Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital?
To be considered for bariatric surgery at Texas Children’s, adolescents must meet all of the following criteria:

• Have reached physical and psychological maturity
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater
• Have significant obesity-related co-morbidity, including but not limited to conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, joint disease and fatty liver disease
• Unsuccessful in attempts at medically supervised participation in two separate weight loss programs.

Why should I choose Texas Children’s Hospital to treat my child?
Texas Children’s Hospital has more than 50 years of experience in caring for the health of children. Our Center for Comprehensive Surgical Management of Adolescent Obesity is devoted to adolescents and their special needs. The center is at the forefront of providing bariatric surgical care for adolescents. In fact, our surgical director and
bariatric surgeon, Dr. Mary L. Brandt serves on the national committee of physicians and researchers charged with establishing the "gold standard" for adolescent bariatric surgery.

What type of surgery do Texas Children’s pediatric bariatric surgeons perform?
Our surgeons perform the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, a less-invasive procedure known for its reliable results for improved health and its greater success at achieving long-lasting weight loss.

Does Texas Children’s program provide ongoing support after surgery?
Yes, our team is dedicated to your child not only before surgery but also after. Follow-up care is one of the hallmarks of our program. Texas Children’s bariatric surgery program includes a 10-year commitment to ongoing, comprehensive care, including nutritional and psychological support.

Can I refer my child or does my child’s doctor have to do so?
We accept both self-referrals and referrals from your child’s doctor.