We welcome referrals from pediatricians, specialists and primary care providers who care for children and teens with severe obesity. Whether your patient is ready for surgery or just beginning to explore options, we’re here to support you — and them — every step of the way.
How to Refer a Patient
Patients can self-schedule by contacting our appointment line at 202-476-2150 and asking for a Bariatric Surgery New Patient Visit. For questions about eligibility or guidance, please email us. We see patients at multiple locations throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Most patients can be seen within 1-2 weeks.
Referral Guidelines
We follow national guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), with flexibility for special circumstances. In general, patients 13 years and older are considered for bariatric surgery if they meet the following criteria:- Class 2 obesity with medical comorbidities: BMI greater than or equal to 35, or weight greater than 120% of the 95th percentile with a major comorbidity
- Class 3 obesity with or without comorbidities: BMI greater than or equal to 40, or weight greater than 140% of the 95th percentile with or without comorbidities
- Special circumstances: We also consider younger patients or patients who do not meet BMI thresholds but have serious complications from excess weight — such as progressive vision loss from IIH or severe joint dysfunction. Contact our team for guidance.