A doctor conducting a surgery.

Experts in Effective Weight-Loss Surgery

Sometimes, diet and exercise alone aren't enough. But you're not alone. If you're considering weight-loss surgery, you probably have questions. In addition to understanding your BMI, you want to know more about the different procedures and recovery. Our bariatric and weight-loss specialists have extensive experience and are here to help you understand your options.

We Specialize in Leading-Edge Bariatric Procedures

Our highly skilled team of weight-loss and bariatric specialists offers comprehensive bariatric surgery care with advanced treatments and surgical techniques that reduce the amount of consumed food and the digestion and absorption of calories. Your surgeon will speak with you about the benefits of each procedure and which one may be the best fit for your lifestyle.

  • Sleeve Gastrectomy

    Sleeve gastrectomy is popular because it doesn’t bypass the small intestine and has minimal long-term complications. It works best for people with lower BMIs who can increase their physical activity.

  • Gastric Bypass

    Gastric bypass surgery reduces the stomach to one or two ounces and reroutes food into the first part of the small intestine. It works by several mechanisms that increase energy expenditure and changes in digestive hormones.

  • Duodenal Switch

    The duodenal switch procedure decreases stomach size and bypasses much of the small intestine. It reduces the absorption of fats and proteins and requires long-term adherence to vitamins and supplements.

  • Gastric Balloon

    The gastric balloon is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment for weight loss. While the balloon is temporary, it limits the amount of food you can eat to help you maintain a healthy weight over time.

  • Lap-Band® Evaluation

    Schedule a Lap-Band® evaluation if you feel you didn't meet your weight-loss goal or keep it off, want to understand why your previous procedure didn't work or if you’d like to discuss options with our team.

  • Revisions and Conversions

    We offer options for people who previously had bariatric surgery that didn't work properly. Such conditions include band slippage or blockage, weight regain or severe heartburn and reflux.

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Supporting Your Teen’s Long-Term Wellness

Weight loss can be challenging at every age, and for teens, obesity can affect their physical and mental health. If your teen has tried different weight-loss methods for severe obesity without success, adolescent bariatric surgery and lifestyle changes can help them achieve better health.

We know that choosing a surgical solution for your teen is a big decision. Together with your family, our experienced team will guide you through a comprehensive evaluation, answer your questions and explain your options to determine the best path forward.

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Hear Our Bariatric Patients’ Stories and See Their Transformations

Caitlyn’s Story

A Rubik’s cube enthusiast and CrossFit athlete, Caitlyn lost more than 200 pounds after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery at AdventHealth Tampa. She no longer deals with sleep apnea or joint pain and can work even harder in the CrossFit box. “I don’t feel left out anymore,” she said. See her transformation and watch her amazing story. 

Amber’s Story

Amber decided to have gastric bypass surgery to improve her quality of life. After years of yo-yo dieting, she was ready for a change. She wanted to be an active mother and feel more confident at work. Before surgery, Amber had diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. After losing 120 pounds after her procedure, she’s been able to stop taking medications, and her overall health has improved significantly. See her transformation and hear her amazing story. 

Heidi’s Story

After multiple diets and exercise regimens, Heidi decided to have bariatric surgery when her primary care doctor recommended it. Before her surgery, Heidi struggled with self-esteem and her mental health. She said she feels good every day now, and the surgery gave her the confidence to change her life, like going back to school and pursuing a new career. See her transformation and hear her amazing story.

Meet Our Team of Bariatric Surgeons

Each of our hospitals has a dedicated team of accomplished bariatric surgeons to help guide your weight-loss journey.

John Dietrick, MD

John Dietrick, MD

Headshot of Alfredo Fernandez, MD.

Alfredo Fernandez, MD

Bariatric Surgeon
AdventHealth Carrollwood

Headshot of John Gonzalvo, DO.

John Gonzalvo, DO

Bariatric Surgeon
AdventHealth Tampa

Headshot of Juan Gutierrez, MD.

