Florida’s #1 Bariatric Surgery Program

Our AdventHealth Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery program is the #1 bariatric surgery program in Florida. If you’re thinking about taking that next step on your weight-loss journey, visit us for comprehensive, expert weight-loss and bariatric surgical care.

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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, with some offering convenient virtual visits.

Hear Our Bariatric Patients’ Stories and See Their Transformations

Bariatric patient Katrina's before and after photos.

More than 100 pounds down after gastric bypass surgery, Katrina is living life to the fullest. She's more active, experiencing fewer chronic conditions and feels physically and emotionally lighter.

Read More About Katrina's Story

Karla Quintana before and after bariatric surgery photos.

Karla Quintana deeply loves her family and enjoys exploring all this life has to offer with her loved ones. Unfortunately, she struggled with severe joint pain and several autoimmune disorders, one of which is obesity, which severely limited her quality of life. After successful bariatric surgery, her life changed for the better, bringing restoration to not only her but her family, too.

Read More About Karla's Story

Charlene Bobo before and after bariatric surgery photos.

After many years of struggling with obesity, Charlene was ready to change her life for the better. Once she had successful bariatric surgery, she was able to give her daughter an active and healthy version of herself to embrace a new phase of life.

Read More About Charlene's Story

"Weight Loss Surgery Saved My Life" - Sam

Sam's weight impacted her life significantly. She faced multiple medical conditions; trouble sleeping, lack of energy, mobility difficulties, high blood pressure. Dr. Michael Latzko from the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at AdventHealth performed a robotic gastric bypass surgery. This procedure only improved her medical conditions but increased her confidence.

Caitlyn's Journey to Losing Over 200 Pounds

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 Weight Loss Surgery Journey

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 Weight Loss Surgery Journey

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.

How Peter Found Hope After Bariatric Surgery

Theatre educator Peter Nason has lost 130 pounds after sleeve gastrectomy surgery with Naga Thatimatla MD, FASMBS, FACS. At a starting weight of 358 pounds, Peter said he had many stresses and difficulties, including back pain, low energy and having to use a CPAP machine to treat his sleep apnea. He felt stuck in a jail of his own body, but now he feels free. Peter said, “My back is writing me a thank-you note.”

Weight-loss surgery has empowered Peter to be the best at anything he wants to do as a teacher, advocate and actor. He has more verve, passion, energy and, best of all, hope.

Josh's Journey to Whole Health through Bariatric Surgery

Joshua Gilbert has lost more than 150 pounds after robotic-assisted gastric bypass surgery. A self-proclaimed “fat kid,” Josh had to stop one of his favorite activities, riding roller coasters, when one day, he could no longer fit. “I cried that day,” he said.

When Josh met bariatric surgeon Risihi Ramlogan, MD, FASMBS, Dr. Ramlogan noted that Josh was dealing with many obesity-related symptoms and conditions like chest pain from acid reflux, back pain, arthritis and prediabetes. After his surgery, Josh was able to stop taking many of his medications, and his A1C and glucose numbers improved.

Josh is back riding roller coasters and said, “Life gets better when you make decisions like this. This surgery was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life, apart from marrying my wife.”

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.

Learn About Medical Weight Loss

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.

  • Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

    Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a newer, minimally invasive weight-loss procedure that reduces the volume of your stomach. Requiring no incisions, ESG has a faster recovery than traditional surgery, with less pain and no scarring.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Meet Our World-Class Bariatric Team

Each of our hospitals has a dedicated team of accomplished bariatric surgeons to help guide you through your weight-loss journey. Some of our expert physicians offer virtual visits to help you feel whole from the comfort of your own home.

Headshot of Keyur Chavda, MD.

Keyur Chavda, MD

AdventHealth Riverview

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Weight Management

Headshot of Alfredo Fernandez, MD.

Alfredo Fernandez, MD

AdventHealth Carrollwood

Headshot of Juan Gutierrez, MD.

Juan Gutierrez, MD

AdventHealth Ocala

Venkat Kanthimathinathan, MD

Venkatasubramanian Kanthimathinathan, MD

AdventHealth Riverview

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Weight Management

Headshot of Michael P Latzko, MD.

Michael P Latzko, MD

AdventHealth Sebring

Headshot of Michel Murr, MD.

Michel Murr, MD

AdventHealth Tampa

Marco Rajo, MD

Marco Rajo, MD, FACS, FASMBS

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Weight Management

Headshot of Rishi Ramlogan, MD, FASMBS.

Rishi Ramlogan, MD, FASMBS

AdventHealth North Pinellas

Headshot of Salvador Ramos, DO.

Salvador Ramos, DO

AdventHealth Ocala

Shiva Seetahal, MD

Shiva Seetahal, MD, FASMBS

AdventHealth Heart of Florida

Bariatric Surgery

Headshot of Naga Thatimatla, MD.

Naga Thatimatla, MD

AdventHealth Dade City

John Gonzalvo, DO

John Gonzalvo, DO

Bariatric Surgery, Weight Management

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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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 Nationally Accredited Center

    MBSAQIP is a comprehensive, nationwide surgical quality program aimed at ensuring the safe and effective performance of metabolic and bariatric surgery. Surgical outcomes focus on weight loss and the treatment of obesity-related diseases, like diabetes, sleep apnea, and others. Research shows accredited centers experience lower complications, and better outcomes than that of non-accredited facilities.

    • AdventHealth Carrollwood
    • AdventHealth Dade City
    • AdventHealth Heart of Florida
    • AdventHealth North Pinellas
    • AdventHealth Ocala
    • AdventHealth Sebring
    • AdventHealth Tampa – Comprehensive Center with Adolescent Qualifications

  • 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).

    • AdventHealth Carrollwood
    • AdventHealth Dade City
    • AdventHealth Heart of Florida
    • AdventHealth Ocala
    • AdventHealth Tampa

  • UnitedHealthcare® Center of Excellence

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

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

  • Cigna 3-Star Quality Bariatric Center

    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

  • Cigna Center of Excellence (COE) Quality Bariatric Center

    Our hospital is recognized as a Cigna Center of Excellence Quality Bariatric Center.

    • AdventHealth Ocala

  • Aetna Institutes of Quality® Bariatric Surgery Facility

    Aetna Institutes of Quality® recognizes 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

  • Women's Choice Best Hospitals for Bariatrics Surgery

    • AdventHealth Carrollwood

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.