Bariatric Surgery

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also referred to as weight loss surgery, is an effective treatment for obesity that can reverse some obesity-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea, among others. The traditional thinking about bariatric surgery is that it works through two simple mechanisms; a restrictive mechanism which reduces the amount of food a person can eat, and a malabsorptive mechanism which reduces the amount of calories that are absorbed by the intestines.  The problem with this philosophy is that it perpetuates the misconception that weight gain is simply a factor of overeating and sedentary behavior. 

While these mechanisms certainly play a role, we now realize there is a much more important hormonal effect that is responsible for creating the sustainable changes most patients desire.  This paradigm shift in understanding has led to the belief that obesity is a hormonal disorder.  Bariatric surgery has the ability to initiate the hormonal changes necessary to initiate weight loss and restore energy levels, however when this is coupled with implementing the tools of proper nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle changes, simple weight loss becomes Life Change!

Bariatric Surgery Options

If you struggle with obesity, bariatric surgery may be able to help you lose a significant amount of weight and improve your health overall. Florida Coast Weight Loss Center’s specialists will determine the bariatric surgery procedure that best fits your needs and design a treatment plan that will be most effective for reaching your unique goals. The weight loss surgery options available include:

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve surgery, also called Gastric Sleeve Resection and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is the most common weight loss surgery performed in the United States. This minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure removes approximately 80% of the stomach, and thus, significantly reduces the amount of food the patient can eat. While this does result in better portion control, the hormonal effect of a sleeve gastrectomy is much more profound.  Reduction in the production of Ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone¹, has long been known to be reduced with a sleeve however this essentially gets back to the idea that weight loss is about decreasing your calorie consumption.  The hormonal response actually goes much further with changes in the production of hormones like GLP-1, GIP, cholecystokinin, adiponectin, and others.  These hormonal changes dramatically affect the way our cells respond to another hormone called insulin which is primarily responsible for fat storage.

Within two years, patients who have Gastric Sleeve surgery lose as much as 65% of excess weight on average and many patients resolve or reduce Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure, among other comorbidities.

Duodenal Switch

Duodenal Switch surgery is ideal for individuals with more than 100 pounds of excess weight, those who have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 50 or more, or those who have a low metabolism or Type 2 diabetes and works by reducing the size of the stomach and bypassing a portion of the small intestine. The additional component of changing where food enters the intestine creates additional hormonal changes that results in even more profound weight loss.  

This procedure is the most effective bariatric procedure available in the United States for long-term weight loss. This procedure results in better resolution of Type 2 diabetes that the gastric bypass, along with significant weight loss and resolution of sleep apnea and high blood pressure.¹

Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass, also called Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, is a laparoscopic weight loss surgery that works by sectioning off the stomach to limit the amount of food consumed, and rerouting the small intestine so the body absorbs fewer calories while suppressing appetite.² 

Gastric Bypass surgery can result in an average of 75% excess weight loss in the first two years and can resolve or reduce high cholesterol, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, infertility, and osteoarthritis.

Do I Qualify for Weight Loss Surgery?

If you haven’t reached your weight loss goals through exercise, diet, or non-surgical medical treatment, weight loss surgery may be able to help you lose significant weight and reduce health complications associated with obesity. Good candidates for bariatric surgery typically:

• Have a 30 or higher BMI
• Have a diagnosis of obesity-related health issues, such as heart disease, sleep apnea, or diabetes
• Do not abuse alcohol or drugs³
• Are committed to adopting healthy lifestyle changes

It is critical that patients understand that maintaining their results after weight loss surgery is a lifelong journey. It requires continued support, adhering to a nutrition and fitness plan as well as determination, willpower, and the inner strength to choose YOU.

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Is Bariatric Surgery Safe?

Bariatric surgery is effective for significant weight loss, and considered safe when performed by a board-certified weight loss surgery specialist. In addition:

• Multiple studies have shown that the survival rate following bariatric surgery is above 99%⁴
• Research indicates that weight loss surgery is the only cure for obesity that is proven reliable⁵
• Patients who have bariatric surgery are 40% less likely to die at five and ten years following surgery than those who do not⁶

Risks Associated With Weight Loss Surgery

How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost? 

The cost of obesity is high—life expectancy is shorter and healthcare expenditures are significantly higher for those who struggle with excess weight than those who don’t. So a better question may be: What is the cost of not undergoing weight loss surgery? Not only is bariatric surgery a life-saving procedure, but it also has financial benefits as well.

Bariatric surgery ranges in price from less than $10,000 to $25,000.⁸ We understand that for most patients, this is a considerable expense; that’s why we offer competitive prices that coupled with insurance coverage and our flexible financing plans mean that weight loss surgery is an option on any budget. The best way to determine your out-of-pocket costs for weight loss surgery is to schedule a consultation at Florida Coast Weight Loss Center.

Does Insurance Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Some or all of the cost of bariatric surgery is often covered by medical insurance providers. However, most insurance policies impose prerequisites or a lengthy waiting period. For those who would rather not delay treatment to meet their carrier’s requirements, we offer a range of convenient financing options.

What Happens After Weight Loss Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is effective for helping patients lose excess weight but shouldn’t be confused with a quick fix. It is of paramount importance to recognize that successful and sustainable weight loss occurs in the setting of a multi-modal approach.  This is why weight loss surgery by itself is rarely successful at achieving one’s ultimate goals.  It takes a comprehensive approach hallmarked by the 3 pillars of health and wellness; Nutrition, Fitness, and Lifestyle changes. 

We know that adjusting to life after bariatric surgery can be challenging, and we’ll be supporting you at each step of your weight loss journey with the Finish Strong Program, a post-operative educational program that provides education, support and accountability to ensure ongoing sustained weight loss.

Explore Your Options For Weight Loss Surgery

If you would like to learn more about bariatric surgery options or the non-surgical weight loss treatments we provide at Florida Coast Weight Loss Center, please contact us today. We are proud to serve patients from Orlando, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and surrounding communities.

The surgeons at Florida Coast Weight Loss Center have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

Page Updated: September 14, 2023