weight loss surgery tucson

Am I a candidate for
weight loss surgery?

The disease of obesity often brings about other medical issues including heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorders, joint pain, and even certain types of cancer. Our surgical options will help restore your health and can even eliminate many of these health problems all together. The vast majority of our patients are successful and find that they feel healthier, have more stamina, have lower blood pressure, eliminate fatigue, and no longer need many of the medications that they used to need.

Should you consider bariatric surgery?

Have questions about weight loss surgery or non-surgical options?
Get in touch with our friendly team at (520) 298-3300

A decision you don’t make alone

an assessment with benefits

Dr. Weiner and his team use the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Program to help determine whether bariatric surgery is right for you.

  • Work with Dr. Weiner together during 3-6 month period
  • Learn about obesity and how surgery works
  • Work with Dr. Weiner through individualized analysis of age, past dieting success, mobility, medication use, family history, and baseline diet
  • Evaluate your progress and successfully adherence to program

weight loss surgery

Get Started Today

Are you considering weight loss surgery? Join the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Program today. During this program, you can work with Dr. Weiner and his team to help determine if surgery is the only option for you. Meanwhile, you’ll be taking the right steps toward preparing for surgery.

I work with all individuals, regardless of where they’re at in the decision making process. All Candidates benefit greatly from my program, and it’s a great litmus test for determining if surgery is right for them.
– Dr. Matthew Weiner

Step 1

Fill out the form below, so we know to keep an eye out for you! Our team is friendly, personable, and ready to help. We’re happy to reach out and guide you through the right steps for your specific needs.

Click here to go to the intake form >

Step 2

Your first appointment will be with Dr. Weiner for a medical evaluation. This provides you with medical insight into your baseline health, physical characteristics, and informs you of anything you need to do to optimize your body prior to surgery.

Step 3

Each Candidate is encouraged to begin nutritional counseling sessions with our team via Zoom (part of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Program). During this time, you will work with Dr. Weiner and his team to determine if surgery is right for you.

How much weight will I lose after Bariatric Surgery?

Considering weight loss surgery this year? Enter your basic demographic information and get an estimate of how much weight you will lose with different Bariatric Procedures.

Watch this video

Combining Weight Loss Medications and Surgery for Maximal Weight Loss

Have questions about bariatric surgery or weight loss medications?
Get in touch with our friendly team at (520) 298-3300

What our patients are saying..

Which Bariatric Surgery is right for me?

Considering weight loss surgery this year? Choosing the right procedure is the first important decision you should make. Take Dr. Weiner’s new quiz and make the right decision for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read more FAQs here >

How do I become a patient?

Start by filling out our contact form here, and our team will reach out to you! Alternatively, you can also call our office directly at (520) 298-3300 to schedule a time with Dr. Matthew Weiner and our team. We look forward to meeting you.

Does insurance cover bariatric surgery? What insurances do you accept?

Around 95% of all insurance plans provide coverage for Bariatric Surgery. After your first visit with Dr. Weiner, we will review your insurance policy to confirm that you do have coverage. We accept most insurance plans, including ACCCHS. For those that do not have insurance coverage for Bariatric Surgery, we have very fairly priced self-pay options.

There are many steps to obtaining insurance authorization for Bariatric Surgery and it can seem complicated at first. Our team is extremely knowledgeable and will get you through the process smoothly.

What types of surgery do you offer?

Dr. Weiner offers gastric bypass surgery and Sleeve Gastrectomy procedures as well as revision (reoperative) surgery (procedures that correct or improve your prior surgery). He also performs laparoscopic surgery and hernia repair. For all surgeries, Dr. Weiner and his team offer pre, during, and post -operative care. To find out if you’re a candidate, please fill out our form here >

How long do I need to be off of work after surgery?

Dr. Weiner recommends taking two weeks off after sleeve gastrectomy and three weeks off after gastric bypass surgery to ensure a smooth transition back to work. Many patients are eager to get back to work sooner and this is often possible. To discuss your scheduling needs, please contact our team here >

Will I have to follow a special diet before surgery?

In the lead-up to surgery, all patients are required to follow a one-week liquid diet to help shrink the liver and make the surgery safer.

What type of postoperative support do you provide?

Our postoperative support program is truly exceptional. In addition to regular follow up with Dr. Weiner and his team, we offer unlimited group nutritional sessions over zoom, grocery store tours for our local patients, and automatic enrollment into our non-surgical weight loss program with Bether after you are one year out from surgery. We are in this with you for the long haul!

Do patients regain the weight after surgery?

