SADI-S Surgery in Los Angeles: A Next-Generation Weight Loss Solution
Obesity is a serious health issue, and for many people, diet and exercise alone simply aren’t enough. That’s where bariatric surgery comes in. And while you’ve likely heard of gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, there’s a powerful new option gaining traction among leading weight loss surgeons and patients alike: SADI-S surgery.
Short for Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy, SADI-S is a next-generation metabolic surgery. It offers incredible weight loss outcomes, improved health, and long-term sustainability, all with fewer complications than traditional duodenal switch.
At Healthy Life Bariatrics in Los Angeles, Weight loss surgeon Dr. Babak Moein specializes in this advanced procedure, helping patients lose hundreds of pounds and reclaim their lives.
Table of Contents
What is SADI-S Surgery?
SADI-S combines two proven weight loss procedures into one:
Sleeve Gastrectomy – where about 70–80% of the stomach is removed, reducing food intake and hunger hormones like ghrelin.
Duodenal-Ileal Bypass – a single connection between the small intestine and the duodenum reroutes digestion, limiting how much fat and calories your body absorbs.
Unlike the traditional duodenal switch, which utilizes two intestinal connections (anastomoses), SADI-S simplifies the process by using just one. This reduces surgical risk and recovery time while maintaining similar or even superior weight loss benefits.
Benefits of SADI-S Surgery
Greater Weight Loss Potential: SADI-S often results in quicker and higher total weight loss, with better long-term maintenance, making it ideal for those with significant excess weight or previous bariatric failures.
Fewer Complications: With only one intestinal connection, SADI-S reduces risks of leakage and complications, along with shorter surgical time, offering a safer alternative to traditional procedures.
Improved Diabetes Remission: SADI-S enhances insulin regulation and gut hormones, leading to reduced insulin use, lower A1C levels, and potential complete remission for type 2 diabetes patients.
Reduced Hunger: Patients experience less hunger and increased satisfaction from smaller meals, which helps with cravings and supports long-term success.
How SADI-S Works for Weight Loss
SADI-S surgery may sound complex, but the science behind it is incredibly powerful and clear. It tackles weight loss from multiple angles by combining restriction, malabsorption, and hormonal changes in a single, streamlined procedure. Let’s break it down.
Step-by-Step Overview of the Surgical Process
The SADI-S procedure (Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy) consists of two key steps:
1. Sleeve Gastrectomy (Restrictive Component)
The surgeon removes approximately 70–80% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, tube-shaped stomach (or “sleeve”).
This smaller stomach limits how much food you can eat, leading to early fullness and reduced appetite.
It also lowers levels of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone.”
2. Duodeno-Ileal Bypass (Malabsorptive Component)
Next, the first portion of the small intestine (duodenum) is disconnected just past the stomach.
The surgeon connects the new stomach sleeve directly to a lower part of the small intestine (usually the ileum), skipping roughly two-thirds of the intestinal tract.
This bypass limits calorie and nutrient absorption, while preserving enough intestine to reduce long-term nutritional complications.
Only one intestinal connection (anastomosis) is made, which reduces surgical complexity and risks compared to traditional gastric bypass or duodenal switch.
How SADI-S Limits Food Intake and Absorption?
SADI-S is a dual approach to weight loss, combining restriction and malabsorption. The sleeve portion of the surgery reduces the stomach’s capacity to about 3–5 ounces, helping patients feel full faster and eat less. Additionally, bypassing much of the small intestine limits calorie and nutrient absorption, resulting in fewer calories consumed and absorbed for effective weight loss.
Post-surgery, hormone levels also change significantly. Ghrelin decreases, reducing hunger, while hormones like GLP-1 and PYY are enhanced, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering blood sugar, promoting fullness, and decreasing cravings. This hormonal shift is especially beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes, often leading to remission.
SADI-S leads to similar (or better) weight loss, with fewer long-term complications like dumping syndrome or ulcers.
It’s also simpler anatomically, one connection instead of two.
SADI-S vs Duodenal Switch
Traditional DS uses two anastomoses and a shorter common channel, increasing complication risks.
SADI-S simplifies the process while preserving powerful results, making it the modern alternative.
Risks and Considerations for SADI-S Surgery
Every surgery carries risks, and SADI-S is no different. It’s generally safe, but being informed is crucial.
Nutrient Deficiencies: With part of the small intestine bypassed, you may absorb less iron, calcium, Vitamin D, and B12. You’ll need to take:
Multivitamins
Iron supplements
Daily calcium and Vitamin D
B12 injections or tablets
This is a lifelong commitment but manageable with support.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Potential symptoms include:
Loose stools
Bloating
Gas or mild malabsorption
These usually improve with dietary modifications.
Follow-Up is Essential: To ensure success, maintain:
Regular lab work for nutrient monitoring
Ongoing weight tracking
Check-ins with your bariatric care team
Healthy Life Bariatrics offers comprehensive aftercare to help you succeed.
Why Choose Dr. Moein for SADI-S in Los Angeles?
Dr. Babak Moein is one of the few surgeons in Los Angeles offering SADI-S as a primary or revision bariatric procedure. With dual board certification in general and bariatric surgery, Dr. Moein combines:
Laparoscopic expertise for minimally invasive recovery
A compassionate, patient-first approach
Customized care for each patient’s unique goals and needs
A full support team offering nutrition, fitness, and post-op guidance
At Healthy Life Bariatrics, your journey doesn’t end in the operating room; it begins there.
Recovery & Life After SADI-S
Hospital Stay and Recovery
Most patients stay 1–2 nights in the hospital
Return to light activity in 1–2 weeks
Full recovery in 4–6 weeks
You’ll be on a phased diet plan:
Liquids only for the first week
Pureed and soft foods by week 2–3
Gradual return to solid meals in 4–6 weeks
Weight Loss Milestones
3 months: noticeable weight loss and energy increase
6 months: 50–60% excess weight loss for most
12 months+: 70–80% of excess weight lost, with dramatic health improvements
SADI-S Surgery in Los Angeles: Ready to Change Your Life?
If you’ve struggled with weight for years and want a long-term solution that works, SADI-S may be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
