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 surgery in Davie, Florida
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge, but we're here to help.
The bariatric surgery program at HCA Florida University Hospital is dedicated to helping patients achieve their weight loss goals through a multidisciplinary approach to obesity treatment. Our thoughtful, individualized treatment plans are unique to you and are carefully designed to guide your weight loss journey, with everything from medical weight loss wellness services to surgical procedures, if your condition calls for it.
Bariatric services and treatment options
Our leading edge, minimally-invasive weight loss procedures allow for less pain, less scarring and faster recovery times.
Weight loss services we offer
Bariatric surgery promotes weight loss by restricting food intake and, in some cases, altering the digestive process. As with other treatments for obesity, the best results are achieved when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
No matter your reason for seeking weight loss solutions, our doctors offer a variety of medical and surgical procedures designed to get you back to feeling your best.
Gastric balloon
During this nonsurgical procedure, an endoscope, or, tiny camera, will guide our doctors as they insert a soft, expandable gastric balloon into your stomach. When expanded, the balloon creates the sensation of fullness, reducing hunger and, in some cases, generating up to 30 to 50 pounds of weight loss.
When you have a gastric balloon implanted, you will be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program for the six months in which the balloon is in place, continuing in the program for six months after the balloon is removed.
Gastric banding
Gastric banding is the only adjustable and reversible option for weight loss surgery. This minimally invasive procedure is used to place an inflatable silicone band around the upper portion of your stomach. This creates a smaller stomach pouch that limits food intake and slows the digestion of food into the intestines.
The band can easily be adjusted in-office after insertion. After gastric banding, typical weight loss over the span of three years can be up to 40 to 60 percent of excess body weight.
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass)
Gastric bypass works by restricting both food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients that are absorbed by the body. Gastric bypass surgery can typically generate weight loss of up to 70 percent of excess body weight in just eighteen months.
This weight loss is achieved by stapling a portion of the stomach to create a new, smaller stomach pouch separated from the rest of the stomach. Next, a section of the small intestine is attached to the new stomach pouch, which allows food to bypass the first portion of the small intestine.
Laparoscopic gastric sleeve
A laparoscopic gastric sleeve is a weight loss procedure in which a surgeon removes approximately 85 percent of the stomach. The remainder of the stomach is shaped into a tube, or "sleeve."
A gastric sleeve can be used as a first stage procedure prior to a gastric bypass, or as a standalone option. Similar to the results of a gastric bypass, targeted weight loss with a gastric sleeve is typically achieved in just eighteen months, and can be between 40 to 60 percent of excess body weight.
Revisional bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery is considered a very successful, long-term treatment option to combat obesity. However, there is a risk that you could regain weight following your bariatric procedure. In those cases, revisional bariatric surgery may help, and is used to modify or repair a problem from a previous weight loss procedure.
Additional information about weight loss surgery
We strive to provide you with the best possible information about the effects of obesity and the sustained benefits of bariatric surgery.
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI compares weight and height to calculate your levels of body fat to potentially identify obesity. Calculate your BMI and learn more about what it means for your health.
Are you a candidate for weight loss surgery?
You must be 18 years of age or older to qualify for weight loss surgery. Other qualifications for surgery include:
- Having a BMI greater than 40
- Having a BMI greater than 35, with one or more additional obesity-related health conditions
- Not being able to achieve a healthy body weight for a long period of time, even with medical weight loss intervention
Affording weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery is very affordable if you compare it to the amount of money spent on obesity-related factors, such as:
- Food costs, including dining out and monthly groceries
- Expenses for nonsurgical weight loss programs
- Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, such as over-the-counter drugs and co-pays for doctors visits, lab work and specialty care visits
- Prescription co-pays for medications used to treat conditions related to obesity, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
If you are interested in bariatric surgery, our bariatric patient coordinator is readily available to explain our array of financial options for both self-pay and insured patients.
Insurance information for bariatric surgery
To find out if your insurance provider will cover the cost of your bariatric surgery, contact them directly.
We also recommend that you write down the name of the individual you spoke with and the date/time of your conversation. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us and a bariatric coordinator will assist you.
Make sure you and your physician following these steps:
- Visit your primary care physician and ensure they weigh you and document your weight in your medical chart.
- Have your physician recommend an exercise and/or diet regimen, and make sure these recommendations are documented in your chart.
- Receive weigh-ins at your doctor's office at least every four weeks, and have your doctor document your progress and advise on how you might improve your progress.
- Have copies of all these records when you come to see a bariatric surgeon.
Self-pay patients
If you choose not to receive financial assistance from your insurance company, we offer affordable self-pay options. Our financial counselors are available to help navigate this process and aid in budgeting for the procedure.
Effects of obesity
Obesity puts a severe strain on the body and increases your risk of developing additional medical conditions, or, comorbidities. These conditions can lower your quality of life and lead to serious disability. You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you are obese and have a combination of several of these conditions:
- Arthritis
- Certain types of cancer, such as breast, colon, kidney, liver, and pancreas
- Diabetes
- Gall bladder disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Reproductive dysfunction, such as menstrual irregularities and infertility
- Respiratory and pulmonary dysfunction, such as sleep apnea
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