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
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Revision/Conversion Bariatric Procedures

Requirements for Bariatric Surgery
Appropriate bariatric surgery candidates must meet a range of requirements, including:
- 18 years or older
- Living with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 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.


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:
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Diabetes
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
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Heart Disease
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Hypertension
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Infertility
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Musculoskeletal Issues
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Sleep Apnea
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Stress Urinary Incontinence
Meet Our Team

Zhang, Chi, MD
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
6405 North Federal Highway
Suite 401
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
954-958-5150
Parr, Alexander G., MD
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
6405 N Federal Highway
Suite 401
Fort lauderdale, FL 33308
954-958-5150

Wizman, Paul B., MD
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery
5800 Colonial Drive
Suite 108
Margate, FL 33063
954-969-1355

Choi, Michael P., DO
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery
4390 N. Federal Highway
Suite 206
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
305-821-3795

Shillingford, Kahlil A., MD
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery
9960 N Central Park Blvd
#235
Boca Raton, FL 33428
561-483-8840

Rodriguez Pimentel, Ariel E., MD
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery
201 NW 70th Avenue
Suite C
Plantation, FL 33317
954-249-3950

Bello, Abel E., MD
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery
201 NW 70th Avenue
Suite C
Plantation, FL 33317
954-249-3950

Moore, Ronald E., MD
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery
1625 SE 3 Avenue
Suite 723
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-797-4220

Bayron Velez, Fernando, MD
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery
7421 N University Drive
Suite 107
Tamarac, FL 33321
954-724-0706

Cieza Rubio, Napoleon, MD
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery
201 NW 70th Avenue
Suite C
Plantation, FL 33317
954-249-3950
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