According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the rate of obesity in adolescents has quadrupled over the past 30 years. At New York Bariatric Group, we have seen a steady increase in the incidence of obesity in children and adolescents. It is easy for obesity to become a lifelong issue, so addressing this obesity at an early age is important.
Bariatric Program For Adolescents
In Fall 2014, St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY was accredited by MBSAQIP (the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) as a Comprehensive Center with Adolescent qualifications. After their thorough review, MBSAQIP concluded that St. Charles had all the necessary support and infrastructure to address the unique needs of adolescent bariatric patients. As one of the first programs available on Long Island for teens, the program is offering select patients the option to consider laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a tool to lose weight and maintain weight loss for life.
The adolescent program has a multidisciplinary approach that includes a thorough review of nutritional needs, evaluation of psychosocial support concerns, and a comprehensive medical evaluation. The program includes parents as an important component in helping to provide the best chance of success with an educated, positive, supportive structure. If you would like more information regarding weight loss options for adolescents, please call our office at 866-569-7049 for further information and to make an appointment to see one of our experts.