Los Angeles Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Los Angeles

Laparoscopic and needlescopic sleeve gastrectomy with board-certified bariatric surgeons Dr. Michael Feiz and Dr. Sean Rim.

Lucine, a gastric sleeve patient of Dr. Feiz

Lost[XX]lbs

“[Lucine's quote here]”

Lucine · Dr. Feiz patient

Individual results vary.

Board-Certified Surgeons
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Serving Greater Los Angeles

We Work With Most PPO Plans

Real Patients, Real Results

Weight Loss Surgery Before & After

Drag the slider on each photo to compare before and after.

Tiey after weight loss surgery — **Tiey**Dr. Feiz patient

Tiey before weight loss surgery — **Tiey**Dr. Feiz patient

Brandy after weight loss surgery — **Brandy**Dr. Feiz patient

Brandy before weight loss surgery — **Brandy**Dr. Feiz patient

Dylan after weight loss surgery — **Dylan**Dr. Feiz patient

Dylan before weight loss surgery — **Dylan**Dr. Feiz patient

Jessenia after weight loss surgery — **Jessenia**Dr. Feiz patient

Jessenia before weight loss surgery — **Jessenia**Dr. Feiz patient

Gia after weight loss surgery — **Gia**Lost 70 lbs · Gastric Sleeve

Gia before weight loss surgery — **Gia**Lost 70 lbs · Gastric Sleeve

Prince after weight loss surgery — **Prince**Lost 103 lbs · Gastric Sleeve

Prince before weight loss surgery — **Prince**Lost 103 lbs · Gastric Sleeve

1 / 6

Drag each photo to compare · tap the arrows for more patients

Individual results vary. Photos shown with patient consent.

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Sleeve Gastrectomy

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is one of the most established and effective surgical options for long-term weight loss. For patients who have struggled to lose weight or maintain their results through diet, exercise, or weight loss medications, gastric sleeve surgery offers an opportunity to make a lasting change.

During this minimally invasive procedure, approximately 75–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This helps patients feel full sooner, stay satisfied with smaller portions, and experience less hunger, making it easier to lose weight and develop healthier eating habits.

Unlike weight loss injections, which often require ongoing treatment to maintain results, gastric sleeve surgery permanently reduces the size of the stomach, providing a long-term tool for weight management and improved overall health.

At Dr. Michael Feiz & Associates, our board-certified surgeons bring decades of experience in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery, helping patients take a meaningful step toward better health with personalized care and support throughout their weight loss journey.

Gastric sleeve surgery may be covered by insurance.

Schedule Your Consultation Verify Your Insurance Coverage

A woman walking on a sunny residential street

Board-Certified bariatric & minimally invasive surgeons

30+Years of Experience

10,000+Procedures Performed

Board-Certified Surgeons

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Dr. Michael Feiz and Dr. Sean Rim in their Los Angeles office

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Dr. Michael Feiz performing minimally invasive surgery beneath operating room lights

Is Gastric Sleeve Right for You?

Who Is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

At Dr. Michael Feiz & Associates, the answer starts with you, not a chart. Every patient is evaluated individually at consultation, and your plan is built around your health and your goals.

What you can expect from our team:

A personal evaluation, not a checklistDr. Feiz and Dr. Rim take the time to review your health, your history and your goals, then recommend the approach that fits you.
30+ years, 10,000+ proceduresOur surgical team’s combined experience, led by a board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon.
Needlescopic 3 mm technique & da Vinci® roboticsDr. Feiz is one of the few U.S. bariatric surgeons qualified to perform needlescopic sleeve gastrectomy, and our team offers robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci® system.
Insurance SupportWe work with most PPO plans, and our team guides you through verification and approval.
Options if your BMI is lowerAsk about Dr. Feiz’s signature Cosmetic Sleeve, designed for lower-BMI patients.
Have a Lap-Band?We also help patients convert from a Lap-Band to a gastric sleeve.

Many of our gastric sleeve patients have a BMI of 35 or higher, or 30 or higher with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes. Not sure where you fall? That’s exactly what your consultation is for.

Schedule Your Consultation

Am I a Candidate?

Check Your BMI in 10 Seconds

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a helpful starting point when exploring weight loss surgery, but it doesn't tell the whole story.

Why BMI isn't everything

While BMI has traditionally been used to determine eligibility, falling outside the standard guidelines doesn't necessarily mean you aren't a candidate. Your overall health, medical history, and individual circumstances all play an important role.

