Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program
For some children and teens, excess weight can lead to serious health problems that affect their daily lives and long-term health.
At the Golisano Children's at UK Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program, we provide comprehensive care for adolescents who may benefit from weight-loss surgery as part of their treatment plan.
For many teens, weight-loss surgery is about more than losing weight. It can be a key step toward better health and an improved quality of life. Patients who have this surgery may experience significant weight loss while also seeing improvements in weight-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and joint pain.
Our team takes a whole-person approach. We work closely with patients and families to understand their health needs, goals and concerns. We are committed to helping young people with severe obesity achieve better health.
Who we treat
We care for patients ages 11 to 18 who meet certain medical criteria for metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Children and teens may be eligible for evaluation if they have:
- A body mass index (BMI) greater than 40
- A BMI greater than 35 along with a weight-related health condition, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol or other unhealthy blood fat levels
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD), formerly known as fatty liver disease
- Blount disease
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), a hip condition that can occur during growth
We work closely with the Pediatric BMI Clinic at UK HealthCare to offer a full range of medical and surgical options for children and teens.
What to expect
Our team helps families understand all available treatment options and decide whether weight-loss surgery is the right choice for their child. We will review benefits and risks and are always available to answer questions.
Our team performs sleeve gastrectomies, a weight-loss surgery that reduces the size of the stomach. Most patients who have this procedure can expect to spend one night in the hospital, one week out of school, and two weeks with activity restrictions.
We see patients in our clinic both at two weeks and one month after their surgery for follow-up. Patients will continue to see the Pediatric BMI Clinic after surgery for ongoing guidance on their health journey.
Our team approach
Weight-related health conditions affect more than just physical health. That is why we take a multidisciplinary approach to care.
Your child’s care team may include a:
- Pediatric surgeon
- Pediatric psychologist
- Pediatric obesity medicine specialist
- Registered dietitian
- Social worker
Together, these specialists help address the physical, emotional and social aspects of a child's health.
Why choose UK HealthCare?
The Golisano Children's at UK Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program is the only pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery program in Kentucky.
This means families can get specialized care for children and teens without traveling out of state. By offering advanced care closer to home, we help families stay connected to their support systems while getting expert treatment.
A board-certified pediatric surgeon leads our program. We work with an accredited adult bariatric surgery program, ensuring your family has access to the highest standards of care.
We also collaborate closely with our Pediatric BMI Clinic to help our patients build healthy eating and activity habits and achieve long-term success.
Meet our pediatric surgeon
Dr. Lindel Dewberry is a pediatric surgeon with specialized training in the surgical care of children. After completing a pediatric surgery fellowship, she has focused her career on caring for young patients.
Dr. Dewberry has a special interest in helping children and adolescents with obesity and related metabolic conditions.
She has participated in research evaluating the safety and effectiveness of surgical treatments for obesity. She is also involved with national organizations focused on surgical care for patients with obesity.
Working with a team of specialists, she helps ensure patients receive the care and support they need throughout their treatment.
Making an appointment
You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with us. You are encouraged to check with your child's insurance company about cost.
When contacting insurance, reference “sleeve gastrectomy,” which has a CPT code of 43775.
Call 859-323-5625 and press "option 2" to schedule.
Referring a patient
To refer a patient, submit your order for an "Ambulatory Referral to Pediatric Surgery" through UK HealthCare EpicCare Link or call 859-323-5625. Specify Dr. Dewberry as the surgeon.
