What is Healthy Way pediatric bariatrics and weight management?
Healthy Way provides a multidisciplinary program for children and adolescents struggling with obesity and related medical conditions.
Our approach emphasizes:
- Whole-body health, not just weight
- Sustainable lifestyle changes
- Emotional and behavioral support
- Family-centered care
- Long-term outcomes and continuity with adult services
Key program elements:
- Medical evaluation and obesity-related health management
- Nutrition education and personalized meal plans
- Physical activity and lifestyle coaching
- Emotional and behavioral health support
- Adolescent bariatric and metabolic surgery (for select patients age 13+)
Who we serve
Services are right for children and teens who:
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Are overweight or obese, with or without related health conditions
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Need structured medical, nutritional or behavioral support
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Are age 13+ and may qualify for bariatric surgery
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Want a family-centered, coordinated care plan
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Are preparing to transition to adult bariatric care
The Care We Provide
Medical weight management
Personalized evaluation by pediatric physicians and specialists, management of obesity related conditions and ongoing care coordination.
Nutrition education and meal planning
Registered dietitians create realistic, sustainable plans focused on whole foods, family meals, portion control, grocery shopping and cooking.
Physical activity and lifestyle coaching
Age appropriate exercise recommendations plus guidance on healthy routines, sleep, screen time and activity habits.
Body composition monitoring
Advanced biometric assessment of fat, muscle and visceral fat to track meaningful health changes beyond weight alone.
Emotional and behavioral health support
Child psychologists provide coping skills, motivation and confidence building for mood, behavior, body image and habit formation.
Adolescent bariatric and metabolic surgery
For patients aged 13 and older who meet the eligibility criteria, this program includes sleeve gastrectomy, pre- and post-operative care, and long-term follow-up, with surgery integrated into a comprehensive multidisciplinary care plan.
Transition to adult bariatric care
Provides a coordinated transition to adult services for teens, ensuring continuity of care through the Adult Bariatrics and Weight Management program.
What to expect From Your Child’s Care
Initial evaluation
A comprehensive assessment, body composition testing and a personalized care plan.
Follow-up visits
Six structured visits spaced over months, with regular progress monitoring and plan adjustments.
Ongoing support
Continued nutrition, physical activity and behavioral health guidance, and preparation for adolescent bariatric surgery if indicated.
Meet Your Child’s Care Team
Our team includes physicians, surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, nurses, physical therapists and care coordinators who provide coordinated, family centered care.
- Zebunnissa Memon, MD, CFMP, DABOM, Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Medical Director, Children’s Healthy Way
- Kristen Cercone, PhD, Child Psychologist
- Sara Armstrong, RD, Registered Dietitian and Clinic Coordinator, Children’s Healthy Way
- Allison Killeen, C-PNP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Jill Lelonek, PT, Physical Therapist
- Karen Decker, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Worker
- Ryan Lehotsky, Program Manager
- Lynn Jamieson, Administrative Assistant
Where Your Child Can Receive Care
Golisano Children’s Buffalo Outpatient Center (Conventus), 3rd floor, 1001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Accessible via pedestrian bridge to Golisano Children’s Hospital
Parking, valet, and Metro Rail nearby
Getting started
Schedule an appointment
Request online, call (716) 323-6120 or ask your primary care provider for a referral
Insurance
Most major plans accepted; coverage varies
New patient checklist
Photo ID, insurance card, medication list, recent test results
Resources
Families can download guides to prepare for visits, surgery and lifestyle planning.