Weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is performed on patients with obesity. There are several types of bariatric procedures, but all focus on making modifications to the digestive system with the goal of significant weight loss.
Bariatric doctors and surgeons in Palm Beach County, Florida
Our accredited Weight Loss Surgery Center takes a comprehensive approach to managing obesity and the accompanying health-related issues.
The Weight Loss Surgery Center at HCA Florida JFK Hospital offers bariatric (weight loss) surgery options to meet your unique needs and guide you on a journey of sustained — and sustainable — weight loss. We offer advanced surgical options, so you and your doctor can decide which one is right for you.
Click the Get Started button and complete the form, or call the number listed so our program coordinator can connect with you to review next steps and answer your questions.
Get started with your weight loss journey
Complete this form so our program coordinator can review insurance information and answer your questions.
Complete this form so our program coordinator can review insurance information and answer your questions.
HCA Florida Healthcare weight loss surgery
Watch this informational video to learn more about what weight loss surgery is and how it can improve your overall health. You will learn about the causes and effects of obesity, types of surgeries and their benefits, as well as what you can expect before, during and after a procedure.
If you would like to speak with an experienced nurse to answer any questions you may have, you can call (844) 482-4823.
Weight loss surgical procedures we offer
Our bariatric surgeons offer a variety of weight loss procedures designed to help you achieve long-term weight loss.
Gastric banding
Gastric banding is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure where gastric surgeons place an inflatable silicone band around the upper stomach to create a new, smaller pouch, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed.
Following this procedure, you will feel full sooner and satisfied with smaller amounts of food, ultimately losing up to 40 percent of your excess weight over a three year period.
Gastric banding is typically done on an outpatient basis and normal activities can typically be resumed after one week.
Gastric sleeve (laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy)
During a gastric sleeve procedure, a bariatric surgeon removes approximately two-thirds of the stomach, shaping the stomach into a "sleeve." Used as a first stage operation prior to a gastric bypass, a gastric sleeve procedure results in a quicker sense of fullness and a decrease in appetite.
Patients receiving a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy have the potential to lose 50 to 60 percent of their excess body weight, generally over the period of 18 months.
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB) is the most common gastric bypass procedure. RGB involves creating a small (30 milliliters) stomach pouch by separating it from the rest of the stomach. Then, a section of the small intestine is attached to the new pouch, allowing food to bypass the first portion of the small intestine and reducing calorie and nutrient absorption.
This results in faster weight loss than what is normally achieved by the gastric banding or sleeve procedures.
Gastric bypass procedures usually require a two- or three-day hospital stay and normal activities can typically be resumed in four to five weeks.
Revisional bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery is very successful as a long-term treatment for morbid obesity. However, on some occasions, you may experience weight regain or have other anatomic issues with previous bariatric surgeries. Revisional bariatric surgery is used to correct these issues. It can be very complex and requires an individual approach, so our specially trained surgeons will investigate the cause for your weight regain and personalize a treatment plan just for you.
Support after weight loss surgery
Postoperative care at HCA Florida JFK Hospital focuses on healthy lifestyle changes and providing the support you need during your weight loss journey. Our multidisciplinary approach offers a unique, hands-on experience with weight-loss-focused nutritionists and psychologists at each of your postoperative visits.
Additionally, we offer exercise therapy and monthly support groups at which you can find guidance and peer support.
Candidates for weight loss surgery
Bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone, but our team will help determine if a weight loss procedure could be right for you.
Eligibility for bariatric surgery
- You are 100 pounds or more over the healthy body weight for your height
- You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater
- You have a BMI of 35 or greater and obesity-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- You are otherwise unable to sustain a healthy body weight, even through medically supervised dieting
Bariatric surgery requirements
The exact tests, forms and steps required before weight loss surgery can vary from person to person. However, we are here to help you navigate the process and have outlined the typical steps here:
Verify insurance coverage
Unless you plan to self-pay for bariatric surgery, contact your insurance provider to see if they will cover your procedure and, if so, what requirements they have.
Document medically monitored weight loss attempts
Most insurance companies require several months of medically documented and supervised weight loss attempts. Your primary care provider can help you with this process and documentation.
Schedule a bariatric surgery consultation with us
After you have gathered required documentation, please make an appointment with our weight loss team and we'll talk about the next steps together.
Complete a psychological evaluation
A psychological evaluation is required before weight loss surgery. It includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological tests that help us understand your mental health.
Complete a nutritional assessment
A nutritional assessment is also part of the preoperative plan of care. It will cover your postsurgical diet, emotional eating, food intake and identifying your triggers.
Paying for bariatric surgery
Our staff is pleased to offer you guidance through the processes of insurance benefits, coverage criteria and authorizations for bariatric procedures.
In an effort to make bariatric surgery accessible to everyone, we also offer affordable self-pay pricing for people who don't qualify for coverage from their health insurance plans.
Obesity medicine - weight loss program
Our obesity medicine program provides you with a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss. Each team member offers a unique skill set to aide in your success. The program includes:
- Physical evaluation
- Individually designed plan with nutritional evaluation
- Weight loss education and guidance
- Emotional counseling and support
- Fitness and exercise evaluation and counseling
Are you a candidate for weight loss surgery?
Start your journey today by taking a free assessment.
Start your journey today by taking a free assessment.
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