Bariatric Surgery in Tampa

To determine if a surgical weight-loss procedure is right for you, we’ll look at factors like your age, your medical history, any previous attempts at weight loss, any related health conditions and your body mass index (BMI).

You could be a candidate for our program if you meet the following conditions:

• You are at least 18 years of age
• You have a BMI of 40 (approximately 100 pounds over ideal body weight for men and 80 pounds over ideal body weight for women) or a BMI of 35 or above, with an associated condition such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or obesity-related heart disease
• You have previously attempted weight loss in a program supervised by a physician, dietitian or nutritionist
• You have a willingness to commit to long-term medical follow up, as well as the life-long changes in eating, exercise and lifestyle habits necessary to maintain weight loss after surgery

At AdventHealth Tampa, we understand that you’re an individual, and that is reflected in your unique weight-loss story.

With tailored, personalized care, we'll determine whether you’re a good candidate for our advanced, minimally invasive surgical weight-loss procedures. Then, we’ll develop a treatment plan that fits your exact needs and concerns.

Our caring, compassionate team will be with you at every step with support to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight for the months and years to come.

John A. Dietrick, MD, FACS

Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. Dietrick is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in bariatric (weight loss) surgery. He has an interest and expertise in minimally invasive and laparoscopic techniques and teaches robotic skills to surgeons learning this approach. With nearly 30 years of experience, patient-centered care remains his primary focus. He endorses a holistic approach to care and engages each patient in their decisions about health and lifestyle.

As a thought leader, Dr. Dietrick was integral in establishing the Surgical Weight Loss Institute (now Bariatric and Metabolic Institute) at Florida Hospital Tampa in 2005. Serving as medical director of the program, the hospital obtained national Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accreditation through the American College of Surgeons (ASC) and the American Society for Metabolic Surgeons (ASMBS).

Michel Murr, MD, FACS

Bariatric Surgeon

Medical Director, AdventHealth Bariatric and Metabolic Institute

Dr. Murr is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in bariatric surgery. As Medical Director of AdventHealth Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, he is responsible for maintaining the highest standard of care for each patient who passes through the Institute. For over 30 years, he has been dedicated to helping individuals regain their health by providing a healthy, nurturing environment. Dr. Murr works with a team of providers to focus on the whole health of each person and apply a customized, comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach for improved well-being.

Founder of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Florida State Chapter, Dr. Murr has been influential in the medical community. An advocate for bariatric medicine, Dr. Murr has been instrumental in working with the Florida Legislature, encouraging insurance companies and employers to support comprehensive obesity management. He also has a deep interest in the advances in bariatric and metabolic medicine, which is evident in his extensive research and participation in clinical studies, in addition to leading a renowned Fellowship program.

John Paul Gonzalvo, DO, FACS

Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. Gonzalvo is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in adult and adolescent bariatric surgery. A native of Tampa, Dr. Gonzalvo is dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of the Tampa Bay community. Together with a team of providers, he provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program and applies a customized approach for improved well-being to every patient.

As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Gonzalvo is passionate about improving the health of those experiencing weight management difficulties, especially in the adolescent population. He is a highly experienced surgeon, specializing in complex laparoscopic techniques that result in less scarring and blood loss, faster healing, and less pain for his patients.

If your teen has tried other weight loss methods for severe obesity without success, adolescent bariatric surgery is a procedure that, when combined with lifestyle changes, can help achieve the desired results and better health. We are proud to be an MBSAQIP Accredited Center – Comprehensive Center with Adolescent Qualifications. This important accreditation demonstrates our commitment to quality and safe patient care.

As a family, we know deciding on this weight loss procedure is not a decision you make lightly. Evaluation for adolescent bariatric surgery is extensive to ensure your family’s comfort. Involvement of the parent or guardian is essential and required.

A six-month preparatory program is required to ensure the teen and family receive important information and demonstrate changes required for long term success.

We help manage your whole health by managing your weight. Our intensive medical weight loss program implements a whole-body approach that considers all your needs. We focus on behavior, lifestyle, and nutrition adjustments in this physician-supervised program that helps patients reach and maintain their weight loss goals.

Together with your physician, we discuss medical history and weight loss goals to choose the right weight loss program for you. The length of our structured medical weight loss program depends on individual needs and goals. We have 16- and 24-week intervals.

You can expect:

• A variety of delicious meal replacement products to help jump-start your weight loss
• An eventual and gradual transition from meal replacements to a personalized meal plan
• Individual weight loss treatment plans
• An average of 1-4 pounds per week (results may vary)

With compassion and empathy, it’s our mission to treat you using faith-based care that considers all of your needs. As members of the AdventHealth network, we understand the role that your emotional and spiritual health play in weight management and bariatric care. We know that your weight can be affected by your emotional health, and vice versa. That’s why we provide services that soothe your mind and lift your spirits, including non-denominational, on-site chapels and access to behavioral health experts.

There are certain criteria for bariatric surgery. You may be a candidate if you:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 65
• Are not dependent on drugs or alcohol
• Are ready and willing to commit to a new lifestyle
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above
• Have a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, heart disease or sleep apnea
• Have tried to lose weight through other means, such as diet and exercise

The best weight-loss procedure for you will be determined at your consult visit when you sit down with your bariatric surgeon. The decision is based on various factors, like:

• Any health conditions (like diabetes or GERD)
• Any previous attempts at weight loss
• Your BMI
• Your health history overall

The coverage related to bariatric surgery depends on the type of coverage your insurance plan provides. Our care coordinators will help you communicate with your insurance company to understand what coverage your plan requires and provides.

All surgical procedures come with risks, but for most patients, the lasting benefits of bariatric surgery outweigh the risks. Some of the main risks of bariatric surgery include:

• Acid reflux
• Anesthesia-related risks
• Chronic nausea and vomiting
• Dilation of esophagus
• Inability to eat certain foods
• Infection
• Obstruction of the stomach
• Weight regain

Other risks may include:

Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome is actually an adrenaline rush caused by too many carbohydrates entering the intestine too quickly. Symptoms are palpitations, sweating and a weak-in-the-knees feeling. About one-quarter of patients who receive a gastric bypass will experience this. This condition is unusual with the gastric sleeve.

Blood Clots (Rare)
Very few surgical weight-loss patients develop blood clots. Less than 1% of all surgical patients in the U.S. encounter this issue. The bariatric team is very proactive in preventing blood clots. You are given blood thinners during surgery and after. You also use a compression device and ambulate every two hours while in the hospital and at home.

The bariatric surgery process and average procedure time vary on multiple factors, like the type of surgery. For example, a gastric bypass procedure usually takes about two hours, and a gastric sleeve procedure may take an hour and a half.

Before your surgery, your care team will be sure to go over all the details of your procedure, including how long you’ll be in the operating room, so all your specific questions are answered.

Weight-loss surgery is incredibly life-changing, and post-bariatric surgery results are wonderful for many people. Most patients will lose about 65% of their excess weight in 18 months (one and a half years), and most of the weight comes off in the first year. About 75% of people can successfully lose weight and keep it off long-term.

It varies, but most patients who experience substantial weight loss will have some extra skin. Exercising to tone muscles will help to some degree. Removal of the extra skin is usually considered cosmetic, and coverage depends on your insurance policy. We recommend you first reach your weight loss goal and then undergo surgery to remove your excess skin, if desired.