- 520-298-3300
- [email protected]
- 5155 E Farness Dr. Suite #111A Tucson, AZ 85712
- Fax: 520-800-1055
My first visit with patients is usually focused on choosing the right Bariatric Surgery. While there are several options, my practice focuses on only two procedures, the Gastric Bypass, and the Sleeve Gastrectomy. The reason that I’ve chosen to focus on only these two procedures (this is common, around 90% of all Bariatric Surgeons limit their practice to just these two surgeries) is that these are time-tested, predictable procedures with low complication rates, and high success rates.
In my opinion, other options, like the adjustable gastric band, gastric balloon, and endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy don’t offer reliable results (most patients fall well short of their goal weight), or, like the duodenal switch or SADI procedure, offer too high of a complication rate with only a slight increase in weight loss results.
Five major factors must be considered in choosing the right bariatric surgery. Often, there are important factors in your medical history that you must consider to choose the right Bariatric Surgery. A Sleeve Gastrectomy is the safest weight loss surgery and impacts your future digestive life less, but results in less weight loss and a higher risk of weight regain. A Gastric Bypass offers more weight loss, but has a higher complication rate and can result in difficulties eating fatty or greasy foods in the future.
BMI
BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is a measure of the severity of obesity. This number can be used to compare obesity across people of different heights. For instance, if you are 6’2″ and weigh 195 lbs, your BMI is 25 which is considered normal. If you are 5’2″ and weigh 195 lbs, your BMI is 35.7 and you are considered obese.
When choosing between a Sleeve Gastrectomy and a Gastric Bypass, the higher your BMI, the more you should consider a Gastric Bypass. I use 45 as the cut-off – if your BMI is less than 45, I steer patients more toward the Sleeve Gastrectomy, higher than 45, more toward the Gastric Bypass. This is not an absolute rule, there are many other factors to consider when choosing the right bariatric surgery, but your BMI is a helpful starting point. Here’s a link to a BMI Calculator if you don’t already know your BMI.
If your BMI is between 30-35, this is outside of the range that most insurance companies will approve for Bariatric surgery. There is excellent evidence that supports the role of Sleeve Gastrectomy in patients in this BMI range, particularly if you have medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. Because you are unlikely to get insurance coverage, you would have to opt for a self-pay option. This video offers more insight into Sleeve Gastrectomy for low BMI patients.
If your BMI is more than 55, Dr. Weiner typically performs Gastric Bypass procedures in this setting after achieving weight loss before surgery. Other surgeons may offer you a Sleeve Gastrectomy with the option to convert it to a Duodenal Switch or SADI procedure down the road if you don’t reach an ideal weight. You should work hard to lose weight before surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Dr. Weiner’s nutrition program offers support for people to lose weight before surgery.
Smoking
Smoking can cause major problems after Bariatric Surgery, especially after Gastric Bypass so if you smoke, it’s critically important that you quit immediately! Please speak honestly about smoking with your Bariatric Surgeon – they’re on your side and will support you in your efforts to quit.
If you are not 100% certain that you can quit, you should definitely have a Sleeve Gastrectomy and should definitely NOT choose a Gastric Bypass. Even if you quit before the surgery and then restart smoking a few months or even years after surgery, you will still be at risk for all of the problems that smoking after Bariatric Surgery causes. Here’s a video (of a much younger me) that covers the dangers of smoking after Bariatric Surgery. In case that didn’t convince you, here’s some information about marginal ulcers after Gastric Bypass that will.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol use is a critical factor in deciding on the right surgery. After a Gastric Bypass, there is approximately a 4% risk of alcoholism (it is less common after a Sleeve Gastrectomy). The most likely cause of this is due to increased absorption of alcohol. If you do decide to have a Gastric Bypass, Dr. Weiner recommends that you avoid alcohol altogether – this is the only way to eliminate the risk of alcoholism after Bariatric Surgery.
Even if you drink very little, you still have a chance of developing a dependency on alcohol after a Gastric Bypass. At the very least, you should ensure that you do not drink more frequently after surgery than you do right now. If you have concerns about your ability to severely restrict alcohol intake after Bariatric Surgery, a Sleeve Gastrectomy may make a better choice.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a critical factor when choosing between a Sleeve Gastrectomy and a Gastric Bypass. Since a Sleeve Gastrectomy can worsen GERD or heartburn symptoms, existing heartburn symptoms put you at risk for developing severe GERD or heartburn if you opt for a Sleeve Gastrectomy. A preoperative endoscopy to evaluate your esophagus for inflammation or a hiatal hernia is a critical part of your preoperative workup.
