Healthy First Program

Pediatric Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery

The Healthy First Program supports families who are interested in exploring habits that promote health including nutrition and movement. We listen to your lived experiences, strive to meet you where you are, and provide evidence-based nutrition therapy. We also offer compassionate care and family or individual counseling. In addition to being a weight management program, Healthy First also offers bariatric surgery as an option to those who qualify.

At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital our multidisciplinary team consists of a Healthy First pediatrician, advanced nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, social workers, and a psychologist.

Why Choose Us?

What Can You Expect?

Healthy First Program Details

At your child’s first appointment your family will meet our medical provider, registered dietitian, psychologist, and/or social worker.

The first appointment will last 2 to 2.5 hours and includes a program introduction, nutrition counseling assessment, discussion of medical history, and thorough physical exam. This visit may include bloodwork.

After your child’s initial assessment, Healthy First Program participants will schedule follow-up appointments including:

• Monthly dietitian-only appointments: Family meets with our registered dietitian who uses a gentle nutrition approach for pediatric patients drawing on the principles of intuitive eating and parent-child feeding and eating relationship.
• Follow-up medical appointments: Participant will see a medical doctor or nurse practitioner every 3 to 6 months.
• Weekly Healthy First Group: Participant and caregiver participate in a group setting facilitated by registered dietitians and a family counselor. The group focuses on research-based nutrition intervention, and social and emotional learning components. Topics include intuitive eating, joyful movement, how to create a body-positive household, and a positive relationship with food and movement.

Is Your Child a Good Fit For This Program?

Program candidates include those who meet the below criteria:

• Are between four and 18 years old.
• Can participate in nutrition counseling sessions and medical appointments based on their individualized needs.
• Are interested in learning health-promoting behaviors that are individualized and sustainable.
• Have a parent or caregiver committed to supporting the participant in this journey.

If interested in taking the next steps, please have your primary care provider complete a referral. Call us for more information 314-577-5335.