Bariatric Surgery
Nearly 70% of Americans are overweight or have obesity. Our bariatric surgery team offers the most advanced surgery options in the Big Bend region to help you lose weight.
Our Patients Have Found Happiness and You Can Too
Bariatric Surgery
Brittany Burns
Stuck. Overwhelmed. Unhappy. That’s how Brittany Burns felt five years ago. She was 24 years old, a sin...
Bariatric Surgery
Kelly Graham
In 2009, Kelly Graham was wanting to have a third child, but at 321 pounds, she was facing difficulty conceiving. Kelly turned to a popular weight loss procedure– the gastric band or ‘lap band,’ which is an adjustable band inserted at the top of the stomach to reduce the amount of food a person can eat before they feel full. Following surgery, she lost just 66 pounds, weighing 255 at her lightest with the band.
Surgical Options
Which Surgery Option May Be Right for You?
Learn how each procedure works, who it may be appropriate for and what to expect during recovery. Your care team will help determine the option that best fits your health needs and goals.
Gastric Sleeve
Limits stomach capacity
Removes a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. Food continues through the digestive tract in the normal order.
Best for: Patients seeking a restrictive procedure without intestinal rerouting
Recovery: Return to normal activities in about 2 weeks
Hospital stay: Typically 1–2 days
Gastric Bypass
Restricts intake and alters digestion
Creates a smaller stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine, reducing both food intake and calorie absorption.
Best for: Patients who may benefit from both restriction and reduced calorie absorption
Recovery: Return to work in about 2–3 weeks
Hospital stay: Typically 1–2 days
Bariatric Revision
Addresses previous bariatric procedures
Evaluates complications, weight regain or other concerns following bariatric surgery to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Best for: Patients experiencing complications or unsatisfactory outcomes after bariatric surgery
Recovery: Varies depending on the procedure performed
Hospital stay: Varies by procedure
Nationally Accredited. Trusted Care.
Since 2021, Tallahassee Memorial has been accredited by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery for providing the highest level of care with outcomes that meet or exceed national standards. We’re also home to the region’s only fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons, Joey Jarrard, MD, FAMBS, FACS and James Parker, MD.
Accreditation requires a rigorous evaluation of patient safety, clinical outcomes, surgical volume, training and long-term follow-up. This ongoing commitment to quality and continuous improvement helps ensure our patients receive safe, high-quality bariatric care.
Do You Qualify for Bariaric Surgery?
While BMI is not a perfect indicator of obesity, it can help determine if you would qualify for surgery.
BMI Calculator
Medical Team
Fellowship-trained surgeons, bariatricians and physician assistants coordinate your care from consultation through recovery.
Nutrition Support
Registered dietitians provide nutrition education and guidance before and after surgery.
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Behavioral Health
Behavioral health professionals provide strategies to support long-term lifestyle changes.
Ongoing Support
Follow-up appointments, education and additional resources help you stay on track after surgery.
Inside Our Program
Your Questions Answered
Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
Learn what to expect before surgery, how to prepare and the first steps of your bariatric journey.
Weight Loss Surgery FAQs
Hear answers to common questions about surgery, recovery and long-term success.
Bariatric Surgery Webinar
Watch a previous bariatric surgery webinar featuring Physician Assistant Greg Laffitte and one of our bariatric surgeons.
Looking for more educational videos and past webinars?
