Bariatric surgery decreases the size of the stomach, the absorption of foods in the intestinal tract or both. Bariatric surgery aids weight loss, but is a major part of a new lifestyle and not a permanent way to keep weight off. Patients will be required to take nutritional supplements, exercise and follow up with periodic lab testing to ensure postoperative health. There are several possible procedures for bariatric surgery. We will work with you to decide which procedure is best for you.

Take the First Step ↓

Why Choose Johns Hopkins for Bariatric Surgery

• We partner with your local primary care provider and tailor the process to fit your life.
• Make your own schedule. We work at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
• A personal coordinator will guide you through each step from start to finish.
• We offer several surgical options for weight loss to mean your unique needs, including Roux-en-Y, gastric sleeve surgery, SADI-s or Loop duodenal switch, revision and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB).
• All bariatric surgeries at Johns Hopkins are minimally-invasive, and robotic or laparoscopic surgery may be an option for you.
• We offer an adolescent bariatric program.
• We are fully MBSAQIP-accredited, which independently recognizes quality improvement and nationwide surgical standards.

Take the First Step

Deciding to have bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision, and we strongly encourage potential candidates to learn as much as they can prior to the procedure. Our information sessions will help you learn more about the program requirements, surgical weight-loss options and the insurance approval process.

We offer both online and in-person information sessions, one of which must be completed before an initial consultation. After finishing the information session, you will need to complete your health history packet and send it to our center. We will review your information and contact you to schedule your first appointment.

Contact Us: Baltimore 410-550-0409

Contact Us: D.C. 202-370-6565

Adolescent Weight Loss Programs

Childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term health effects. Adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for health problems such as heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis. Addressing obesity at a younger age can help prevent these types of obesity-related illnesses.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery is the first and only center in Maryland to earn accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) as a Comprehensive Center with Adult and Adolescent Qualifications. Our multidisciplinary program focuses on the unique needs of adolescents aged 16 through young adulthood to help teens develop healthy lifestyle habits and prepare them for bariatric surgery, and also provides post-surgical weight management strategies. We offer medical, nutritional, educational and behavioral support through a team of dieticians, psychologists, nurses and surgeons who work with each patient and their parents or guardians to create a customized weight loss treatment plan.

Who is a Candidate for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery?

Before considering weight loss surgery at the Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery, you will need to attempt weight loss through six months of supervised dietary management. This process will involve input and oversight by your primary care provider or pediatrician. Once you complete this process, you’ll meet with a bariatric surgeon for further evaluation.

Adolescent weight loss surgery candidates should:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or 35-39.9 with obesity-related medical conditions, such as type II diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure
• Be aged 16 to young adult
• Obtain a letter of medical necessity from their pediatrician
• Agree to avoid pregnancy for at least 18 months after surgery
• Have a supportive family environment
• Attend an information session with a parent or guardian
• Be willing to undergo comprehensive medical evaluation and psychological counseling before and after surgery
• Be capable of and willing to adhere to nutritional guidelines after surgery