Watch Now: Robotic Weight Loss Procedure on Display at Obesity Week 2015

(VIDEO: Obesity Week 2015 will feature a live robotic sleeve gastrectomy, a procedure performed at South Miami Hospital.)

When Anthony Gonzalez, M.D., medical director for bariatric surgery at Baptist Health South Florida, performs a robotic sleeve gastrectomy next week, he will be broadcasting it cross-country to a very unique audience. The procedure will be featured at Obesity Week 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The conference is described as “the largest international event focused on the basic science, clinical application, prevention and treatment of obesity.” Recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that more that a third of adults in the United States are obese.

Robotic sleeve gastrectomy is considered an option for obese patients who need to lose one hundred pounds or more. The hour-long procedure reduces the size of the stomach by 60 to 70 percent, creating a thin, banana-shaped version that limits the amount of food intake in the patient.

According to Dr. Gonzalez, many of these patients also suffer from hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnea. Some of these dangerous health conditions may go away or show a marked improvement after a patient loses a substantial amount of weight.

The conference is hosted by the Obesity Society (TOS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Dr. Gonzalez says he is humbled by the opportunity to present his technique to colleagues from around the world. “It is a great opportunity to showcase our technology and expertise,” he said. “We are leaders at Baptist Health in showing that there are better and faster outcomes with less complications with the addition of the robot in bariatric surgery,” he added.

The Baptist Health South Florida News Team followed Dr. Gonzalez through a robotic sleeve gastrectomy. Hear what he has to say about the way technology has enhanced the procedure. Watch it now.