{"id":44300,"date":"2026-02-13T08:32:45","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T08:32:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/weight-loss-surgery-for-kids-and-teenagers-updated-medical-guidelines-you-should-know\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T08:32:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T08:32:45","slug":"weight-loss-surgery-for-kids-and-teenagers-updated-medical-guidelines-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/weight-loss-surgery-for-kids-and-teenagers-updated-medical-guidelines-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Weight Loss Surgery for Kids and Teenagers: Updated Medical Guidelines You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Deciding on\u00a0weight loss surgery for a child or teenager is a significant step that requires careful consideration and expert medical advice. As rates of severe childhood obesity continue to rise, more families are exploring this option. However,\u00a0it&#8217;s\u00a0not a decision to be made lightly. There\u00a0are\u00a0specific,\u00a0established\u00a0<\/span>guidelines for weight loss surgery for kids and teenagers<span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0designed to ensure the procedure is safe, effective, and\u00a0appropriate for\u00a0the individual. Understanding these criteria is the first step for any parent or guardian considering this path for their child&#8217;s long-term health and well-being.\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Log on to\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/bariatric\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/doralhw.org\/specialties\/bariatric\/<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to\u00a0know more about weight loss.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Core Guidelines for Weight Loss Surgery for Kids and Teenagers<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Bariatric surgery is not a first-line treatment.\u00a0It&#8217;s\u00a0typically recommended only after other methods, such as medically supervised diet and exercise programs, have failed to produce meaningful results. A qualified\u00a0<\/span>bariatric doctor<span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0will lead a comprehensive evaluation to\u00a0determine\u00a0if a young person is a suitable candidate. The American Academy of Pediatrics has outlined clear criteria to help guide this decision-making process.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">BMI and Health-Related Criteria<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/bmi-your-complete-guide-to-understanding-your-metabolism\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Body\u00a0Mass Index (BMI)<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is\u00a0a primary factor in\u00a0determining\u00a0eligibility. The guidelines\u00a0generally recommend\u00a0considering surgery for adolescents who have:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A BMI of 35 or higher, along with a significant obesity-related health problem. These conditions can include type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or severe fatty liver disease.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A BMI of 40 or higher, even with less severe health complications.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">These BMI thresholds help\u00a0identify\u00a0teens whose weight poses a serious and immediate threat to their health, making the potential benefits of surgery outweigh the risks.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Physical and Psychological Readiness<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Beyond physical metrics, a teenager&#8217;s maturity and psychological readiness are just as important.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Physical Maturity:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0The candidate should have reached or be close to reaching their final adult height. This typically occurs around age 13 for girls and 15 for boys. This ensures that the surgery does not interfere with their natural growth and development.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Psychological Maturity:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0The adolescent must be able to understand the surgery, its risks, and the lifelong commitment\u00a0required\u00a0afterward. This includes adhering to strict dietary changes, vitamin supplementation, and regular follow-up appointments. A psychological evaluation is a standard part of the assessment process.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Team<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The decision-making and treatment process should always involve a team of specialists at a reputable facility, such as a Doral Health and Wellness <\/span>bariatric clinic in Brooklyn, NY. The team approach ensures comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of the patient&#8217;s health. The team usually includes:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A\u00a0<\/span>bariatric doctor<span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0or surgeon with experience in adolescent procedures.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A pediatrician or adolescent medicine specialist.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A registered\u00a0dietitian.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This collaborative approach provides the necessary support system for the teen and their family before, during, and long after the surgery.\u00a0It helps ensure the patient can successfully navigate the physical and emotional adjustments required for long-term success.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Choosing weight loss surgery is a journey that requires commitment from the entire family.\u00a0If you feel your child may be a candidate, the next step is to seek a professional evaluation.\u00a0Consulting with the experts at a dedicated\u00a0<\/span>bariatric clinic in Brooklyn, NY,<span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0can provide clarity and help you make an informed decision based on these established guidelines.\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are looking for a weight loss surgery center near you, contact us on +<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">1 718 367 2555<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0for a consultation with our bariatric doctors.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you need help, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com\/Doralintake\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com\/Doralintake<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Doral Health and Wellness<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0has the best bariatric doctors and surgeons to treat obesity and weight problems. Book your appointment and walk in<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0at\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Considering bariatric surgery for a young person? Understand the official guidelines for weight loss surgery for kids and teenagers to see if it&#8217;s the right choice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":44301,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[148],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44300","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bariatric","post_format-post-format-standard"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44300","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44300"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44300\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44301"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44300"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44300"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44300"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}