At Children’s National Hospital, our Bariatric Surgery Program performs weight-loss surgery for children and adolescents and provides a range of support services to help your family achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Childhood obesity is a complex condition that dramatically increases the risk of other serious health problems, such as diabetes, disability, heart disease and mental health issues. If your child has tried different weight-loss methods without success, weight-loss surgery is a treatment option that can help children and adolescents achieve better health when combined with lifestyle changes.
Our Providers
Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.
Contact Information
For appointments, please call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327) and for information, call 202-476-2150.
Choosing Children's National for Bariatric Surgery
We know that weight-loss surgery is not a decision you and your child are making lightly. Together with your family, Children's National helps to create a strong support system to help patients come to an informed decision, make the important lifestyle changes, and even adjust their new bodies after weight loss surgery. Highlights of our program include:
- Dedicated multidisciplinary team. Children’s National performs over 100 pediatric bariatric surgery cases each year. Our surgeons are board-certified in both general surgery and pediatric surgery. Additionally, our team includes a wide range of pediatric weight-loss specialists who understand that children are not simply “younger-adults.” We work with each other and with your family to provide the best outcome possible. Meet our team.
- Level 1 Surgery Verification. We have attained Level 1 Surgery Verification from the American College of Surgeons, a distinction that recognizes surgery centers that have improved surgical quality, prevented complications, reduced costs and saved lives.
- Personalized care. Your child may have their own questions about bariatric surgery and their post-surgery bodies. Our team includes child psychologists who can talk to your child and address any questions or concerns he or she may have. In addition, we will develop a personalized lifestyle and follow-up plan for your child to adhere to both before and after weight-loss surgery.
- Family-focused. We strongly emphasize family education, and we encourage family members to be active participants in the healthcare team.
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
At Children’s National, we provide children and adolescents with a safe, effective surgery and successful outcome. After a year, our patients lose an average of 70-100 pounds (sometimes more). In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, bariatric surgery reduces the risk of developing other diseases.
If you are considering weight-loss surgery for your child or teenager, we recommend that you talk to one of our pediatric surgical specialists. We also recommend you do the weight-loss surgery earlier rather than later since children will continue to gain weight as they grow, lessening the benefits of the surgery.
Learn more about:
Eligibility Criteria for Bariatric Surgery Procedures
Types of Bariatric Surgeries
Multidisciplinary Bariatric Surgery Care Team
Additional Contact Information
For urgent assistance outside of business hours, please call 202-476-5000.
Bariatric Surgery Consultation Request
This form is for families who are interested in learning more about our weight-loss surgery program for adolescents. The purpose of this form is to give our staff some information to move forward with you and your child in your journey to better health. For more information, please call us.
Patient Stories
- Renesha's Story
When Renesha came to Children's at 19-years-old, she weighed 286 pounds. Now, after her treatment through the Obesity Program, she's a self-proclaimed "health freak," encouraging her family and friends to work out and eat healthy with her.
Family Resources
At Children's National, we are dedicated to supporting families and caregivers every step of the way on their treatment journey. Get answers to your questions about childhood obesity and the weight-loss surgery process.