treatment for your teen. Our program includes:

  • Comprehensive medical and surgical evaluation
  • Nutrition counseling and education sessions with a registered dietitian
  • Behavioral evaluation with a specialized psychologist
  • Evaluation with our pediatric medical advisor
  • Specialized support groups

How do I set up a consultation?

To learn more about our program, please contact us at 973.322.9845.