Dr. Barnes – Bariatric Surgeon in San Diego
Expert in Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, and Lap-Band Surgery
At San Diego Surgical Specialists, Dr. Barnes combines advanced surgical expertise with personalized care to help patients achieve lasting results.
Whether you’re exploring gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or Lap-Band surgery, Dr. Barnes is here to guide you on a safe, supported path to a healthier life.
Why More Patients Are Choosing Gastric Sleeve in San Diego
Gastric sleeve surgery (also called sleeve gastrectomy) is the most popular weight loss procedure in San Diego—and for good reason. It’s safe, effective, minimally invasive, and offers excellent weight loss results with fewer complications than older procedures.
- Removes about 80% of the stomach to reduce hunger and portion sizes
- Preserves normal digestion (no intestinal rerouting)
- Helps patients lose 50–70% of excess weight
- Shorter surgery time and recovery compared to gastric bypass
- Proven to improve or resolve diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and more
Dr. Barnes has performed hundreds of successful gastric sleeve surgeries and provides each patient with a tailored pre- and post-op plan to support long-term success.
Meet Dr. Barnes: Trusted Bariatric Surgeon in San Diego
With years of experience in weight loss surgery, Dr. Barnes is known for his technical skill and his compassionate, patient-centered approach. He’s committed to making your journey feel less overwhelming—and more achievable.
- Board-certified General Surgeon
- Trained in Bariatric & Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Special focus on gastric sleeve surgery and patient education
- Comprehensive aftercare and support
- Highly rated by patients across San Diego and Southern California
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are ready to schedule surgery, Dr. Barnes and his team will walk with you every step of the way.
Bariatric Surgery Options
We offer a full spectrum of bariatric procedures to fit your medical needs and weight loss goals.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
The best choice for many patients, gastric sleeve surgery is simple, safe, and incredibly effective. By permanently reducing the size of your stomach, it helps you feel full with less food—while keeping digestion natural and nutrient absorption intact.
- Ideal for most patients with a BMI of 35 or higher
- Fast recovery and low risk of long-term complications
- No foreign devices or intestinal rerouting
Lap-Band Surgery In San Diego (Adjustable Gastric Band)
Lap-Band is a less invasive option where a silicone band is placed around the upper stomach. It restricts food intake and can be adjusted over time or removed if needed.
Important: Dr. Barnes does not perform Lap Bank Placement and specializes in Lap-Band Removal and Revisional Bariatric Surgery.
- Reversible and adjustable
- No cutting or stapling of the stomach
- Best for patients looking for a lower-risk option
SADI-S Weight Loss Surgery (Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass)
SADI-S is an advanced bariatric procedure that combines a gastric sleeve with a small intestinal bypass to significantly enhance weight loss and improve metabolic conditions. It works by reducing how much you can eat while also decreasing how many calories your body absorbs.
This procedure is typically considered for patients who need more substantial weight loss or for those undergoing revisional bariatric surgery.
- Advanced option for patients with higher BMI or revisional needs
- Combines stomach restriction with reduced calorie absorption
- May provide significant improvement in obesity-related conditions such as diabetes
Availability is currently limited as this procedure is being introduced into the program. Patients interested in SADI-S should schedule a consultation with Dr. Ryan Barnes to determine future eligibility.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if you:
- Have a BMI over 40
- Have a BMI over 35 with health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea
- Have not been successful with traditional diet and exercise
- Are motivated to make long-term lifestyle changes
Dr. Barnes provides a thorough consultation to determine the best surgical approach for your unique health profile.
Insurance & Self-Pay Options Available
Our team helps you navigate the insurance process to determine if your plan covers gastric sleeve surgery or other bariatric procedures. We work with most major plans and offer clear self-pay pricing for those without coverage. Flexible financing plans are available.
Compassionate, Ongoing Support
Successful weight loss surgery is about more than just the procedure. Dr. Barnes and his team offer full-spectrum support before, during, and after surgery, including:
- Nutrition counseling
- Psychological evaluations (as required by insurance)
- Follow-up appointments and labs
- Support groups and education sessions
You’ll never feel like you’re doing this alone.
Next Steps: Getting Started with Bariatric Surgery
If you’re ready to explore weight loss surgery with Dr. Barnes, here’s how to begin:
1. Check for Referral or Authorization
Depending on your insurance plan, you may need a referral from your primary care provider (PCP) and/or prior authorization before your consultation. Our team is happy to help you verify your requirements—just give us a call.
2. Attend the Bariatric Seminar at Sharp Memorial Hospital
Before scheduling your consultation with Dr. Barnes, you must first attend the required Bariatric Surgery Seminar hosted by Sharp Memorial Hospital.
To register, please call:
(800) 827-4277 and select option 2
This informative seminar covers everything you need to know about bariatric surgery, what to expect before and after, and which procedure may be right for you.
3. Schedule Your Consultation
After you attend the seminar, contact our office to request your in-person consultation with Dr. Barnes.
- Call us directly at (858) 565-0104
We look forward to helping you take the next step toward a healthier future.