Gastric Sleeve Los Angeles, CA
What is a Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure that removes 80% of the stomach, creating a banana-shaped sleeve. The surgery induces weight loss of 60-80% of excess weight in 12-18 months by limiting food accommodation and decreasing hunger hormones. Eligible candidates usually present with a body mass index above 40 or a body mass index of 35-40 and weight-related co-morbidities such as diabetes or sleep apnea. The procedure lasts approximately one hour through tiny cuts with same-day or overnight hospital discharge. Los Angeles patients experience enhanced quality of life, alleviation of co-morbidities, and long-lasting weight loss outcomes.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Before and After
The transformative effects of gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Moein speak for themselves through his extraordinary patients’ journeys. These before and after photos depict possible life-changing results where skilled surgery conjoins with committed patient lifestyle adjustments. Every individual’s journey is different, and Dr. Moein personally works with people throughout their makeover to ensure they get their best results safely and permanently. Gastric sleeve surgery makes a patient shed enormous weight but also enables people to live a healthier lifestyle permanently. These heartening testimonies stand for the commitment to excellence that Dr. Moein brings to every gastric sleeve surgery performed by Healthy Life Bariatrics.
Benefits of a Gastric Sleeve Surgery Los Angeles
- Fast Weight Loss: Achieve 60-80% excess weight loss in 12-18 months with long-lasting results.
- Diabetes Resolution: 60-80% of Type 2 diabetes patients achieve complete remission after surgery.
- Reduced Hunger: Removes hunger hormone-producing stomach tissue, making portion control effortless.
- Treatment of Sleep Apnea: 85% of the patients achieve full remission of symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Lower Blood Pressure: Significantly reduced risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
- Joint Pain Relief: Dramatic weight loss eliminates chronic knee, hip, and back pain.
- More Energy: There is increased energy and greater daily functioning experienced by patients.
- Minimally Invasive: Laparoscopic surgery using very small incisions and same-day discharge.
How is Gastric Sleeve Stomach Surgery Performed?
Your sleeve gastrectomy doctor will be performing the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using general anesthesia, so while undergoing the procedure of VSG, you will be unconscious. During the surgery, while it will take around an hour to perform, your surgeon will make multiple small incisions in your abdomen. The sites on these cuts will be used to insert the devices needed to perform the gastric sleeve surgery.

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For instance, a laparoscope will be inserted through one tiny incision, and it is an instrument fitted with a camera whose video will be sent to a monitor. Other surgical instruments will then be inserted through other incisions if needed. This laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure is minimally invasive thanks to this amazing technology and comes with minimal operative risks. This is what goes on in your abdomen.
The stomach will be severed using a laparoscopic stapler. The stomach will then be removed in three-quarters of its entirety and a narrow banana-shaped sleeve pouch left behind. The resection of the stomach is then extracted through one of the incisions within the abdomen. The doctor will then check the sleeve for leaks by conducting a dye study or an upper endoscopy.
Who is a Good Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Los Angeles?
To be a good candidate, you would need to receive an obesity diagnosis from your primary doctor. The term “obesity” is a medical diagnosis that is given to a person who exhibits a high body mass index.
BMI is a number that correlates with the amount of body weight a person is carrying. The gastric sleeve surgical procedure is typically reserved for those with a BMI of 40 or higher. That number signifies that the patient is carrying around 100 pounds over their ideal weight for an average-height female. To put this into perspective, if you are 5 foot 3 inches tall and weigh 225 pounds, then you are carrying 100 pounds of extra weight.
BMI (Body Mass Index)
| BMI Range | Qualification | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 40+ | ✅ Automatically Qualifies | Usually Covered |
| 35-40 | ⚠️ Qualifies with Conditions e.g., diabetes, sleep apnea |
May Be Covered |
| 30-35 | 🔍 Case-by-Case Review | Not Covered |
Tip: Use our BMI calculator below to check your eligibility with Dr. Moein in Los Angeles.
