Patient Information for Bariatric Surgery in Sacramento
Choosing to pursue bariatric surgery is a significant decision that deserves thoughtful consideration and access to comprehensive information.
At Sacramento Bariatric Medical Associates, we believe that informed patients achieve the best outcomes. That’s why Dr. Machado and her dedicated team have created resources designed to help you understand our program, explore your treatment options, meet the professionals who will guide your journey, and hear from patients who have walked this path before you.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore weight loss surgery or you’re ready to take the next step, the information below will help you feel confident and prepared as you move forward.
Our Comprehensive Bariatric Program
Since 2003, Dr. Machado has been transforming lives through Sacramento’s most comprehensive bariatric program, serving over 8,000 patients with expert surgical care and lifelong support. As Sacramento’s only double board-certified obesity medicine and bariatric surgery specialist, Dr. Machado personally performs all recognized procedures—gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, lap-band, and revisional surgery—and works directly with each patient to determine the most appropriate approach. What truly sets our program apart is our commitment beyond the operating room. Every patient receives lifetime support including specialized nutritional counseling with registered dietitian Lori Bauer, free monthly support groups, access to our private online community, and continuous medical oversight. We understand that bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity because it addresses hunger, hormones, and metabolism—not just willpower—and our comprehensive approach ensures you have every tool needed for lasting success.
Learn more about our Bariatric Program →
Medical Weight Loss Solutions
Not every patient requires surgery, and Dr. Machado’s unique dual board certification allows her to offer expert medical weight loss solutions for patients with a BMI range of 27-35. Modern obesity medications have evolved significantly, with over 10 different options available that support weight loss when combined with proper nutrition and medical oversight. Dr. Machado combines thoughtful medication selection with expert nutritional guidance from dietitian Lori Bauer to maximize fat loss while preserving muscle mass. Careful dosing, realistic expectations, and ongoing management minimize side effects while optimizing results. While overall weight loss with medications is typically less than surgical options, early intervention with professional obesity management may prevent the need for surgery for patients at lower obesity levels. The results require ongoing use and dietary management, but for the right candidate, medical weight loss provides an effective tool for achieving healthier weight.
Learn more about Medical Weight Loss →
Free Informational Webinar with Dr. Machado
Your journey begins with education, and Dr. Machado’s informational webinar is the best way to understand obesity as a disease and explore your surgical options. In this comprehensive presentation, Dr. Machado personally clarifies these complex procedures, discusses how bariatric surgery treats not just weight but also conditions like type 2 diabetes, and provides insight into our practice philosophy and approach. The webinar is available on-demand at your convenience via Zoom, allowing you to learn at your own pace without pressure. This educational session is an essential first step in your decision-making process—knowledge is power, and we believe you can’t have too much of either. Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering surgery, this webinar gives you the information you need to make an informed choice about your health.
Register for the Informational Webinar →
Meet Our Experienced Team
The Sacramento Bariatric team brings together decades of specialized expertise in bariatric surgery, nutrition counseling, and comprehensive patient support. Led by Dr. Laura Machado—Sacramento’s only double board-certified obesity medicine and bariatric surgery specialist with over 20 years of surgical experience—our team includes practice manager Julie Breton, who brings 30 years of medical experience and serves as your guide through the insurance process and every step of your journey. Registered dietitian Lori Bauer contributes over 30 years of nutritional expertise with specialized training in bariatric patient care, providing warm, evidence-based guidance tailored to your unique needs. Even Dottie, our emotional support chocolate lab, plays an integral role in creating a welcoming, supportive environment. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures you receive coordinated, compassionate care from your initial consultation through every milestone of your transformation.
Meet the Sacramento Bariatric Team →
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
The greatest testament to our program’s effectiveness comes from the patients whose lives we’ve helped transform. Our patients consistently highlight Dr. Machado’s surgical skill, straightforward communication style, and genuine care for their long-term success. They speak about the exceptional post-operative support that sets our program apart—the accessibility to Dr. Machado after surgery, the expertise and encouragement from dietitian Lori, and the warm, professional care from our entire staff. Many describe finding a medical team that truly understands the disease of obesity and provides not just surgical intervention but the tools, follow-up, and ongoing support needed to succeed where previous attempts failed. Reading these experiences from real patients who have walked this journey can provide invaluable insight and encouragement as you consider whether bariatric surgery is right for you.