The Bariatric Center of Excellence at North Florida Regional was established specifically to help those suffering from serious problems due to being overweight. For the latest information about our program, check out our new blog at www.journey2anewyou.com!

The Center was established by the Surgical Group of Gainesville specifically to help those suffering from serious problems due to being overweight. Weight loss surgeries have been performed at North Florida Regional Medical Center for more than 25 years, contributing to the experience of our own professional staff and our consulting physicians in anesthesia, radiology and other medical disciplines. The Center for Obesity Surgery and Treatment has been accredited by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. 

Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?

Did you know an estimated 5-10 million Americans are considered morbidly obese? With morbid obesity is a chronic disease, more are turning to weight loss surgery as treatment. The most common guidelines followed by the surgeons recommending gastric bypass or lap band surgery and the insurance companies who will finance bariatric surgery are:

Age Considerations
A person must be between the ages of 18-69, unless a person has a severe illness related to the weight which may be life threatening.

Body Mass Index
The individual must weigh at least 100 pounds over their ideal body weight according to the 1999 Metropolitan Height and Weight Tables for Adults, or have a BMI of 40 or more. An exception may be considered for persons 80 pounds overweight, or a BMI of 35-40 with a severe illness such as Diabetes. Personal BMI (Body Mass Index) must be greater than or equal to 40; greater than or equal to 35 with serious health problems. Check your BMI here...

Past Experience & Health Considerations
The individual's morbid obesity must be a contributing factor for a weight related medical problem. The individual must have tried to lose weight following diet programs and been unsuccessful at either weight loss or maintaining weight loss.

Qualification for Weight Loss Surgery

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Have a BMI of 35 with medical conditions associated with obesity (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
• Or a BMI of 40 without medical conditions associated with obesity
• Or weigh more than 100 pounds over your ideal body weight

Forms & Screening Requirements

• Patient History Form
• Thyroid Screening (TSH Labs)
• Psychological Evaluation 
• Letter from primary care physician supporting procedure
• Proof of unsuccessful weight loss attempts (i.e. weight watchers booklet, physician’s note or receipts from other weight loss programs)

Insurances Accepted
Call your insurance company to confirm coverage for “Bariatric Surgery.” (CPT codes:  Adjustable Gastric  Banding 43770; Gastric Bypass 43847) Weight loss surgery is covered by many insurance companies including Medicare. 

Seminars & Events

For information and registration, call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-800-611-6913.

• Community Educational Seminar – These FREE educational seminars are held on the second Monday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Come and learn more about weight loss surgery options at North Florida Regional Medical Center and have your questions answered. Please call (800) 611-6913 for more information and to register for this FREE event.
• Weight Loss Surgery Support Group – Meets every third Wednesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Share your weight loss surgery story and listen to others talk about their journeys. Please call (800) 342-6057 for more information.

For more information about support offered by the Center for Obesity Surgery and Treatment, please contact us or attend one of our monthly seminars.

Contact Us

Center for Obesity Surgery and Treatment
6400 Newberry Road, Suite 106
Gainesville, FL  32605
Maps & Directions

If you have questions about this Bariatric Center of Excellence or would like to make an appointment, call (800) 342-6057 or email us.