Growth & Weight Assessment
Reviewing weight, height, and body mass index in relation to age and sex, while monitoring changes over time.
Pediatric & Adolescent Obesity Care
Pediatric Obesity & Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Comprehensive evaluation and treatment of obesity in children and adolescents, with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy available for carefully selected adolescents with severe obesity following a thorough medical assessment.
Individualized care that begins with a comprehensive assessment and continues with long-term follow-up.
Understanding Pediatric Obesity
A Comprehensive Approach to Childhood & Adolescent Obesity
Obesity in children and adolescents is a complex chronic health condition influenced by multiple factors. It is not simply a matter of food intake or willpower. Genetics, lifestyle, sleep, environmental factors, certain medications, and medical conditions can all play a role.
A medical assessment helps determine the severity of obesity, identify contributing factors and obesity-related health problems, and develop an appropriate treatment plan for each child or adolescent.
Health Screening
Evaluating obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and sleep-related breathing problems.
Individualized Treatment
Selecting treatment according to age, obesity severity, overall health, and individual needs, including nutrition, physical activity, and medical follow-up.
Specialist Evaluation
When Should a Child or Adolescent Be Evaluated?
Specialist evaluation may be important when one or more of the following are present:
01
Severe or progressively increasing excess weight
02
Severe obesity during adolescence
03
Obesity-related health problems
04
Significant snoring or suspected sleep apnea
05
High blood pressure, abnormal glucose, or abnormal cholesterol
06
Fatty liver disease or other weight-related medical conditions
07
Inadequate improvement despite appropriate treatment and follow-up
Excess weight alone does not mean that a child needs surgery. Care begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation and selection of treatment according to obesity severity and overall health.
Surgery for Selected Patients
When May Sleeve Gastrectomy Be Considered?
Metabolic and bariatric surgery may be considered for carefully selected adolescents with severe obesity, particularly when obesity is significantly affecting health or is associated with important medical complications.
The decision is not based on body weight alone. A comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine whether surgery is appropriate and whether the adolescent and family are prepared for the nutritional, lifestyle, and long-term follow-up requirements after surgery.
Sleeve gastrectomy is not a routine treatment for every child with obesity. It is a treatment option that requires careful evaluation and appropriate patient selection.
The Procedure
What Is Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure in which a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, narrow stomach shaped like a sleeve.
The procedure reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and also affects hormonal signals involved in hunger and fullness.
It is typically performed through small incisions using laparoscopic surgical instruments and does not involve rerouting the intestines.
Minimally Invasive Approach
The operation is performed through small surgical incisions using a camera and specialized laparoscopic instruments.
Smaller Stomach Capacity
A portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach.
No Intestinal Bypass
Food continues through the normal intestinal pathway without creating an intestinal bypass.
What Are the Goals of Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents?
The goal is not simply to change the number on the scale. Treatment aims to address severe obesity and reduce its impact on an adolescent's current and long-term health.
Meaningful Weight Improvement
For appropriately selected adolescents, bariatric surgery can support substantial and sustained weight reduction when combined with long-term medical care and healthy lifestyle changes.
Improvement in Obesity-Related Conditions
Conditions associated with severe obesity, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, some forms of fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea, may improve following successful treatment.
Long-Term Health
Treating severe obesity during adolescence may reduce prolonged exposure to obesity-related health complications as the patient moves into adulthood.
Integrated Care
Your Child's Care Journey
Comprehensive Evaluation
Assessment of obesity severity, medical history, overall health, associated conditions, and the available treatment options.
Preparation & Treatment Planning
Review of nutrition, lifestyle, medical and psychological readiness, along with any investigations required if surgery is being considered.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
For appropriately selected patients, the procedure is performed laparoscopically after completing the necessary evaluation and preparation.
Long-Term Follow-Up
Ongoing monitoring of weight, nutrition, vitamins and minerals, general health, and lifestyle is an essential part of care after surgery.
Long-Term Follow-Up Is Part of the Treatment
Sleeve gastrectomy is major surgery and requires regular follow-up. Ongoing care may include dietary guidance, monitoring of vitamins and minerals, and assessment of weight, growth, and overall health.
As with any major operation, potential risks include bleeding, leakage, infection, and anesthesia-related complications. Some patients may also develop or experience worsening acid reflux or nutritional deficiencies. Long-term medical follow-up is therefore essential.
Does Your Child or Teen Need an Obesity Evaluation?
Start with a comprehensive medical assessment to understand obesity severity, identify associated health problems, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan, including whether surgical treatment should be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions