Bariatric Surgery

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Bariatric Surgery for Weight Loss in San Diego

Learn more about weight loss with bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is more than a surgical procedure — it's a life-changing decision. The benefits of weight-loss surgery extend far beyond losing pounds. It can dramatically improve a variety of serious obesity-related health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, joint pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infertility and sleep apnea.

Bariatric surgery at Sharp HealthCare.

At Sharp Memorial Hospital and Sharp Coronado Hospital, our surgeons lead the way in minimally invasive weight-loss procedures. Our surgeries are nearly always performed with small abdominal incisions or laparoscopically, resulting in less discomfort, fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery. We also offer robotic-assisted bariatric procedures.

A supportive team every step of the way.

For those with a body mass index (BMI) above 35, weighing at least 80 to 100 pounds over an ideal weight — we're here to help. Highly skilled affiliated surgeons take the time to understand your story — working with you to choose your very best option.

Don’t take risks with your health. Significant weight loss is a long-term commitment, and our teams will be with you every step of the way — before, during and after your procedure.

Bariatric surgery options for you.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy — restricts stomach volume and the amount of food intake by removing 85 percent or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or preventing the body from fully absorbing nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract.

Roux-en-Y laparoscopic gastric bypass — a procedure that alters the process of digestion so you feel fuller faster. The surgery is performed through small abdominal incisions, which results in less pain and a quicker recovery.

Single Anastomosis Duodenoileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S) — a newer bariatric procedure that combines a vertical sleeve gastrectomy with a change in the anatomy of the small intestine. This surgery is designed to help patients who need to lose the most weight.

All surgeries change the body’s microbiome and other hormones, resulting in decreased hunger, improved blood sugar control and increased metabolism.

Find a bariatric surgeon.

If your weight has become a health problem, don't struggle alone. We can help restore a stronger, healthier you.

And through our convenient Find a doctor tool, we make choosing the right bariatric surgeon easy.

Frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery for weight loss.

How much does bariatric surgery cost? plus

Most insurance companies will cover the cost of surgery or part of the surgery. Your surgeon can help you understand your cash-pay options.

What insurance plans do you take? plus

Sharp HealthCare accepts almost all health insurance plans, including Sharp Health Plan, those offered through employers, sold directly to individuals and offered by the health insurance marketplace.

If you plan to use your health insurance to fully or partially cover the cost of bariatric surgery, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider to make sure the surgeon of your choice is covered by your specific plan.

Our physician-referral nurses can help you find a doctor based on your insurance plan. Call them at 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm. You can also search for a doctor online.

How long does bariatric surgery take? plus

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy can take 45 minutes to an hour to perform. The roux-en-Y laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery can take 2 to 2 1/2 hours to perform. The Single Anastomosis Duodenoileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S) takes about an hour to perform.

How many days am I in the hospital following bariatric surgery? plus

The majority of our patients are hospitalized for one night only.

Can I exercise before and after bariatric surgery? plus

We encourage patients to exercise before and after surgery. During our pre-operative patient education class, which is scheduled two to three weeks before your surgery, we discuss weight limits for the first week or two after your surgery. By three weeks, individuals are able to resume all normal activities.

Is it safe to get pregnant after having bariatric surgery? plus

Women are often referred to our bariatric surgeons because of infertility issues. Bariatric surgery can improve the fertility of both men and women. We recommend women wait to get pregnant for one year after bariatric surgery.

What can I eat following bariatric surgery? plus

You will be on a progressive diet starting with clear or see-through liquids then to full or cloudy-type liquids. At two weeks, you will be allowed soft foods, then will advance to a regular diet at four weeks. You will be guided through the process by your dietitian, surgeon and nursing specialist.

You may also attend our free support groups before your surgery so you know what to expect with the lifestyle changes after bariatric surgery. At the support groups, you will have the opportunity to speak with our bariatric surgery experts and talk with patients who had bariatric surgery.

Learn more at an upcoming seminar.

We host free virtual seminars offered by Sharp Coronado Hospital or Sharp Memorial Hospital each month where certified bariatric specialists will help you understand the different procedures available at Sharp and answer any questions you have.