BMI Eligibility for Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Eligibility to undergo gastric sleeve surgery in Los Angeles is based on your Body Mass Index (BMI). If your BMI is 40 or higher, you are automatically eligible to undergo surgery. If it is 35-40 and if obesity-linked health issues like diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure exist, then eligibility may be present. For patients with a BMI of 30-35, it is considered on an individual basis by Dr. Moein, though insurance is hardly utilized to fund surgery at this weight.
BMI Calculator
18.5 OR BELOW : UNDERWEIGHT 18.5 TO 24.9 : NORMAL 25 TO 29.9 : OVERWEIGHT 30 OR MORE : OBESE
How Should You Prepare for Gastric Sleeve Surgery LA?
Before gastric sleeve surgery, Dr. Moein conducts a thorough evaluation of each patient’s health, diet, and exercise history to ensure all nonsurgical weight loss efforts have been attempted. Surgery is only recommended if it aligns with the patient’s body type, challenges, and long-term goals.
Additional pre-surgical requirements may include psychological evaluations, blood tests, and imaging studies. Smokers are advised to quit months before surgery, and some patients may be asked to lose weight to improve safety by reducing liver size. Patients must also avoid blood-thinning medications and fast the night before surgery.
What You Need to Know About: What Causes a Big Stomach in Females?
How much weight will I lose after the Gastric Sleeve?
60-80% of the excess weight is lost in 12-18 months after gastric sleeve surgery. For instance, if you are 100 pounds over-weight, then 60-80 pounds of excess weight is lost. The weight loss is usually fastest within the initial 6 months (30-50% excess weight loss), and then it is maintained steadily. Patient results will differ based on pre-operative weight, age, exercise capacity, and diet rule enforcement, but gastric sleeve always achieves outstanding long-term weight loss in ideal candidates.
About Best Gatric Sleeve Surgeon Dr. Babak Moein in Los Angeles
Dr. Babak Moein is a board-certified bariatric surgeon and the founder of Healthy Life Bariatrics, specializing in advanced laparoscopic gastric sleeve procedures in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in metabolic and bariatric surgery, Dr. Moein has helped countless patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improved health outcomes through his expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
- Fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon with extensive experience in laparoscopic gastric sleeve procedures.
- Expert in minimally invasive surgical techniques with superior safety profiles and faster recovery
- Comprehensive patient evaluation process ensuring optimal surgical candidacy and long-term success
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs and medical history.
- Successfully performed thousands of laparoscopic gastric sleeve procedures with exceptional outcomes
- Extensive post-operative care program with regular monitoring, nutritional guidance, and support


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Gastric Sleeve Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost Los Angeles?
The listed Gastric Sleeve price is $18,500.00 for a cash-paid sleeve with no financing. Ask weight loss surgeon Dr. Moein to give you a customized and specific quote to help you achieve your weight loss surgery goals. We do our best to provide you with the most competitive pricing without surprises.
Does the Insurance Cover the Gastric Sleeve Procedure?
Some insurance policies cover bariatric surgery if you meet specific criteria. You have a higher likelihood of having your surgery covered by your insurance provider if you have a BMI over 40 or your BMI is between 35 and 40 with obesity-related health problems.
The insurance criteria are often very restrictive and will result in months of delay to your care. In addition, your copay and out-of-pocket expenses may exceed the cost of your surgery. We will provide you with insurance verification and provide you with the best resources to achieve your surgery in Los Angeles CA.
How Safe is the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) Procedure?
The vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery is so safe that the former and first female President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery was quoted as saying, “The gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) is a safe and effective weight loss procedure that can help patients who suffer from morbid obesity. The bariatric surgery sleeve procedure should be considered a primary procedure for long-term weight loss and the resolution of obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. “
Can Gastric Sleeve Surgery Help You Lose Weight Fast?
Since your stomach is now restricted, which has the effect of lowering your daily caloric intake, and with a fairly strong decrease in appetite, you can expect to lose weight quickly.
In fact, gastric sleeve Los Angeles patients tend to lose up to 60-80% of their extra weight over 12 to 18 months. You may have seen gastric sleeve patients before and after images like the one above.
