Bariatric Surgery FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Bariatric surgery isn’t just designed to help you lose the excess weight quickly and effectively. Weight loss surgery has also been shown to be effective at resolving many obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and others. Many bariatric surgery patients also report taking fewer medications to treat their obesity-related conditions.

Obesity is caused by consuming more calories than you burn off through regular movement and exercise. Obesity doesn’t happen overnight. It occurs over time through unhealthy dietary and exercise habits.

Our bodies use the food we eat as sources of energy. If you consume high amounts of energy, particularly fats and sugars, but do not burn the energy off through physical activity, the surplus energy will be stored by the body as fat. Over time, increasing weight gain can lead to obesity.

In some cases, underlying medical conditions may contribute to weight gains, such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and Cushing’s syndrome, which is a rare disorder that causes an overproduction of steroid hormones.

Medications for epilepsy and diabetes can also contribute to obesity, as can the weight gain typically associated with smoking cessation.

Dr. Moein may recommend weight loss surgery if your BMI is at least 30 or higher and you have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight with diet and exercise alone for the past six months.

bariatric surgeries often reduce the stomach's capacity, limiting food intake and promoting a feeling of fullness. Some procedures also alter hormonal signals related to hunger and satiety, promoting healthier eating habits and facilitating rapid fat loss.

The four types of bariatric surgery are gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band, and duodenal switch. Each helps with weight loss by limiting food intake, reducing nutrient absorption, or both.

There are many advantages to laparoscopy, which involves the surgeon using fiber-optic equipment inserted through the abdominal wall. The minuscule camera allows your surgeon to view your internal organs and abdomen on a screen in real-time, improving surgical accuracy. Furthermore, with laparoscopy, the surgery is minimally invasive, the incisions are tiny, and complications are rare.

There are always risks involved with surgery. Going under anesthesia brings risks, and there is a risk of bleeding, blood clots, delayed healing, infections, and poor results. However, Dr. Babak Moein is world-renowned for his safe procedures that deliver significant results. Dr. Moein takes every precaution to ensure your safety and produce results that meet your expectations. Years of experience and a philosophy of safety are at the heart of successful outcomes.

Laparoscopic surgery is recommended for patients who have exceeded their ideal body weight by 100 pounds. There is no weight limit, though Dr. Moein may recommend that you lose some weight naturally prior to undergoing laparoscopic surgery for the sake of safety. Call to schedule an initial consultation to learn more.

Revision surgery following a previous abdominal procedure is possible, but we need more information to give you a definitive answer. An initial consultation with Dr. Moein can help you better understand what went wrong with your initial surgery and if your surgery can be performed laparoscopically. Call to book your consultation with Dr. Moein.

Bariatric surgeons would prefer that you be at least 100 pounds over your ideal weight with a BMI of 40 or more. Some surgeons will consider BMIs lower than 40 if there are obesity-related medical conditions present like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and others. For patients with a BMI of 30 and above, surgery is often considered on an individual basis, taking into account the patient's risk a,nd benefit, as well as the expected outcome from surgery.

Yes, bariatric surgery is often covered by insurance if specific medical criteria are met. Most insurance plans—including Medicare, Medi-Cal, and many private insurers—require that the patient has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Additionally, patients usually must complete a medically supervised weight loss program, undergo psychological evaluation, and receive prior authorization. Coverage varies by provider and policy, so it's essential to verify the exact requirements with the insurance company. 

Getting pregnant too soon after bariatric surgery, typically within the first 12 to 18 months, is not recommended due to the body’s ongoing rapid weight loss and nutritional changes during that time. This period is critical for stabilizing nutritional levels, and pregnancy during this phase can increase the risk of complications such as fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and vitamin or mineral deficiencies that may affect both mother and baby. Additionally, the mother's body may not yet be able to support the increased nutritional demands of pregnancy. Most bariatric surgeons advise waiting at least 12 to 18 months post-surgery, or until weight stabilizes, before conceiving. Proper planning and medical supervision are essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome.

The safest form of weight loss surgery for most patients is the gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy), which involves removing a portion of the stomach to limit food intake. It has a lower complication rate compared to more complex procedures like gastric bypass and duodenal switch, while still providing significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions. Its relatively straightforward technique, reduced risk of long-term nutritional deficiencies, and shorter operative time make it a commonly recommended option for patients seeking both safety and effectiveness.

Alcohol may affect you more rapidly than before following bariatric surgery. Furthermore, rapid weight loss coupled with low food intake could lead to dangerously low blood sugar, putting your health at risk. It would be best to significantly limit or stop your use of alcohol following bariatric surgery for the sake of your lifelong health. In addition, some may replace one form of addiction with another and it is important to identify alcohol if it plays this role. Also, alcohol may act as a trigger that causes inappropriate eating behavior that sabotages your success.

