CHRISTUS Children’s Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic is here to support your teen on their journey toward a healthier life. Our clinic provides personalized care and guidance to help adolescents achieve their weight loss goals in a safe and supportive environment.
Our unique program in San Antonio offers inpatient and outpatient surgery services for qualified teens ages 12-19.
Directed by Ann O’Connor, MD, a specialist with expertise in pediatric bariatric surgery, the bariatric program focuses on the unique medical, behavioral, nutritional, and psychological needs of each patient.
If your teenager is suffering from obesity and obesity-related medical conditions, weight loss surgery may be the solution that leads to a healthier, happier life. Due to the complex nature of bariatric surgery, strict criteria must be met to ensure the long-term success of the procedure and recovery.
Qualifications may include:
Our program offers a tailored approach to obesity treatment, including comprehensive care before, during, and after treatment for long-term health improvements.
As a patient of CHRISTUS Children’s, your child will experience:
Working together to address the different causes and effects of your child’s obesity, your care team members may include:
These experts work together to provide your child with an individualized treatment plan, tailored to their needs. From education and support to surgical options, when necessary, our team is here to help your team every step of the way.
At CHRISTUS Children’s, our Pediatric Psychology Clinic is here to support your child on their journey with bariatric surgery. Working closely with the Bariatrics Clinic, our psychologists ensure your teenager is mentally and emotionally prepared for this life-changing step.
From your initial visit to follow-up sessions that focus on mindful eating and stress management, our approach is tailored to meet your child's unique needs. We provide psychology clearance to confirm your child is ready for surgery and offer post-op visits to help them recover and adapt smoothly. Our holistic care addresses your teenager's mind, body and spirit, building a foundation for a healthier, happier life and fostering a community committed to your child's success.
During your first consultation, your bariatric surgeon and bariatric dietitian will complete a thorough medical evaluation. This will include lab work, a body mass index, or BMI measurement, and metabolic condition screening. Based on these tests, additional medical conditions or issues will be addressed.
This appointment will also serve as a consultation for our other specialists, to ensure your child receives a personalized comprehensive care plan.
Our physical therapist will provide a customized home exercise program that works with your child’s schedule and lifestyle. Our social worker and psychologist will work with your family to provide guidance to manage stress, initiate behavior change where needed, and address any existing or expected mental health concerns. They will also provide support resources for your family.
Throughout the process, our team will work with your child’s primary care provider to obtain any necessary referrals for specialty care.
This appointment typically lasts one to two hours.
Bariatric surgery is a complex procedure that takes dedicated preparation, especially for growing teenagers.
After the initial consultation, our medical team will meet with your child monthly to provide guidance and ensure preparation is on the right track. Success takes time and effort, and results vary by patient.
During the process, patients and their families learn to:
Once your teenager has met the pre-operative qualifications set by their doctor, you will schedule your bariatric surgery. Your medical team will walk you through the details of your child’s procedure, including how to prepare for the surgery, what to expect upon hospital admission and immediate postoperative care.
