Clinical guidelines generally require a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher accompanied by at least one severe obesity-related health condition (such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). You can utilize our 60-second assessment tool on the homepage to securely evaluate your baseline criteria.

Yes, bariatric surgery is a covered benefit under most major private insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medi-Cal, provided the medical eligibility criteria are fully documented. Our dedicated in-office billing specialists work directly with your provider to verify your specific coverage and guide you through the process

Most insurance providers require a structured 6-month multi-disciplinary preparation period prior to granting surgical approval. It allows us to perform vital laboratory diagnostic testing, coordinate specialized medical clearances, and work closely with bariatric dietitians, psychologists, and sleep medicine experts to fully optimize your body for a safe procedure and rapid recovery.

A revision or conversion is a corrective procedure performed on a patient who has previously undergone a weight loss surgery (such as a LAP-BAND or an older gastric sleeve) but is now experiencing anatomical complications, severe acid reflux (GERD), or inadequate weight control. Dr. Awad utilizes his advanced training to structurally modify and transition the old anatomy into a high-functioning metabolic layout, such as a formal gastric bypass

While general surgeons perform a wide array of abdominal procedures, a foregut specialist has completed advanced, elite training focused intensely on the complex mechanics of the upper gastrointestinal tract—specifically the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Dr. Awad's role as a premier foregut specialist means he brings a superior level of technical precision to delicate upper-GI surgeries, such as correcting severe acid reflux or repairing massive hiatal hernias.

It is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical technique. Dr. Awad commands a high-definition robotic console that translates his hand movements into microscopic, ultra-precise actions inside the abdomen. Having completed over 4,000 successful robotic cases, Dr. Awad utilizes this technology to ensure smaller single-site incisions, significantly less post-operative pain, fewer complications, and a much faster return to daily activity compared to traditional open surgery.