Ready to take control of your health and transform your life? At Lakeland Regional Health, the expert team in bariatric surgery and metabolic medicine is here to guide you every step of the way.

Whether you’re curious about the benefits, the process, or what makes LRH stand out, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for.

Q: What is metabolic medicine and bariatric surgery?

A: Metabolic medicine encompasses a full assessment of your lifestyle and health concerns so LRH experts can create a personalized program designed to address your weight loss and health goals. These programs can include:

Medications such as GLP-1s
Nutrition and activity guidance
Disease management
And more

Bariatric surgery — or weight-loss surgery — includes safe and effective procedures like gastric Bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and endoscopic balloon treatments. These surgeries help patients achieve long-term weight loss by reducing hunger and improving metabolic health.

“Bariatric surgery is one of the safest surgeries,” LRH surgeon Dr. Sanjiv Gray said. “Lakeland Regional Health is an accredited center of excellence as well — additionally, our metabolic programs are designed to address your unique health goals, so you can be your healthiest self.”

LRH specialists are equipped to help patients achieve optimal health and experience lasting results. | Photos provided by Lakeland Regional Health

Q: Why choose bariatric surgery or metabolic medicine?

A: Weight-related health conditions, like Type II diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint pain, can prevent people from fully enjoying their lives. These treatments can help patients reclaim their energy, confidence, and freedom.

“During their first visit, many patients come to us with lost confidence and motivation,” Dr. Gray explained. “With personalized weight-loss programs, they gain energy, improve their health, and spend more quality time with loved ones.”

Q: What services does LRH offer for weight management?

A: LRH provides a wide range of options, and a full list can be seen on their website.

“We’re all-in with our patients throughout their unique journeys,” Dr. Joseph Chebli, LRH’s Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine Medical Director, said. “We treat each patient as an individual and provide everything they need to achieve their goals.”

“The whole experience with LRH and Dr. Gray has been excellent," said Jasmine Colbert. | Photos provided by Lakeland Regional Health

Q: What do patients say about their journeys?

A: Jasmine Colbert shared, “I started at 390 pounds, and three years later, I’m 190 pounds down. My journey had ups and downs, but the LRH team supported me every step of the way. Every day feels like a blessing.”

LRH’s expert surgeons love being a part of these transformations.

“Watching our patients accomplish their non-scale victories that make life worth living — such as fitting on a roller coaster, being able to feel comfortable in the clothes they are wearing, and getting rid of so many health issues — is the biggest gift as a surgeon,” Dr. Betsy Dovec said.
Your after starts now with Lakeland Regional Health