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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.

Weight loss center in Brandon, Florida

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

The Weight Loss Surgery Center at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital offers bariatric (weight loss) surgery options to meet your unique needs and guide you on a journey of sustainable weight loss. We offer the latest surgical options, including minimally invasive procedures, so you and your doctor can decide which one is right for you.

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.

Get started with your weight loss journey

Complete this form so our program coordinator can review insurance information and answer your questions.

Complete this form so our program coordinator can review insurance information and answer your questions.

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.

Our weight loss procedures and services

Our bariatric surgeons offer proven weight loss techniques and will help you determine which of our procedures is best for you.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)

During gastric bypass, a small pouch is created to limit the amount of food that can be ingested, bypassing the stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). In this way, absorption of nutrients and calories is prevented, resulting in significant weight loss.

Benefits of this surgery include:

  • Small incisions
  • Quicker recovery
  • Loss of 65 to 85 percent of excess weight in 12 to 18 months

Laparoscopic or robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy

The sleeve gastrectomy is a weight loss procedure in which the stomach is permanently reduced by roughly 75 percent, forming a sleeve- or banana-like shape.

Benefits of this surgery include:

  • Reduces stomach capacity while typically allowing the stomach to function normally
  • Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulate hunger
  • Requires only small incisions
  • Can be performed with a minimally invasive approach, including laparoscopy or robotic surgery

Laparoscopic gastric banding

During gastric banding, an adjustable belt (a "band") is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to decrease the size of the stomach and limit food intake.

Benefits of this surgery include:

  • Fully reversible because the anatomy of the stomach is not altered in any way
  • Successful loss of 50 to 60 percent of excess weight (most in first year)
  • Fast recovery, typically with a 30- to 45-minute procedure and only a one night stay in our hospital

Laparoscopic revisional surgery

Most patients achieve success with the first bariatric surgery, but you may seek revisional surgery from your weight loss doctor if you:

  • Do not achieve the expected rate of weight loss
  • Experience issues or side effects from a previous bariatric surgery
  • Lose weight too rapidly
  • Stop losing weight before reaching your target weight

Benefits of our surgical weight loss procedures

Obesity happens when you have an excess accumulation of body fat. This can be very serious because it can lead to other health conditions, including:

  • Certain types of cancer
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea

Surgical weight loss procedures such as those we discuss above can reverse or help you avoid these conditions by enabling you to lose weight and become healthier overall.

Understanding more about weight loss surgery

Learning more about eligibility for bariatric surgery as well as what to expect before and after surgery can help you determine if bariatric surgery may be right for you.

Candidates for weight loss surgery

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

  • 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 through medically supervised dieting

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:

Verify insurance coverage

Unless you plan to self-pay for bariatric surgery, contact your insurance provider to see if they will cover your procedure and, if so, what requirements they have.

Document medically monitored weight loss attempts

Most insurance companies require several months of medically documented and supervised weight loss attempts. Your primary care provider can help you with this process and documentation.

Schedule a bariatric surgery consultation with us

After you have gathered required documentation, please make an appointment with our weight loss team and we'll talk about the next steps together.

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.

Complete a nutritional assessment

A nutritional assessment is also part of the preoperative plan of care. It will cover your postsurgical diet, emotional eating, food intake and identifying your triggers.

Patient Guide and Checklist


Weight loss diet

The last (but not least) thing you need to know about being a candidate for weight loss surgery is that you will have to live your life differently after surgery, particularly when it comes to your diet. In other words, the weight loss procedures are only tools that can give you a boost when it comes to the hard work of losing weight and building healthy habits; you have to do the rest.

Our weight loss specialists will be sure you understand how to do this. They will teach you how to avoid foods high in fats and sugars while increasing your intake of dietary fiber and:

  • Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Lean proteins from meat, fish and poultry
  • Whole grains

Are you a candidate for weight loss surgery?

Evaluate your probability of risk today by taking a free health assessment.

Evaluate your probability of risk today by taking a free health assessment.

Our Weight loss surgery Locations

Currently Viewing:

Brandon Hospital
119 Oakfield Dr
Brandon, FL 33511
 (813) 681 - 5551

Currently Viewing:

Brandon Hospital
119 Oakfield Dr
Brandon, FL 33511
 (813) 681 - 5551
South Tampa Hospital
2901 W Swann Ave
Tampa, FL 33609
 (813) 873 - 6400

12.4 miles

Trinity Hospital
9330 SR-54 E
Trinity, FL 34655
 (727) 834 - 4000

29.5 miles

Thrive Blog

Read our blogs to learn about preventive care and ways you can take charge of your health and well-being.

Should you wait to get pregnant after weight loss surgery?  

February 12, 2024
Pregnancy after bariatric surgery and the link between body mass index (BMI) and pregnancy.

Weight loss resolutions: Is bariatric surgery right for you in 2024? 

January 24, 2024
Hear from the HCA Florida Healthcare team on types of weight loss surgery and their benefits.