National Recognition of Obesity as a Chronic Disease

Almost half of American adults suffer from obesity, attributing to approximately 300,000 preventable deaths per year. The American Medical Association recognizes that obesity is no longer a lifestyle choice or simply a lack of willpower. Many medical societies now recognize obesity as a chronic progressive disease resulting from multiple environmental and genetic factors.

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some cancers, infertility, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and psychological distress.

Bariatric surgery is a surgical weight loss solution for clinically obese individuals – especially for those with a weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes. Broward Health’s bariatric surgeons make changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight by limiting how much you can eat or by reducing the absorption of nutrients, or both.

Types of Bariatric Surgeries We Perform

Intra-gastric balloon placement

Dizziness & balance therapy

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

Doctors discussing a sheet of brain scans

Requirements for Bariatric Surgery

Appropriate bariatric surgery candidates must meet a range of requirements, including:

  • More than 100 pounds overweight
  • Between the ages of 15 and 60
  • Living with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater, with significant comorbidities
  • Part of multiple failed, medically supervised weight loss attempts for 1-2 years
  • Psychologically stable

Learn more about bariatric surgery benefits.

Bariatric surgeons performing surgery
Bariatric surgeon looking up from surgery

Why Choose Broward Health?

Bariatric surgery experts at Broward Health offer long-term weight loss options as the most effective solutions available for morbid obesity. With weight reduction and reduced body mass index (BMI), many obesity-related diseases are significantly improved, including:

  • Diabetes

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

  • Heart Disease

  • Hypertension

  • Infertility

  • Musculoskeletal Issues 

  • Sleep Apnea

  • Stress Urinary Incontinence

Meet Our Team

Photo of Zhang, Chi, MD

Zhang, Chi, MD

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Robotic Surgery

6405 North Federal Highway

Suite 401

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

954-958-5150

Broward Health Physician Group

Photo of Bayron Velez, Fernando, MD

Bayron Velez, Fernando, MD

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery

7421 N University Drive

Suite 107

Tamarac, FL 33321

954-724-0706

Photo of Bello, Abel E., MD

Bello, Abel E., MD

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery

201 NW 70th Avenue

Suite C

Plantation, FL 33317

954-249-3950

Photo of Choi, Michael P., DO

Choi, Michael P., DO

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery

4390 N. Federal Highway

Suite 206

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

305-821-3795

Photo of Cieza Rubio, Napoleon, MD

Cieza Rubio, Napoleon, MD

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery

201 NW 70th Avenue

Suite C

Plantation, FL 33317

954-249-3950

Photo of Moore, Ronald E., MD

Moore, Ronald E., MD

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Robotic Surgery

1625 SE 3 Avenue

Suite 723

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

954-797-4220

Photo of Rodriguez Pimentel, Ariel E., MD

Rodriguez Pimentel, Ariel E., MD

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery

201 NW 70th Avenue

Suite C

Plantation, FL 33317

954-249-3950

Photo of Shillingford, Kahlil A., MD

Shillingford, Kahlil A., MD

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery

9960 N Central Park Blvd

#235

Boca Raton, FL 33428

561-483-8840

Photo of Wizman, Paul B., MD

Wizman, Paul B., MD

Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery

5800 Colonial Drive

Suite 108

Margate, FL 33063

954-969-1355

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