Our patients travel from near and far to find high-quality bariatric care, and we’re here to make it feel manageable. This guide is designed for our patients from Port Charlotte to help plan for pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative logistics. Our goal is to make the experience as supportive and straightforward as possible.

Start by attending our online seminar, where you’ll learn about your surgery options and meet one of our board-certified surgeons. After that, we’ll schedule your consultation and walk you through the rest of the process.

Once we’ve both decided that surgery is the right fit for you, we’ll help clarify your insurance coverage or self-pay options. We’re happy to walk you through the entire process, so don’t feel overwhelmed! If you’re paying out of pocket, you can review our pricing here. As we navigate this part, we will also help you prepare for the logistics of pre- and post-op care and appointments from a distance.

Traveling for Bariatric Surgery

Ideally, we want our patients to avoid immediate travel and many people benefit from taking the time to heal for an extra several days. In this scenario, you would arrive the day before your procedure so you can settle in and ask any lingering pre-op questions. Day two would be your surgery day. Days three and four would be dedicated to self-care and relaxation. The fifth day would be your follow-up appointment before you travel back home. Doing it this way helps us better monitor your recovery at a close distance from the surgery center.

If it isn’t possible to extend your stay, that’s okay, too. We will work with you to schedule and plan your pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative appointments to ensure the best care that fits your schedule.

If heading home shortly after surgery, we recommend taking some precautions. Surgery carries its risks, and to prevent complications, be sure to walk at least every two hours, move your legs while sitting, stay hydrated, and wear compression stockings to maintain healthy blood circulation. Ensuring proper blood flow helps nutrients reach the areas that require healing and prevents blood clots from forming.

Bring a Travel Companion

Regardless of your length of stay, bring someone you trust. You may not be cleared to drive or move independently for the first 24–72 hours, and having someone with you reduces the risk of falls and fatigue-related mistakes. A companion is also crucial if you have other health concerns that might complicate solo travel.

A travel companion can also provide comfort, reassurance, and motivation before and after your procedure. They can help manage stress, track post-op instructions, and support adherence to recovery protocols.

Support After Surgery

Surgery is just the beginning, and long-term success requires:

• Dietary guidance
• Monitoring for nutritional deficiencies
• Mental and physical health support
• Regular check-ins

We encourage connecting with a local support group near Port Charlotte – surrounding yourself with encouraging people makes a bigger difference than you can imagine! And, of course, our care team is always available to help answer questions or concerns remotely.

Getting Around

We are located approximately 80 miles north of Port Charlotte and want to ensure a smooth experience., including nearby hotel recommendations.

The following hotels are all within 8 miles of our facility, and to the best of our knowledge, are also stair-free and accessible. Always contact the hotel directly for the most current information. A vacation rental might also offer a more comfortable recovery environment – choose what suits your needs best.

• Sirata St. Pete Beach 5300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL, 33706
• SkyBeach Resort 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711
• Courtyard St. Petersburg Clearwater 3131 Executive Dr, Clearwater, FL, 33762
• Tru By Hilton St. Petersburg Downtown 2017 Street South., St. Petersburg, FL, 33712
• Days Inn by Wyndham St. Petersburg / Tampa Bay 5005 34th Street North, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33714-2430

Ready to start your journey? Contact our bariatric care team! Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that works with your travel needs, schedule, and long-term health goals.