Enter your height and weight below to get a better understanding of where you stand. Your BMI is just one part of the evaluation, and our team can help you determine whether gastric sleeve surgery may be an appropriate option for you.

Height (ft)

Height (in)

Weight (lbs)

BMI is a screening tool, not a final determination of eligibility. Surgical candidacy is determined through a comprehensive medical evaluation. Guidelines referenced: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

The Procedure

How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works

Sleeve gastrectomy is performed laparoscopically through small incisions. The new, smaller stomach holds less food and liquid.

Illustration of a stomach after gastric sleeve surgery

1
The stomach is freed
The stomach is gently separated from the organs around it.
2
Most of the stomach is removed
Surgical staplers are used to remove approximately 75–85% of the stomach.
3
A sleeve-shaped stomach remains
The remaining stomach is shaped like a banana, so it holds less food. Removing the portion that produces most of the "hunger hormone" also helps decrease hunger and increase fullness.

3 mmneedlescopic incisions

The Dr. Feiz Difference

Needlescopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Dr. Michael Feiz is one of the few bariatric surgeons in the United States qualified to perform needlescopic sleeve gastrectomy, which accomplishes the surgery with even smaller incisions. A typical weight loss surgery incision can be as large as ten millimeters; a needlescopic incision is just three millimeters, leaving four tiny scars about the size of freckles.

State-of-the-Art Technology

Robotic-Assisted Surgery with the da Vinci® System

Dr. Michael Feiz & Associates use the latest advancements in bariatric surgery with minimally invasive techniques, including advanced robotics systems and the da Vinci® X system, which is designed to enhance surgical precision, minimize invasiveness, and limit downtime for patients.

Enhanced Precision
High-Definition 3D View
Minimally Invasive

Surgeon seated at the da Vinci X robotic surgical system console

What Sets Dr. Feiz Apart

Board-certifiedBariatric & general surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Fellowship-trainedBariatric & minimally invasive surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Needlescopic sleeveOne of the few U.S. bariatric surgeons qualified to perform it, with 3 mm incisions
da Vinci® roboticsRobotic-assisted gastric sleeve surgery
30+ years, 10,000+ proceduresCombined experience of our surgical team

Procedure facts: Dr. Michael Feiz and ASMBS. Individual results vary.

The Benefits

Why Patients Choose Gastric Sleeve Surgery

More Than Weight Loss. A Lasting Investment in Your Health.

Before and after gastric sleeve surgery, a patient of Dr. Michael Feiz — Real patient of Dr. Michael Feiz. Individual results vary.

Significant, Long-Term Weight Loss

Achieve meaningful weight loss with a proven surgical approach designed to support lasting results.

Less Hunger, Smaller Portions

Changes to the stomach can help reduce hunger and allow you to feel satisfied with less food.

A Long-Term Alternative to Weight Loss Injections

Unlike medications that often require continued use, gastric sleeve surgery permanently reduces the size of the stomach to support long-term weight management.

Improvement in Weight-Related Health Conditions

Weight loss after surgery can improve conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Typically performed through small incisions, allowing many patients to experience less postoperative discomfort and a faster recovery than with traditional open surgery.

Greater Mobility and Quality of Life

Losing excess weight can make everyday activities easier, improve physical mobility, and support a more active lifestyle.

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What to Expect

Your Gastric Sleeve Recovery Timeline

Before surgery
Preparation with Dr. Feiz
Dr. Feiz fully prepares every patient before surgery, including education on what to expect with your diet throughout recovery and beyond. Our insurance support team also guides you through any requirements your plan may have.
Day of surgery
A shorter, gentler procedure
The operation usually takes between one and two hours, followed by monitoring in the recovery room. With Dr. Feiz's needlescopic technique, patients enjoy a faster recovery marked by significantly less discomfort and virtually no residual scarring.
First weeks
Liquids, then soft foods
You begin with a gentle, often all-liquid diet that allows your new stomach to heal properly, then move to semisolid foods and, when Dr. Feiz deems it appropriate, solid foods. Staying hydrated with plenty of water is key.
1–2 weeks
Back to work
After surgery, most patients return to work in one or two weeks.
First months
Building new habits
Our team helps you build your new routine: two to three protein-focused meals a day and daily aerobic activity like walking or biking, with strength training added as Dr. Feiz advises.
Long term
Support every step of the way
Dr. Feiz prides himself on providing comfort and support throughout the whole weight loss process, before, during, and after surgery, and remains a constant presence as your life changes and the pounds come off.

