Skip to main content

What to Expect


 

As a leading provider for bariatric surgery in West Hills, CA, we want to make certain that our patients know what to expect starting with their very first appointment.  During your first appointment, we give you a detailed customized consultation where we determine your qualifying factors for Lap Band Surgery, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy or Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass. At SurgiThin, we pride ourselves in providing you with the most appropriate and result oriented approach, so we analyze whether you conform to the requirement guidelines as described by the National Institute of Health (NIH).Through its research mission, the NIH seeks to identify genetic, behavioral, and environmental causes of obesity; to understand how obesity leads to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gastric reflux, gallbladder disease, cancer and other serious health problems.. NIH has set minimum requirements for weight loss surgery. They include:

  • A Body Mass Index 35 and above with one or more obesity related medical problems mentioned above or
  • A Body Mass Index of 40 and above with or without any medical illnesses.

Weight loss surgery is now considered as one of the most effective methods to achieve sustained weight loss. Weight loss surgery is not for everyone, but for the patients who qualify, it can produce incredible and dramatic weight loss.**Please note that FDA has just lowered the BMI from 35 to 30 for those patients who are interested in the LAP BAND.**

 

Pre Operation

  • Mental Prep: Our multifaceted team will guide you through the surgical process; help arrange discussions with other weight loss surgery patients.
  • Physical Prep: With the help of our team, you will take some preoperative dietary steps which will aid in your post-operative recovery. 

 

Post Operation

After your surgery, Dr. Paya will guide you in choosing the right diet, as an adequate amount of nutrition is important. You will see significant changes in your diet quantity, as weight loss surgery reduces the functional portion of your stomach, making you feel full after a smaller meal. Dr. Paya understands specific needs of each of his patients and creates a custom nutritional plan which includes transition from liquid to semi solid and to normal diet. This will be a very exciting journey for you and we will guide you every step of the way.


 

SurgiThin

Bariatric Surgeon located in West Hills, San Fernando Valley, CA

Dr. Mahbod (Mark) Paya, M.D. is a board-certified general surgeon and the founder of SurgiThin in West Hills, CA. With over 20 years of experience and more than 5,000 procedures performed, Dr. Paya specializes in both weight loss surgery and advanced body contouring, helping patients achieve life-changing results through personalized, minimally invasive care.

In addition to his work with gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and revision surgeries, Dr. Paya is highly sought-after for his expertise in Lipo360, HD liposuction, and Renuvion (J-Plasma) skin tightening. His artistic eye and surgical precision allow him to deliver natural, sculpted results for patients seeking to enhance their body shape after weight loss or simply refine their figure.

Dr. Paya earned his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine and completed his residency at UCI Medical Center, where he became Chief Resident and later completed a fellowship in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons, and continues to stay at the forefront of surgical innovation and patient care.

Accepted Insurance Plans

We are pleased to be able to accept all PPO insurance plans (e.g. Blue Cross, Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Healthnet, etc.) that cover weight loss surgery. Patients with PPO insurance can see us without needing a referral or prior authorization. We also accept some HMO insurance plans. Patients with HMO insurance will need to first consult with their primary care physician to obtain a referral to see us. To learn if your health insurance coverage will pay for your surgery, and what your insurance authorization requirements are, please call our office or send us an online contact form.

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Health Net
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare (except United Community Care Plan)
Testimonials

Words from our patients

  • Vitals

    "I had the surgery, and had no complications, very little discomfort, and I was back to work in a week. I recommend Dr. Paya to anyone!!

    Patient
  • Vitals

    "Dr. Paya is one of the most skilled surgeons in Los Angeles. I had a complicated abdominal problem that multiple surgeons missed.""

    Patient
  • facebook

    "I have been his patient since 2008, very happy with my 2008 band and my 2015 new gastric bypass!!!"

    Efrat B.
  • "Dr. Paya and his staff are wonderful people! He's an excellent surgeon that knows his stuff. His bedside manner and professionalism is impeccable. Satisfied."

    skinnyrn2b
  • "He is a very skilled surgeon, he is Board Certified in General Surgery & a member of American College of Surgeons & a member of American Society of Bariatric Surgery."

    Martha R.
Ask us

Feel free to email us regarding any scheduling or general questions!

Name
Email Address
Comments
Follow Us
Hours

SurgiThin
7320 Woodlake Avenue
Suite 300
San Fernando Valley, CA 91307