woman looking out at the horizon

Embrace Health With Meaningful Weight Loss Support

You’re not defined by a number on a scale. But feeling whole means considering healthy, weight-conscious lifestyles. And if health concerns such as diabetes or sleep apnea begin to affect your daily life, it's important to take steps to get your health back on track. If your body mass index (BMI) is more than 40 — or more than 30 with related health conditions — medical weight loss could be just the solution you need to help you reach your health goals.

Our medical weight loss experts at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, formerly Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, can guide you in exploring all options and deciding which is best for you. We always put your whole health first, meaning before we create your individualized wellness plan, we'll consider every aspect of your medical background, weight loss mindset, and current lifestyle, including your diet and fitness habits, stress factors and your own personal body image. We make it easy for our patients to see their provider before and after surgery. With locations in Daytona Beach and Orange City, it’s convenient to get the supportive care you need.

Christian Birkedal, MD

Your East Florida Dedicated Expert

As a bariatric and general surgeon, Christian Birkedal, MD, believes in treating every patient like he would treat his own family. With compassion and understanding, Dr. Birkedal joins you in your journey to embrace a healthier lifestyle. He considers it a blessing — and his true calling — to care for you and help improve your health.

Weight-Loss Care That’s Nationally Recognized

Bariatric surgery is a big step, and you can rest assured that you’re in the best hands at AdventHealth Daytona Beach. Our team is recognized by these national organizations for our commitment to safe, effective and high-quality bariatric care

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  • MBSAQIP accredited badge logo

    MBSAQIP Accreditation

    AdventHealth Daytona Beach has been accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) for surgical treatment of severe obesity and its related conditions. To earn this designation, the hospital met stringent criteria for staffing, training and facility infrastructure and protocols for care, ensuring its ability to support patients with severe obesity.

  • United Healthcare logo

    UnitedHealthcare® Bariatric Center of Excellence

    UnitedHealthcare® recognizes AdventHealth Daytona Beach as a Bariatric Center of Excellence for upholding the highest quality care for weight-loss surgery.

  • Physicians in surgery

    Optum Bariatric Center of Excellence

    Optum recognizes AdventHealth Daytona Beach’s bariatric surgery program as a Center of Excellence for maintaining the highest standards of patient care and raising the bar for bariatric care in the local community.

  • A Physician Goes Over a Chart with a Patient

    Cigna Center of Excellence Quality Bariatric Center

    AdventHealth Daytona Beach is a recognized Cigna Center of Excellence Quality Bariatric Center, highlighting the hospital’s exceptional patient care for everyone who chooses bariatric surgery.

  • Blue Distinction Center logo

    Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center

    The Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery accreditation means AdventHealth Daytona Beach is committed to quality bariatric care by meeting strict criteria developed by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Let's Pave the Way to a Healthier You

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Woman taking notes about bariatric surgery

Community Support Starts Here

If you're considering or have had bariatric surgery, reaching out for support benefits your body, mind and spirit. Our bariatric support group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 5 to 6 pm, with a virtual option every month and an in-person meeting every other month.

For more information or to RSVP, email Vanessa Raulerson at [email protected]. Each month, you'll receive a new email invite with the date, time and topic. Instructions to join the online meeting will be emailed once you RSVP.

Achieve a Healthy Weight With a Team by Your Side

Our expert team at AdventHealth Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery is here to help you achieve a healthier weight and a healthier life. Trust our network of care to help guide and support you in your journey to wellness. With access to a wide range of bariatric doctors, weight loss experts, community resources and local support services, you can count on our multidisciplinary team to help you overcome any roadblocks in your journey to better health. We are here to be your coach — and biggest cheerleader — on the way to success.