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:
- Coronary heart disease
- Gallbladder disease
- High blood pressure
- High LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol, low HDL (the “good”) cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides
- Many types of cancer
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
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 receiving our care.
Surgical Solutions for Weight Loss
You have a choice in how you reach your goals. AdventHealth Dade City offers the only bariatric weight-loss program in east and central Pasco County. As your partner in care, we’ll educate you on your options and help you pick the procedure that works best for your needs. We specialize in the most advanced weight-loss surgeries, including:
- Gastric Band Conversion to Sleeve Gastrectomy — If you're unhappy with your gastric band, you may have an option to convert the band to a sleeve, a minimally invasive procedure that can help you lose more weight with fewer side effects.
- Gastric Band Removal — This is another option if you and your health care team decide you no longer benefit from your gastric band.
- Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy — In this procedure, a large portion of your stomach is removed, helping you feel fuller longer after eating smaller amounts of food.
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
“Patient safety is our top priority at our facilities, and we implement all the recommended measures to meet this goal,” says Naga Thatimatla, MD, a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in bariatric surgery. “We also update our safety measures to keep up with the new recommendations as a part of our standard of care.”
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. We are also limiting the number of people in each facility to keep you safe.
Take Charge of Your Weight-Loss Journey
To help you stay motivated, prepare for surgery and maintain your weight loss, you will work with our team of experts, including our bariatric professionals and our Bariatric and Digestive Health Nurse Navigator. Our Nurse Navigator’s complimentary services include helping you find a physician, connecting you with educational resources and support services, communicating with your doctors and scheduling appointments. She is here to provide the support you need to find relief and feel whole again.
Call our Bariatric and Digestive Health Nurse Navigator today at Call352-521-1170, and learn more about our expert Bariatric and Weight Care.