It’s also important that you understand that a Gastric Bypass is an excellent treatment for GERD. Approximately 10% of all Sleeve Gastrectomy patients will develop significant heartburn symptoms after surgery that may or not be able to be controlled with medication. Approximately 5% of all Sleeve Gastrectomy patients ultimately will be revised to a Gastric Bypass to treat severe heartburn symptoms.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a devastating disease, and until Bariatric Surgery came along, was looked at as “incurable.” While we try to avoid using the term “cure” when discussing diabetes after Bariatric Surgery in favor of “remission,” it’s now well accepted that the best treatment for Diabetes is Bariatric Surgery. While both procedures are very effective treatments for diabetes, A Gastric Bypass is more effective and more durable. If eliminating Diabetes is your primary reason for having Bariatric Surgery, a Gastric Bypass makes a better procedure choice.
Systematically going through these factors with a Bariatric Surgeon who performs reasonable volumes of both Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy can help you in choosing the right bariatric surgery for you. Our quiz allows you to answer questions about these five factors (as well as less important and personal considerations) and provides detailed feedback about the best surgery for you.
Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you soon!
The holidays aren’t about perfection — they’re about balance, intention, and support. 💙
If you’re working on weight loss (with or without surgery or GLP-1 meds), these small habits can make a BIG difference during the holiday season.
✔ Protein + fiber first
✔ Stay hydrated
✔ Enjoy your favorite foods mindfully
✔ Move your body (even a short walk counts!)
📌 Save this post so you can come back to it during holiday meals.
And to learn more about becoming a patient in the new year, give our office a call: 520-298-3300
Curious about GLP-1 medications but overwhelmed by the mixed info online?
Our quick quiz helps you understand whether GLP-1s may be right for your body, goals, and health history — no pressure, no guesswork.
👇 Comment “medquiz” to take the FREE quiz.
🚨 NEW PODCAST EPISODE IS LIVE! 🚨
Today, Ray & Lisa share their powerful story of reclaiming their health after decades of weight struggles, thyroid changes, menopause, and the constant battle with food noise.
They explain how understanding the brain side of hunger — not “more discipline” — was the turning point that finally changed everything.
And how combining GLP-1 medication with sustainable strength training helped them feel younger, more capable, and more themselves again.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or confused by your metabolism or cravings… this episode will make you feel SEEN. ❤️
Comment “PODCAST” for the link
or hit the link in our bio to listen now.
🎙️ New episode drops MONDAY — and you do not want to miss this one.
Imagine feeling like you were “eating like a mouse”… yet the scale kept going up.
Ray & Lisa spent 25 years thinking they just needed “more discipline” — until they finally uncovered the real issue: food noise.
If you’ve ever wondered why dieting feels impossible or why hunger feels louder than willpower, this episode will hit home. ❤️🔥
We’re talking:
✨ What food noise actually is
✨ Why GLP-1s finally made everything “click”
✨ How they rebuilt strength, metabolism & confidence in their 60s and 70s
✨ The mindset shift that changed everything
Comment “PODCAST” to get the link sent straight to you as soon as it drops or tap the link in our bio.
🎄✨ The holidays don’t have to derail your weight-loss goals.
Meet Sage, our AI dietitian inside the Pound of Cure App — your personal guide to staying on track without feeling restricted.
Whether you’re navigating holiday parties, family dinners, or last-minute travel, Sage helps you:
🍽️ Build custom meal plans based on YOUR goals
🎯 Stay accountable when life gets busy
🛒 Get easy, real-life food ideas (no fancy recipes required)
📈 Keep your progress moving through the toughest season of the year
Your weight loss journey doesn’t pause for the holidays — and now, neither does your support. ❤️
👉 Go to the link in our bio to download the app and try it FREE today!
TOMORROW: Our most-requested webinar is happening!
The Real Fix for GLP-1 Cost, Side Effects, and Plateaus 💉
Whether you’re stuck, struggling, or spending too much—this is your chance to learn how to make your medication actually work for you.
🕔 Tuesday, Dec 9 at 5pm AZ
🗣️ Drop “WEBINAR” in the comments and we’ll send the link to join free!
If you’ve had gastric bypass, certain pain relievers can be dangerous.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen might seem harmless — but post-op, they can increase your risk for ulcers and complications.
