Bariatric Surgery in Cleveland: Find a Physician or Specialist

Northeast Ohio has bariatric surgeons across the large hospital systems as well as independent, physician-led practices. Karas Weight Loss & Wellness is an independent practice led by Linden Karas, MD, FACS, a board-certified surgeon who completed her bariatric surgery fellowship at Cleveland Clinic. In a private practice, the surgeon you consult with is the surgeon who operates and the surgeon who follows you afterward.

The 30 rule is a practical eating guideline after weight loss surgery: take about 30 minutes to finish a meal, chew each bite roughly 30 times, and wait about 30 minutes after eating before drinking fluids. It protects the new stomach anatomy, reduces discomfort and dumping, and helps portion control become automatic.

Cost depends on the procedure, the facility, and whether the operation is covered by insurance. Performing surgery in an accredited ambulatory surgery center rather than a hospital removes the inpatient facility charge, and self-pay pricing at Karas Weight Loss & Wellness runs at roughly half of typical hospital pricing. Call 216-377-7257 for current pricing and insurance verification.

Look for board certification in general surgery, fellowship training in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery, MBSAQIP verification, a full range of procedures, including revisional and endoscopic options, and long-term follow-up under the same roof. Dr. Karas meets each of these and personally performs every operation, with consultations typically available within one week.