Weight Loss Surgery at UHealth

University of Miami Health System Weight Loss Surgery is the only university-based weight loss surgery center in the region.

A nationally recognized Center of Excellence based at UHealth’s flagship hospital, University of Miami Hospital, UHealth Weight Loss Surgery provides leading-edge patient care by the nation’s most acclaimed physicians and offers the latest options for the morbidly obese. Weight loss surgery has proven to be a long-term aid for those who struggle with their weight and suffer from morbid obesity.

Make an appointment with a UHealth weight loss surgery specialist.

Bariatric Services:

UHealth Weight Loss Surgery offers two types of surgical procedures:

• Gastric banding
• Gastric bypass

Both bariatric procedures are performed laparoscopically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?
It depends. The BMI is the first determinant. Patients should also have some nonsurgical attempts at weight loss. Other factors that determine if you qualify for surgery are determined during your preoperative evaluation.

Should I have the band or the bypass surgery?
Ironically, many surgeons only do one or the other. Some of them have only been trained to do one of these procedures, some only believe in one, and some do not have the skills to do one.

The highly-trained experts at UHealth Weight Loss Surgery will assist you in making this decision. Our physicians have performed both procedures hundreds of times and are uniquely skilled in this specialty.

Can I get pregnant after the surgery?
Yes. In fact, it may actually be easier to become pregnant after the surgery, but not until two years after your weight loss surgery. This should be discussed with your doctor.

Will I have vomiting after surgery?
Most patients do NOT have vomiting after surgery. However, overeating can cause vomiting. If you do experience vomiting after surgery, we recommend you contact your surgeon immediately.

Will I have hair loss?
While some patients may experience some loss of hair, it is rare and usually temporary. Since our procedure causes only a limited amount of malabsorption, this is NOT a common phenomenon occurring with laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery and can be prevented by proper protein intake.

What are the complications?
Like all surgeries, complications can also occur with laparoscopic gastric bypass; however, the complication rates are low. Many of these complications are similar to any operation on an obese patient. While complications should always be discussed between the patient and the surgeon, some of the complications include hernia, wound infection, heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, abscess, leak, and death.

How successful is this procedure?
Although complications exist, the benefit of the surgery outweighs the risks in the carefully selected patients. Recent studies have demonstrated a 60-80% loss of excess body weight. Also, up to 95% of co-morbidities (diseases related to obesity) are controlled.

I was told that I was not a candidate for laparoscopic surgery. Can you do it laparoscopically?
There are no set guidelines on who should have laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. If one surgeon does not believe that he/she can perform the operation laparoscopically, we would be happy to give our opinion for your individual circumstance.

My BMI is very high. Am I a candidate for laparoscopic surgery?
BMI is a good measurement to determine if you qualify for weight loss surgery. However, it may not be a very good parameter to determine if your surgery can be done laparoscopically. Weight distribution, total weight, BMI, gender, and abdominal wall girth are all factors that can determine if you "qualify" for laparoscopic surgery. At your consultation, we can determine if you are a candidate for laparoscopic surgery.

What is the preoperative workup?
Preoperative workup is individualized for each patient. In general, most patients may undergo a cardiac, pulmonary, psychological, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and dietary workup.

What is the postoperative treatment?
Continued dietary follow-up is mandatory. Postoperatively, you will be home in one to three days, although we do not "push" patients out of the hospital. You will be seen in our office regularly after your surgery.

Location

UHealth Weight Loss Surgery Center | map
1400 NW 12th Avenue
Miami, FL 33136
Telephone: 305-325-5511
Fax: 305-325-4673

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Contact Us

1400 NW 12th Avenue
Miami,  FL  33136
Telephone: (305) 325-5511
Fax: (305) 325-4673