UCLA Center for Obesity and METabolic Health (COMET)

Dr Chen and his team are wonderful. I remember I told the doctor that I will go and have the surgery even if the insurance company will consider I am not qualified. It was the best decision I ever made regarding my health. The surgery was a success, and the medical team beyond my expectations. Dr. Chen is able to relate to your condition as a patient and as a human being. You are not just a number or a patient for him. He is incredible. The surgery is an option to help you change your life. However, anyone who wants to have it done, should understand that the miracle is coming with effort and your personal determination.

I am one year out from my gastric sleeve surgery. I no longer take diabetes meds or high blood pressure meds. My reflux has also gone away. I have lost 57lbs and feel fantastic. The staff here is so helpful and knowledgeable, they always make me feel like I am part of the family. Dr Chen is so caring and awesome, I had a wonderful experience and highly recommend this procedure and this facility to everyone. You are in good hands at the UCLA Center for obesity and metabolic health.

The UCLA COMET Program and Dr Chen and his team are simply amazing! I came to the program as a super obese male (350+ 5ft 4) and in 3 months am down almost 94lbs. The surgery has changed my life dramatically. Things I could only dream of doing before are now realistic and I can walk my dog, bike, and just do normal life things (I was progressively turning into a invalid). I had severe diabetes, sleep apnea, kidney issues, heart issues, etc. I have been so excited that all of these issues have been resolved since the surgery. The staff is very supportive and Dr Chen is just amazing. If you are planning this surgery, I strongly encourage you to check out the program. Be prepared for a fairly strict process that starts you on the path to a better life, there are many tests to confirm your ready for surgery (varies depending on your issues, the more you have, the more tests in my experience), but it was all worth it in the end. UCLA Ronald Regan was an exceptional facility to have the surgery in as well. If you plan to have this procedure really research your program and most especially your surgeon it will make all the difference and honestly you have one stomach, don't risk it to someone without a lot of experience doing the procedure. One final thing, don't be afraid about "not being able to eat" to not start the program, I was and honestly, you can generally eat whatever just in very small portions, but my cravings, my food obsessions and my cravings for sugar and carbs disappeared after the surgery. I pretty much eat 5 protein based meals a day. Good luck embarking on the journey. Trust me its so worth it. And believe me UCLA and Dr Chen are exceptional!