Surgical Weight Loss for Whole Health
If you've ever tried to lose more than a couple of pounds, you know it’s a difficult journey. And sometimes — despite our best efforts and commitment — diet and exercise aren’t enough. If you’ve found yourself here, surgical weight loss may be the right option.
At AdventHealth Riverview, our compassionate bariatric specialists offer personalized surgical weight-loss care to the greater Tampa Bay community. We consider all your needs — physical, emotional and spiritual. If you choose us for your bariatric operation, you can expect support that includes education, support groups and spiritual care.
Bariatric Surgery Options Offered at Riverview
You're not alone if you’ve struggled to maintain your body’s healthiest weight. Our Riverview-area bariatric surgeons and medical-weight-loss experts are here to help. We offer the latest surgical procedures — including robotic-assisted surgery — to help you achieve a healthy weight and reach your goals.
Our advanced, minimally invasive bariatric operations offer faster healing times, minimal scarring and a quicker return to living the life you love.
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Gastric Sleeve
Sleeve gastrectomy — also known as gastric sleeve — is a popular option as it doesn’t bypass the small intestine and has minimal long-term complications.
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Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery reduces stomach size to one or two ounces, rerouting food away from the stomach into the first part of the small intestine.
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Revisions and Conversions
For people whose previous bariatric surgery was unsuccessful, we offer lap band revisions, which modify an original procedure, or conversion surgery that replaces the prior procedure with a new solution.
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Lap Band Evaluations
If you've had a bariatric procedure but didn’t meet your weight-loss goal, regained weight following a loss or just want to talk to a professional about the results of a previous procedure, you may be a candidate for a lap band evaluation.
Start Feeling Like Yourself Again
Deciding on bariatric surgery for weight loss can feel like a big leap. But you’ve got this because you have us. We’ll be with you at every step, cheering you on, clearing roadblocks and coaching you beyond the finish line.
Comprehensive Care To Help You Meet Your Goals
- Determining if Bariatric Surgery Is Right for You
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To determine if weight-loss surgery is right for you, we consider multiple factors — your age, medical history, previous weight-loss attempts, related health conditions and body mass index (BMI).
You may be a bariatric surgery candidate if you meet the following conditions:
- 18 years of age or older
- A BMI of 40 (approximately 100 pounds over ideal body weight for men and 80 pounds over ideal body weight for women) or a BMI of 35 or above, with an associated condition like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea or obesity-related heart disease
- You have previously attempted weight loss in a program supervised by a physician, dietitian or nutritionist
- You are willing to commit to long-term medical follow-up, as well as make life-long changes in diet, fitness and lifestyle
- Personalized Care
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We understand your weight-loss story is unique and personal to you. If you're a candidate for our advanced, minimally invasive weight-loss procedures, we'll develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and concerns.
Our caring, compassionate team will support you at every point in your journey as you work toward a healthy weight.
- Supporting Your Whole Health
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At AdventHealth Riverview, we care for you in body, mind and spirit. With compassion and empathy, it’s our goal to care for you, considering all of your needs.
We understand that your emotional and spiritual health both play a role in weight management and bariatric care. That’s why we provide services that soothe your mind and lift your spirits, including non-denominational, onsite chapels and access to behavioral health experts.
Find Support From Others Who Understand
No one understands like others who've walked in similar shoes. Our free support groups for current — and future — bariatric patients give you the space and place to share your journey and experiences with others who understand and support your goals.
Led by a bariatric specialist with clinical knowledge, our support groups offer support no matter where you are in your journey.
No matter where you live or where your AdventHealth surgeon operates, you can attend a group session virtually at any location. You decide how much support you need, and we'll be here to help along the way.
If you have any questions about our support groups, please get in touch with us at 813-615-7287.
Answering Your Bariatric Surgery Questions
- What are the bariatric surgery requirements?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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
Other risks may include:
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome is actually 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.
- How long do bariatric procedures take?
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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?
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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?
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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.
Supporting You Through Medical Weight-Loss Care
If you're looking for an alternative to bariatric surgery, our intensive medical weight-loss program can help. Our experts will guide you on how you can achieve a healthier weight without surgery through behavioral health support, dietary guidance or medication. We'll support you in body, mind and spirit as you work toward your goals.