Top Navigation
Weight Loss Surgery Story Featured on NBC's Today Show
Bariatric Surgery Information Sessions
These free sessions provide an overview of the bariatric surgery process, the three types of weight loss surgery available for teens and the benefits, risks, advantages and disadvantages of each.
Learn about the next info session. Use keyword search "bariatric" »
- Tell us what you would like to hear about - take a short survey »
Interested in weight loss surgery?
Request an appointment for weight loss surgery.
Call 614-962-6375
or
- Request an Appointment Online »
Pediacast Interview with Dr. Eneli and Dr. Michalsky
PediaCast with Dr. Mike features Dr. Ihuoma Eneli and Dr. Marc Michalsky on the topic of pediatric obesity.
- Listen Now »
U.S.News & World Report's Top Doctors
Dr. Marc Michalsky and Dr. Steven Teich were recently nominated by their peers and appear in the "Top Doctors" list.
- Learn more »
Pediatrics Obesity Supplement
Pediatric Obesity: Practical Applications and Strategies From Primary to Tertiary Care is a supplement released by Pediatrics®, the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, in collaboration with Nationwide Children's Hospital and 15 other children’s hospitals about their efforts to address obesity in children.
- Download the Supplement »
Bariatric Surgery Information Presentation
- Learn about the three types of weight loss surgery options available to combat morbid obesity and the risks, advantages, and disadvantages of each.
- Watch video »
Feeding Your Kids Program
A FREE text and email-based program that addresses real-life challenges and helps you make small changes that add up to a big result - a lifetime of healthy eating behaviors!
- Learn more & sign up today! »
Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition
The center offers families a comprehensive approach to weight management and has programs for both the prevention and treatment of overweight children.
- Learn about the center »
Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery is not for all overweight people. It offers an option for people who have not been able to maintain weight loss and control their health through dieting alone. To qualify for weight loss surgery, patients must:
- Be at least 100 pounds over their ideal body weight (BMI greater than 40 kg/M2 or BMI greater than 35 kg/M2 with medical problems)
- Complete the work up for bariatric surgery
- Be recommended for bariatric surgery by our bariatric team
Bariatric Surgery requires major lifestyle changes.
To maintain weight loss after surgery, you will still have to exercise and limit food amounts. You will also need to change the types of food that you eat every day. It is important to remember that bariatric surgery is only a tool to support you in achieving lasting weight loss. Healthy eating patterns and regular exercise are the keys to success.
How much weight will you lose?
On average, people steadily lose one to two pounds per week. This means you will loose 50-100 pounds or more in a year. The amount of weight loss and the ability to keep it off depends on how well you follow the diet and exercise program after weight loss surgery.
It’s a long process.
Leading up to surgery, a complete evaluation is needed. This includes a physical exam, nutrition, activity and social work evaluations, psychological testing, evaluation by other specialists and other medical tests. This process can take 6-12 months and requires your full participation at each step. Patients will have regular visits before surgery, during the first 12 months after bariatric surgery and then every 6 months for years to come. Patients are required to attend at least two support group sessions before surgery and at least one after surgery.
Bariatric Surgery Information Sessions
These free sessions provide an overview of the bariatric surgery process, the three types of weight loss surgery available for teens to combat obesity and the benefits, risks, advantages and disadvantages of each. Learn more about the next bariatric surgery information session.
Upcoming Info Session Dates:
Clicking the dates below will take you to the Education Courses Portal. You can use the keyword search "bariatric" to find the Bariatric Surgery Information Sessions that are currently available for registration.
Taylor shares her journey through gastric sleeve surgery (weight loss surgery) and how it has helped her lead a healthier life.
Weight Loss Surgery Options
At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, we offer three types of bariatric surgery: Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, and Laparoscopic Adjustable Band (currently, based on FDA regulations, you must be at least 18 years old to have laparoscopic adjustable band surgery). All of these surgeries cause restriction in the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, so patients feel full faster. The weight loss for any surgery depends on how well patients follow the recommended nutrition and exercise program.
Laparoscopic Surgery vs. Open Surgery
Most patients are candidates for laparoscopic bariatric surgery. In this type of surgery, several small incisions are made in the stomach, through which small, thin instruments, including a telescope and camera, are inserted. The camera and telescope send pictures of the internal organs and surgical instruments onto a TV screen. Laparoscopic surgery reduces the pain and complications after surgery, since the incisions are so small.
For medical reasons, some patients may need an open surgery. If this is needed, the surgeon makes one large incision in the stomach to access the organs. The surgeon will explain each type of surgery and determine which type of surgery is best for you.
Physician Practice Tool
This bariatric surgery practice tool includes information on evaluation, management and outcomes.
Teen-LABS Research Study
Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (Teen-LABS) Study
Nationwide Children's Hospital is one of only five institutions nationally to join a multi-institution clinical research study to understand the benefits and risks of bariatric surgery in adolescents. Learn more.
Teen Bariatric Surgery is a Commitment
In a May 2011 article, "Surgery Is No Quick Fix for Obese Teens," Dr. Marc Michalsky explains teen weight loss surgery is not a comestic procedure and is generally not performed on teens until they have gone through puberty. The article also follows patients and discusses their outcomes along with how life is changed after bariatric surgery.
Megan's Story
A Time to Celebrate
Diagnosed with extreme obesity, 14-year-old Megan Muncy had weight loss surgery and is enrolled in the Center for Healthy Weight & Nutrition.
February 2012: Watch the latest video of Megan to see how she's doing.
Video: At age 16, see Megan's transformation two years after surgery
Before and After Photos: Megan and other weight loss surgery patients
Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive Columbus, Ohio 43205 614.722.2000
700 Children's Drive Columbus, Ohio 43205 614.722.2000