AdventHealth Tampa Unveils ‘One Stop Shop’ to Help Bariatric Patients on Health and Wellness Journey

September 26, 2019 — Tampa, FL - AdventHealth Tampa unveiled its one-of-a-kind Bariatric and Metabolic Institute on Thursday, September 26. Florida State Senator Janet Cruz and Florida State Representative Fentrice Driskell helped cut the ribbon on the comprehensive institute that offers patients convenience and comfort to help solve chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. In addition to the surgical team, the institute also offers an on-site licensed psychologist specializing in weight loss; a registered dietitian, and a patient navigator to assist each patient from the time they make their appointment through each step of their journey to whole health.

“The AdventHealth Tampa Bariatric and Metabolic Institute is the only place in Tampa to provide this level of clinical expertise and support to patients affected by health issues related to obesity,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO of AdventHealth Tampa. “Our experts are bringing bariatric solutions to our communities that will help people live their healthiest life possible.”

The AdventHealth Tampa Bariatric and Metabolic Institute care team is led by Drs. John Dietrick, Michel Murr and John Paul Gonzalvo who have over 50 years of pioneering research and clinical expertise in bariatric surgical procedures for both adolescents and adults.

“We are excited to join forces to the build an institute that provides bariatric patients with the best care to start their journey to better health,” said Dr. John Dietrick, Medical Director at AdventHealth Tampa Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. “We are positioned to leverage the best clinical and surgical expertise, technology, and resources to get patients on a path the wellness.”

The institute specializes in adult weight loss surgery, including the gastric bypass, the sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional bariatric surgery. Additionally, the institute offers a weight loss management program and a wide array of retail products for all patients.

“Nearly 40% of Americans are affected by obesity and with that, diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease are prevalent in our communities,” said Dr. Michel Murr, surgeon at AdventHealth Tampa Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. “We can do more than help people lose weight, we can help treat these illnesses and solve a health crisis in America.”

The AdventHealth Tampa Bariatric and Metabolic Institute is nationally accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program for its focus on prioritizing patient safety. The Bariatric and Metabolic Institute is located at 3000 Medical Park Drive, Suite 490, Tampa FL 33613.

About AdventHealth West Florida Division

The West Florida Division of AdventHealth has some of the nation’s brightest medical minds making lifesaving breakthroughs with surgical pioneers, scientists and researchers using leading edge technology and innovation to deliver our brand of whole-person care. Our network of care includes AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Lake Placid, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Ocala, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wauchula, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, as well as three freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including AdventHealth Central Pasco ER, AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER and AdventHealth TimberRidge ER. We are more than hospitals, as we have a robust system of care including specialty acute care, over 200 primary care and specialty employed physicians, Express Care at Walgreens clinics, urgent care centers, wound care, physical therapy and home health care. AdventHealth is a faith-based not-for-profit health care system with a mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. AdventHealth has hundreds of care sites and nearly 50 hospitals across the United States. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealth, and for West Florida Division, click here.