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Personalized Care for Weight Loss
We'll find the personalized weight-loss solution that's right for you. Take the first step toward a healthier, happier future by requesting information below.
Each of our campuses has a dedicated team to help you with your weight-loss journey. Click below to learn more about our expert physicians and care coordinators.
Weight loss is a complex issue — lasting changes require a supportive community. At AdventHealth, our comprehensive, patient-centered approach means walking alongside our patients through the entire process, providing ongoing medical guidance and compassionate emotional support. And after your procedure, you’ll find peace of mind knowing that follow-up care is always close to home.
If you’re ready to feel healthy again, we’re ready to answer your questions. Watch our introductory video now or request more information — our care coordinator is standing by and will reply to your request within 48 hours.
Weight loss is a complicated issue — lasting changes require a supportive community. At AdventHealth, our comprehensive, patient-centered approach means walking alongside our patients through the entire process, providing ongoing medical guidance and compassionate emotional support. And after your procedure, you’ll find peace of mind knowing that follow-up care is always close to home.
If diet and exercise haven’t been enough to achieve a healthy body weight, you’re not alone — and you might be a great candidate for bariatric surgery. Our team has extensive experience in many weight-loss procedures, including:
Our expert surgeons and nurses are nationally acclaimed thought leaders who are dedicated to improving bariatric care for you and your loved ones.
Dr. Dietrick is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in bariatric (weight loss) surgery. As Medical Director of the AdventHealth Tampa Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, he is responsible for maintaining the highest standard of care for each patient who passes through the Institute. He has an interest and expertise in minimally invasive and laparoscopic techniques and teaches robotic skills to surgeons learning this approach. With nearly 30 years of experience, patient-centered care remains his primary focus. He endorses a holistic approach to care and engages each patient in their decisions about health and lifestyle.
As a thought leader, Dr. Dietrick was integral in establishing the Surgical Weight Loss Institute at Florida Hospital Tampa in 2005, now the AdventHealth Tampa Bariatric & Metabolic Institute. Serving as medical director of the program, the hospital obtained national Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accreditation through the American College of Surgeons (ASC) and the American Society for Metabolic Surgeons (ASMBS).
Dr. Gonzalvo is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in adult and adolescent bariatric surgery. A native of Tampa, Dr. Gonzalvo is dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of the Tampa Bay community. Together, with a team of providers, he provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program and applies a customized approach for improved well-being to every patient.
As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Gonzalvo is passionate about improving the health of those experiencing weight management difficulties, especially in the adolescent population. He is a highly experience surgeon, specializing in complex laparoscopic technique, which results in less scarring and blood loss, faster healing, and less pain for his patients.
Dr. Murr is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in bariatric surgery. For over 30 years, he has been dedicated to helping individuals regain their health by providing a healthy, nurturing environment. Through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Murr and his team of providers focus on the whole health of each person and apply a customized approach for improved well-being.
Founder of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Florida State Chapter, Dr. Murr has been influential in the medical community. An advocate for bariatric medicine, Dr. Murr has been instrumental in working with Florida Legislature, encouraging insurance companies and employers to support comprehensive obesity management. He also has a deep interest in advances for bariatric and metabolic medicine, which is evident in his extensive research and participation in clinical studies in addition to leading a renowned Fellowship program.
Dr. Thatimatla, known as Dr. Thati by his patients, is certified by the American Board of Surgery with an expertise in Bariatric Surgery. As the Medical Director for the AdventHealth Dade City Bariatric Program, he partners with hospital leadership to ensure the highest quality standards for every patient in his care. Under his direction, the Bariatric Program at AdventHealth Dade City, has achieved national accreditation by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).
Dr. Thati leads a patient-centered program focused on holistic options to care, while engaging his patients and their family members in health care decisions. This team approach helps his patients gain more control over their lives, resulting in healthier choices that impact their weight loss success.
As a laparoscopic and robotic trained surgeon, Dr. Thati provides multiple weight loss options, such as the sleeve gastrectomy, revisional and conversion bariatric surgical procedures.
He completed his surgical residency at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey and St. Louis University Hospital in Missouri followed by fellowship training in advanced laparo-endoscopy and bariatric surgery at St. John’s Hospital in Detroit. He serves as Chief of Surgery at AdventHealth Dade City and is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
In his spare time, he enjoys travel, music, movies and watching Cricket.
Dr. Salvador Ramos is a fellowship-trained surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive approaches to both bariatric and general surgical procedures. He uses daVinci® robotic techniques when possible and has performed more than 1500 bariatric surgeries, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, duodenal switch, revisional and conversion bariatric surgeries.
Dr. Ramos enjoys seeing patients regain their quality of life, control medical difficulties and live a healthier lifestyle through significant weight loss. He takes pride in being meticulous both in patient consultations and in the operating room, and his patients say that his thorough explanation and sense of humor puts them at ease about their life-changing journey. In addition to bariatric surgery, Dr. Ramos also performs other laparoscopic and open general surgeries. He is fluent in Tagalog and two other Philippine dialects.
