Skip to content 
- Home
- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Am I a candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
We base our decision on your height, weight and medical history. We start considering weight loss surgery if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is above 30. Most people by the time they get to us have tried at least one weight loss method without long term success.
What is BMI?
Your body mass index is the relationship between your height and weight, is not a perfect screening tool but it help us guide our recommendations, we complement this with an estimated muscle mass calculus base on our consultation.
How much Bariatric Surgery Cost?
This will mostly depend on the procedure that we agree upon, most of our patients choose to pay directly or take advantage of our financial options. Our procedures start at $9,800 for a ESG to a bypass that is $13,500.
Does Insurance Covers Bariatric Surgery?
I am sure that you are frustrated with insurance companies, so are we. Most insurance companies don’t offer Bariatric Surgery coverage, and the ones that do, usually put you through a lot of hoops to actually cover the procedures. There are a few that we work with and will be happy to run your policy to find out, we used to recommend that you call them directly but we found out that they never tell you NO and create more confusion instead.
How Fast Can I Get Surgery?
For most people we can get them through our focus preop process between 2 to 4 weeks if no major medical issues are present. This includes our focus nutritional and psychologic evaluation. It used to take months to get someone ready for surgery but we found there is no real advantage in delaying care and there is upside in taking advantage of momentum to hit the weight loss process running.
Procedures
Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass: which is better?
It all depends on your specific situation and goals, there is no one fits all answer. The things we take into account are the presence of Diabetes, Frequency of Reflux Symptoms and how much weight you need to lose. For those with higher BMI, on diabetic medications and frequent reflux symptoms may benefit more from a Gastric Bypass.
ESG vs Sleeve: What is the Difference?
The Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a very innovative procedure that does not require any incisions in your abdomen were we suture together the walls of the stomach in a way that significantly decreases its capacity. However this procedure is not for everyone, higher BMI patients especially when comorbidities are present favor the consideration of a Sleeve Gastrectomy, this is the one we enter the abdomen laparoscopically and through tiny incisions we cut and remove 75 to 80% of the sto.
GLP-1 Medications (Ozempic/Mounjaro) vs Bariatric Surgery?
Millions of people around the world have tried these new medications in an attempt to lose weight and for diabetes control, and I suspect that as oral medications come to market millions more will try it. For most people this is a viable options, but for those with significant Obesity Surgery has proven to be the most reliable and most effective long term tool.
What is the Mini-Bypass: is it less surgery?
The MGB or one-connection gastric bypass is a procedure that has proven to be as effective as a gastric bypass but with less risks. The weight loss is identical, which in general is more than a Sleeve, and the chances of weight regain are less than a sleeve as well. In our experience is a hybrid between a sleeve and a bypass combining the benefits of both with very little risk that allows to perform this surgery in an ambulatory setting.
Diet
Am I going to be on an eternal diet after surgery?
No, our hope is to teach you how to eat healthy nutritious foods and avoid processed foods, refine carbs, added sugars and empty calories.
You do a preop Diet?
We call it a Liver Shrinking Diet, and the purpose is to make your surgery safer. Most people that are overweight or Obese have some degree of Fatty Liver and this can compromise your surgery. You will benefit from a high protein, low carb, no added sugar diet to have your body in optimal shape for WLS.
What about the PostOp Diet?
Each procedure may have a specific progression but in general after surgery you will have a minimum of 2 weeks of a liquid diet to allow the safe healing of your stomach, after that you will have at least 2 weeks of a soft/puree diet and slowly progress from there. Our nutritionist will give you specific steps tailored to your specific needs.
More Questions
Is Bariatric Surgery Safe?
Yes, the chances of serious complications is less than 1%
What is better: Ozempic or Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric Surgery, surgery offers better long term results.
How long does it take to lose weight after surgery?
About 3 months of rapid weight loss on average 20-30 lb followed by a slow and steady on average 0.5 to 1 lb per week.
Is Bariatric Surgery Permanent?
