Comprehensive Weight Loss Surgery for Adolescents
CHRISTUS Children’s Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic is here to support your teen on their journey toward a healthier life. Our clinic provides personalized care and guidance to help adolescents achieve their weight loss goals in a safe and supportive environment.
Our unique program in San Antonio offers inpatient and outpatient surgery services for qualified teens ages 12-19.
Directed by Ann O’Connor, MD, a specialist with expertise in pediatric bariatric surgery, the bariatric program focuses on the unique medical, behavioral, nutritional, and psychological needs of each patient.
Hours & Locations
Children's - Adolescent Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Clinic
Does My Child Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?
If your teenager is suffering from obesity and obesity-related medical conditions, weight loss surgery may be the solution that leads to a healthier, happier life. Due to the complex nature of bariatric surgery, strict criteria must be met to ensure the long-term success of the procedure and recovery.
Qualifications may include:
- Is 12-19 years old
- Commitment to the preparation and aftercare of the procedure
- Has obesity-related medical conditions
- Has undergone unsuccessful medical weight loss interventions
- Has BMI in the 95th percentile or greater
- Passes medical, psychological, behavioral, and dietary evaluations
- Willingness and capability to comply with rigorous dietary, exercise, and medical guidelines
- Has familial support and realistic expectations of weight-loss results
Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program
Our program offers a tailored approach to obesity treatment, including comprehensive care before, during, and after treatment for long-term health improvements.
As a patient of CHRISTUS Children’s, your child will experience:
- Improved health
- Enhanced quality of life
- Increased lifespan
- Sustainable weight loss
- Comprehensive support
- Customized treatment
- Psychological support
- Multidisciplinary approach
- Long-term follow-up care
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Working together to address the different causes and effects of your child’s obesity, your care team members may include:
- Pediatric surgeon
- Bariatric coordinator
- Physical therapist
- Psychologists
- Social worker
- Registered dietitian
These experts work together to provide your child with an individualized treatment plan, tailored to their needs. From education and support to surgical options, when necessary, our team is here to help your team every step of the way.
Psychological Support
At CHRISTUS Children’s, our Pediatric Psychology Clinic is here to support your child on their journey with bariatric surgery. Working closely with the Bariatrics Clinic, our psychologists ensure your teenager is mentally and emotionally prepared for this life-changing step.
From your initial visit to follow-up sessions that focus on mindful eating and stress management, our approach is tailored to meet your child's unique needs. We provide psychology clearance to confirm your child is ready for surgery and offer post-op visits to help them recover and adapt smoothly. Our holistic care addresses your teenager's mind, body and spirit, building a foundation for a healthier, happier life and fostering a community committed to your child's success.
What to Expect
Consultation
During your first consultation, your bariatric surgeon and bariatric dietitian will complete a thorough medical evaluation. This will include lab work, a body mass index, or BMI measurement, and metabolic condition screening. Based on these tests, additional medical conditions or issues will be addressed.
This appointment will also serve as a consultation for our other specialists, to ensure your child receives a personalized comprehensive care plan.
Our physical therapist will provide a customized home exercise program that works with your child’s schedule and lifestyle. Our social worker and psychologist will work with your family to provide guidance to manage stress, initiate behavior change where needed, and address any existing or expected mental health concerns. They will also provide support resources for your family.
Throughout the process, our team will work with your child’s primary care provider to obtain any necessary referrals for specialty care.
This appointment typically lasts one to two hours.
Follow-up Visits to Prepare for Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a complex procedure that takes dedicated preparation, especially for growing teenagers.
After the initial consultation, our medical team will meet with your child monthly to provide guidance and ensure preparation is on the right track. Success takes time and effort, and results vary by patient.
During the process, patients and their families learn to:
- Choose the right forms of exercise
- Fuel their body with the proper diet
- Form healthy habits to improve their long-term health and wellness
Surgical Procedure
Once your teenager has met the pre-operative qualifications set by their doctor, you will schedule your bariatric surgery. Your medical team will walk you through the details of your child’s procedure, including how to prepare for the surgery, what to expect upon hospital admission and immediate postoperative care.