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Weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is performed on patients with obesity. There are several types of bariatric procedures, but all focus on making modifications to the digestive system with the goal of significant weight loss.

Bariatric center in Gainesville, Florida

If you've unsuccessfully tried losing weight for years —don't quit yet. We can help.

Our accredited Weight Loss Surgery Center takes a comprehensive approach to managing obesity and the accompanying health-related issues.

Our experienced physicians, surgeons and specialists will create a customized plan to support your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. To take the first step on this journey, connect with our program coordinator to answer your questions and learn about resources to help you start your weight loss journey by clicking the Get Started button and completing the form, or calling the number listed below.

Is weight loss surgery right for you?

Our bariatric surgery assessment tool can help you understand if this approach is a good option for you.

Our bariatric surgery assessment tool can help you understand if this approach is a good option for you.

HCA Florida Healthcare weight loss surgery

Watch this informational video to learn more about what weight loss surgery is and how it can improve your overall health. You will learn about the causes and effects of obesity, types of surgeries and their benefits, as well as what you can expect before, during and after a procedure.

If you would like to speak with an experienced nurse to answer any questions you may have, you can call (844) 482-4823.

About our surgical weight loss program

Our weight loss center offers comprehensive services, providing a range of bariatric care for your health needs. We give you a detailed overview of educational opportunities that help you make an informed decision on weight loss surgery options. We make sure you have a good understanding of what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

Post-surgery, you'll have access to support groups, stories from our patients and ongoing follow-up care. We believe the patient stories you hear will encourage and inspire you.

For more than 35 years, our bariatric surgery team has helped people achieve weight loss and healthier lifestyles. Our bariatric center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons as one of its Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Programs. Additionally, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has designated our center as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery as well as many other insurance plans.


Weight loss procedures we offer

As a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Accredited Comprehensive Center, we provide surgical and nonsurgical weight loss solutions, including both endoscopic, traditional and robotic surgical techniques. These weight loss treatment options include the following:

Endoscopic procedures

Our center's doctors perform endoscopic weight loss procedures using a flexible scope inserted through the mouth in the same way as a standard outpatient upper gastrointestinal procedure. The endoscope is equipped with tiny cameras and miniature surgical tools. We offer two endoscopic procedures:

  • Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) — With the use of a specialized device called the “overstitch” we are able to administer approximately 5 -7 full thickness sutures to decrease the size of your stomach. This procedure does not involve removal of any portion of the stomach which is different than the surgical approach called Sleeve Gastrectomy.
  • Endoscopic transoral outlet reduction (TOR) — This procedure is for weight regain after Gastric Bypass Surgery. A traditional bariatric surgery revision, due to scar tissue and adhesions can sometimes be extremely challenging. An endoscopic bariatric revision decreases these potential risks.

Gastric banding

The adjustable gastric band system (sometimes known as a "lap band") uses a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. It makes you feel full faster because the band regulates the amount of food that passes through your digestive tract. Our center offers two types of banding procedures, both procedures use minimally invasive techniques and work by putting a band around the stomach. The procedure you receive is dependent on your health, whether you've had previous bariatric surgeries and your weight goals. We offer two types of gastric banding:

  • Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
  • Band over bypass

Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve surgery)

Sleeve gastrectomy (sometimes called "vertical sleeve gastrectomy") involves removing 75 to 80 percent of the stomach. This is a restrictive procedure and is the most common weight loss surgery. It works because the stomach is smaller and the "hunger hormones" in your gastrointestinal tract are decreased. This means you can eat less and your appetite is also reduced. It offers you not only significant long-term weight loss of greater than 65 percent but also improves or resolves Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Gastric bypass surgery (sometimes called "Roux-en-Y gastric bypass") involves making the stomach smaller and bypassing part of the small intestine. This is both a restrictive (restricting the amount of food you eat) and malabsorptive (decreasing the amount of calories you absorb) procedure. This is one of the most common bariatric surgeries, offering typical weight loss of 75 percent. It also significantly improves or completely resolves Type 2 diabetes, gastric reflux, hypertension and sleep apnea. It works by reducing food intake as well as decreasing the nutrients and calories your body is able to absorb.


What to expect after weight loss surgery

All weight loss procedures have benefits and disadvantages. You should never consider weight loss surgery a "cure all." It is a powerful tool to help make weight loss possible and it needs to be combined with the proper lifestyle and dietary choices. We recommend you take the time to gather information, talk with your physician and then make an informed decision to best help you reach a lifestyle that best fits your needs.

