Birmingham’s #1 Surgical Center For
SADI Surgery
If you’ve heard of the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass separately, SADI surgery brings the two together into one comprehensive procedure. Short for Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy, SADI surgery works by first reducing the size of your stomach by about 80%, then rerouting part of the small intestine to limit how many calories your body absorbs.
At Birmingham Minimally Invasive, SADI surgery is recommended for patients with a BMI of 50 or higher, or those who’ve already had a gastric sleeve but haven’t seen the results they wanted. If that sounds familiar, this could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Am I a Good Candidate For SADI Surgery?
It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay.SADI surgery is a more advanced procedure designed for patients who need a higher level of intervention, and understanding whether you qualify is the first and most important step.
Generally speaking, you may be a strong candidate if:
Not sure where you stand? That’s completely normal. Our board-certified surgeon will sit down with you, review your health history, and give you an honest assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About SADI Surgery
Both procedures involve rerouting the small intestine, but gastric bypass creates two intestinal connections, while SADI surgery requires just one. This makes SADI a technically simpler procedure that still delivers comparable, and in many cases, superior, results.
SADI is also particularly well-suited for patients with very high BMIs or those who have already undergone a sleeve gastrectomy and are looking to build on their progress. Because there’s only one connection point, there’s also a reduced risk of certain complications like bowel obstruction.
Yes, and this is one of the most important things to understand before committing to SADI surgery. Because the procedure affects how your body absorbs nutrients — particularly fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K — a daily supplement routine is essential. Most patients will also need to supplement calcium, iron, and zinc on an ongoing basis.
The good news is that with the right routine in place, nutritional deficiencies are very manageable. Our team will work with you to build a supplement plan that fits your lifestyle, and we’ll monitor your levels regularly at follow-up appointments to make sure everything stays on track.
While results vary from person to person, SADI surgery is one of the most effective bariatric procedures available in terms of total weight loss. Many patients lose up to 80% of their excess body weight within the first year following surgery.
Weight loss tends to be fastest in the first six months, then gradually levels off as your body adjusts. Long-term success is closely tied to the lifestyle habits you build during recovery, including diet, exercise, and ongoing support. Our team will help you navigate every step of the way.
SADI surgery is considered a permanent procedure, and it’s important to go into it with that understanding. The portion of the stomach removed during the sleeve gastrectomy phase cannot be restored.
That said, the intestinal component of the procedure can be modified if a medical need arises down the line. This is precisely why we place such a strong emphasis on the consultation process. We want you to feel fully informed, genuinely confident, and completely comfortable before any decisions are made.
Some patients have SADI performed as an outpatient, while others may stay overnight in the hospital depending on insurance requirements and individual circumstances. The first few weeks are the most significant adjustment period. You’ll start on a liquid diet and gradually work your way back to soft foods and eventually solid meals over the course of four to six weeks.
Many patients feel well enough to return to light and normal daily activities as soon as they are no longer taking narcotic pain medication and feel comfortable doing so.
Full recovery looks different for everyone, but most patients feel like themselves within one to two weeks after surgery and are encouraged to return to normal activities as soon as possible, with the exception of lifting restrictions. Throughout this period, our team remains closely involved to monitor your progress and make sure your recovery is going smoothly.
Ready to Find Out if SADI Surgery is Right For You?
You’ve done the research, now let’s have a real conversation. Reach out to our team today, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about SADI surgery. At BMI in Birmingham, AL, your comfort and long-term health are our priority!


