Gastric Sleeve Surgery for Children and Adolescents
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a medically proven weight-loss surgery designed to treat severe obesity in children and adolescents and improve their overall health. This surgical procedure reduces the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food your child can eat while also affecting hunger hormones to help them feel full faster and longer.
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we understand that obesity is a complex, chronic disease—not a personal failure. It is not simply about diet and exercise. For some children, weight-loss surgery is the most effective first step toward better health, not a last resort. Our expert team of board-certified surgeons perform gastric sleeve surgery to address severe pediatric obesity. We approach every patient and family with compassion, respect, and science-backed care, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to break free from the stigma of obesity and achieve lifelong health improvements.
Who Is a Candidate
Decades of research show that severe obesity is a biologic condition—one that’s influenced by genetics, environment, and many factors beyond individual choices. While healthy habits are important, many children and adolescents with severe obesity will face significant health challenges despite living active, healthy lifestyles. That’s why we take a science-based, compassionate approach to care.
Gastric sleeve surgery may be recommended for children and teens with severe obesity who:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or higher and have a serious health condition related to obesity (such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea).
- Have a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or higher, regardless of other conditions.
Working closely with the Healthy Weight Clinic, we take a comprehensive, holistic approach to care, including a psychological assessment, sleep study, and consultations with a dietitian and other specialists. Every care plan is personalized to ensure the best possible outcome. Whether surgery is the first step or part of a staged approach, CHLA provides expert guidance and long-term support for each child and family.
Benefits and Risks of Pediatric Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The benefits of gastric sleeve surgery offer life-changing health benefits for children and teens with severe obesity. Many patients experience significant weight loss, as well as improvements in obesity-related conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, and sleep apnea. Surgery can also lower the risk of heart disease and boost mental well-being, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications to consider, such as leaks along the staple line, a vitamin and mineral deficiency, difficulty swallowing or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). CHLA’s team of specialists are dedicated to minimizing these risks and providing the best possible outcomes for every patient. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), bariatric surgery is considered a safe and effective treatment option for adolescents with severe obesity.
What to Expect Before Surgery
Before gastric sleeve surgery, your child will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, to ensure they are physically and emotionally prepared for the procedure. This process includes physical exams, psychological screenings, and blood tests, along with consultations with a multidisciplinary care team of specialists, including surgeons, pediatricians, dietitians, and psychologists.
Family involvement is an essential part of this journey. At CHLA, we provide parents and caregivers with guidance and resources to help support their child before, during, and after surgery. Education on lifestyle changes, post-surgical care, and long-term nutritional needs is part of each child’s care plan and ensures that families are fully prepared to help their child succeed.
What to Expect During Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques (small incisions are made and a thin tube is used with the aid of a camera) to reduce recovery time and complications. During the procedure, the surgeon removes about 80% of the stomach, creating a smaller tube or “sleeve”-like structure that restricts food intake and alters hunger hormones. This helps patients achieve sustained weight loss while improving metabolic health (how the body processes food and manages energy).
The surgery typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is performed under general anesthesia. Since it is a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedure, only small incisions are made, resulting in faster healing and less scarring. Most patients experience improved weight management and overall health benefits following the procedure.
Aftercare and Recovery
After surgery, your child’s recovery begins with a hospital stay for one to two days, where they will be closely monitored by CHLA’s expert care team. During this time, your child will start a liquid diet, gradually moving to pureed and solid foods over several weeks. Within six weeks your child will transition to a solid diet. This gradual approach helps the body adjust to the new smaller stomach size, supporting their long-term recovery.
Throughout recovery, patients continue working with CHLA’s nutrition, psychology, and medical teams. Follow-up care includes regular check-ups, nutritional counseling, and emotional support, helping patients and families navigate their new lifestyle with confidence.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
At CHLA, we are committed to breaking the stigma around childhood obesity by offering expert-driven, compassionate care through our Bariatric Surgery Program. Our multidisciplinary team of board-certified surgeons, pediatricians, dietitians, and psychologists work together to create personalized care plans that support long-term health and success.
Our team approaches pediatric obesity as a medical condition—not a personal failing. For some children, surgery is not a last resort but the most effective first step toward a healthier future. Every child deserves respect, support, and access to the best possible care—without shame or blame.
FAQs
Is bariatric surgery safe for kids?
Yes. Gastric sleeve surgery is considered a safe and effective treatment for children and adolescent patients who are experiencing severe obesity and significant health risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes bariatric surgery as a recommended treatment option when other weight-loss methods have not been successful.
When should an adolescent be referred for bariatric surgery?
A child or adolescent may be considered for bariatric surgery if they have severe obesity, which is typically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher with related health conditions, like Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. For those with a BMI of 40 or higher, surgery may be appropriate even without other health conditions. Prior to considering surgery, a thorough medical and psychological evaluation is conducted to ensure that surgery is the right choice.
What are the complications of pediatric gastric sleeve surgery?
While pediatric bariatric surgery is generally safe, there are potential medical complications, as with any surgical procedure. These can include infection, bleeding, and nutritional deficiencies due to changes in how the body absorbs nutrients. Because the effects of the surgery are permanent, lifelong follow-up care is essential to monitor for any chronic conditions and support your child’s continued health. At CHLA, we are committed to the safety and well-being of our patients, which is why we provide continuous care and support long after the surgery is completed. Our clinical expertise and ongoing research help us to better understand the long-term risks and benefits, so we can provide the best care possible.