Understanding weight loss surgery.

Find the right NewFit for you.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wellness and health. Your NewFit team will work with you to determine the best bariatric surgery option for your health needs, lifestyle and preferences.

Surgical procedures are performed at Health First's Viera Hospital

Surgical weight loss guidebook - English

Surgical weight loss guidebook - Español

  Gastric balloon Gastric band Gastric sleeve Gastric bypass
Operation time 15-30 minutes 1 hour 1-2 hours 2-3 hours
Surgery type Endoscopic Laparoscopic

Robotic/

Laparoscopic

Robotic/

Laparoscopic

Hospital Stay 0 days up to 1 day 1-2 days 2 days
Days to return to work** 1-3 days 5-7 days 7-10 days 7-10 days
Initial weight loss .5-1lb per week 1-2lbs per week 2-4lbs per week 5+lbs per week
Total weight loss 30-35% 50% 60-70% 70-80%

** Based on average return to work with lifting restrictions or light duty for six weeks after surgery.

 

All of our surgeries are minimally invasive and our gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures are performed using the state-of-the-art da Vinci® robotics system, which gives you several advantages during your surgery and recovery:

  • Lower risk of infection and reduced blood loss during surgery.
  • Faster recovery with less pain and scarring.

 

Gastric balloon.

The gastric balloon is the least invasive weight loss surgery performed by NewFit. A silicone balloon-type implant is placed in your stomach through endoscopy —down through your mouth and throat — which means no surgical incisions and a much faster recovery time.

How it works

The balloon implant gives you a sensation of feeling full, which causes you to eat less and have a weaker appetite between meals.

What to expect

The balloon will help you maintain long-term weight loss as long as you follow a supervised diet and any post-placement instructions given to you by your NewFit team. The balloon can only be in place for six months at a time, but it can be replaced so you can continue on your path to success.

 

Gastric band.

This surgical procedure is another of our least invasive weight loss surgeries. This laparoscopic surgery involves inserting an adjustable band around the upper part of your stomach.

How it works

The band around the upper part of your stomach creates a smaller pouch that holds a lot less food. You will feel full faster and have a weaker appetite between meals. 

What to expect

The gastric band gives you a more gradual weight loss that will continue three to four years after surgery. Your NewFit team will guide you on the best meal plan and exercise program to take full advantage of your gastric band procedure.

 

Gastric sleeve.

The NewFit gastric sleeve procedure is a minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgery that creates a smaller, thinner-shaped stomach. 

How it works

Your skilled and specially trained surgeon will likely use the da Vinci robotics system through several tiny incisions. The sleeve is created by removing a portion of your stomach and closing the smaller pouch with medical staples.

The gastric sleeve will reduce the amount of food you are able to eat and leaves you feeling fuller. And your smaller stomach will produce less ghrelin, a hormone that makes you feel hungry.

What to expect

This is a highly effective long-term weight loss solution, with most patients losing up to 50 to 70 percent of their excess body weight. The gastric sleeve is low-maintenance as long as you follow your personalized NewFit diet and exercise plans.

 

Gastric bypass.

Gastric bypass was the first approved weight loss surgery and it remains extremely effective for long-term weight loss. The da Vinci robotics system makes NewFit’s gastric bypass as minimally invasive as possible while giving you the best chance for significant weight loss.

How it works

Your surgeon will laparoscopically create a small upper-stomach pouch and connect it to your small intestines. This restricts your food intake and lets your body bypass unwanted calories, absorbing only what it needs.

What to expect

You will need to closely follow the diet plan and any other instructions given to you by your NewFit team to avoid complications. It is common for gastric bypass patients to lose weight quickly, eventually losing 60 to 80 percent of excess body weight. 

You may also notice a significant improvement of any obesity-related medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

 

Gastric revision surgery.

Bariatric techniques and technology continue to advance at a rapid pace. So do we. 

Whether you had weight-loss surgery with us or your procedure was performed in another part of the world, our NewFit team has the training, versatility and skill to find solutions for even the most complex situations.

Watch our online seminar and let us know how we can help you continue your successful weight loss journey.

 

Is bariatric surgery right for me?

Having weight-loss surgery is a personal decision between you and your doctors. Every patient is unique and evaluated individually, but there are common criteria your NewFit surgeon will consider.

You may be eligible for weight loss surgery if: 

  • Your BMI is equal to or greater than 40.
  • Your BMI is at least 30 and you also suffer from type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, or other serious, weight-related health conditions.
  • You are age 18 or older and have been overweight for many years.
  • Your excess weight is not caused by untreated metabolic disease.

Our NewFit team will also consider other factors as well as your preferences and emotions surrounding your wellness and health:

  • You have tried multiple non-surgical weight loss methods that have been unsuccessful.
  • You consider surgery a last resort and not a first option.
  • You understand the risks of surgery and are prepared to make substantial and healthy changes in your meal choices, fitness plan and lifestyle habits.
  • You are committed to lifelong wellness through weight loss, including NewFit follow up visits and participation in support groups and/or counseling.

Take this quick quiz to find out if you are a good candidate for weight-loss surgery.

 

Understanding the risks of obesity.

Obesity isn’t how you look or the size of your clothes. It’s a serious disease that affects about a third of Floridians. Obesity, generally defined as a BMI greater than 30, puts you at risk for devastating,  life-threatening conditions, including:

  • Type 2 diabetes.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Endometrial, gallbladder, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancer.

Obesity also contributes to several other serious medical conditions, including:

  • Arthritis.
  • Gout.
  • Heartburn or acid reflux disease.
  • Gallbladder disease.
  • Breathing disorders.
  • Depression.
  • High-risk pregnancy and infertility.

These conditions are improved or even entirely resolved after significant weight loss.