Dr. Juan C. Gutierrez is board-certified in general surgery and specializes in minimally invasive approaches to both bariatric and general surgery procedures. He is a certified robotic surgeon and performs sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch procedures using laparoscopic or robotic techniques when possible for weight reduction. He also offers the intragastric balloon as a temporary, non-permanent weight-loss option.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gutierrez has dedicated time to clinical research and investigational efforts. He has published works in multiple journals including Cancer, Annals of Surgery, Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Annals of Surgical Oncology, Journal of Surgical Research, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, and Obesity Surgery. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.
A pioneer in laparoscopy since the early 1990s, Dr. Fernandez is an advanced general and bariatric surgeon. Born in Camaguey, Cuba, Dr. Fernandez received his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami, received his medical doctorate degree in the Dominican Republic and did his general surgery specialty at Alton Ochsner Medical Clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. Fernandez has been in private practice for over 32 years serving as medical director for bariatric surgery at 3 Tampa hospitals, and still owns and operates his surgical clinic. He is also a proctor for 2 nationally recognized surgical instrument companies.
Dr. Fernandez has instructed weight-loss surgeons across the country. He has successfully performed over 4,000 laparoscopic weight-loss procedures and is the only bariatric surgeon in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties that has achieved all 6 possible Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence designations on his own volume. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, and a member of Obesity Action Coalition, Florida Society of General Surgeons, American Society of Abdominal Surgery, and Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgery.
His excellent bedside manner and distinguished reputation in the community have made Dr. Fernandez the first choice for bariatric patients. He and his staff are fluent in English and Spanish and participate in most of the insurance networks. Dr. Fernandez performs the following procedures: Band placements and revisions • Hemorrhoidectomies • Laparoscopic colon surgery • Laparoscopic gastric bypasses • Laparoscopic/open hernia repairs • Laparoscopic removal of gallbladder • Sleeve gastrectomies • Spleen removal/liver biopsies • Surgical removal of cysts and masses in multiple areas of the body • Thyroid surgery
Dr. Marco Antonio Rajo is a bariatric and general surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. He is fluent in Spanish and English and cares for adult patients using surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Dr. Rajo has advanced training in obesity medicine and weight-loss surgery, as well as in complex gastrointestinal and hernia surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques, including da Vinci® robot-assisted surgery.
Dr. Rajo was drawn to bariatric surgery because of the unique, lifelong patient-doctor relationship this specialty allows him to build. He emphasizes education, nutrition and exercise to move his patients toward their goals. He holds firm that surgery should not be considered an easy way out, but rather a tool that empowers patients to become the healthiest versions of themselves.
Dr. Rajo earned his medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed an internship in General Surgery at the University of Washington, a residency in General Surgery at the LSU Health Sciences Center, and a fellowship in Bariatric, Minimally Invasive & Advanced GI Surgery at AdventHealth Tampa.
Calculate your BMI
According to the information you provided, your BMI is:
Calculate BMI Again
Calculated based on your height and weight, your BMI can give you an idea of how your weight is classified, so you can make informed decisions about your health. If you’re considering bariatric surgery, start by filling in the form below to calculate your BMI.
Body mass index (BMI) is a useful measure to determine your level of body fat. BMI is a value derived from a person's mass and height. People who are overweight, obese or morbidly obese are at a greater risk of developing obesity-related diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers and other conditions.
BMI Score
Underweight: Below 18.5
Normal Weight: 18.5-24.9
Overweight: 25-29.9
You may be eligible for a surgical weight-loss option (please call our office for more information) if your BMI score is:
Obese Class I: 30-34.9
Obese Class II: 35-39.9
Leading-Edge Treatments, Tailored to You
Our team of experts offers comprehensive bariatric care with some of the most advanced treatments and surgical techniques available. We’ll work to understand your needs and create a customized treatment plan that meets your goals, so you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight and feel your best.
Bariatric procedures are designed to reduce the amount of consumed food and reduce the digestion and absorption of calories. Your surgeon will talk with you about the benefits of each procedure and the best fit for your lifestyle.
The gastric bypass has withstood the test of time and is designed to reduce the size of the stomach to one or two ounces and to reroute food away from the stomach into the first part of the small intestine. Gastric bypass works by several mechanisms that increase energy expenditure and changes in digestive hormones.
The duodenal switch reduces the stomach in a way similar to gastric sleeve and bypasses much of the small intestine. This procedure works mainly by reducing absorption of fats and proteins and requires long-term adherence to vitamins and supplements.
Gastric sleeve has become a popular option since it doesn’t involve bypassing the small intestine and has minimal long-term complications. Gastric sleeve works best for people with lower BMIs who can supplement the procedure with increased physical activity.
