Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida: Richard Gordon, MD

Weight Loss Clinic in Largo, Florida

Call (727) 619-28711258 W Bay Dr, Ste D, Largo, FL 33770

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About Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida: Richard Gordon, MD

Treatment at Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida: Richard Gordon, MD

Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida, led by Dr. Richard Gordon, MD, has been providing exceptional surgical weight loss solutions to the Tampa Bay community for over 15 years. Dr. Gordon is a board-certified surgeon specializing in bariatric and metabolic surgery, with advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Our practice focuses exclusively on surgical weight loss procedures, offering the most comprehensive bariatric surgery program in Pinellas County. We understand that surgical weight loss is a life-changing decision, and our team is committed to providing personalized care, extensive education, and long-term support to ensure our patients achieve lasting success in their weight loss journey.

Services Offered

We specialize in the full spectrum of bariatric surgical procedures, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and revisional surgeries for patients who have had previous weight loss operations. Our minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques result in smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Pre-operative services include comprehensive medical evaluations, nutritional assessments, psychological consultations, and insurance authorization assistance. We work closely with a multidisciplinary team including registered dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and exercise physiologists to optimize surgical outcomes. Post-operative care includes regular follow-up appointments, nutritional monitoring, support group meetings, and plastic surgery referrals for excess skin removal when appropriate. Our program also includes management of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension, which often improve dramatically after surgery. We maintain long-term relationships with our patients, providing ongoing medical management and support for sustainable weight loss success.

Weight Loss Centers

Surgeons

Treatment Options

Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve

Removal of approximately 80% of the stomach to create a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach, reducing hunger hormones and food capacity permanently.

Outpatient procedure$15,000-20,000

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes intestines to reduce food absorption and capacity, offering excellent weight loss and diabetes resolution.

1 day hospital stay$18,000-25,000

Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Corrective procedures for patients who have had complications or inadequate weight loss from previous bariatric surgeries at other facilities.

1-2 day hospital stay$20,000-30,000

What to Expect

Your surgical journey begins with an initial consultation where Dr. Gordon reviews your medical history, weight loss attempts, and current health conditions. We'll discuss surgical options, expected outcomes, and potential risks to help you make an informed decision. This appointment typically lasts 60-90 minutes and includes educational materials.

The pre-operative phase involves completing required medical clearances, nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation, and insurance approval processes, which typically takes 3-6 months. Once cleared for surgery, the procedure is scheduled. Most surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis or with one overnight stay. Post-operative follow-up begins within one week of surgery and continues regularly throughout your first year and beyond.

Why Choose Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida: Richard Gordon, MD

Dr. Gordon has performed over 3,000 bariatric procedures with a complication rate well below national averages. Our program is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), ensuring the highest standards of care. We maintain a 95% patient satisfaction rate and have helped patients achieve an average of 70% excess weight loss within two years.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to long-term success. We provide lifetime follow-up care and have support groups meeting monthly. Our patients have access to our team 24/7 for urgent concerns, and we maintain detailed tracking of outcomes to continually improve our program. Dr. Gordon's expertise in revisional surgery also makes us a referral destination for complex cases from other practices.

Insurance & Pricing

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid for medically necessary bariatric surgery. Our insurance coordinator works directly with your insurance company to obtain pre-authorization and minimize out-of-pocket costs. Most insurance plans cover bariatric surgery when medical criteria are met, including BMI requirements and documented medical comorbidities.

For self-pay patients, we offer competitive pricing starting at $15,000 for gastric sleeve surgery. Payment plans and financing options are available through multiple healthcare financing companies. We also accept HSA and FSA payments for qualified expenses.

First-Time Patient Tips

Before your consultation, research your insurance benefits and gather documentation of previous weight loss attempts. Bring a complete list of medications, medical conditions, and any previous surgical history. Consider writing down questions about the procedures and what to expect during recovery.

After deciding on surgery, strictly follow all pre-operative instructions including dietary changes and required medical clearances. Arrange for help at home during the first week of recovery, and plan to take time off work. Stock your home with approved post-surgery foods and ensure you understand the dietary progression schedule. Most importantly, commit to attending all follow-up appointments and support group meetings for optimal long-term success.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Dr. Gordon has over 15 years of specialized bariatric surgery experience with excellent outcomes.
MBSAQIP accredited program ensuring highest quality standards and safety protocols.
Most insurance plans accepted with dedicated insurance authorization assistance.

Things to Consider

Surgery requires significant lifestyle changes and long-term commitment to dietary modifications.
Potential surgical risks and complications, though rare with experienced surgeons.

Service Area

We serve patients throughout Pinellas County and the greater Tampa Bay area from our Largo location. Our central Pinellas location is convenient for residents of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, and Indian Rocks Beach. We also welcome patients from Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando counties who are seeking specialized bariatric surgical expertise not available locally.

Interior of Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida: Richard Gordon, MD

Local Insight

Our Largo location provides convenient access from throughout Pinellas County, with easy access from major roads like Ulmerton Road and US-19. The area has excellent healthcare infrastructure with nearby hospitals and specialists for comprehensive care. Largo's central location makes it accessible from both northern and southern Pinellas communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for bariatric surgery?

Generally, patients need a BMI of 40 or higher, or BMI 35+ with serious health conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea. You must also demonstrate unsuccessful previous weight loss attempts and be committed to lifestyle changes.

How much weight will I lose after surgery?

Most patients lose 60-80% of their excess weight within 18-24 months. For example, if you're 100 pounds overweight, you can expect to lose 60-80 pounds with proper adherence to post-operative guidelines.

Will my insurance cover bariatric surgery?

Most insurance plans cover bariatric surgery when medical criteria are met. Our insurance coordinator will verify your benefits and handle the pre-authorization process to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

How long is the recovery time?

Most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks for desk jobs and 3-4 weeks for physical jobs. Full dietary progression takes about 6-8 weeks, and you can typically resume all normal activities within 6 weeks.

What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

Serious complications occur in less than 2% of cases with experienced surgeons. Minor complications like nausea or dehydration may occur but are easily managed with proper follow-up care.

Will I need plastic surgery after weight loss?

Many patients choose plastic surgery to remove excess skin after significant weight loss. We work with qualified plastic surgeons and can provide referrals when you've reached your goal weight and maintained it for several months.

How long do I need to follow up after surgery?

We recommend regular follow-up for life to monitor your health, weight maintenance, and nutritional status. Appointments are frequent in the first year, then typically annually thereafter.

Can I get pregnant after bariatric surgery?

Yes, but we recommend waiting 12-18 months after surgery before becoming pregnant to ensure proper nutrition and weight stabilization. Many patients find improved fertility after weight loss surgery.