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 doctors in Miami
Weight loss isn't the only outcome of bariatric surgery - surgical weight loss solutions are meant to improve your overall health and quality of life.
The Weight Loss Surgery Center at HCA Florida Mercy 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.
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.
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.
Conditions weight loss surgery can treat
Bariatric surgery involves reducing the size of the stomach in order to restrict the amount of food a person can consume. This results in requiring far less food to feel full. As such, bariatric surgery can help you live a longer, healthier life, all while reducing and sometimes reversing serious obesity-related medical conditions, including:
- Acid reflux
- Asthma
- Colorectal cancer
- Diabetes
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Sleep apnea
Weight loss surgeries we offer
All bariatric procedures at our hospital are laparoscopic. This is a minimally invasive approach using a thin tube that results in smaller incisions and less scarring.
The procedures below still require your commitment to a lifelong change in eating habits, exercise, support group attendance and a follow-up plan.
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
Currently known as the gold standard for bariatric surgery, gastric bypass restricts the stomach size by creating a small pouch, causing food to bypasses a portion of the stomach and small intestine. As a result, your body will not absorb all of the calories of the food you eat.
Advantages of gastric bypass surgery
- Typically, weight loss will be rapid
- Most patients will lose up to 60 percent body fat
Gastric sleeve
In this procedure, the stomach size is surgically decreased by up to 60 percent. With a smaller stomach, you will feel full from less food, therefore causing weight loss.
Advantages of gastric sleeve surgery
- The procedure can be outpatient or involve a 23-hour stay
- Absorption and digestion are not altered
- Patients report experiencing rapid weight loss
How to be successful after bariatric surgery
One of the best ways to be successful after bariatric surgery is to know what to expect. We encourage you to learn about the different bariatric procedure options, reflect on your personal needs and speak with your bariatric surgeon to determine what will be most beneficial for you.
Following these rules before your surgery can help lead to positive outcomes:
- Attend information sessions, classes and support group
- No fatty junk food (e.g., chips, crackers, popcorn)
- No fried foods
- No high-calorie liquids (e.g., milkshakes, soda, alcohol)
- No sweets
- Stop smoking
- Walk a minimum of one hour per day
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
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 call (305) 285-5092 to make an appointment 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.
Understanding bariatric surgery
Coupled with healthy eating and exercise, bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss. However, it is important that you meet with a weight loss specialist and evaluate all of your surgical and nonsurgical options.
Your bariatric surgeon can clarify that:
- Bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic procedure
- Bariatric surgery does not involve liposuction (the removal of fat tissue by suction or excision)
- Excluding gastric banding, weight loss surgeries approved in the U.S. are irreversible
- The success of weight loss surgery depends on your commitment to long-term dietary and fitness changes
- After your first bariatric surgery, you may require additional operations to have a successful outcome
Looking for another location?
Our Weight loss surgery Locations
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