Center for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
About | Highlights | Team | Location | Make an Appointment | Resources | Related
Weight loss surgery is now recognized as the most effective treatment available for adolescents suffering from severe obesity. Through our program, you will find world-class surgical experts in weight loss, as well as a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program designed to ensure each patient loses and keeps off excess weight for life.
- Since opening in 2005, the Center for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery (CABS) has provided bariatric surgical care for over 500 adolescents throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
- Our multidisciplinary program for weight management includes experts in pediatric gastroenterology, endocrinology, nutrition, mental health, surgery, and many other specialties.
- Patients enrolled in our program lose an average of 60 percent of their excess weight, or about 80 pounds.
To make an appointment with our Center for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery, please call (212) 305-8862 or complete our appointment request form.
About Adolescent Obesity
Key Facts
Obesity is a significant problem that can lead to serious illness, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as a lower quality of life. In the past 20 years, the prevalence of obesity in U.S. children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years old has increased from about 10 percent to almost 20 percent. While there are many possible explanations for this rise, obesity itself is a complex disease that can be affected by multiple factors, such as behavior, genetics, socioeconomic status, and the environment.
Obesity among adolescents is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for a specific age and gender. In contrast, severe (or morbid) obesity in adolescents is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of at least 120 percent above the 95th percentile. This typically translates to a BMI of 40 or above, or 35 and above with significant weight-related illnesses. Whereas typical obesity can generally be treated through a supervised program of diet and exercise, severe obesity may require more significant interventions, such as surgery, in order to reduce the health risk.
Services We Offer
Highlights of Our Program
Comprehensive Evaluation and Monitoring Programs
Our team takes a comprehensive approach to weight loss. For instance, six months prior to surgery, we require prospective patients to demonstrate healthy eating habits and follow prescribed exercise guidelines, as well as undergo a psychological evaluation. After surgery, we continue to closely monitor and provide care for each patient long-term. This approach helps ensure patients lose weight for life.
Multidisciplinary Team
As part of The #1 Children's Hospital in New York, our program is led by world-class surgeons and our staff includes a panel of experts in pediatric gastroenterology, endocrinology, nutrition, mental health, and other specialties. This multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive the very best care — both now and for years to come.
Columbia Virtual Visits
We offer telehealth appointments through virtual visits, so you can see your doctor from the comfort of your own home. You’ll receive the same quality care you’ve come to expect from an in-person visit, without having to come into the office.
Our Team
Adolescent Weight Loss Surgery
Jeffrey L. Zitsman, MD
Director, Center for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
Pediatric Surgeon
Jennifer DeFazio, MD
Pediatric Surgeon
Lori Lynch, DNP
Surgical Nurse Practitioner
Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Jennifer Woo-Baidal, MD, MPH
Director, Pediatric Weight Management
Elina Bank, RD
Pediatric Registered Dietitian
Kristina Parkinson, MSN, APN, CPNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Endocrinology
Ilene Fennoy, MD, MPH
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Our Location
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Adolescent Center
3959 Broadway
New York, NY 10032
Make an Appointment
The Center for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery is ready to help build a personalized weight loss program for you. We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your plan when you call to make your appointment.
For all appointments, please call (212) 305-8862 or complete our appointment request form, and our office will follow up with you soon.
Resources
Planning and Preparing
- Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
- Weight Loss Surgery FAQs
- Weight Loss Surgery Risks and Benefits
Stories and Perspectives
- Weight Loss Surgery for Teens, Part 1
- Weight Loss Surgery for Teens, Part 2
- Weight Loss Surgery a Boon for Teens Struggling with Obesity
- State of the Union: Weight Loss Surgery in 2024
Seminars
- Obesity Seminar with Dr. Jeffrey L. Zitsman
Watch Now