Weight loss surgery in Plantation, Florida

The bariatric program and surgical institute at Plantation General Hospital is dedicated to helping patients achieve their weight loss and health goals through a multidisciplinary approach to treating obesity. With comprehensive programs—including everything from wellness services for medical weight loss to surgical procedures—we provide thoughtful, patient-focused care for each individual.

To schedule a consultation with a bariatric surgeon at Plantation General Hospital, please call (866) 843-8248.

Effects of obesity

Obesity puts a severe strain on the body and increases your risk of developing other serious medical conditions, referred to as comorbidities. These conditions can lower your quality of life and lead to disability. You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you are obese and have a combination of several of these conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Certain types of cancer, such as liver, pancreas, kidney, breast and colon cancers
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Gall bladder disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver disease
  • Reproductive dysfunction, such as menstrual irregularities and infertility
  • Respiratory and pulmonary dysfunction, such as sleep apnea

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI compares weight and height to calculate your levels of body fat and identify obesity. Calculate your BMI below and learn more about what it means for your health.

BMI Calculator

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

Height:

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Weight:

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Your BMI Score is:

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Your BMI indicates that you are underweight.

Congratulations! Your BMI indicates that your weight is in the healthy range. A lifestyle of good food choices and routine exercise will help you with long term weight management.

Your BMI indicates your weight is in the obese range and can have a significant impact on your health. You are at risk for weight related health conditions. If you have been diagnosed with a health condition related to obesity, then weight loss surgery could be right for you. To learn more about the surgical procedures for obesity, please contact us for more information, or sign up for a free seminar schedule and registration.

Disclaimer:
All information provided by this website is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a health care professional. No information provided in this site may be considered medical advice. The information may not be relevant for your individual situation and may be misinterpreted. HCA assumes no responsibility for how you use information obtained from this site. Before making any decisions regarding your health care, ask your personal physician.

How bariatric surgery works

Bariatric surgery promotes weight loss by restricting food intake and, in some procedures, altering the digestive process. As with other treatments for obesity, the best results are achieved when combined with healthy eating behaviors and regular physical activity.

Types of weight loss surgery

There are a range of different procedures offered for patients seeking surgical weight loss solutions. The weight loss doctors at Plantation General Hospital perform the procedures listed below.

Gastric balloon

During this nonsurgical procedure, an endoscope (tiny camera) guides doctors as they insert a soft, expandable gastric balloon in the stomach. When expanded, the balloon creates the sensation of fullness, reducing hunger and allowing most patients to lose 30 to 50 pounds.

You will be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program for the six months in which the balloon is in place and continuing on for six months after the balloon is removed.

Gastric banding

Gastric banding is the only adjustable and reversible option for weight loss surgery. This minimally invasive, laparoscopic procedure is used to place an inflatable silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach. This creates a smaller stomach pouch that limits food intake and slows the digestion of food into the intestines.

The band can easily be adjusted after insertion in the bariatric surgeon's office. After gastric banding, patients can lose up to 40 to 60 percent of excess body weight, typically over the span of three years.

Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass)

Gastric bypass works through restricting both food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients that are absorbed by the body. Patients who have received gastric bypass surgery typically lose 70 percent of excess body weight in one-and-a-half years.

This is done by stapling a portion of the stomach to create a new, smaller stomach pouch separated from the rest of the stomach. Next, a section of the small intestine is attached to the new stomach pouch, which allows food to bypass the first portion of the small intestine.

Laparoscopic gastric sleeve

A laparoscopic gastric sleeve is a weight loss procedure in which a surgeon removes approximately 85 percent of the stomach. The remainder of the stomach is shaped into a tube or "sleeve."

A gastric sleeve can be used as a first stage procedure prior to a gastric bypass or as a standalone surgical weight loss option. Patients who undergo a gastric sleeve lose between 40 to 60 percent of their excess body weigh in one-and-a-half years.

Revisional bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is considered a very successful, long-term treatment option to combat obesity. However, some patients may regain weight following a bariatric procedure. In those cases, revisional bariatric surgery may help. It is used to modify or repair a problem from a previous weight loss procedure.

Affording weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery is very affordable if you compare it to the amount of money spent on factors relating to obesity, such as:

  • Food costs, including dining out and groceries every month
  • Prescription co-pays for medications used to treat conditions related to obesity, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
  • Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, such as over-the-counter drugs and co-pays for doctors visits, lab work, visits for specialty care, etc.
  • Non-surgical weight loss expenses on weight loss programs

If you are interested in bariatric surgery, our bariatric patient coordinator is readily available to explain our array of financial options for both self-pay and insured patients.

Insurance information for bariatric surgery

To find out if your insurance provider will cover the cost of your bariatric surgery, contact them directly.

We also recommend that you write down the name of the individual you spoke with and the date/time of your conversation. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us and a bariatric coordinator will assist you.

Make sure you and your physician following these steps:

  • Visit your primary care physician and ensure they weigh you and document your weight in your medical chart.
  • Have your physician recommend an exercise and/or diet regimen, and make sure these recommendations are documented in your chart.
  • Receive weigh-ins at your doctor's office at least every four weeks, and have your doctor document your progress and advise on how you might improve your progress.
  • If the recommended diet and/or exercise regimen is not helping you lose weight, go see your physician again and request an alternative weight loss program. You will continue your in-office weigh-ins, which need to be frequent, consistent and documented in your chart.
  • Have copies of all these records when you come to see a bariatric surgeon.

Self-pay patients

If you choose not to receive financial assistance from your insurance company, we offer affordable self-pay options. Our financial counselors are available to help navigate this process and aid in budgeting for the procedure.