Bariatric Program

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Welcome to Sacramento Bariatric Medical Associates

Sacramento Bariatric Medical Associates was founded in 2003 by Dr. Laura Machado and since that time she has cared for over 5000 patients. Sacramento Bariatric is a comprehensive bariatric surgery center that has all the necessary resources patients require before and after surgery. Dr. Machado performs all recognized bariatric procedures and as well as revisional bariatric surgery. The importance of long-term follow up care and supportive services cannot be overemphasized.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for the disease of obesity. It is also an effective treatment for Type II diabetes as well as other associated medical conditions. The results from various bariatric procedures far exceed traditional diets because bariatric surgery treats hunger, hormones, and metabolism. Achieving lasting weight loss results in a longer, healthier life and lowers the chance of developing cancer.

Sacramento Bariatric Medical Associates has always maintained certification and is a MSBAQIP Accredited Center for bariatric surgery. We have all the resources patients require at one centralized location in the Sacramento region. Dr. Machado and Sacramento Bariatric Medical Associates emphasizes long-term comprehensive care, quality, and safety. We are highly recommended by many respected physicians in the community, health plans, and most importantly our own patients.

Sacramento Bariatric Medical Associates

Sacramento’s Top Bariatric Surgeon

Laura L. Machado, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S.

Dr. Machado was raised in Modesto, California knowing she wanted to by a physician from a very early age. She graduated with honors from California State University, Stanislaus in 1990 and received her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of California, San Diego in 1995. Dr. Machado completed her surgical residency at the University of California, Davis in 2000. She remained in the Sacramento region as she entered private practice in 2000 performing Trauma and General Surgery.

Dr. Machado had the good fortune study under some of the best surgeons in the country. Her interests were more centered around advanced laparoscopic surgery and she received additional Laparoscopic Bariatric training at Montefiore Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery as she developed her bariatric program. Dr. Machado is a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS) and the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Machado was also a participating surgeon in a National Institute of Health landmark research study on bariatric surgery outcomes (LABS 1).

Dr. Machado has served as the Director of Bariatric Services at Mercy San Juan Medical Center since 2003 and has led that program to numerous certifications over the years. Dr. Machado is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at California Northstate University College of Medicine and enjoys contributing to the education of medical students in the region.

Dr. Machado has an honest, upfront approach to patient care and understands the disease of obesity. She is approachable and puts the care of her patients first and foremost.

Our Staff

Sacramento Bariatric is fortunate to have a dedicated group of professionals that truly care about the well-being of our patients. A few of our key staff members are highlighted opposite.

Julie is the Practice Manager for Sacramento Bariatric Medical Associates. Julie has over 30 years of experience in various areas of medicine, initially trained as a practical nurse in Canada. Julie manages the practice and staff that helps you navigate the process towards surgery. She is a great resource to assist you with the insurance process and serves as a consistent voice in our practice to cheer you on along the way to your health and weight loss goals. We are very happy she relocated to California but you will occasionally still catch her saying “Eh”.

My name is Lori Bauer and I have been working as a Registered Dietitian for over 25 years. I graduated from San Jose State University in 1992 with my Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science, with a concentration in Dietetics. In the past 25 years, I have worked in clinical hospital settings, as well as private practices. My experience and specialties include Diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, weight loss, and Bariatric patients. I have a passion for helping my patients reach their nutrition and weight loss goals, allowing them to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Michelle Schnack brings over 10 years of experience in patient care as she helps our patients prepare emotionally for bariatric surgery and assist them in the postoperative phase. Michelle encourages patients to find ways to regulate emotions and behaviors, gain awareness and insight into their lives, and improve relationships. Michelle moderates our monthly support group meetings and is available to help patients at any phase of their care in our program. Just as important as our diet is our mindset towards our health.

Dottie, ESD (Emotional Support Dog)Dottie is the emotional support dog for Sacramento Bariatric and an integral part of our staff. Dottie may frequently be in the office setting to bring an extra smile or sometimes even a hug to you on the day of your visit. Who doesn’t love a chocolate lab?

Sacramento Bariatrics Surgical Team

Operating Room Team: Michael H. Taylor, MD, Assistant Surgeon, Yvonne Winship, OR Technician, Laura Machado, MD, Program Director

For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires that detailed information about payment and other payments of value worth over ten dollars ($10) from manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics to physicians and teaching hospitals be made available to the public. https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/

Attend an Informational Seminar

Please call (916) 338-7200 or fill out our contact form to register.