This procedure is ideal for teens who are mentally, physically, and nutritionally prepared for this life-changing procedure. If you’re overweight and above a 30 BMI or 30% body fat, you are a candidate.
Adolescent Weight Loss Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
Home - Bariatric Surgery - Adolescent Surgery
OCC is the premier destination for safe and effective mini-gastric bypass and other bariatric surgeries. We have over a quarter of a century of experience and more than 26,000 successful procedures and have an industry-leading safety rating. We were one of the first clinics in the world that safely and effectively performed bariatric surgery on teenagers.7, 8, 9
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AfterA remarkable record of success in adolescent weight loss surgery: OCC
When many doctors shied away from treating teens who suffer from excess weight and related health conditions, OCC stepped in to fill the gap, and we are now a world leader in weight loss surgeries for adolescents and teens. Our international team of surgeons and physicians offer a wide array of surgical weight loss solutions and support services, including gastric lap-band, plication, and sleeve procedures. 7, 8
Helping adolescents with weight loss
Obesity, an issue historically linked only to adults, has been increasing at alarming rates among teens and adolescents. Currently, nearly a quarter of American teenagers are overweight or obese. As little as ten years ago, weight-related diseases, previously almost unheard of in teens, are becoming increasingly commonplace. The rate of diabetes in adolescents has also increased by 33% in the last decade alone. 8, 9
OCC: Changing the Lives of Teenagers with Dr. Ariel Ortiz
For teenagers: Expect 60% to 70% loss of excess weight.
In our experience, and after scores of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries performed in our Mexico-based hospital on teens, patients can expect a 60% to 70% loss of excess weight. This can be maintained in the long-term by choosing the right procedure, proper education, and follow-up support. Teen weight-loss surgery is a life-changing experience for young adults who are developing their self-image and beginning the socialization process. There is no reason a teen should struggle with their appearance or rejection issues as a result of obesity. 7, 8, 9
Teenagers and obesity – an undertreated epidemic
The renowned surgeon-in-chief at New York-Presbyterian Children’s Hospital, Dr. Charles Stolar, recently added: “Adolescent obesity continues to be under-treated. We know that 16 to 18-year-olds who have obesity are at risk for significant and even fatal conditions as they grow older. In cases where medical therapy doesn’t work, surgery is an effective treatment option.”
Weight loss surgery and restoring health to young patients
Unfortunately, few other treatments are available to help teens who are unable to lose weight and are already suffering from obesity-related health problems. Weight loss surgeries provide hope for young lives struggling with obesity during one of the most challenging times in their lives. To learn more about weight loss surgery for teens, visit niddk.nih.gov. 7, 8
Can weight loss surgery for teens resolve obesity?
As with any disease, treating it right away always provides better outcomes than waiting. When obesity begins in adolescence, the health risks it poses also start, taking a toll on a child’s health that can affect them into adulthood. Bariatric surgery not only helps with weight loss, but it can cure metabolic disease, diabetes, and help balance hormones. Caring for a child’s health with a bariatric procedure means setting them up for a healthier, more fulfilling life. 8, 9
What health conditions can be improved?
Not only can weight loss services reduce their risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues, but it can also significantly improve their self-esteem and allow them to lead everyday lives. They won’t have to feel concerned about daily situations like tying shoelaces, fitting in clothes, roller coaster rides, or airplane seats. The kids and teens who are part of the #OCCFamily have newfound hope and excitement for their futures thanks to their bariatric procedures. 9
Criteria for teen bariatric surgery
There are no hard and fast criteria for eligibility for bariatric surgery, as everyone’s health concerns and lifestyle are different, but a few basic qualifications for bariatric surgery include:
- BMI above 39 or being more than 100 pounds overweight
- BMI above 34 and one or more obesity-related health issues such as type II diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, PCOS, or heart disease
- BMI of 30 or more with high body fat percentage or comorbidities may qualify as well
- BMI below 30 if body fat is high or metabolic syndrome is present
Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez are happy to meet with any adolescent interested in bariatric surgery to determine if it’s right for them.
Obesity Control Center has published the most extensive series of adolescents in literature. Call or email us here to start the weight loss journey for your teen. Our US-based coordinators can lead your family through the process and help your child get on the right, healthy track. 7, 8, 9
Patient Success Stories
I can never express enough how grateful I am for what OCC has done for me. I was considered overweight and obese my entire life.
At 35, after years of failed diets, therapy, and research, I realized that the only way for me to permanently loose weight was to have bariatric surgery. My doctors in the US wrote letters to my insurance, emphasizing the medical necessity of this surgery. But after a year of back and forth, my insurance turned me down. I thought all hope was lost until I heard about OCC from a friend. I’d never even heard of traveling to Mexico for surgery, but, after researching and talking to the OCC, I was all in. And I’m so glad I made this choice. The amount of guidance and care I received from OCC from the moment I called for information has been better than anything I’ve experienced in the US. The procedure was smooth—I felt safe and in good hands the entire time.
