Surgical Weight Loss in Sebring

The Weight-Loss Support You Deserve

For your weight-loss journey, you deserve the utmost support from experts who have your whole-person health in mind. And that’s just what you’ll find here.

Working in unison with the AdventHealth Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, AdventHealth Sebring brings a surgical weight-loss program to your Heartland community. The surgeon, dietitians, nurses and medical specialists in our program are here to give you hope, confidence and life-changing solutions that work for you.

We’ll guide you through the steps required before bariatric surgery and will continue to support you as you adjust to your new life and improved health.

Bariatrics Downloadable Guide Cover

On Your Weight-Loss Journey, We’ll Be Your Guide

Weight-loss surgery is a big decision. We want to ensure all your questions are answered, so you can be informed, prepared and confident that you’re making the best decision for your health. Download our PDF of answers to frequently asked questions about bariatric surgeries to learn more.

Is Bariatric Surgery Right for Me?

Combined with healthy lifestyle changes, bariatric procedures can help you lose weight quickly and keep it off successfully. You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you:

  • Are between the ages of 18 and 65
  • Are not dependent on drugs or alcohol
  • Are ready and willing to commit to a new lifestyle
  • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above
  • Have a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, heart disease or sleep apnea
  • Have tried to lose weight through other means, such as diet and exercise

To determine if a surgical weight-loss procedure is right for you, we’ll look at factors like your age, your medical history, any previous attempts at weight loss, any related health conditions and your body mass index (BMI). We’ll then work to understand which procedure could best meet your needs so you can achieve your weight-loss goals.

Types of Bariatric Surgery Our Team Offers

If you’re looking for weight care options in Florida, the help you need may be right around the corner. Conveniently located in Sebring, our practice offers the latest surgical weight-loss procedures and a whole-person approach to help you achieve your goals.

Leading our bariatric care program, Dr. Latzko works with a team of medical specialists to apply a customized approach for improved well-being, emphasizing education, diet, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes.

  • Minimally Invasive Surgery

    Our team offers the most advanced robotic-assisted and laparoscopic procedures, which mean fewer incisions, less scarring and a faster recovery for you.

  • Gastric Sleeve

    Gastric sleeve has become a popular option since it doesn’t involve bypassing the small intestine and has minimal long-term complications.

  • Gastric Bypass

    Gastric bypass reduces the size of the stomach to one or two ounces to reroute food away from the stomach into the first part of the small intestine.

Guiding Your Weight-Loss Journey

We know that weight-loss surgery and other bariatric procedures are life-changing decisions that require extra thought, care and support. Our team will work with you to understand which weight-loss option best meets your needs so you can start to feel whole again.

Join Our Support Groups

If you’re considering or have had bariatric surgery, our support groups at nearby AdventHealth campuses are here for you to share your personal journey and experiences with others who understand and support your goals. Groups are facilitated by our bariatric coordinators and offer guest speakers throughout the year as well. You decide how much support you need, and we will be here to help you along the way.

Find a Group

Where Award-Winning Care Is Rewarding for You

We've been recognized by these leading national organizations for our commitment to providing the highest-quality care to our patients.

COE in Robotic Surgery seal

Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) Center of Excellence

AdventHealth Sebring is accredited by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery for providing the highest quality of care and patient safety. We are the only facility in Highlands and Hardee counties to receive this designation.

SRC Surgeon of Excellence Robotic Surgery Award

Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) Surgeon of Excellence

The Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) has accredited Michael P. Latzko, MD, as a Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery.

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program

Our hospital is nationally accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). Being an MBSAQIP-accredited Comprehensive Center acknowledges our commitment to high-quality patient care and positive outcomes.

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Hear Our Patient Success Stories

At AdventHealth Sebring, weight-loss surgery has helped many people regain their confidence and return to the lives they love. Take it from former patient Lori Dyal, who worked with Dr. Latzko to achieve her goals.

Answering Your Bariatric Surgery Questions

  • What are the bariatric surgery requirements?

    There are certain criteria for bariatric surgery. You may be a candidate if you:

    • Are between the ages of 18 and 65
    • Are not dependent on drugs or alcohol
    • Are ready and willing to commit to a new lifestyle
    • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above
    • Have a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, heart disease or sleep apnea
    • Have tried to lose weight through other means, such as diet and exercise

  • Which bariatric surgery procedure is right for me?

    The best weight-loss procedure for you will be determined at your consult visit when you sit down with your bariatric surgeon. The decision is based on various factors, like:

    • Any health conditions (like diabetes or GERD)
    • Any previous attempts at weight loss
    • Your BMI
    • Your health history overall

  • What is the cost of bariatric surgery, and will my insurance cover it?

    The coverage related to bariatric surgery depends on the type of coverage your insurance plan provides. Our care coordinators will help you communicate with your insurance company to understand what coverage your plan requires and provides.

  • What are some bariatric surgery risks?

    All surgical procedures come with risks, but for most patients, the lasting benefits of bariatric surgery outweigh the risks. Some of the main risks of bariatric surgery include:

    • Acid reflux
    • Anesthesia-related risks
    • Chronic nausea and vomiting
    • Dilation of esophagus
    • Inability to eat certain foods
    • Infection
    • Obstruction of the stomach
    • Weight regain
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  • How long do bariatric procedures take?

    The bariatric surgery process and average procedure time vary on multiple factors, like the type of surgery. For example, a gastric bypass procedure usually takes about two hours, and a gastric sleeve procedure may take an hour and a half.

    Before your surgery, your care team will be sure to go over all the details of your procedure, including how long you’ll be in the operating room, so all your specific questions are answered.

  • How rapid is weight loss after bariatric surgery?

    Weight-loss surgery is incredibly life-changing, and post-bariatric surgery results are wonderful for many people. Most patients will lose about 65% of their excess weight in 18 months (one and a half years), and most of the weight comes off in the first year. About 75% of people can successfully lose weight and keep it off long-term.

  • How much excess skin will I have after surgery?

    It varies, but most patients who experience substantial weight loss will have some extra skin. Exercising to tone muscles will help to some degree. Removal of the extra skin is usually considered cosmetic, and coverage depends on your insurance policy. We recommend you first reach your weight loss goal and then undergo surgery to remove your excess skin, if desired.

Take the First Step Toward a Healthier You

You’ve got this, because you’ve got us. Get the expert guidance and support you need to live healthier, longer.

Find a Bariatric Doctor