For the most part yes, specifically the sleeve gastrectomy. Technically the other procedures can be reversed or modified.
What are the risks of gastric sleeve?
Bleeding, infection, staple line leak, obstruction/stenosis, vitamin deficiencies, gastric reflux, ulcers, DVT/PE, need for reoperation and death. All these can happen however in our hands the chances of these are less than 1%.
Expert Surgical Services with Doctor Rodriguez
Gastric Sleeve vs. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): Which Is Right for You?
If you have been researching weight loss surgery options, you have likely come across both the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) and the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). While both procedures reduce the stomach’s capacity and help you feel full faster, they are fundamentally different in how they work, who they are best suited for, and what you can expect in terms of results. This page walks you through a clear, honest comparison so you can come to your consultation informed and ready to make the best decision for your body and your goals.
What Is the Gastric Sleeve (LSG)?
The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the United States. During the procedure, Dr. Rodriguez makes four to five small incisions in the abdomen and uses a laparoscope to remove approximately 75 to 80 percent of the stomach. What remains is a narrow, sleeve-shaped tube — roughly the size of a banana.
The portion of the stomach that is removed is also responsible for producing ghrelin, the hunger hormone. This is why patients report not only feeling full quickly, but also feeling significantly less hungry overall — often within days of surgery.
Because the sleeve is a permanent surgical alteration, it offers durable, long-term weight loss results that are difficult to reverse. It is our most common recommended procedure for patients with a BMI of 30 or higher, especially when obesity-related health conditions are present.
What Is the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
There is no universal right answer — the best procedure is the one that matches your BMI, health history, weight-loss goals, and lifestyle. Use this as a starting point.
You may be a better fit for the Sleeve (LSG) if…
- Your BMI is 36 or higher
- You have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes
- You have significant weight to lose (100 lbs+)
- You have sleep apnea or hypertension
- You want maximum, durable long-term weight loss
You may be a better fit for the ESG if…
- Your BMI is between 30 and 36
- You want to avoid any abdominal incisions
- You prefer a shorter recovery time
- You want a less invasive first step
- You are not a surgical candidate due to other health factors
Pricing at Our Practice
We believe in transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no surprise bills. Our current procedure pricing:
• ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty): starting at $9,800
• Gastric Sleeve (LSG): starting at $10,800
• Mini Gastric Bypass: $12,500
• Gastric Bypass (RNY): $13,500
All procedures include pre-operative nutritional and psychologic evaluation, surgery, and post-operative follow-up care. Most patients can finance through our available options — ask us at your consultation.
Same-Day Surgery. No Long Hospital Stays.
Ready to Find Out Which Procedure Is Right for You?
The best way to know which option fits your situation is a direct conversation with Dr. Rodriguez. In your consultation, we will review your BMI, medical history, weight loss goals, and any existing health conditions to give you a clear, personalized recommendation — with no pressure.
Call us at 561-829-7982 or use the contact form to schedule your consultation. We serve patients from Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and across the country.
Wellness and Lifestyle Counseling
Ready when you are.
Your healthier future starts today. Schedule a consultation and learn which weight loss solution is right for you.
Better yet, see us in person!
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Address
4600 Linton Boulevard, Delray Beach, Florida 33445, United States
phone
Working Hours
Mon 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tue 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wed 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thu 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Fri 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Get In Touch With Us!
"*" indicates required fields
Insights, Tips & Success Stories for Your Weight Loss Journey
When Is Bariatric Revision Surgery Recommended – And Why?
If you had bariatric surgery years ago and now find yourself struggling with weight regain, persistent acid reflux, or new symptoms that weren’t there before,
Mini Gastric Bypass vs Gastric Bypass: What Is the Difference?
If you have been researching weight loss surgery in Florida, you have probably found yourself asking: mini gastric bypass vs gastric bypass – what is
Why Acid Reflux Can Develop After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery catches many patients off guard. You expected to feel better after your procedure – and in many ways you