Around 25% of all Sleeve Gastrectomy patients and 10% of all Gastric Bypass patients will regain half of the weight that they lost after surgery. The reasons for this are complicated and not just a simple matter of someone “stretching out” their pouch because they ate too much.

First, weight regain after Bariatric Surgery is far less common than what we see when the weight is lost through strict diet and exercising. Second, our program is very aggressive in treating weight regain and we offer a comprehensive program that is very effective in minimizing weight regain, and helping you lose weight again. Unfortunately, Bariatric Surgery doesn’t allow you to never have to struggle with your weight again, it just makes your struggles much more successful.

How much does Bariatric Surgery cost?

This answer completely depends on your insurance plan. If you have a Medicare, Medicaid, or ACCCHS plan, it’s very likely that you won’t have to pay anything for your surgery. If you have a commercial insurance plan like Blue Cross, Cigna, United, or Aetna, you will likely reach your maximum out-of-pocket expenses for the year. You should contact your insurance company and ask how much you’ve already contributed this year and what your maximum out-of-pocket expenses are. The difference between these two numbers makes up your expected costs for surgery (Our practice and the hospital will allow for payment plans).

If I self-pay, how much does the initial visit cost?

The initial visit costs $300, but if you proceed with surgery, this will go toward the total cost of surgery. This essentially means that your initial visit will be free if you proceed with surgery.

Is the self-pay price for surgery all-inclusive?

Yes, our prices include your surgeon fee, hospital stay, medical evaluation while in the hospital, and anesthesia fees.

Do you offer remote or telemedicine (telehealth)?

Yes! We know you lead a busy life and want to make your visits convenient for you which is why we offer the choice of either telehealth and in-person visits.

How often will I have follow-up visits?

Typically, patients follow up every 2 weeks when they first start the program and then move to less frequent visits as they feel more comfortable on the program, usually after a few months. The nutritional program is self-paced and you can take as few or as many classes as you would like each month. The on-demand content is available to view 24/7 and live sessions are offered multiple times per week to fit your schedule!

Am I a candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

Every case is different since our bodies and medical histories are different. There is no way to safely guarantee that you are a candidate for bariatric surgery without a proper exam from a bariatric surgeon. There are, however, guidelines and clues that can aid in determining whether you should seek an exam. They are as follows:

  • Established effort to lose weight with proper diet and exercise has been unsuccessful.
  • A Body Mass Index, (or BMI) of 40 or higher.
  • A BMI of 35 to 40 associated with a medical condition, or comorbidity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea or a family history of obesity.

Visit our surgery page to learn more about next steps >

What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic or “minimally invasive” surgery is a specialized technique for performing surgery. Rather than opening a large portion of the abdomen, a Laparoscopic surgeon makes several very small incisions in the abdominal wall, usually ½-1cm in length. Thin hollow tubes are then inserted into the incisions and carbon dioxide is used to expand the belly from the inside. A tiny camera is also inserted into one of the tubes and projects a picture of the inside of the abdomen to a television monitor. The surgeon uses that camera image to perform the surgery without needing to be physically inside the abdomen.

The smaller incisions means the procedure is less invasive to patients. It allows for a faster recovery, less scar tissue, less pain, quicker return to normal activities, fewer organ complications, and a better operative experience.

How does the Sleeve Gastrectomy work?

The sleeve gastrectomy involves removing about 80% of the stomach and reshaping the remaining 20% into something that looks like a shirt sleeve. What remains of the stomach is a narrow tube or sleeve, which connects to the intestines.

While most people look at the sleeve gastrectomy as a surgery that works primarily by reducing your ability to eat large portions, its primary effectiveness is through hormonal changes.  Those hormonal changes are the driving force of weight loss.

Because the stomach is removed completely, this surgery is irreversible. Many patients have downplayed the sleeve as a minor surgery, but the removal of 80% of your stomach should not be taken lightly. Even though a sleeve gastrectomy can be performed extremely safely with only a 1-2% serious complication rate, it is not a minor surgery.

How does the Gastric Bypass work?

The gastric bypass operation divides the stomach into two parts and reroutes the intestines from a straight line into a “Y” shape. Of the two upper limbs of the “Y,” one contains the food that you eat while the other houses the digestive enzymes.

The first part of the stomach, (referred to as the pouch) is approximately the size of a thumb and connects to the top part of one limb of the “Y.”  The second part, (referred to as the gastric remnant) connects to the other limb of the “Y” and sits inside your abdomen continuing to make acid and digestive hormones. At the crotch of the “Y,” the two limbs come together and the food mixes with the enzymes.

This delay in mixing the food with enzymes changes the way food is broken down in your intestines and induces a very favorable change in your body’s hormonal state that triggers your brain into burning off your fat stores.

