We see patients in Citrus County and the surrounding areas and perform laparoscopic and general surgeries with specialties that encompass treatments for the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, colon and cancer, vascular and weight loss. Our state-of-the-art office includes several examination rooms and surgical facilities, complete with ample parking at the door. We are also a short walk to HCA Florida Citrus Hospital.

• Anal fistula repair
• Appendectomy (laparoscopic and open)
• Banding of internal hemorrhoids
• Breast biopsy (minimally-invasive)
• Colon resection (laparoscopic and open)
• Dressing and/or debridement of wounds
• Enterostomy (laparoscopic and open)
• Endoscopy
• Destruction or removal of skin and subcutaneous tissue
• Tissue transfer
• Femoral hernia repair
• Open gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)

• Hemorrhoidectomy or excision of anal tags
• Incisional hernia repair (laparoscopic)
• Inguinal hernia repair (laparoscopic and open)
• Laparotomy
• Mastectomy
• Open incisional and/or ventral hernia repair
• Port placements or replacements
• Proctectomy (laparoscopic and open)
• Removal or destruction of rectal or intestinal tumor colonoscopy, proctosigmoidoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and control of hemorrhage)
• Skin cancer removal
• Splenectomy
• Splenorrhaphy
• Umbilical or ventral hernia repair

• Abdominal pain
• Anal and rectal cancer
• Anal pain and disorders
• Aneurysm and dissection
• Anorectal abscess
• Appendicitis
• Benign and cancerous skin lesions
• Benign and malignant breast disease
• Breast lump
• Carcinoma in situ (CIS)
• Cholecystitis and gallstones
• Colon disorders, such as diverticulitis
• Colorectal cancer
• Diaphragmatic and/or hiatal hernia
• Empyema
• Gallbladder disease
• Hemorrhoids

• Hidradenitis
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Incisional hernia
• Inguinal hernia
• Intestinal abscess
• Intestinal obstruction
• Lipomas
• Meckel's diverticulum
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
• Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis
• Pleural Effusion
• Secondary malignancies
• Ulcerative colitis
• Umbilical hernia
• Ventral hernia

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair
• Arteriovenous shunt creation
• Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or excision of infected graft
• Carotid surgery
• Dressing and/or debridement of wound or infection

• Embolectomy
• Thrombectomy or vessel exploration
• Peripheral artery bypass procedures
• Thromboendarterectomy or excision of infected graft
• Varicose vein procedures

• Carotid artery disease (CAD)
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Peripheral arterial aneurysm and dissection (PAD)
• Peripheral arterial embolism and thrombosis

• Peripheral vascular disease
• Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
• Varicose veins
• Vascular disease

Led by our bariatric surgeon, Dr. Parth Patel, HCA Florida Citrus Surgical Specialists offers comprehensive, individualized weight management programs designed to help you achieve long-term weight loss. We go far beyond the surgical procedure to provide you with a life-improving program that includes personalized nutritional, physical activity and emotional guidance, as well as ongoing support.

In general, weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, has proven to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for morbid obesity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bariatric surgery is the only proven weight loss method for those suffering from morbid obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or a BMI between 35-39 with co-morbid conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

To calculate your BMI, please visit this BMI calculator.

At this time, the weight loss surgery we offer is sleeve gastrectomy. This minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgical procedure involves the permanent removal of a large portion of the stomach. To further aid in weight loss, sleeve gastrectomy eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulate hunger.

Unlike the gastric bypass procedure, it does not change the digestive process. So, it does not require any dietary intake restrictions and minimizes the complications related to bypassing the stomach and intestines, such as intestinal obstruction (blockage), anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Also, unlike the adjustable gastric banding procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy does not need to be adjusted, and because of this, it requires less follow-up care.

Weight loss surgery offers a wide range of potential benefits. The sleeve gastrectomy procedure has helped reduce the severity of or eliminated weight-related conditions, such as:

• Comfort and relief from lower back pain, inflammation and degenerative diseases
• Enhanced quality of life and longevity
• Improved bladder control
• Improved blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, potentially preventing type 2 diabetes
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Improved metabolic health

• Improved sleep, lessened potential for sleep apnea and snoring
• Lessened menstrual dysfunction and improved fertility health in female patients
• Lessened or eliminated asthma attacks
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Relief from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn
• Relief from migraine headaches and depression
• Resolved depression

As is the case with all types of surgeries, weight loss surgery also involves risks. Complications from sleeve gastrectomy include:

• Abdominal bleeding
• Pulmonary problems or other surgery-related issues
• Respiratory failure
• Staple/suture leakage
• Wound infections

These complications occur in less than five percent of the procedures performed. Additionally, the average mortality rate for patients undergoing bariatric surgery is less than one percent and continues to decline. Longer-term negative effects of bariatric surgery can include such issues as temporary hair thinning and symptomatic gallstones.