Juan Gutierrez, MD

General and Bariatric Surgeon
AdventHealth Ocala

Headshot of Michael P Latzko, MD.

Michael P Latzko, MD

General and Bariatric Surgeon
AdventHealth Sebring

Headshot of Michel Murr, MD.

Michel Murr, MD

Bariatric Surgeon
AdventHealth Tampa

Headshot Marco Rajo, MD.

Marco Rajo, MD

Bariatric Surgeon
AdventHealth Carrollwood

Headshot of Rishi Ramlogan, MD, FASMBS.

Rishi Ramlogan, MD, FASMBS

General and Bariatric Surgeon
AdventHealth North Pinellas

Headshot of Salvador Ramos, DO.

Salvador Ramos, DO

General and Bariatric Surgeon
AdventHealth Ocala

Shiva Seetahal, MD

Shiva Seetahal, MD, FASMBS

General and Bariatric Surgeon
AdventHealth Heart of Florida

Headshot of Naga Thatimatla, MD.

Naga Thatimatla, MD

Bariatric Surgeon
AdventHealth Dade City

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Reach Your Goals With Medical Weight Loss

Medical weight loss is an alternative to bariatric surgery for help in achieving a healthier weight. You'll make lifestyle changes through behavioral support and dietary guidance. Learn more about our medical weight-loss program at AdventHealth Tampa.

Learn About Medical Weight Loss

On a Mission to Advance Bariatric Care

Our hospitals have been recognized by these national organizations for upholding the highest standards of quality and safety in bariatric care.

  • MBSAQIP accredited badge logo

    MBSAQIP Nationally Accredited Center

    The MBSAQIP designation is the most distinguished level of accreditation a bariatric program can receive. To achieve this designation, a series of on-site inspections are performed to evaluate the quality of care provided by the center, our physicians and support teams. The inspections include a thorough evaluation of all aspects of surgical processes and extensive data on health outcomes is collected. Six of our hospitals hold this designation:

    • AdventHealth Carrollwood
    • AdventHealth Dade City
    • AdventHealth Heart of Florida
    • AdventHealth Ocala
    • AdventHealth Sebring
    • AdventHealth Tampa – Comprehensive Center with Adolescent Qualifications
  • Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery Accreditation logo.

    Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center

    The Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery accreditation means AdventHealth 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). Four of our hospitals hold this accreditation:

    • AdventHealth Carrollwood
    • AdventHealth Dade City
    • AdventHealth Heart of Florida
    • AdventHealth Ocala
    • AdventHealth Tampa
  • United Healthcare logo.

    UnitedHealthcare® Center of Excellence

    Three of our hospitals have been certified as UnitedHealthcare® Bariatric Centers of Excellence:

    • AdventHealth Dade City
    • AdventHealth Heart of Florida
    • AdventHealth Ocala
    • AdventHealth Tampa
  • Banner Image

    Cigna 3-Star Quality Bariatric Center

    Four of our hospitals have been designated as Cigna 3-Star Quality Centers for Bariatric Surgery:

    • AdventHealth Carrollwood
    • AdventHealth Dade City
    • AdventHealth Heart of Florida
    • AdventHealth Ocala
    • AdventHealth Tampa
  • Physicians in surgery

    Cigna Center of Excellence (COE) Quality Bariatric Center

    One of our hospitals is recognized as a Cigna Center of Excellence Quality Bariatric Center.

    • AdventHealth Ocala
  • Aetna's circular turquoise badge with sunflower frills around it

    Aetna Institutes of Quality® Bariatric Surgery Facility

    Aetna Institutes of Quality® recognizes one of our hospitals for consistently delivering evidence-based, high-quality bariatric surgery care for people with morbid or extreme obesity.

    • AdventHealth Carrollwood
    • AdventHealth Dade City
    • AdventHealth Ocala
    • AdventHealth Tampa

Take the First Step Toward a Healthier You

If you’re ready to feel healthy again, we’re ready to answer your questions. Watch our introductory video to learn more and reach out to our team today to get started.

Or call us at 800-270-3043.