What are the complications and complication rates associated with bariatric surgery?

Serious surgical complications is very uncommon and is only a major concern for patients who are at high risk for surgery due to advanced age, a heart condition, severe diabetes or limited mobility. The risk of serious complications runs between 1-3% for most patients. These complications are typically straightforward problems that can be very frightening, but is rarely life threatening. Complications can include:

  • Heartburn/ Gerd
  • Vomiting
  • Iron Deficiency
  • Bowel Obstruction/ Internal Hernia
  • Marginal Ulcers
  • Hair Loss
  • Taste Changes
  • Gallstones
  • Alcoholism
How long is the hospital stay?

The vast majority of patients undergoing bariatric surgery will spend one night in the hospital.

Is there pain after surgery?

Most patients undergoing bariatric surgery will experience minor pain but not enough to require them to take pain medication. Those who require medication say they use it for an average of 3-4 days.

How long before I can return to work after surgery?

Most patients feel ready to return to normal activities, including work, within one week.

How long is the process from my initial consultation to completed surgery?

Depending on insurance coverage, the process typically takes between 3-6 months.

Do you offer a self-pay/cash option?

Yes! We are fortunate to be partnering with the Tucson Medical Center to provide a single, inclusive price package.

Price Includes:

  • Anesthesia fees
  • Surgeon fees
  • Hospital fees, including 1 night stay
  • Follow-up care for 90 days after surgery
  • 90 days of nutritional support
  • Preoperative blood tests and EKG
  • Access to Registered Dietitian for 1 year through our nutrition program

Package prices by surgery:

  • Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy: $15,035
  • Roux En Y Gastric Bypass: $17,770
How will my diet change after Bariatric Surgery?

Your diet will change before bariatric surgery and continue to change after the surgery. Before the surgery you will be required to participate in a pre-op diet that will help prepare your body and organs for surgery. Immediately after surgery you will be placed on a liquid diet. That is followed by soft foods and eventually you will transition to regular whole foods again.

Do you accept patients who have had surgery elsewhere?

Absolutely! Whether you are interested in revision or our non-surgical weight loss program, we welcome you.

Can I get pregnant following Bariatric Surgery?

Yes! In fact, your fertility can increase due to the weight loss after surgery.

Do I need to take vitamins following Bariatric Surgery?

Yes! Which vitamins you take and for how long you take them is determined by the surgery you elect to have and your nutritional progress after surgery. At Tucson Weight Loss Surgery, we recommend Bariatric Advantage to our patients.

Do you offer any other surgeries?

Yes! In addition to the sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass our practice also offers the following surgeries:

  • Gallbladder
  • Hernia (ventral, inguinal, hiatal, and umbilical)
  • Nissen Fundoplication

What types of weight loss surgery do you offer?

Dr. Weiner offers Gastric Bypass surgery and Sleeve Gastrectomy procedures as well as revision (reoperative) surgery (procedures that correct or improve your prior surgery). He also performs laparoscopic surgery and hernia repair. For all surgeries, Dr. Weiner and his team offer pre, during, and post -operative care. To find out if you’re a candidate, please fill out our form here >

Do patients regain the weight after surgery?

Around 25% of all Sleeve Gastrectomy patients and 10% of all Gastric Bypass patients will regain half of the weight that they lost after surgery. The reasons for this are complicated and not just a simple matter of someone “stretching out” their pouch because they ate too much.

First, weight regain after Bariatric Surgery is far less common than what we see when the weight is lost through strict diet and exercising. Second, our program is very aggressive in treating weight regain and we offer a comprehensive approach that is very effective in minimizing weight regain, and helping you lose weight again. Unfortunately, Bariatric Surgery doesn’t allow you to never have to struggle with your weight again, it just makes your struggles much more successful.

Does insurance cover bariatric surgery? What insurances do you accept?

Around 95% of all insurance plans provide coverage for Bariatric Surgery. After your first visit with Dr. Weiner, we will review your insurance policy to confirm that you do have coverage. We accept most insurance plans, including ACCCHS. For those that do not have insurance coverage for Bariatric Surgery, we have very fairly priced self-pay options.

There are many steps to obtaining insurance authorization for Bariatric Surgery and it can seem complicated at first. Our team is extremely knowledgeable and will get you through the process smoothly.

How long do I need to be off of work after surgery?

Dr. Weiner recommends taking two weeks off after sleeve gastrectomy and three weeks off after gastric bypass surgery to ensure a smooth transition back to work. Many patients are eager to get back to work sooner and this is often possible. To discuss your scheduling needs, please contact our team here >

Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery?

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Have questions? Not sure? Talk to our friendly team at (520) 298-3300