No matter which option you choose, you will follow a specialized eating plan post-surgery. Our staff carefully shares your diet progression with you to be sure your plan is understood. It is critical you follow the plan to prevent pain or serious complications. This is mandatory for our program. Your follow-up schedule will be tailored to your needs and the type of surgery performed.

  • Endoscopic gastric procedure — You'll follow a personalized follow-up visit schedule.
  • Gastric banding surgery — After completing your initial post-surgery follow-up, you'll need saline injections to maintain the size of the silicone banding.
  • Gastric sleeve surgery — Expect fewer follow-up visits when compared to gastric banding procedure patients.
  • Roux-en-Y procedure — It's common to have irregular bowel movements after surgery. You may also experience a condition known as dumping syndrome. This can happen when foods high in fat and sugar empty too quickly into the small intestine, causing diarrhea, nausea and shakiness.

All weight loss surgeries have benefits and disadvantages. But, you should never consider weight loss surgery a "cure all." It is a powerful tool to help make weight loss possible and it needs to be combined with the proper lifestyle and dietary choices. We recommend you take the time to gather information, talk with your physician and then make an informed decision that will best help you reach a lifestyle that best fits your needs.

Weight loss surgery support groups

Your success as a patient is important to us. Support group meetings are a helpful way to get the emotional support and encouragement whether you are exploring your options, are a new patient, are a long-term patient or are trying to get back on track to achieve your weight and health goals. Our support group meetings are facilitated by a dietitian and alternate from virtual to in-person. If you would like to be put on our email list for topics and dates, please email us at NFRM.Weightlosssurgery@HCAHealthcare.com and we will send you our announcements.

Ask a Doc - Endoscopic Weight Loss Procedures

Gastroenterologist Dr. Yaseen Perbtani. Dr. Perbtani joined us for an episode of "Ask a Doc" on Facebook Live (@HCAFloridaNorthFloridaHospital) to discuss our new endoscopic weight loss procedures, and how these minimally invasive offerings can help patients struggling with weight loss.

Learn more about weight loss surgery

The team at our bariatric center wants you to have as much information and support as possible — both before and after surgery.

Getting started with weight loss surgery

A free bariatric seminar is one of the first steps on the road to having surgery. The seminar covers the process, treatment options and what to expect before, during and after surgery. To watch this seminar from the comfort of your own home, click on the blue box below. If you would like to participate in a seminar in our clinic, please call us at (352) 331-5255.

Register for the Webinar


Candidates for weight loss surgery

Bariatric surgery isn't the right approach to weight loss for everyone, but you may qualify if you are:

  • You are 100 pounds or more over the healthy body weight for your height.
  • You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater.
  • You have a BMI of 35 or greater and obesity-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
  • You are otherwise unable to sustain a healthy body weight, even though medically supervised dieting.

Patient Guide and Checklist (this was created by HCA)

Bariatric surgery requirements

The exact tests, forms and steps required before weight loss surgery can vary from person to person. However, we are here to help you navigate the process and have outlined the typical steps here:

Insurance coverage and payment options

Questions about insurance coverage can seem complicated. We are happy to help make it simple. Part of our service is checking your insurance eligibility for weight loss surgery. Should your insurance not cover weight loss surgery or you think you may be a self-paying patient, we can help you understand your options. For more information, call us at (352) 331-5255.

Watch our webinar from the comfort of your own home

Plan on allowing about 40 minutes to accomplish educational seminar. Registration is easy, all you have to do is visit here.

Schedule a consultation with us

After we have verified your insurance or payment options and have confirmation that you watched our Webinar, we will reach out to you to schedule a consultation.

Document medically monitored weight loss attempts

We will explain to you your insurance companies’ requirements. If you plan requires medically documented and supervised weight loss attempts, you are welcome to see our clinic dietitian or your primary care provider can help you with this process and documentation.

Complete a psychological evaluation

A psychological evaluation is required before weight loss surgery. It includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological tests that help us understand your mental health. We will help you schedule this visit which can be in person or virtually.

Complete a nutritional assessment

A nutritional assessment is also part of the preoperative plan of care. This will be performed by our clinic dietitian and will cover your liver shrinking diet, postsurgical diet, emotional eating, food intake and identifying your triggers.

If you would like to learn more about weight loss surgery at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, please call us at (352) 331-5255.

Our Weight loss surgery Locations

Ocala Hospital
1431 SW 1st Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
 (352) 401 - 1000

37.5 miles

Orange Park Hospital
2001 Kingsley Ave
Orange Park, FL 32073
 (904) 639 - 8500

53.3 miles

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