Supporting a Healthier Future
Helping your teen achieve a healthy weight is about more than numbers — it’s about nurturing their confidence, energy and overall health and well-being. At AdventHealth, we offer personalized, age-appropriate weight-care programs that support your child’s whole health — body, mind and spirit. Whether they’re just beginning their journey or need extra support after trying other methods, our team is here to walk alongside your family with expert guidance, encouragement and care tailored to their unique needs.
Your Teen’s Path to Lasting Weight Loss
- Navigating Bariatric Surgery Decisions for Teens
-
Choosing bariatric surgery as a teen is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration and expert guidance. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with teens and their families to evaluate each individual’s health needs, emotional readiness and long-term goals. Together, we provide education, compassionate support and a personalized plan to help young patients build a foundation for lasting wellness and confidence.
- Qualifying for Bariatric Surgery
-
Every teen is different, and weight-loss surgery isn’t right for everyone. For some, though, it can be a helpful option when healthy eating and exercise haven’t been enough to reach or maintain a healthier weight.
- Generally, your child must be at least 16 years old, though younger teens are occasionally accepted
- To qualify for bariatric surgery, patients must be recommended for bariatric surgery by our bariatric care team after undergoing an evaluation process
- If your teen has not already completed a similar program, they'll be entered into a six-month surgical preparatory program and receive nutrition counseling, fitness tips and behavior and lifestyle coaching
- Your teen must be over their ideal body weight (BMI greater than 40/kg/M2 or BMI greater than 35 kg/M2 with medical problems, such as diabetes, sleep apnea or high cholesterol)
- We also use percentile of BMI; obesity of >99 percentile of BMI for age or severe obesity of >120 percentile of BMI for age
Long-Term Weight-Loss Success Starts With Lasting Support
If your teen has tried other weight-loss methods for severe obesity without success, adolescent bariatric surgery is a procedure that, when combined with lifestyle changes, can help achieve the desired results and improve health.
We understand that deciding on a weight-loss procedure is not a choice you and your family make lightly. Rest assured that our evaluation for adolescent bariatric surgery is extensive. Your involvement as the parent or guardian is both essential and required.
Our expert team works with each teen and family over six months to provide important information and guidance, watching for the behavior changes required for long-term success. During this preparatory process, your teen will receive comprehensive support, including the following:
- Registered dietitian visits and access to behavioral health specialists
- An individual consultation with a pediatric psychologist
- A structured fitness program with an exercise physiologist (your family’s participation is highly recommended)
- Ongoing visits with the surgeon, advanced practice providers and other members of the clinical team
Our team will be standing by you and your child throughout every step, ensuring personalized, compassionate care and lasting results.
Our Expert, Dedicated to You
John Gonzalvo, DO, is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in adult and adolescent bariatric surgery. He is dedicated to improving the overall health of the Tampa Bay community. Along with a team of providers, he offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program and applies a customized approach to improving the well-being of every patient.
FAQs About Bariatric Surgery for Teens
-
Q:Question: What are the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery for adolescents?
A:Answer:Every adolescent has unique risk factors for weight-loss surgery, but there are many lifelong benefits as well.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerRisks to Know
All risks will be assessed, evaluated and communicated before surgery, including short- and long-term risks like:
- Bleeding and leakage risk
- Development of other health conditions
- Infection at the surgical site
- Nutritional deficiency concerns
- Weight regain
The care we provide is customized to each child’s unique situation, and we’ll work with your child and family to weigh the risks against the benefits.
Meaningful Benefits
While weight loss is the primary benefit associated with bariatric surgery, there are other important long-term benefits. With bariatric surgery, we see a large improvement in comorbidities, or health issues, associated with obesity.
Results can vary from patient to patient, but research shows there is evidence for:
- Better lifestyle choices
- Greater physical activity
- Improved kidney function
- Improved self-confidence
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduction of dyslipidemia (lipid imbalance)
- Type 2 diabetes resolution
-
Q:Question: Does my adolescent need to try weight-loss medication first?
A:Answer:We know that considering weight-loss surgery for your teen or young person is a deeply personal decision — and one that deserves thoughtful guidance. That’s why we start by understanding their past experiences with weight loss and exploring more conservative options first, to make sure we’re choosing the path that’s right for them.
While some weight-loss medications may be approved for adolescents, it’s important to consult with a trusted care provider before starting any treatment. Our experienced team will work closely with your family to evaluate whether medical weight loss is appropriate, always keeping your child’s whole health — body, mind and spirit — at the center of every decision.
-
Q:Question: Can bariatric surgery help reduce NASH in teenagers?
A:Answer:Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, is caused by fat buildup in the liver and is commonly linked with obesity. Because weight-loss surgery can lead to a lower BMI and improved health outcomes, it can be part of a well-rounded NASH treatment plan. Our teams have the expertise to treat NASH in teenagers. We’ll help you decide whether a conservative solution or surgery will be the best method for your teen.
-
Q:Question: Can weight-loss surgery help my teen’s PCOS?
A:Answer:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition associated with increased obesity rates. Losing weight has been shown to decrease symptoms of PCOS, though clinical research studies specific to bariatric weight-loss strategies for adolescents with PCOS are currently limited. We’ll evaluate their condition to determine the best treatment options to meet their needs.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier You
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help your teen live their best life — more energized, confident and empowered. To schedule an appointment, call us at Call833-783-5335 to speak with one of our team members and start their journey to better health.