Pediatric Bariatric Surgery Program

Obesity is a chronic disease that has worsening effects over time. Up to one in five teenagers have weight-related health issues. When medical and behavioral weight loss efforts have been unsuccessful for patients with severe obesity, bariatric surgery may be the right choice for health improvement and weight loss.

Surgery is not a “quick fix.” We offer education and support before and after surgery to help patients develop life-long habits for better physical and mental health.

Who is eligible?  

To qualify for the program, patients typically:  

• Have a body mass index (BMI) that is one or more of these:  
  
  • Greater than 120% of the 95th percentile  
  • Higher than 40  
  • Higher than 35 with obesity-related medical conditions  
• Are able to follow strict pre-operative and post-operative nutrition, exercise and medical guidelines  
• Understand the risk and benefits of surgery, and agree to have the procedure  
• Have a medical insurance plan that does not EXCLUDE surgery  
• Have a supportive parent or guardian  
• Are ages 12 and older

Patients may be ineligible due to the following: 

• Active substance abuse problem (including smoking) 
• Medical, social, cognitive, or psychiatric concerns that prevent adherence to program 
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plan for pregnancy within 2 years 

This procedure is considered permanent and requires lifelong follow up care.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

A sleeve gastrectomy helps patients lose weight by reducing the amount of food they can eat in addition to changing the hunger hormones. 

Using a laparoscopic approach (tiny incisions), the surgeon removes about 80% of the stomach. The remaining portion is a vertical “sleeve” about the size of a banana, that is stapled together.

This procedure does not affect digestion. Food passes through the digestive tract just as it did before, allowing it to be fully absorbed by the body.

Patients typically lose 20-30% of their weight in the first year after surgery. 

Lurie Children's Main Hospital Bariatric Surgery Team

Lurie Children's Central DuPage Hospital Bariatric Surgery Team

The multidisciplinary team focuses on the unique medical, behavioral, nutritional and psychological needs to each patient. Our specialists will provide medical and surgical care to address the different causes and effects of obesity.

The team includes a(n):

• Program Director and Surgeon-in-Chief Thomas H. Inge, MD, PhD 
• Pediatric Surgeon, Guillermo Ares, MD  
• Obesity medicine specialists  
• Physical therapist 
• Psychologist 
• Social worker 
• Registered dietitian 
• Registered nurse 
• Bariatric coordinator

To schedule an appointment for the Main Hospital location in Chicago, please call 312.227.0811, for the Winfield location, please call 630.933.4596.