Duodenal Switch
Gastric Bypass
Gastric Sleeve
The gastric balloon is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment for weight loss. Gastric balloons help our patients lose weight — and keep it off. While the gastric balloon method is temporary, limiting the amount of food you can eat helps you maintain a healthy weight over time.
Gastric Balloon
We offer surgical procedures for people who previously had bariatric surgery that had not worked properly for them. Such conditions include band slippage or blockage, weight regain or severe heartburn and reflux. Depending on your unique needs, we may recommend either a revision, which modifies your original procedure, or a conversion, which replaces your procedure with a new solution.
Our team is here to help with a variety of revision and conversion procedures. To get started, call our team at 800-270-3043.
Board-Certified General Surgeon Specializing in Bariatric Surgery
Medical Director, Robotic Surgery at AdventHealth Sebring
Michael P. Latzko, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained general surgeon with expertise in weight-loss surgery using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. With nearly 10 years of experience, patient-centered care remains his primary focus. Together, Dr. Latzko works with a team of medical specialists to apply a customized approach for improved well-being, emphasizing education, diet, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes. As a thought leader, Dr. Latzko was integral in establishing the Bariatric and Metabolic Program at AdventHealth Sebring in 2020.
Lap-Band® Evaluation
You may be a candidate for a Lap-Band® evaluation if you feel you didn’t meet your goal of losing weight and keeping it off, want to understand why your weight-loss procedure hasn't worked as you thought it would, or would like to talk over options with a team of professionals.
Rishi Ramlogan, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon.
He specializes in obesity surgery and anti-reflux procedures.
For over 10 years, Dr. Ramlogan has dedicated his practice to helping people overcome obesity with proven solutions. He understands that obesity is a complex and often misunderstood disease, and empathy is at the forefront of his core values.
Dr. Ramlogan has helped thousands of patients reclaim their lives by providing leading-edge surgical treatments. Most of his operations are done through tiny incisions, which mean less pain, less scarring and a faster recovery. He is fully trained in robotic-assisted surgery and uses the advanced da Vinci® Xi Surgical System to enhance surgical precision and agility.
Dr. Ramlogan believes that each patient is important and should be treated with love, dignity and respect. He is especially passionate about our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ.
When he’s not seeing patients, Dr. Ramlogan enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, watching sports and listening to audiobooks.
Shiva Seetahal, MD, offers a wide spectrum of general surgery procedures and specializes in minimally invasive and laparoscopic approaches.
He maintains high standards of surgical management, patient care and patient satisfaction.
Dr. Seetahal received his medical degree with honors from the University of the West Indies. He completed his surgical residency at Howard University Hospital and a fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Atlanta Medical Center. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. Seetahal participates actively in outcomes research and has published research papers, abstracts and book chapters. He also serves as an editorial board member for the Global Journal of Surgery and Minerva Chirurgica Journal. He is also a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
We offer surgical procedures for people who previously had bariatric surgery that did not work properly for them. Such conditions include band slippage or blockage, weight regain, or severe heartburn and reflux.
Revisions and Conversions
When considering weight-loss surgery, you likely have a lot of questions. In addition to understanding your BMI, you’ll want to know what the procedure and recovery look like. You can find answers to those questions and many more in our FAQs as well as our introductory video. Because when you’re informed, you’re empowered to take charge of your health.
Thank you for taking the next step with AdventHealth. Our Nurse Navigators have received your request and will reply to your appointment request within 48 hours.
Your guide is ready for download below. We hope the guide answers any questions you have and helps you take charge of your health.
Download Our FAQsA care coordinator will follow up with you within 48 hours to confirm your registration
If you have a BMI of 29.9 or less, you might not be a candidate for weight-loss surgery. If you answered "yes" to any of the health condition questions, please consult your Physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, you can schedule online by visiting AdventHealthMedicalGroup.com/west-florida
*This assessment does not replace an evaluation by a medical professional.
If you have a BMI of 30 or more and answered "yes" to any of the health condition questions, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery. One of our care coordinators will follow up with you within 48 hours to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians. If you would like to call and schedule an appointment, please call 800-270-3043
*This assessment does not replace an evaluation by a medical professional.
This in-depth video explains some of the options you have when considering bariatric surgery, what conditions weight-loss surgery can help heal, background on our expert team and much more.
AdventHealth Carrollwood
7171 N Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33614
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AdventHealth Dade City
13100 Fort King Road
Dade City, FL 33525
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AdventHealth Heart of Florida
40100 US-27
Davenport, FL 33837
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AdventHealth North Pinellas
1395 S Pinellas Avenue
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
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AdventHealth Sebring
4200 Sun 'n Lake Boulevard
Sebring, FL 33872
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AdventHealth Ocala
1500 Southwest 1st Avenue
Ocala, FL 34471
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AdventHealth Tampa
3100 E Fletcher Ave,
Tampa, FL 33613
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