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.

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If you've struggled to lose weight or keep it off, weight loss, or “bariatric,” surgery may be the most effective path to lasting weight loss and better health. While medications like GLP-1 therapies have expanded treatment options, bariatric surgery continues to offer the greatest long-term weight loss for many patients while helping improve or even resolve many obesity-related health conditions, like diabetes, sleep apnea, infertility and more.

Our multidisciplinary team at our Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Care takes the time to understand your health, goals and lifestyle before recommending the approach that's right for you. If bariatric surgery is part of your journey, you'll receive comprehensive care that extends far beyond the operating room, with nutrition guidance, behavioral health support, ongoing medical follow-up and a team committed to your long-term success.

Why Choose TMH for Surgical Weight Loss?

Choosing where to have bariatric surgery is an important decision. While some programs focus only on the procedure, we focus on your long-term success. From your first consultation through lifelong follow-up, our multidisciplinary team is committed to helping you build healthier habits and improve your overall health.

As one of only four Comprehensive Centers with Obesity Medicine Qualifications in Florida, we offer nationally recognized expertise and personalized care every step of the way.

We offer:

Minimally invasive surgical techniques using the latest technology
MBSAQIP accreditation recognizing the highest standards in bariatric care
The region's only fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons
A multidisciplinary team dedicated to your long-term success
Transparent self-pay options for eligible patients
Ongoing education, support groups and lifelong follow-up

Free Weight Management Webinar

Learn about bariatric surgery, who may benefit from it and what to expect before
scheduling an appointment.

Self-Pay Options Available

Explore our transparent self-pay options for bariatric surgery, including what's
included, pricing information and next steps.

Request Self-Pay Information

Our Patients Have Found Happiness and You Can Too

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Bariatric Surgery

Brittany Burns

Stuck. Overwhelmed. Unhappy. That’s how Brittany Burns felt five years ago. She was 24 years old, a sin...

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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
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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

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SADI-S

Restricts intake and reduces absorption
Creates a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach and bypasses a portion of the small intestine, helping limit food intake and reduce calorie absorption.

Best for: Patients who may benefit from significant weight loss and reduced calorie absorption
Recovery: Return to normal activities in about 2 weeks
Hospital stay: Typically 1–2 days

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Duodenal Switch

One of the most effective options for significant weight loss
Duodenal switch surgery combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a more extensive rerouting of the small intestine, offering one of the most effective bariatric surgery options for significant weight loss and improvement of obesity-related health conditions.
Best for: Patients with a BMI greater than 50 or those seeking maximum weight loss and improvement of obesity-related conditions
Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within approximately 2 weeks
Hospital stay: Typically 2–3 days

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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

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Not sure which procedure is right for you? Compare all bariatric surgery options →

Nationally Accredited. Trusted Care.

Accredited Metabolic and Bariatric Center

Florida Blue Designated Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery

Since 2021, Tallahassee Memorial has been accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) for providing the highest level of bariatric care. We’re also home to the region’s only fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons, Joey Jarrard, MD, FAMBS, FACS and James Parker, MD.

To earn this accreditation, programs undergo a rigorous evaluation of patient safety, surgical quality, follow-up care and outcomes. This commitment to excellence means you can feel confident you’re receiving exceptional care before, during and long after surgery.

Do You Qualify for Bariaric Surgery?

While body mass index (BMI) is not the perfect measurement, it can serve as a guide to help determine whether bariatric surgery may be right for you. Use our BMI calculator to get started, then talk with our team about the treatment options that best fit your health goals.

BMI Calculator

You may qualify if you meet any of these criteria:

✓ BMI Over 40

Your BMI must be over 40.

✓ BMI Over 35

Your BMI must be over 35, with obesity-related medical problems.

✓ Lower BMI

If your BMI is lower and you have diabetes, some insurers may approve surgery.

Setting You Up for Success

Bariatric surgery is just one step in your weight loss journey. Lasting success comes from ongoing support, healthy lifestyle changes and a team that's invested in your progress. From physicians, dietitians and behavioral health specialists to support groups and follow-up care, we're here to help you achieve your goals for years to come