Surgical Weight Loss

Surgical weight loss (bariatric surgery) includes different procedures designed to help people lose weight if diet and exercise alone haven’t worked. Eric Valladares, MD, and the team at South Florida Surgery, Bariatric and Cosmetic Institute in Miami, Florida, offer cutting-edge weight loss surgeries, including the gastric balloon, gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomies, gastric bypass and other revisional surgical weight loss procedures. These procedures change how your stomach or digestive system works, helping you eat less or absord less calories and lose weight more effectively. Call South Florida Surgery, Bariatric and Cosmetic Institute to learn more, or use the online booking feature to arrange a surgical weight loss assessment today.

What are the different types of surgical weight loss?

South Florida Surgery, Bariatric and Cosmetic Institute offers several weight loss surgeries, including:

• Orbera™ Intragastric Balloon System
• Lap-Band® system (laparoscopic gastric banding)
• Apollo Overstitch ESG (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty)
• Gastric Sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)
• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (gastric bypass)
• Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe)

Each procedure works differently, and the best choice depends on your weight loss goals and medical history.

Which surgical weight loss procedure is best for me?

South Florida Surgery, Bariatric and Cosmetic Institute specializes in minimally invasive approaches to weight loss surgery, including the following:

Orbera Intragastric Balloon System

The Orbera balloon goes into your stomach through an endoscopic procedure (meaning no incisions or surgery). The balloon takes up space in your stomach, helping you feel fuller faster by slowing digestion and helping you eat less. It stays in place for six months before removal. Orbera is a great choice for people looking for a temporary, nonsurgical weight loss solution.

Click here to view procedure animations: Orbera Gastric Balloon Placement - Orbera Gastric Balloon Removal

Lap-Band

The Lap-Band is an adjustable gastric band placed around the upper part of the stomach. It creates a smaller stomach pouch, so you feel full with less food. The South Florida Surgery, Bariatric and Cosmetic Institute team can tighten, loosen, or remove the band according to your needs.

Click here to view procedure animation: Lap-Band

Apollo Overstitch ESG (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty)

Apollo ESG is another nonsurgical weight loss procedure. It reduces your stomach’s size using an endoscopic suturing device, so instead of removing part of the stomach, Eric Valladares, MD, uses stitches to make it smaller. This helps patients eat less while avoiding major surgery and long recovery times.

Click here to view procedure animation: Apollo ESG - Endoscopic Sleeve

Gastric sleeve surgery

A gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent weight loss surgery that removes about 80% of the stomach, reducing how much food you can eat. It also lowers hunger hormone production, making it easier for you to control your appetite.

Click here to view procedure animation: Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en- Y Gastric Bypass)

Is a weight loss procedure where a small pouch is created in the upper part of your stomach and then connected directly to a lower section of your small intestine bypassing most of your stomach and first part of your small intestine. This limits and reduces the amount of food, calories and nutrients your stomach and small intestine absorb.

Click here to view procedure animation: Gastric Bypass

Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe)

This is a minimally invasive procedure designed for pateints who have regained weight after undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Overtime, the connection between the stomach pouch and the small intestine can stretch and lead to weight gain. During this procedure Eric Valladares, MD, will use a flexible scope inserted into the mouth to place sutures and tighten the enlarged outlet, which slows the passing of food through your digestive system helping you feel fuller longer and supporting renewed weight loss. 

Click here to view procedure animation: TORe - Transoral Outlet Reduction

Who is surgical weight loss suitable for?

The updated ASMBS/IFSO Guidelines have expanded the criteria for bariatric and metabolic surgery. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

• BMI Thresholds: Surgery is now recommended for individuals with a BMI of 35 or more, regardless of obesity-related conditions.
• Lower BMI Consideration: Those with BMI 30-34.9 and metabolic disease may be eligible.
• Persistent Obesity: Even without metabolic disease, individuals with BMI 30+ who fail to achieve lasting weight loss through nonsurgical methods should be considered.
• Children & Adolescents: Surgery may be an option for appropriately selected younger patients.
• Population-Specific Adjustments: Standard BMI thresholds should be adjusted by population, with Asian individuals considering surgery starting at BMI 27.5.

Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI) HERE

The first step is a consultation with a bariatric specialist. They’ll discuss your options, medical history, and weight loss goals to help you select the best procedure for you.

Call South Florida Surgery, Bariatric and Cosmetic Institute to learn more about the team’s surgical weight loss options. You can request an appointment online at any time.