Missed this week’s episode of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast?
We covered this and more in our deep dive into what really changes after surgery.
📲 You can still catch it on your favorite podcast app
📺 Or watch the full conversation now on YouTube
💬 Comment PODCAST and we’ll send you the direct link to listen
Considering bariatric surgery but unsure what kind of results you could expect?
Most people guess… and usually guess wrong.
That’s why we built a quick, science-based quiz that estimates your expected weight loss based on:
🔹 Your starting weight
🔹 Procedure type
🔹 Metabolic factors
🔹 GLP-1 medication history
…and more.
It takes less than 60 seconds and gives you a personalized projection.
No surgery commitment. No consultation required. Just clarity. 💙
👇 Comment “weightquiz” below and I’ll send you the link!
Struggling with GLP-1 cost, side effects, or a plateau in your weight loss?
You’re not alone—and there’s a better way.
Join Dr. Weiner LIVE for a free webinar where he shares how to:
✅ Reduce your out-of-pocket costs
✅ Minimize side effects
✅ Get better results—without “more meds”
📍Tuesday, Dec 9 at 5pm AZ
🗣️ Comment “WEBINAR” and we’ll send you the registration link
One drink after gastric bypass can feel like five.
And it’s not just in your head.
In this week’s episode of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast, Dr. Weiner shares the science behind how alcohol affects the brain differently after bariatric surgery — and why it’s not just about the buzz.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📺 Watch the full video on YouTube
💬 Comment PODCAST and we’ll send you the link to the full episode
Gastric bypass doesn’t just change your stomach — it can change your taste buds too.
Ever notice that foods you used to love taste totally different now?
Or that your sense of smell is sharper than ever?
There’s a reason for that — and we’re breaking it down in our next episode of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast.
🎧 Make sure you’re following the podcast + turn on post notifications so you never miss a drop
📺 Full episodes also available on YouTube!
New episode coming soon…
Our healthcare payment system is broken — and it’s only getting worse.
In case you missed it, this week’s Pound of Cure Podcast episode covers why Dr. Weiner believes the system could collapse by 2030… and why that might actually lead to better care for patients.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by how hard it is to get the care (and meds) you need — you’ll want to hear this.
🎧 The episode is streaming now!
💬 Comment PODCAST and we’ll send you the link
📲 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode!
You shouldn’t have to figure this out alone.
If you’re on a GLP-1 and feeling overwhelmed with food noise, side effects, or a stalled scale… we built this for you.
Inside the Pound of Cure App, you’ll get:
📱 Daily support from Dr. Weiner and Zoe
💬 Access to live group coaching and forums
🍽️ Nutrition tools like CaloRatio and Sage, our AI dietitian
💊 Real help navigating medication costs, coverage, and dosing
All in one place — and totally free to download.
📲 Search “Pound of Cure” in the app store or head to the link in our bio to start now.
If you’re tracking, restricting, eating “healthy” — and still not losing weight…
You’re not crazy.
You’re not broken.
And your diet isn’t working for a reason.
I built the “What’s Wrong With My Diet?” Quiz to help you figure out what that reason is — and how to fix it.
🧠 Backed by the same Metabolic Reset principles we use in the Pound of Cure program
🩺 Designed for GLP-1 users, post-op patients, and anyone who’s tired of guessing
✅ Free, quick, and eye-opening
💬 Comment “DIETQUIZ” and I’ll send you the link
Let’s stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress.
The new episode is LIVE! 🎙️
This week, we’re diving into the real relationship between GLP-1s and bariatric surgery — and why it’s not an either/or decision.
Dr. Weiner explains how combining these tools can lead to better outcomes, better portion control, and long-term success.
📉 What happens when the honeymoon phase ends?
💊 Can meds help you break through a stall?
🥗 What should you actually be eating to keep losing?
💬 Comment PODCAST for the link to listen now
📲 Or search Pound of Cure Podcast on your favorite platform
Phone
(520) 298-3300
Fax
(520) 800-1055
Hours
Mon-Thurs, 8AM-12PM & 1PM-5PM Friday, 8AM-2PM
Offices
5155 E Farness Dr.
Suite #111A Tucson, AZ 85712
A member of our team will contact you shortly.
Feel free to call the office at: (520) 298-3300 if necessary.
If you need to book an appointment, you can schedule your appointment online here:
