Patients often travel to find the right bariatric provider. If you’re coming from Ocala, this guide is designed to help you plan for every step before, during, and after surgery. Our goal is to make the experience as supportive and straightforward as possible.
Start by attending our online seminar. It’s an easy and informative way to understand your options and meet one of our experienced, board-certified surgeons. Once you’ve completed the seminar, we’ll schedule your first consultation and begin outlining your personalized care plan.
After your consultation, we’ll help determine whether surgery is the right fit and guide you through insurance verification or self-pay options. If you plan to pay out of pocket, our self-pay rates are available here, and our staff is happy to walk you through what’s included. From there, we’ll help you plan your care timeline, which is important when traveling from farther away.
Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool, but long-term results depend on what happens next. Ongoing care includes:
We also recommend connecting with a support group in Ocala. Many local hospitals or wellness centers offer these, and the encouragement from others on the same journey can be incredibly motivating.
We encourage patients traveling from Ocala to consider a short stay in St. Pete. Here’s a sample recovery plan:
Day 1: Arrive, check in, and get comfortable
Day 2: Surgery
Days 3–4: Quiet recovery time
Day 5: Post-op follow-up before returning home
Staying nearby gives us the opportunity to check in with you in person and handle any early questions or concerns.
If you need to return to Ocala sooner, we’ll arrange your appointments carefully and provide post-surgical instructions to support your safe recovery at home.
If you’ll be heading back shortly after surgery, it’s important to reduce your risk of blood clots and circulation issues by:
Surgery recovery is not something to tackle alone. Bring a companion you trust to help with:
Even a few days of help can make a big difference, especially if you have other health concerns.
We’ve compiled a list of hotels within 8 miles of our facility that, to the best of our knowledge, are stair-free and accessible. Always confirm accessibility and schedule directly with the hotel. Short-term vacation rentals may also be a good option if you want more space or privacy.
If you’re staying in town for a few days, you might need a grocery store or pharmacy for soft foods, protein shakes, or prescriptions. These are just a few options, so feel free to explore others that may be more convenient for you.
Ocala is approximately 85 miles north of St. Petersburg. If you’re not driving a personal vehicle, Greyhound and Amtrak connections via nearby stations in Tampa may be viable options. For further details about bus and train schedules, please visit those sites and coordinate with those companies directly.
Need help planning your visit? Contact our bariatric team! We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your schedule, location, and goals.
Dr. Huguet and Dr. Peterson of MIIS Weight Loss Institute offer a specific focus on patient experience and education through advanced technology. We take pride in helping our patients learn about the healthy surgical options that are right for you in order to maximize your weight loss.
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St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Tel: (727) 357-MIIS (6447)
Fax: (727) 356-MIIS