One of the benefits of laparoscopic surgery is that Dr. Moein only needs to make small cuts. Most patients go home on the same day or have an overnight stay. Your recovery time depends on the type of procedure and your overall health. Ask Dr. Moein during your initial consultation about the recovery you can expect for the bariatric procedure you have in mind.

That all depends on how much you tend to strain at your job. Most people return to work within one to two weeks following bariatric surgery. If you work a strenuous job like construction, Dr. Moein may recommend you take even longer before you go back to work.

Many patients wonder if they can have their LAP-BAND re-removed after achieving their goal weight. The LAP-BAND® is designed to remain in place indefinitely. Studies have shown that removing the lap band reduces hunger satiation, which means you may no longer feel satisfied with small portions. While gastric banding is reversible, we recommend that you do not have the band removed once you meet your goal weight.

You might require an adjustment if you find yourself hungry and looking for food or if you have difficulty swallowing or experience acid reflux. Dr. Moein will monitor your progress closely to determine when adjustments to your LAP-BAND® should be made.

The ideal candidate for a single incision LAP-BAND® is someone with a body mass index lower than 45kg/m2 and no prior abdominal surgeries are able to avoid sweets and sodas. Find out if you are a good candidate for LAP-BAND® surgery by calling Healthy Life Bariatrics to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Moein.

Dr. Moein can recommend a bariatric or body contouring procedure based on a full analysis of your body goals and health. Dr. Moein will take into account your medical history and current health status to help you lose weight or sculpt your body in accordance with your realistic expectations. Call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Moein and see which procedures you might qualify for at Healthy Life Bariatrics.

Many patients experience sagging skin after losing a significant portion of their excess weight. In previous years, insurance covered a procedure called panniculectomy, which is the removal of excess skin and fat following extreme weight loss. Then, insurers stopped covering the procedure for several years, labeling it elective rather than medically necessary.

These days, insurers have changed their minds due to pressure from lawmakers. Your insurer could cover the removal of any excess skin following your weight loss surgery. The good news for you is that Dr. Moein is board-certified in both bariatric surgery and body contouring, which means that we can perform both your weight loss surgery and the follow-up panniculectomy, body lift, breast lift under a single roof. Call to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Moein to learn more.

The cost of weight loss surgery varies depending on the type of procedure, the location, and whether or not you have insurance. On average, gastric sleeve surgery ranges from $9,500 to $19,500, while gastric bypass can cost between $15,000 and $24,000. More complex procedures like the duodenal switch may exceed $30,000. Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal, may cover bariatric surgery if you meet specific medical criteria. For those without coverage, many clinics offer financing options or payment plans to make the procedure more affordable.

The safest form of weight loss surgery for most patients is the gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy), which involves removing a portion of the stomach to limit food intake. It has a lower complication rate compared to more complex procedures like gastric bypass and duodenal switch, while still providing significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions. Its relatively straightforward technique, reduced risk of long-term nutritional deficiencies, and shorter operative time make it a commonly recommended option for patients seeking both safety and effectiveness.

The cost of weight loss surgery varies depending on the type of procedure, the location, and whether or not you have insurance. On average, gastric sleeve surgery ranges from $9,500 to $19,500, while gastric bypass can cost between $15,000 and $24,000. More complex procedures like the duodenal switch may exceed $30,000. Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal, may cover bariatric surgery if you meet specific medical criteria. For those without coverage, many clinics offer financing options or payment plans to make the procedure more affordable.

Dr. Moein is known around the world as one of the best bariatric and Cosmetic plastic surgeons working today. Dr. Moein is unique in that he is board-certified and fellowship trained in both bariatric and cosmetic surgery. This allows him to offer both weight loss and body contouring procedures, which help you lose excess fat for health’s sake, and look your best after the surgery has done its job. This consolidates your overall care under one roof and allows you to get the best treatment from an experienced physician that knows you well through your weight loss journey and post weight loss body contouring.

Talk to Dr. Moein about the weight loss and body contouring procedures you have in mind. Dr. Moein lives and operates in

The most successful patients are the ones who follow Dr. Moein’s guidelines before, during, and after surgery. Dr. Moein will ensure that you are an ideal patient and of sound health before surgery is scheduled. After the procedure is scheduled, Dr. Moein and staff will help you have a safe procedure and guide you through a comfortable recovery. As long as you follow the guidelines you are given, you should be successful with weight loss surgery.