Bariatric surgery helps you to lose weight by reducing the size of your stomach and changing how your body absorbs nutrients. Your appetite decreases and your stomach gets fuller with less food. Bariatric care teams at Ascension St. Vincent's in Jacksonville, Florida provide specialty care for surgical and medically supervised weight loss. If you are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or above, weight-loss surgery may be an option. Talk with your doctor about your answers to these questions:
- Does my current weight cause any other chronic health conditions?
- Can I commit to documented weight-loss efforts required by my insurance plan?
- Am I willing to re-evaluate my diet and exercise regimen to live a healthier life?
Weight-loss surgery is a deeply personal, life-changing decision. Our doctors and nurses listen to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work together to create a weight-loss plan that's right for you.
What to expect at a bariatric surgery consultation
Weight-loss management is a step-by-step process. At Ascension St. Vincent's, we help guide and support you through every step of your journey. Our team of surgical weight-loss specialists includes a surgeon, nurse navigator, bariatric dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavioral health support. We also have an insurance coordinator that explains insurance coverage and pre-approval requirements.
Our care team helps you to understand surgical and non-surgical treatment options and lifestyle changes. We care about your physical and emotional health. Get started on your weight-loss journey by registering for a seminar. You can register for a live virtual seminar, or watch our online seminar.
START WITH A SEMINAR
A journey to a new you
Ascension St. Vincent's is a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Improvement Program accredited center. We also have the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation. To achieve this designation the hospital must perform at least 125 bariatric surgical cases each year. BSCOE surgeons must perform at least 50 bariatric cases each year with a minimum of 125 total bariatric cases in their lifetime.
Most insurance companies require you to have surgery at a hospital that's a Center of Excellence for potential insurance coverage.
Types of bariatric surgery
At Ascension St. Vincent's, our bariatric surgeons specialize in the following:
- Adjustable laparoscopic gastric band
- Bariatric support and education
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
- Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Orbera™ intragastric balloon
- Reshape gastric balloon
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Revisions of previous weight-loss surgeries
Types of FDA approved weight-loss options:
At Ascension St. Vincent's, our bariatric surgeons specialize in the following FDA approved procedures:
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
- Adjustable laparoscopic gastric band
- Orbera™ intragastric balloon
- Reshape gastric balloon
- Revisions of previous weight-loss surgeries
- Pharmaceutical therapies
- Medical nutrition therapy
We offer minimally invasive surgical options that may help shorten your recovery time. Our doctors and weight management care team are committed to helping you achieve your weight-loss goals.
Benefits of robotic weight-loss surgery
Our experienced surgeons can perform weight-loss surgery using robotic technology to deliver small incisions for more delicate and complex operations. Your surgeon is in complete control of the robotic-assisted system, which translates their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the body. The system’s 3D-HD vision provides surgeons with a magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands into the patient.
Robotic-assisted surgery may lead to:
- Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
- Less pain
- Lower infection rates
- Less scarring
Medically supervised weight-loss programs
Bariatric surgery is not your only option. We offer consultations with doctors who specialize in medically supervised, non-surgical weight loss. Our dietitians work with you to create a personalized nutrition plan with meal ideas. We address your lifestyle, activity level, foods and behaviors that trigger emotional eating.
Before and after weight-loss surgery
You will have a network of support before, during and after your weight-loss surgery. During your journey, you'll have follow-up visits with your doctor and care team at a location near you. At Ascension St. Vincent's, we also offer bariatric support groups, exercise and fitness programs that fit your capabilities and nutrition counseling. Your success is important to us. Watch the following video to hear more about our patients' bariatric journey.
Weight-loss results may vary depending on the individual. There is no guarantee of specific results.
