Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Programs: Progress in Pennsylvania

Authors

Lisa Baro, Reading Hospital - Tower Health Weight Loss Center and Wellness Center, Wyomissing, PAFollow
Gunnar Wolfe, Reading Hospital - Tower Health Weight Loss Center and Wellness Center, Wyomissing, PA
Stephan R. Myers, Reading Hospital - Tower Health Weight Loss Center and Wellness Center, Wyomissing, PAFollow
Renee Riddle, Reading Hospital - Tower Health Weight Loss Center and Wellness Center, Wyomissing, PAFollow
Vesta Salehi MD, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children Division of Bariatric SurgeryFollow

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

6-1-2024

Abstract

Lisa Baro Douglassville PA¹, Gunnar Wolfe Corona CA², Stephan Myers Sinking Spring PA³, Renee Riddle Wyomissing PA³, Vesta Salehi philadelphia PA⁴Tower Health Weight Loss Surgery and Wellness Center¹Tower Health Weight Loss Surgery and Wel²Reading Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and³ St. Christopher's Hospital for Children⁴ Objective: In 2019 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) called for increased access to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS). To understand adolescent weight loss programs offering MBS in Pennsylvania, a survey was completed. Methods: Adolescent weight loss centers in Pennsylvania offering MBS were identified using the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) on-line directory and Google search. Phone interviews were conducted with the director of each program. Results: Eight programs were identified. Operations were performed in seven adult hospitals. Six had Comprehensive Adolescent Accreditation through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). A total of 92 adolescents were operated on in the year from June 2021 to July 2022 which is an 84% increase from the preceding year. Ninety patients received a sleeve gastrectomy. Adult bariatric surgeons were involved in all operations. Six of the programs were led by diplomates of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Each clinic had a psychologist. No program had all eight of the health care professionals recommended by the authors, but two programs had seven of the eight. In addition, three included a social worker, two an exercise physiologist and two had pediatric subspecialists incorporated into the clinic. Two programs had the operating surgeon caring for patients in the multidisciplinary clinic. Conclusion: This survey of programs across Pennsylvania shows an increase in the number of bariatric operations. More progress is necessary to improve access to this service and improve the quality of programs in Pennsylvania.

Publication Title

Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases

Volume

20

Issue

6 Supplement

First Page

S40

Last Page

S40

Comments

40TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR METABOLIC AND BARIATRIC SURGERY held 2024-06-09 to 2024-06-13 in San Diego, USA.

Recommended Citation

Baro, L., Wolfe, G., Myers, S. R., Riddle, R., & Salehi, V. (2024). Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Programs: Progress in Pennsylvania. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 20 (6 Supplement), S40-S40. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2024.04.133