Considering Weight
Loss Surgery?

Get Every Question Answered–Instantly.

Dr. Atwa’s "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) chat is here to give you honest, expert guidance about your journey to a healthier you.

Dr. Atwa has helped thousands of patients achieve safe, sustainable results.

Now, you can get expert answers 24/7–no waiting for a consultation.

Ask Anything About Weight Loss Surgery–Right Now.

What Makes This AMA Different?

Instant Answers, Anytime
No waiting rooms, no phone tag—just straightforward, real-time information when you need it most.

Backed by Real Medical Expertise
Get reliable guidance from professionals who live and breathe this every day—not random internet opinions.

Covers What You Actually Want to Know
From procedure options and candidacy to recovery tips and insurance timelines, nothing is off-limits.

No Cost, No Obligation
This is a safe, pressure-free space to ask your questions and get clarity—no commitments required.

Your First Step to Feeling Empowered
Whether you’re just starting to explore surgery or already on your path, this AMA helps you feel more confident and informed.

Your Top Questions, Expertly Answered.

Am I a Candidate For Weight‑Loss Surgery?

Candidates typically have a BMI of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 30+ with related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. For individuals of Asian descent, candidacy may begin at a BMI of 27 due to different metabolic risk factors.

We also consider your full health history–including past weight-loss efforts and readiness to commit to lifestyle changes that support long-term success.

What’s The Difference Between Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass?

Gastric Sleeve: Removes a large portion of the stomach to reduce food intake and curb hunger hormones like ghrelin.

Gastric Bypass: Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, limiting intake and absorption.

Each has its pros and cons–bypass can lead to faster, more dramatic weight loss, while sleeve tends to carry fewer risks and fewer issues with nutrient absorption.

How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose?

With Gastric Sleeve, patients often lose 50–70% of excess weight over 1–2 years.

Gastric Bypass generally leads to even higher loss–around 65–80% of excess weight.

What is Recovery Really Like?

Expect a brief hospital stay, followed by a carefully staged diet that begins with liquids, transitions to soft foods, and eventually returns to solids.

Recovery typically spans 2–4 weeks. Success hinges on ongoing follow-up, proper nutrition, and adopting lifestyle changes–your care team supports you every step of the way.

Does Insurance Cover Surgery?

Most insurance providers cover bariatric surgery–if you meet eligibility criteria, including documented obesity (BMI + comorbidity), previous weight-loss efforts, and medical necessity. Your insurance company may require records such as medically supervised weight loss attempts or evaluations–our team can help guide you through the documentation process.

Dr. Atwa is a Board-Certified Bariatric Surgeon with more than 20 years of experience helping patients achieve lasting weight loss and health improvements.