Although bariatric surgery, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, involves a small percentage of risks, the health risks associated with remaining obese often far outweigh the potential risks of any surgical procedure.

Most patients undergoing bariatric surgery have many questions about the procedure, weight loss and after care. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and corresponding answers. If you have any additional questions that are not covered below, please contact us. We are happy to assist you in any way we can.

Why should I consider having weight loss surgery?

Most patients that consider weight loss surgery have attempted to lose weight through diet and exercise and have either been unsuccessful in losing enough weight or have lost weight only to regain it.

While weight loss surgery does carry risks, for a number of patients, the risks associated with the surgery itself pale in comparison to the effects of prolonged conditions of morbid obesity. Morbid obesity is a chronic and complex disease that has many associated conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, depression, infertility, and higher occurrence rates of breast, colon and prostate cancer.

I am considering weight loss surgery. Where do I start?

This website contains quite a bit of information, but the best way to find out where to start or what your next step should be to learn more about your weight loss options is to call us at (352) 726-3646.

What weight loss surgeries do you offer?

At this time, we offer sleeve gastrectomy.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most insurance. We are happy to call your insurance company on your behalf to see if you have coverage for weight loss surgery. You can learn more about the general insurance process on our insurance information page or by contacting us with any questions you have.

Am I a candidate for weight loss surgery?

For patients using insurance, you must have a BMI of 40 or greater or have a BMI of 35 or greater with a qualifying co-morbidity.

In addition to BMI requirements, candidates for weight loss surgery should have evidence of previous unsuccessful attempts at non-surgical treatment for obesity. They should also demonstrate a commitment to follow-up care, including a clear understanding of the dietary, exercise and medical guidelines required following surgery and throughout the rest of their lives.

What will my insurance company require to approve my surgery?

Each insurance company and individual policy has different requirements and even different policyholders within the same company can have different requirements. Our insurance information page gives a general overview of insurance requirements. If you contact us, we will verify your specific insurance policy’s requirements.

Do you have a “program fee” or any other hidden costs?

No, our program does not involve any hidden fees. You will only be responsible for your copays and/or deductibles as determined by your insurance company and the cost of the liquid diet required before surgery. This is not billable to your insurance and usually costs between $100 to $300, depending on how long you need to be on it.

Why will I need to be on a liquid diet before surgery?

The liquid diet required before surgery is important for two reasons: you will lose weight while on it, and it will usually decrease the size of your liver. Both of these can make your surgery less complex, faster and safer.

How long will it take to get my surgery?

The amount of time until your surgery will depend upon a number of variables. A patient that is paying for their surgery out-of-pocket can usually receive their surgery in as little as four to six weeks since they are not required to meet any insurance criteria.

Patients that wish to use their insurance will need to meet their carrier’s requirements for coverage. Since each insurance company has different requirements, the span of time ranges from as little as six weeks to as long as seven months.

Our goal for patients using insurance is to ensure that their surgery is approved by the insurance company the first time it is submitted. Our experienced staff can tell you exactly what will be needed to accomplish this.

How long will I be in the hospital?

The length of your hospital stay depends upon which surgery you have, your general health and your surgeon’s recommendations. With the sleeve gastrectomy, you will spend 24 hours in the hospital at a minimum, although some patients will be required to stay longer.

What will I be able to eat and not eat after my surgery?

Your surgeon will determine the specific foods you can and cannot have after your operation.

A weight loss seminar is the first step on the road to bariatric surgery at HCA Florida Citrus Surgical Specialists. Offering a thorough overview of our practice, our procedures and our process, this online session is a wonderful orientation for anyone considering losing weight with surgery. Learn about bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) by watching our online seminar from the comfort of your own home, and then call us!

Our view our calendar, to see when you can attend an in-person weight loss seminar.