Bariatric surgery is a type of procedure that can be used to achieve significant weight loss in individuals who are very obese (morbidly obese). A thumb-sized stomach pouch is created (using a stapling or banding technique) then the outlet of the pouch is connected directly to the intestine, essentially bypassing the lower stomach. After the surgery, the amount of calories your body can intake is reduced which leads to weight loss.

Physicians in this specialty treat patients suffering from numerous diseases and illnesses, but some of the most common are Metabolism, Nutrition, Obesity, Eating Disorders, liposuction, Lap Band Laparoscopic, and Roux-en-Y Laparoscopic.

Once properly diagnosed, practitioners can perform numerous procedures on patients including Weight Management, Lap Band Surgery, and Surgical Weight Loss.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. Florida has 12 practicing bariatric / gastric bypass surgeons. Broken out by city, bariatric surgery doctor density in Fort Lauderdale is 1, in Hialeah is 1, in Largo is 1, in Margate is 1, in Melbourne is 2, in Miami is 1, in Oakland Park is 2, in Ormond Beach is 1, in Plantation is 1, in Port Charlotte is 1, in Quail Heights is 1, and in Saint Cloud is 1.

Florida’s warm and humid subtropical climate makes it a winter destination for many. Population in 2000 was 15,982,378, according to census statistics. Tallahassee, located in the north panhandle area, is the state capital. Tourism is a major industry in Florida, with Cape Canaveral, Disney World, the Everglades National Park, Universal Studios, the Atlantic coast and the Gulf coast all destinations for visitors and residents. Year-round outdoor activities include camping, golf, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Florida has a population of 17,789,864. Of this population, 3,975,071 are under the age of 18 and 2,978,335 are at or above the age of 65.