That means that, for someone who is 100 pounds overweight, you can expect to lose around 60-80 pounds over the next year. You can potentially lose even more body weight by exercising and eating healthily.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with gastric sleeve surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and leakage at the staple line, though these are rare. Another rare condition that can develop includes a blood clot that forms in your legs.
General anesthesia can cause breathing problems or other reactions, but only in some patients.
Tell Dr. Moein if you experience nausea, constipation, heartburn, or vomiting, as these side effects can sometimes occur as a result of surgery.
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Gastric Sleeve vs. Other Weight Loss Surgery Options

When considering bariatric surgery, it’s crucial to compare procedures for the best choice. Dr. Moein helps patients select the right weight loss surgery based on health profiles and goals. The gastric sleeve is the most popular due to its effectiveness and safety, achieving 60-70% excess weight loss in 12-18 months while maintaining normal digestion. Gastric bypass offers 65-80% weight loss and 70-90% diabetes remission. The adjustable gastric band is reversible with lower nutrient deficiency risk, resulting in 40-50% weight loss over 2-3 years. Dr. Moein evaluates your history and discusses each option’s benefits, ensuring you have the information to make an informed decision.
| Feature / Procedure | Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass | Lap-Band (Adjustable Gastric Band) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excess Weight Loss (EWL) | 60-70% in 12-18 months | 65-80% in 12-18 months | 40-50% over 2-3 years |
| Impact on Type 2 Diabetes | 60-80% remission | 70-90% remission | 30-50% remission |
| Nutrient Deficiency Risk | Moderate (B12, iron, folate) | Higher (B12, iron, calcium, folate) | Low |
| Reversibility | Permanent | Difficult / not fully reversible | Reversible |
Gastric Sleeve Testimonials Los Angeles, CA



Total Reviews: 222
ETHEL LEDFORD
Kind, compassionate, and amazing are just a few words used to describe Dr. Moein and his staff. From the time you walk through the doors until you leave. I could not be more pleased with my results and the care that I received. If you’re looking for a caring staff and a doctor that is amazing at his craft, this is where you should go.
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Total Reviews: 21
My experience with Dr. Moein is amazing!
My experience with Dr Moein is amazing! He is very knowlegable, respectful, and most important made me feel comfortable and safe. I had other consultation with other surgeons but I knew I chose the right doctor for my procedure. Thank you Dr Moein for everything.
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Total Reviews: 34
ZOHRE T.
Dr Moein is very kind and personable, very attentive and patient. Always answered my emails personally and always found time to talk to me on the phone when I needed – before and after the surgery.
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Total “Not Recommended”
Reviews: 64
KRISTINE K
I have been going to the Moein Surgical Arts countless times, and they never disappoint. Dr. Moein is professional, knowledgeable, passionate, and detail-oriented. I cannot say enough about him and his staff. I’m so happy to have found them in Los Angeles. It’s always a pleasant experience and fantastic results when I go. Go here, and you won’t be disappointed.
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Testimonials
Call Now to consult with the best gastric sleeve surgeon Los Angeles
While a gastric sleeve is not intended as a quick or permanent fix for obesity, the procedure can help you drop the excess pounds that don’t respond readily to diet and exercise. Compared to other bariatric procedures, the gastric sleeve is more conservative and shorter than a traditional gastric bypass. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Moein recommends the gastric sleeve Los Angeles, CA for all patients in the greater Los Angeles, Glendale, and Encino CA areas with a BMI of 30 to 60 or higher. The surgery can help you reduce your weight and resolve accompanying health problems caused by morbid obesity.
📅 Convenient surgery dates to fit with your schedule. We have a caring surgery team available to assist you throughout the journey.
📞 Call (310)861-4093 today to book your consultation with weight reduction specialist Dr. Moein in Los Angeles and make your first step to sustainable health.
Planning your budget? See the full gastric sleeve cost guide — 2026 self-pay ranges, insurance criteria, and financing numbers. Need more power than a sleeve alone? Compare the duodenal switch and SADI-S.