Surgical Weight-Loss Care Close to Home
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, our team is here to help you effectively reach your weight-loss goals. At AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, we rally around so you can achieve meaningful weight-loss results that help you feel healthier and more in control of your life.
Our expert team of bariatric specialists helps patients lose weight safely. Their guidance can also help you to prevent or manage obesity-related health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, infertility, sleep apnea, GERD and more.
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 free guide with our answers to frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery 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 over 18 years of age
- 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.
Our team is here to help with a variety of revision and conversion procedures. To get started, call our team at 813-929-5000.
Bariatric Surgery Services We Offer
Despite our best efforts, many of us struggle to achieve a healthy weight through diet and exercise. And you’re not alone. Our team is here to help. Working with the AdventHealth Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, we offer the latest surgical weight-loss procedures to help you achieve your goals.
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Minimally Invasive Surgery
Our team offers the most advanced robotic-assisted and laparoscopic procedures, which result in fewer incisions, less scarring and a faster recovery for you.
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Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass reduces the size of the stomach to one or two ounces and reroutes food away from the stomach into the first part of the small intestine.
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Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve has become a popular option since it doesn’t involve bypassing the small intestine and has minimal long-term complications.
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Revisions and Conversions
For people who had bariatric surgery that wasn't successful, we offer lap band revisions, which modifies an original procedure, or conversions, which replaces the procedure with a new solution.
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Lap Band Evaluations
You may be a candidate for a lap band evaluation if you feel you didn’t meet your goal of losing weight and keeping it off, want to understand why your weight-loss procedure hasn't worked as you thought it would, or would like to talk over options with a team of professionals.
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SADI / Duodenal Switch
The single anastomosis duodenal Ileal (SADI) bypass and duodenal switch reduce the stomach in a way similar to gastric sleeve and bypasses much of the small intestine.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery Makes Swifter Healing Possible
By keeping ahead of the curve with leading-edge research and technology, we strive to provide our patients and their families with the latest advancements and innovative treatment options to care for a variety of conditions. Our team of experts works together to ensure an individualized care plan that includes minimally invasive and robotic surgical treatments, when applicable. Weight-loss procedures that can be performed using robotic assistance include:
- Duodenal switch (single and double anastomosis)
- Hiatal hernia
- Gastric resection
- Gastric sleeve
- Nissin fundoplication
- Pyloroplasty
- Roux-en-Y bypass
Join a Bariatric Support Group Near You
Whether you’re considering bariatric surgery or have already had it, our support groups are here for you to share your personal journey and experiences with others who understand and support your goals.
Our bariatric support groups provide a safe environment to talk about weight loss, increase your knowledge and awareness, learn success tips and discuss any challenges or barriers to success. 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’ll be here to help you along the way.
Our Greatest Reward Is Caring for You
Honored To Be an Emerald Award Winner
The Leapfrog Group has exclusively recognized AdventHealth for remarkable achievements and leadership in patient safety, quality and transparency by a health care system, including maintaining a culture of excellence throughout all levels of the organization. Delivering consistent, high-quality, whole-person care is our priority, and we’re honored to be the first health care system to earn this award.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery
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Q:Question: What are the bariatric surgery requirements?
A:Answer:There are certain criteria for bariatric surgery. You may be a candidate if you:
- Are over 18 years of age
- 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
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Q:Question: Which bariatric surgery procedure is right for me?
A:Answer: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
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Q:Question: What is the cost of bariatric surgery, and will my insurance cover it?
A:Answer: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.
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Q:Question: What are some bariatric surgery risks?
A:Answer: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
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerOther risks may include:
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome is an adrenaline rush caused by too many carbohydrates entering the intestine too quickly. Symptoms are palpitations, sweating and a weak-in-the-knees feeling. About one-quarter of patients who receive a gastric bypass will experience this. This condition is unusual with the gastric sleeve.Blood Clots (Rare)
Very few surgical weight-loss patients develop blood clots. Less than 1% of all surgical patients in the U.S. encounter this issue. The bariatric team is very proactive in preventing blood clots. You are given blood thinners during surgery and after. You also use a compression device and ambulate every two hours while in the hospital and at home. -
Q:Question: How long do bariatric procedures take?
A:Answer: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.
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Q:Question: How rapid is weight loss after bariatric surgery?
A:Answer: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.
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Q:Question: How much excess skin will I have after surgery?
A:Answer: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.
Get Started Feeling Like Yourself Again
A healthier, happier you awaits. Our multidisciplinary bariatric specialists will cheer you on at every step. With expertise and compassion, we’ll stay committed to you as you commit to meaningful change and lifelong wellness.