A Swedesboro family turned to weight-loss surgery for their teen son. More parents are considering it
By Nicole Leonard
Published on April 24, 2026.
A family in New Jersey, Sheriese Coy-Armour's 15-year-old son, Bryan, underwent weight-loss surgery after he gained significant weight due to Down syndrome, a genetic condition that causes obesity and weight-related issues like Type 2 diabetes. The family learned about healthy eating and nutrition from dieticians and therapists, and Bryan, who has lost over 70 pounds since he underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware. Despite the dramatic weight loss, research shows that most teens with severe obesity lost significant weight after surgery, with many having lower body mass index even a decade later into young adulthood. The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its clinical guidelines in 2023 on childhood obesity, stating that weight loss medications and surgical procedures should be considered and offered earlier alongside therapy and lifestyle changes for long-term success. However, there is still more work to be done in educating families about the benefits of these options and overcoming reluctance to suggest surgical intervention.
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