Obesity Control Center - The Obesity Control Center is the world leader in weight-loss surgeries

Where many doctors shied away from treating obese teens, OCC stepped into the gap and we are now a world leader in weight loss surgeries for adolescents. These include gastric lap band/REALIZE bands, bypass and sleeve procedures. One of our patients, as well as our hospital, was recently featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The Obesity Control Center has been identified as the world’s teenage weight loss surgery destination. Featured prominently on The Oprah Winfrey Show, during an episode dedicated to the rapidly rising epidemic of teen obesity in America, the worldwide audience followed the case of a young patient at OCC as she underwent a bariatric procedure and then started on her exciting journey of significant weight loss.

Obesity, an issue historically linked only to adults, has been growing at alarming rates among teens. Currently, nearly a quarter of American teenagers are overweight or obese. Weight-related diseases, previously almost unheard of in adolescents as little as 10 years ago, are becoming increasingly commonplace as well. In fact, the rate of diabetes in obese adolescents has increased 33% in the last decade alone.

In our experience, and after scores of minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgeries performed in our hospital on teens, patients can expect a 60% to 70% loss of excess weight and it can be maintained by following the proper procedures. This is a life-changing experience at a time when young adults are developing their self-image and beginning the socialization process. There is no reason that a teen should struggle with their appearance or rejection issues as a result of obesity.

Weight loss surgeries among teens have quadrupled in the last few years according to a recent report published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. One of the researchers, Thomas Inge, MD, PhD, further suggests that bariatric surgeries performed early in adolescence “could more effectively reverse complications of obesity” that might appear later as an adult.

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 obese 14- to 18-year-olds 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.”

Unfortunately, few other treatments are available to help obese adolescents who are unable to lose weight and are already suffering from obesity-related health problems. Weight loss surgeries provide hope for young lives that are struggling with hopelessness during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

To discuss your specific situation in confidence, please call us toll free from the U.S. or Canada at:

1.866 Dr Ortiz (1.866.376.7849)

From outside the U.S., please call: 1.415.738.8100