Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Bariatric Surgery Partner in Sacramento
Sacramento Bariatric Medical Associates was founded in 2003 by Dr. Laura Machado, a highly experienced bariatric surgeon with over two decades of expertise in metabolic and weight-loss surgery. Our practice has successfully cared for more than 5,000 patients, offering all recognized bariatric procedures including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, lap-band, and revisional surgeries. We emphasize long-term comprehensive care, combining advanced surgical techniques with personalized nutrition counseling, psychological support, and monthly support groups to ensure lasting success. Dr. Machado's team includes certified professionals like registered dietitian Lori Bauer and licensed clinical social worker Michelle Schnack, who provide multidisciplinary care before and after surgery.Our facility maintains strict safety standards and has earned recognition as Sacramento's top bariatric program through our commitment to quality outcomes and patient education. We prioritize transparent communication, evidence-based practices, and continuous follow-up care to help patients achieve significant health improvements, including remission of diabetes and other obesity-related conditions.
Services
Gastric Bypass
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Lap-Band Surgery
Revisional Bariatric Surgery
Nutritional Counseling
Support Groups
Medical Evaluations
Insurance Assistance
Post-Operative Care
Patient Education
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of bariatric surgery experience with over 5,000 patients treated
- Our comprehensive program includes surgical, nutritional, and psychological support
- We maintain strict safety standards with continuous follow-up care protocols
- Our team includes certified specialists in dietetics and behavioral health
- We provide free monthly support groups and educational resources for long-term success
What people say
Best surgeon available
Life-changing results
Supportive staff
Excellent aftercare
Professional team
Services
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the intestine to produce hormonal changes that reduce hunger and improve metabolism. This procedure effectively treats severe obesity and diabetes while allowing patients to maintain nutritional balance through proper supplementation. Our experienced team ensures personalized care from consultation through long-term follow-up.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy removes 80-85% of the stomach to limit food intake and reduce hunger hormone production. This irreversible procedure offers significant weight loss while preserving normal digestive function. Patients benefit from our comprehensive support program including nutritional guidance and behavioral health counseling to maximize long-term success.
Lap-Band Surgery
Lap-band surgery places an adjustable band around the upper stomach to control portion sizes and hunger. As the least invasive option, it allows for gradual weight loss with postoperative adjustments. Our program includes regular follow-up visits to monitor progress and optimize band settings for individual patient needs.
Revisional Surgery
Revisional bariatric surgery addresses complications or insufficient results from prior weight-loss procedures. Dr. Machado's expertise in complex revisions includes converting previous surgeries to more effective alternatives while prioritizing patient safety. Each case receives individualized evaluation to determine optimal treatment approaches.
Support Groups
Monthly support groups provide ongoing emotional and practical guidance for bariatric patients. Led by licensed professionals, these sessions address lifestyle changes, coping strategies, and nutritional challenges. Our online Facebook community extends this support network, offering peer encouragement and educational resources for maintaining long-term success.
People
Dr. Laura Machado
Medical Director
Dr. Laura Machado is a board-certified bariatric surgeon with over 20 years of experience. She completed advanced laparoscopic training at Montefiore Institute and serves as Assistant Clinical Professor at California Northstate University College of Medicine. Her expertise includes all bariatric procedures and complex revisions.
Julie Breton
Practice Manager
Julie Breton brings 30 years of medical practice management experience to our team. She assists patients with insurance navigation and coordinates care throughout their surgical journey while providing consistent support for achieving health goals.
Lori Bauer
Registered Dietitian
Lori Bauer has over 25 years of experience in clinical nutrition. Specializing in bariatric care, she provides personalized dietary guidance to help patients achieve and maintain healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition and weight management strategies.
Michelle Schnack
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Michelle Schnack offers emotional support and behavioral health counseling for bariatric patients. With over 10 years of experience, she helps patients develop coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques to support successful weight loss outcomes.
Dottie
Emotional Support Dog
Dottie serves as our office emotional support dog, providing comfort and companionship to patients during visits. Her presence helps create a welcoming environment that promotes emotional well-being throughout the treatment process.
Questions
What bariatric procedures do you offer?
We offer gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, lap-band surgery, and revisional procedures performed by Dr. Laura Machado, a board-certified bariatric surgeon with over 20 years of experience.
Do you accept insurance for weight loss surgery?
We work with most insurance providers and help patients navigate coverage requirements. Our team assists with preauthorization and verification of benefits during your initial consultation.
What support is available after surgery?
We provide comprehensive postoperative care including monthly support groups, nutritional counseling, behavioral health services, and lifelong follow-up appointments to ensure long-term success.
Are financing options available?
Yes, we offer CareCredit financing for patients seeking flexible payment solutions for bariatric surgery and related services.
How do I start the process?
Begin by attending our free informational seminar where Dr. Machado explains all procedures and requirements. After registration, you'll schedule an initial consultation to discuss your specific needs.
What sets you apart from other programs?
Our comprehensive approach combines surgical expertise with multidisciplinary support, including specialized dietitians and behavioral health professionals, ensuring personalized care for lasting results.
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Reviews (6)
Jhahn
Mar 08, 2022
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Legitimate low reviews are being removed. I gave them one star for sending an unpaid balance to collections without notifying us. We had no idea money was owed. Come to find out they had the wrong address on file. Since my first review was removed, I am reposting this. The front office staff was incompetent. I suggest going someplace else to avoid a similar experience.
Wendy Duistermars
Nov 25, 2020
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Dr. Machado is a fantastic doctor, surgeon, and person. I went to her years ago with tremendous fears and a thousand questions. She has listened to everything from then to now and given me straight-forward answers, told me things I didn't now to ask, and works with me and my limits. She dosen't do "canned" responses. The nursing and office staff are so kind and understanding too.
Lisa Ross
Apr 16, 2018
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Dr. Machado is the best in her field. She's very kind and thorough. I couldn't be happier, she went beyond her normal gastric bypass surgery with me. She repaired a hernia and removed two masses. Her staff is very helpful and professional.
Anna J. Lawrence
Mar 30, 2018
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Dr. Machado was great! I was afraid of having surgery but knew that I had to do something to improve my health, she was very reassuring before and after the surgery. I would recommend her to anyone contemplating bariatric surgery. Had my gastric bypass in 2014 and always look forward to seeing Dr. Machado for my yearly follow-ups.
Sara Houser
Feb 18, 2018
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I have been a patient of Dr. Machado's for over a year and I repeatedly recommend her to anyone looking for a bariatric surgeon. She is one of the best providers I've had the pleasure of having care for me and I am so very thankful I chose to have her do my surgery.
Amber Reno
Jan 15, 2018
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Dr Machado is amazing not only did she make my surgery an easy and comfortable process I feel like she saved my life! I wouldn't recommend anyone else she's extremely knowledgeable and has great bedside manner!
