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.
Weight loss options in Tallahassee, Florida
Many different solutions can help you lose weight, but weight loss surgery in combination with a healthy diet and exercise has proven results to help you keep weight off long term.
This is why we offer a variety of bariatric surgery options at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. We work together to provide you with personalized care throughout your weight loss journey. From preoperative preparation to postoperative support, we are here for you.
Get started with your weight loss journey
Make an appointment or learn more about our weight loss surgeons.
Make an appointment or learn more about our weight loss surgeons.
Bariatric surgery options
As a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Accredited Comprehensive Center, we provide a full range of weight loss surgery options, including the following:
Gastric band (adjustable gastric banding)
This surgery involves placing an inflatable band around the upper portion of the stomach. The band is then inflated, slowing the passage of food from the upper pouch into the lower pouch.
The gastric band will restrict the amount of food you can consume, and a smaller stomach pouch promotes a feeling of fullness with less food. This procedure is also reversible, and the band is fully adjustable.
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
During this surgery, the stomach is divided into upper and lower pouches to which the small intestines connect. The newly created stomach pouch is considerably smaller, making you feel full with less food. It also changes your hunger hormones, reducing your appetite.
Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)
This procedure also limits the amount of food you can eat, as approximately 80 percent of the stomach is removed. Your new banana-shaped stomach holds less food and alters the hormones that impact your feelings of hunger, satiety and blood sugar control.
Candidates for weight loss surgery
Bariatric surgery isn't the right approach to weight loss for everyone, but you may qualify if:
- 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
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 weight loss 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.
Bariatric surgery isn't the right approach to weight loss for everyone, but you may qualify if:
- 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
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.
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.
After you have gathered required documentation, please make an appointment with our weight loss team and we'll talk about the next steps together.
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.
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.