We know it’s a challenge, but focusing on achieving a healthy weight can make a big impact on your whole health. In addition to feeling better, shedding excess pounds may reduce the risk for many serious conditions in the long run, including:
How Bariatric Surgery Works
Most bariatric surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach or removing part of it. Most candidates have a BMI higher than 40. For most this is about 100 pounds over their healthy, ideal weight.
BMI a measure of body fat in proportion to your weight and height. This calculator can help you find your BMI number.
You may also be a candidate for weight-loss surgery if you have a BMI of 35 or higher with one or more related health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, we want you to know we’re taking extra measures to keep you safe each time you receive our care.
Surgical Solutions for Weight Loss
There are many types of bariatric surgery. Here are four options offered by many of our bariatric programs:
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Duodenal switch: This surgery removes most of the stomach and changes your small intestine to reduce how much fat it can absorb.
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Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band: During this surgery, an adjustable band is implanted around the top of the stomach to reduce its capacity.
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Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: With this relatively extensive procedure, surgeons reduce the size of the stomach while limiting how many calories your body absorbs.
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Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: During this procedure, surgeons remove three-fourths of the stomach.
Although these surgeries are often performed minimally invasively, they’re still considered major surgery. Choosing the best bariatric surgery for you can depend on several factors, including the amount of weight you need to lose and your overall health. Your physician can help you consider the option that’s best for you.
What Our Bariatric Teams Are Doing to Protect You
We’re committed to helping you heal while keeping you safe. That’s why you can expect the following when you visit one of our facilities:
Temperature checks at all facility entrances. We’re keeping you safe by checking everyone’s temperature upon arrival. That’s because most people who have symptoms of coronavirus usually develop a fever, according to the CDC.
Separate care areas for people who are sick. Patients with symptoms of COVID-19 will be cared for in separate areas, apart from other patients and visitors. If you need bariatric care, you can take comfort in knowing you won’t be exposed to other patients who may be sick.
Everyone wears a mask. The latest guidelines from the CDC urge everyone to wear cloth face coverings when in public. To support this important safety step, all of our team members, patients and visitors must wear a mask when they are in one of our facilities.
All health care providers and staff in our bariatric care and other facilities will also wear safety equipment, when appropriate.
Social distancing measures in waiting areas. We redesigned our waiting rooms to help visitors and walk-in patients practice social distancing. You may notice covers on seats that say: “Thank you for leaving this seat empty. We’re social distancing to keep you safe.” Look for stickers on the floor that will help you stand 6 feet away from other patients when you’re waiting in line.
At some of our facilities, you can wait in your vehicle, and we’ll text you when it’s time to come in for your appointment. You may also be able to check out while you’re still in the exam room.
When you arrive for appointments, you may notice barriers at registration desks. We are also limiting the number of people in each facility to keep you safe.
Virtually Connect With Your Bariatric Team
To lose weight and keep it off with bariatric surgery, it takes a team with you in the lead. But even with bariatric surgery, making lifestyle changes will help you be successful long-term.
To help you stay motivated, prepare for surgery and maintain your weight loss afterward, you’ll work with an obesity treatment team. Your team will help you schedule appointments, find exercises you enjoy and help you create a healthy meal plan. Your team will make it safe for you to continue your journey with follow-up appointments as recommended by your physician. While receiving bariatric care, you may have the option of scheduling a virtual visit using the AdventHealth App.
Take Charge of Your Weight-Loss Journey
Your trust means the world to us, so we do everything we can to protect your health while helping you on your weight-loss journey. Learn more about our expert Bariatric and Weight Care.