Guidance from Dr. Michael Feiz & Associates. Your surgical team will give you a personal plan. Recovery and results vary by patient.

Talk With Our Team About Your Plan

Dr. Michael Feiz and Dr. Sean Rim at their Los Angeles practice

Board-Certified Surgeons

Meet Your Surgeons

What sets Dr. Michael Feiz and Dr. Sean Rim apart?

As fellowship-trained bariatric and gastrointestinal surgeons, both bring extensive experience with the complex anatomy of the stomach. Their expertise in sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and minimally invasive surgery allows them to evaluate each patient individually and recommend the weight loss approach that fits their health and goals.

Meet Your Surgeon

Dr. Michael Feiz, MD, FACS

Board-Certified Bariatric & General Surgeon

Dr. Michael Feiz is a board-certified surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with more than two decades of experience in bariatric, minimally invasive, and advanced laparoscopic surgery. His extensive surgical background includes sleeve gastrectomy, needlescopic surgery, and other weight loss procedures.

Training & Affiliations

LAC+USC Medical CenterSurgical Residency
Cedars-SinaiFellowship
Derriford Hospital, EnglandPancreatic & Foregut Surgery Training
Keck School of Medicine of USCFormer Assistant Professor of Surgery
Fellow · FACS
Member
SAGESMember
Board CertifiedSurgeon

Meet Your Surgeon

Dr. Sean Rim, MD, FACS

Board-Certified Bariatric & General Surgeon

Dr. Sean Rim is a board-certified surgeon specializing in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery, with advanced training in laparoscopic techniques and the surgical management of gastrointestinal conditions. His background in complex abdominal surgery provides valuable expertise when evaluating patients for weight loss surgery and other digestive concerns.

Training & Affiliations

Johns Hopkins UniversityUndergraduate
State University of New YorkM.D. & Residency
NYU Lutheran Medical CenterFellowship
Fellow · FACS
Board CertifiedSurgeon

Hear From Our Patients

Angelica's Weight Loss Surgery Journey

Angelica's weight loss surgery story with Dr. Feiz

Angelica's Story — lost 95 lbs after bariatric surgery with Dr. Feiz

Individual results vary.

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Patient Reviews

What Our Patients Say

Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Yelp from 75 reviews

★★★★★

“The best thing I ever did with the best Drs and staff! They held my hand through every step and continue to do so now! I couldn't be more happy and more grateful.”

Sharlynne N.Yelp · Jul 2026

★★★★★

“I had an emergency appendectomy done by Dr Feiz and Dr Rim at Cedars in MDR. They explained the procedure, the details and plan so well, I had no questions. Also, the bed side manner and over interaction is top notch and exactly what I needed in my painful and confused and a little scared state. Both surgeons came to visit me in the hospital and also had my follow up, all is well! Thank you so much Doctors!!”

John C.Yelp · Dec 2025

★★★★★

“Both the medical team and administrative staff are awesome. They will help you understand the entire procedure from start to finish and are there for you to help you navegate the insurance companies. Highly recommended.”

Rafael G.Yelp · May 2025

★★★★★

“Dr Feiz is most helpful as a surgeon who spends time and explained in detail what I was going through.”

Ed G.Yelp · Mar 2026

★★★★★

“I can't recommend Dr. Feiz and his caring office staff enough. I had a very complicated surgery but it was successful. Emely is amazing too - she always returns calls and has a wonderful demeanor.”

Heidi R.Yelp · Dec 2025

★★★★★

“Best doctor DR Feiz and DR Rim and there team are very nice and help full and walk you thru the whole process and explain everything to you and I will definitely recommend them to anyone who is looking for the gastric leave”

Julio L.Yelp · Aug 2026

★★★★★

“Amazing service from the doctor and staff everyone so friendly and helpful. My surgery was a success thanks to Doctor feiz and his staff I appreciate all your help”

Raul S.Yelp · Dec 2025

★★★★★

“I can't thank Dr Feiz enough, for he literally saved my life, I went into the emergency room because my small intestine was completely blocked, and I went into surgery with Dr. Feix quickly, if not I would not have been able to write this review,
He took care of me while in hospital, and made sure I was progressing correctly. He answered honestly all my doubts and fears, and always greeted me with a smile.
His office staff is very friendly and helpful as well! Thank you Dr. Feiz for everything! God bless you!”

