Adolescent Bariatric Surgery

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital ranks in all ten pediatric specialties, and more than any other hospital in the metro New York area according to the 2013-2014 U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals rankings.

Jeffrey L. Zitsman, MD

Director, Division of Adolescent Bariatric Surgery

The Center for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary weight management program that includes:

health and metabolic screening
nutritional guidance, dietary management, and education
individualized exercise programs
laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
ongoing follow-up

The prevalence of childhood obesity has risen dramatically in the past several decades.The causes of obesity-which include genetic, biological, behavioral and cultural factors-can result from:

poor eating habits
lack of exercise
family history of obesity
medical illnesses and/or medications
stressful life events
family and peer problems
low self-esteem, depression or other emotional problems

Children who are obese are at risk for developing lifelong physical and emotional problems. These include Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, trouble breathing, difficulty sleeping, and degenerative joint disorders. Teenagers who have weight problems tend to have lower self-esteem and can develop depression, anxiety and other psychological issues. Studies also show that the majority of children and adolescents who are obese remain obese as adults.

Our concerned and empathetic staff is dedicated to helping adolescents who are obese lose weight when conventional methods have been unsuccessful. Our surgical team has extensive experience in laparoscopic bariatric surgery and long-term management of patients in a supportive and caring environment.