Business Details
44 Years
experience
Expert Bariatric Surgery Solutions in Ocoee, FL
At Lou C Harold's practice, we have dedicated over three decades to addressing obesity through comprehensive surgical solutions. Since establishing my private practice in 1982, I have specialized in general and bariatric surgery, performing gastric bypass procedures since 2002. My credentials include board certification by the American Board of Surgery and active membership in the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. With extensive experience in treating severe obesity, I prioritize patient education and lifelong follow-up care to ensure successful outcomes.Our team emphasizes personalized consultations to determine surgical candidacy and develop tailored treatment plans. As a fourth-generation Floridian, I remain committed to improving community health through obesity awareness initiatives and educational seminars. Our practice combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to help patients achieve lasting weight loss and improved quality of life.
Services
Gastric Bypass
Gastric Banding
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Obesity Surgery Consultation
BMI Assessment
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Board-certified bariatric surgeon with 38 years of experience
- Specialized in weight loss surgery since 2002
- Personalized treatment plans for lasting results
- Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care programs
- Active community health educator on obesity issues
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Surgery
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Services
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery creates a smaller stomach pouch and reroutes the digestive system to limit calorie absorption. This procedure combines restrictive and malabsorptive elements for long-term weight management. Ideal for patients with BMI over 40 or those with obesity-related health complications seeking permanent solutions.
Gastric Banding
Gastric banding places an adjustable silicone band around the upper stomach to create a smaller food reservoir. This reversible procedure controls portion sizes through mechanical restriction with minimal nutritional impact. Patients benefit from gradual weight loss and adjustable settings during follow-up appointments.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy removes approximately 80% of the stomach to create a banana-shaped sleeve. This restrictive procedure reduces hunger hormone production while maintaining natural digestion. Patients experience significant weight loss through reduced stomach capacity and appetite regulation.
People
Lou Harold
Medical Doctor
Lou C Harold is a board-certified bariatric surgeon with 38 years of experience in general surgery. Specializing in weight loss procedures since 2002, he combines technical expertise with compassionate care. A fourth-generation Floridian, Dr. Harold remains committed to community health education and obesity awareness initiatives.
Questions
What qualifies someone for bariatric surgery?
Candidates typically have BMI ≥40 or BMI ≥35 with obesity-related conditions like diabetes. Previous unsuccessful weight loss attempts and commitment to lifestyle changes are also required.
What surgical options are available?
We offer gastric bypass, gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. Each has different mechanisms and suitability factors that we discuss during personalized consultations.
How does BMI affect surgery eligibility?
BMI calculation determines surgical candidacy. A BMI over 40 (about 100 pounds overweight) typically qualifies for surgery, while lower BMIs may qualify with additional health complications.
What post-operative support exists?
We provide lifelong medical follow-up, nutritional guidance, and SOS support group meetings held monthly at HealthCentral Hospital for surgical patients.