Why choose OCC for teen weight loss surgery?
At OCC, for a quarter-century, we have specialized in the weight loss surgery field. We were some of the first to perform bariatric surgical procedures. Our team includes three Master Bariatric Surgeons. Your child will be under the care of a world-renowned and highly trained surgeon. We are the only international team of bariatric surgeons, offering globalized bariatric healthcare and the best of the best to our patients. Beyond our exceptional success rate and long-term results, we have achieved some remarkable certifications and achievements:
- We have obtained the Golden Seal awarded by the Joint Commission International, which signifies that we met the highest standards in patient safety and quality available globally.
- We are fully accredited as an SRC Center of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.
- Our surgical team is made up of leaders in the field who have developed several registered techniques, patented devices, and many “firsts” in the field like teenage obesity treatments, the IGS Improved Gastric Sleeve®, the Stomach Sparing Gastric Sleeve, the Double-Buttress Sewing Technique and more.
- Our techniques lead to a faster recovery and better outcomes. Shorter times under anesthesia and a less invasive abdominal wall preservation techniques improves the safety of the procedure for your child.
- We deliver a comprehensive pre-surgery education and preparation, along with a five-year follow-up program, a true industry first!
Adolescent weight loss surgery FAQs
Who is an ideal candidate for adolescent gastric surgery?
Can my child have a normal life after surgery?
Most teens require several months to adapt to the procedure. Our nutritionist prescribes a nutritional regimen that is easy to follow, which allows patients to gradually move up to the next stage. Patients start with a liquid diet for a few days, then move on to liquids including the Bariatric Protein Meals, slowly moving into mushy food and, finally, into a normal diet.
Daily exercise should also progress at the same rate. The surprising fact is that most patients recover much quicker than they think. Energy levels are usually higher than expected when the nutrition plan includes the Bariatric Multivitamin and Bariatric Protein Shakes recommended by our team of experts.
The only thing you can’t do after surgery is overeating. This will cause severe discomfort, nausea, even vomiting. Ideally, most patients will return to three normal meals a day and three snacks between meals.
How safe is gastric surgery for adolescents and teens?
OCC’s complication rate is one of the lowest in the published bariatric literature. Add that to the benefits of the New Improved Gastric Sleeve, and suddenly the results are more promising than ever.
Is it safe for my child to go to Mexico for gastric surgery?
We are at the heart of the commercial district, less than half a mile away from the international border to the U.S.A. Tijuana is now the second busiest medical destination for the traveling patient. At OCC, we are glad to be an essential part of this great reputation. You’re always in the safest hands with Obesity Control Center.
What about gastric surgery complications for teens and adolescents?
At OCC, we have your back. With over 26,000 procedures, we have streamlined not just the technique but the whole process of weight loss surgery. Preparation is key to a successful outcome. We will be serving your child with personalized care throughout every phase of the journey. Our complication rate is one of the lowest found in all literature on the subject. Our leak rate is 0%, and with the implementation of the new techniques designed at OCC, our patients are experiencing substantial and permanent weight loss without suffering heartburn – the most common side effect.
What anesthesia will be administered?
Anesthesia-related symptoms include sleepiness, dizziness, and nausea. Others directly associated with the gastric sleeve itself are cramping, abdominal tenderness, and vomiting. Fortunately, these effects are kept to a minimum and medically treated early so most patients can be up on their feet in a couple of hours and discharged the morning after. At OCC, we have adjusted the technique to let the body heal properly and avoid uncomfortable and sometimes frequent symptoms months after the surgery is performed.
Can a procedure fail as the child gets older?
OCC surgeons use innovative techniques that prevent leaks, pouch enlargement, and failure. This includes our patented Double Buttress Technique. This is when a thin vertical sleeve of the stomach (approximately eight inches long) is created using a stapling device, and the rest of the stomach is removed. Food passes through the digestive tract as usual and is fully absorbed into the body.
Will my teen regain the weight?
It is common to regain weight after weight loss surgery. The trick is to perform a procedure that limits the amount of weight that can be regained. This is done by design. At OCC, our procedures are performed to be safe and effective, preferably permanent weight loss. Weight loss has to do with a structured bariatric program, it’s not just another surgery!
Schedule your adolescent’s bariatric surgery procedure today
Call us at to start the weight loss journey for your adolescent. Call one of our US-based coordinators and learn how your child can get the life they’ve always wanted with the help of the Obesity Control Center in Tijuana, Mexico.
References
G F Paulus, L E G de Vaan, F J Verdam, et al. Bariatric Surgery in Morbidly Obese Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Obes Surg (2015) 25: 860.
Click here to see how OCC compares to other facilities in terms of surgical rates, infection rates, mortality rates, and more.