Vanessa E.Yelp · Jan 2026

★★★★★

“I had an emergency appendectomy done by Dr Feiz and Dr Rim at Cedars in MDR. They explained the procedure, the details and plan so well, I had no questions. Also, the bed side manner and over interaction is top notch and exactly what I needed in my painful and confused and a little scared state. Both surgeons came to visit me in the hospital and also had my follow up, all is well! Thank you so much Doctors!!”

John C.Yelp · Dec 2025

★★★★★

“I can't thank Dr Feiz enough, for he literally saved my life, I went into the emergency room because my small intestine was completely blocked, and I went into surgery with Dr. Feix quickly, if not I would not have been able to write this review,
He took care of me while in hospital, and made sure I was progressing correctly. He answered honestly all my doubts and fears, and always greeted me with a smile.
His office staff is very friendly and helpful as well! Thank you Dr. Feiz for everything! God bless you!”

Vanessa E.Yelp · Jan 2026

Review excerpts shown verbatim from the practice's public Yelp page (rating as of October 2026). Patient experiences and surgical outcomes vary.

As Seen On

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Dr. Michael Feiz and Associates

Gastric sleeve surgery may be covered by insurance.

Verify Your Insurance Coverage Schedule Your Consultation

The front desk at Dr. Michael Feiz and Associates in Los Angeles

How It Works

The Insurance Process

Step01
Request Your Free Insurance Benefits Review
Share your contact details and insurance plan through the verification form.
Step02
We Verify Your Benefits
Our insurance specialist will verify your coverage for your specific procedure.
Step03
Consultation & Evaluation
You meet with the surgeon, review your history and testing, and discuss whether surgery is appropriate.
Step04
Prior Authorization
We help with medical necessity documentation and prior authorization requirements.
Step05
Schedule Your Surgery
Once your plan's requirements are met, we schedule your procedure and review potential out-of-pocket costs.

Verify Your Insurance Coverage

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing approximately 75–85% of the stomach and reshaping the remaining portion into a banana-shaped, sleeve-like structure. The smaller stomach allows for better regulation of food intake.

How does the gastric sleeve help with weight loss?

The new stomach holds less food and liquid, which helps reduce the amount of food and calories consumed. The surgery also removes the portion of the stomach that produces most of the "hunger hormone," which decreases hunger and increases fullness. Individual results vary.

Am I a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

Dr. Feiz and Dr. Rim evaluate every patient individually at consultation. Many gastric sleeve patients have a BMI of 35 or higher, or 30 or higher with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes. If your BMI is lower, you may be a candidate for Dr. Feiz’s signature Cosmetic Sleeve.

What is needlescopic sleeve gastrectomy?

Needlescopic sleeve gastrectomy uses extremely small incisions. A typical weight loss surgery incision can be as large as ten millimeters; a needlescopic incision is just three millimeters. Dr. Michael Feiz is one of the few bariatric surgeons in the United States qualified to perform it.

Will I have to diet before surgery?

Dr. Feiz fully prepares every patient before surgery, including education on what to expect with your diet before and after your procedure. Your personal plan, and any requirements from your insurance plan, will be reviewed with you by our team.

How long is recovery after gastric sleeve surgery?

Most patients return to work in one or two weeks. Walking starts within hours of surgery, and patients who lift weights or play sports should stay low impact for the first month. Recovery varies by patient.

What will I eat after surgery?

Patients start on a liquid diet for some weeks, then slowly move to soft foods and eventually solid foods. Drinking 64 ounces of fluid or more each day and getting 60–100 grams of protein per day, as directed by your team, are important.

Will I need vitamins after the gastric sleeve?

Yes. After any weight loss surgery, patients need to take vitamin and mineral supplements for life. These typically include a multivitamin, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and iron. Your care team will tell you how much to take.

Can I convert my Lap-Band to a gastric sleeve?

Dr. Feiz offers conversion from a Lap-Band to a sleeve gastrectomy. A consultation can help determine whether a conversion is right for you.

Is gastric sleeve surgery covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover bariatric surgery when specific criteria are met, and some require a physician-monitored diet before surgery. We Work With Most PPO Plans, and our insurance specialist can verify your coverage and help with the authorization process.