Craig T. Albanese, MD — Director
Dr. Albanese is the Director of Bariatric Surgery for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital’s Center for Healthy Weight and performs all of the hospital’s bariatric surgeries.  He is also the Service Chief of Pediatric General Surgery for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and a professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine.  He is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons and is an international expert in laparoscopic surgery.

Sanjeev Dutta, MD
Dr. Dutta is a board-certified pediatric surgeon with certified specialty training in laparoendoscopic and robotic surgery.  He is Assistant Professor of Surgery at Stanford University and a member of both the American Bariatric Surgical Society and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons.  As part of the bariatric surgical team, Dr. Dutta performs both laparoscopic gastric bypass and banding procedures for morbid obesity. 

John Morton, MD — Associate Director
Dr. Morton is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and Director of Bariatric Surgery at Stanford Hospital & Clinics.  He is a member of the American Bariatric Surgical Society (ASBS), Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), and Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT).  He has been a member of the Stanford faculty since July 2003 and has been performing bariatric surgery since July 2001.

Susan Farrales, RN, MSN, FNP
Susan is the nurse practitioner and coordinator for the bariatric surgery program.  She discusses, evaluates and educates patients and families about bariatric surgery.  She also provides support and coordination for patients and families in all phases of treatment.  Susan is a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS).

Pediatricians and Adolescent Medicine Specialists provide comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s weight-related medical problems and coordination of specialty referrals and ongoing follow up.

A psychiatrist or psychologist assesses the patient’s emotional status, addresses lifestyle changes, discusses reactions to surgery and helps develop strategies to comply with postsurgery instructions.  The psychiatrist also ensures the patient and family clearly understand the potential risks and benefits of the surgery, have realistic expectations and are committed to lifelong lifestyle changes.

The dietician/nutritionist will evaluate the patient’s dietary habits and nutritional needs before and after surgery.  The dietitian also discusses special needs that may arise after surgery and provides ongoing monitoring of nutritional status.

A physical therapist evaluates and designs a structured activity and exercise program after assessing the patient’s mobility, flexibility and strength.  The physical therapist also provides educational resources and educates the patient on the benefits of exercising.

A social worker provides emotional support, care coordination and resource assistance.  Our social workers are trained in developmental issues that impact a child's adjustment to bariatric surgery.