Bariatric Surgery and Medically Managed Weight Loss Services
Our Bariatric Services Team is Here for You
Weight loss is a complicated issue, and with approximately 40% of U.S. adults battling obesity, the diet industry—rife with fad diets and misinformation—continues to grow. But for someone to experience true weight loss and make lasting changes, a supportive community is necessary.
At TGH North, we take this to heart. We have an expert team of bariatric specialists and staff who offer bariatric surgery services and medically managed weight loss programs. When you allow us to help guide you on your weight loss journey, you’ll not only receive the world-class care for which Tampa General Hospital is known, but you’ll also have our team of compassionate health care providers cheering you along, every step of the way.
Knowledge
Experience
Recognition
Bariatric Surgery at TGH North
For those struggling with severe obesity and for whom traditional methods of weight loss have failed, surgical weight loss procedures may be an option.
Once a patient joins our program, our bariatric nurse coordinator will guide them through each step of the journey and help to:
- Verify insurance coverage
- Schedule appointments with other providers
- Help answer any questions or address concerns that might arise
Watch our Online Bariatric Seminar to gain a better understanding of what to expect at every point in the weight-loss surgery process.
Along the way, we will keep primary care physicians and specialists informed on a patient’s progress so everyone is working together to improve their overall health and wellbeing. In fact, many patients see improvements in blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea after bariatric surgery!
Types of Bariatric Surgeries We Offer
Our surgeons perform several types of weight loss surgery, including:
- Sleeve gastrectomy - During sleeve gastrectomy, a significant portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This reduction in stomach size restricts the amount of food it can hold, leading to a feeling of fullness with smaller meals.
- Gastric Bypass - During gastric bypass surgery, a small pouch is created by dividing the top of the stomach. This smaller stomach pouch is then connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This alters the digestive process, restricting the amount of food intake and reducing the absorption of nutrients, leading to weight loss.
- Revisional bariatric surgery - Revisional bariatric surgery refers to a follow-up or corrective surgical procedure performed after a previous weight loss surgery. It is typically done to address complications, inadequate weight loss or the need for further modifications to a prior procedure.
- Laparoscopic gastric band management - Laparoscopic gastric band management refers to the medical oversight and adjustments made to a gastric band that has been previously placed through laparoscopic surgery.
What to Expect after Bariatric Surgery
While weight loss surgery can help address obesity, it is not the final step in sustaining weight loss. Patients must also make lifestyle adjustments to reach and maintain a healthy goal weight. To ensure you’re on the path toward success, the bariatric surgery team at TGH North will provide comprehensive support well beyond your hospital stay.
Following surgery, our surgeon and staff will:
- Closely monitor your progress at regular follow-up appointments
- Guide you in following a personalized nutrition and exercise plan
- Explain the importance of eating and drinking exactly what your care team recommends, to help you to avoid complications, such as dehydration, constipation and kidney stones
- Help you gradually increase your food intake over time
- Develop a list of recommended daily vitamins and supplements for you to take
What To Consider Following Weight Loss Surgery
During the adjustment period after bariatric surgery, consider the following:
- Commit to adhering to your care plan, knowing that it will be a challenge to develop new eating and exercise habits. Build a strong support network with friends, family and your health care team to help you navigate the emotional journey and celebrate milestones with you.
- Anticipate surprising changes, such as altered food preferences and temporary hair loss (which can occur three to six months following surgery). Getting adequate nutrition will spur the regrowth of hair.
- Prioritize regular, modest physical activity for better health outcomes, stress management and appetite control. Begin slowly under your care team's guidance and listen to your body when it’s time to rest and recharge.
- Expect weight plateaus as your body adjusts. Consult your care team for modifications to your nutrition plan and exercise routine and be sure to get plenty of sleep.
- Seek connection through a bariatric weight loss surgery support group to share experiences and tips, encourage each other and hear others’ success stories.
What is Medically Managed Weight Loss?
Medically managed weight loss refers to a structured program supervised by healthcare professionals to assist people with achieving and maintaining a healthier weight. This approach is an alternative to bariatric procedures. It is an excellent option for individuals who do not qualify for or are not interested in surgical weight loss surgery.
In a medically managed weight loss program, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, such as physicians, dietitians and other specialists, oversee the process, often incorporating dietary plans, exercise regimens, medications, lifestyle adjustments and regular monitoring of progress. The goal is to promote safe and sustainable weight loss while addressing underlying health issues associated with obesity. Medical supervision ensures that the weight loss plan aligns with the individual's overall health and medical history.
Medically Managed Weight Loss Programs at TGH North
There is plenty of conflicting advice about diet and exercise out in the world, which can make the process of creating a healthier lifestyle and losing weight confusing and overwhelming for many people.
At TGH North, our medically managed weight loss program takes a holistic, lifestyle-based approach to health and wellness. Under the supervision of our board-certified surgeons—who have specialized training in treating patients struggling with obesity—we employ evidence-based strategies for dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help patients achieve their long-term health objectives.
To ensure lasting weight loss, true lifestyle changes are required. For this reason, we provide services tailored to each patients’ specific needs, including:
- Nutrition and guidance
- Exercise planning
- Behavior Modification
- Educational programs
- And much more
Here’s how to get started on your journey to weight loss with the TGH North bariatrics team!
Step #1: Contact Our Office
Contact our office to begin your journey toward a healthier lifestyle! A helpful bariatric team member will answer your questions and schedule a consultation. Call our Crystal River office at (352) 765-2010 or our Brooksville office at (352) 544-6145 to get started.
Step #2: Complete Initial Paperwork
If you decide to become a part of our bariatric program, we’ll send you more information about the records and health documents we’ll need to get you started.
Step #3: Prepare for the Initial Appointment and Pre-Surgical Plan
Expect to spend about an hour and a half with our team during the initial appointment. If surgery is recommended, a personalized pre-surgical plan will be created. Implementing the pre-surgical plan may span several month, especially if your insurance requires steps such as obtaining clearance letters and undergoing a psychological evaluation. Our team can help guide you through each step of this process efficiently.
Step #4: Get Educated
Understanding the ins and outs of our medically managed weight loss and bariatric surgery programs is vital to your success. Our education program offers essential classes on nutrition, exercise and pre- and post-surgery recommendations. Our team will ensure you have the tools and support you need to make and sustain lifelong health changes.
Step #5: Prepare for Surgery
Depending on the procedure performed, you can expect your bariatric surgery to last about two hours and your post-surgical hospital stay to last around two days. You will likely be able to return to work within two weeks, but this will be determined by your surgeon. Sometimes, additional restrictions may apply.
Step #6: Focus on Follow-Up Care
After surgery, our team will collaborate closely with your primary care physician so your physical recovery can stay on track. We’ll schedule regular visits with our registered dietitian and exercise physiologist to help you manage your weight safely. In addition, you can join support groups that will provide ongoing encouragement and education from other patients and professional staff members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, bariatric surgery can lead to positive effects on type 2 diabetes, often leading to significant improvements or even remission in some cases.
Whether you qualify for weight loss surgery depends on factors such as your BMI, whether you have obesity-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure) and your medical history, among others. Our team can help you determine if you’re a candidate for a bariatric procedure.
Use this BMI calculator to discover your BMI number.
Contact Our Team
To schedule a consultation or request more information about our bariatric program, call one of our offices or fill out the form below to reach a member of our team.
Crystal River Office: (352) 765-2010
Brooksville Office: (352) 544-6145