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 (weight loss) surgery in Tampa, Florida
Our accredited Weight Loss Surgery Center takes a comprehensive approach to managing obesity and the accompanying health-related issues.
Our experienced physicians, surgeons and specialists will create a customized plan to support your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. To take the first step on this journey, connect with our program coordinator to answer your questions and learn about resources to help you start your weight loss journey by clicking the Get Started button and complete the form, or calling the number listed below.
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.
Our weight loss treatments and services
There are two primary types of bariatric surgery: restrictive and malabsorptive procedures.
Restrictive procedures decrease the amount of food you can eat, so you feel full faster and experience reduced feelings of hunger. Restrictive procedures do not affect your digestion of food.
Malabsorptive procedures alter the digestive process of food by shortening the amount of time food spends in the digestive tract. This is often accomplished through surgically altering the small intestine, therefore limiting the amount of time calories have to be absorbed.
Sometimes, a mixed bariatric procedure may be performed, which combines both approaches to reduce the size of the stomach and restrict the absorption of calories.
Bariatric surgery options
We offer all qualifying patients with surgical options for weight loss, including:
- Sleeve gastrectomy — Also referred to as “gastric sleeve,” this procedure reduces the size of the stomach by creating a stomach “sleeve” about the size of a banana. The rest of the stomach is permanently removed. This facilitates weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold.
- Gastric bypass — Also referred to as a “Roux-en-Y,” this procedure reduces the stomach size and connects it directly to the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food that can be consumed and lets food bypass the majority of the stomach and part of the small intestine.
- Revisional bariatric surgery — This surgery aims to help you achieve significant weight loss if a previous bariatric procedure has not been successful.
We also encourage you to talk to your doctor about our robot-assisted weight loss procedures. These techniques let us offer you the surgeries above with reduced recovery times and less scarring.
For more information about surgical weight loss at our hospital, please fill out the form below. We will send you more information on our weight loss program to help you get started.
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.
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 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.
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