Todd Eibes, MD FACS

Weight Loss Clinic in West Des Moines, Iowa

Call (515) 327-20001089 Jordan Creek Pkwy, Ste 116, Iowa Weight Loss Specialists, West Des Moines, IA 50266

About Todd Eibes, MD FACS

Todd Eibes, MD FACS is a board-certified surgeon in West Des Moines, Iowa who specializes in surgical weight loss and body contouring. His practice serves patients who've reached the point where lifestyle changes alone haven't been enough and who are looking for a medically sound, surgical path forward. Dr. Eibes brings substantial surgical expertise to weight management, offering procedures that produce durable, clinically meaningful results rather than short-term fixes.

His practice takes a thorough approach to patient evaluation, making sure surgical candidates are well-suited to the procedures being recommended. The team takes the time to walk patients through their options, the risks involved, and what realistic outcomes actually look like. Patients here tend to be serious about making a lasting change and are willing to commit to the pre- and post-surgical process that gives them the best chance of long-term success.

Services Offered

Dr. Todd Eibes' practice offers bariatric and weight loss surgery as its primary service, along with body contouring procedures for patients who've achieved significant weight loss and want to address excess skin or reshape specific areas. His surgical capabilities cover the main evidence-based bariatric procedures as well as the reconstructive work that often follows major weight loss. Bariatric procedures include sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and revisional surgery for patients whose previous bariatric procedures haven't produced lasting results or have led to complications. Each procedure is selected based on the patient's clinical profile, weight loss history, and current health conditions. Body contouring services address the physical aftermath of major weight loss, including excess abdominal skin removal (panniculectomy), arm lifts, thigh lifts, and other procedures that reshape the body after significant weight change. These procedures are often just as meaningful to patients' quality of life as the weight loss itself. Pre-surgical evaluations are comprehensive and typically involve coordination with other specialists including dietitians and behavioral health providers. This multi-disciplinary approach improves outcomes and helps patients prepare for the lifestyle changes that make surgery successful over time. Post-surgical follow-up is a clear priority, with scheduled appointments to track recovery and long-term weight maintenance.

Weight Loss Centers

Surgeons

Treatment Options

Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)

A surgical procedure that removes roughly 80% of the stomach, reducing its capacity and altering hunger hormones. Produces significant weight loss with a relatively straightforward recovery compared to bypass, and no intestinal rerouting is involved.

Surgery day; 4 to 6 week recovery$15,000 to $25,000 without insurance

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

A procedure that reduces stomach size and reroutes part of the small intestine, producing strong weight loss results and often improving related conditions like type 2 diabetes, acid reflux, and sleep apnea.

Surgery day; 4 to 8 week recovery$20,000 to $35,000 without insurance

Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Corrective surgery for patients whose prior bariatric procedure produced inadequate results or complications. Requires specialized surgical experience and a thorough pre-surgical evaluation to determine the safest and most effective approach.

Varies by case$20,000 to $40,000 depending on complexity

Post-Bariatric Body Contouring

Surgical procedures to remove excess skin and reshape the body after significant weight loss, including panniculectomy, arm lifts, and thigh lifts. Typically planned after weight has been stable for 12 to 18 months.

Surgery day; 2 to 6 week recovery$5,000 to $20,000 depending on procedures

What to Expect

The process with Dr. Eibes starts with an initial surgical consultation. He reviews your weight history, previous attempts at weight loss, current health conditions, and any prior surgeries. The goal is to determine which procedure, if any, is the right fit for your situation and health profile.

Most patients then go through a pre-surgical evaluation period that includes lab work, cardiac clearance, nutrition counseling, and a psychological evaluation. These steps are standard practice for bariatric surgery and are required by most insurance providers who cover these procedures. It can feel like a lot of steps, but each one serves a clear purpose.

Once you've cleared the pre-surgical requirements, a surgery date is scheduled. The procedure takes place in a hospital or surgical center. Recovery timelines vary by procedure, but most patients return to light activity within a few weeks. Post-surgical appointments are scheduled at regular intervals throughout the first year, with annual check-ins recommended long-term to monitor nutritional health and weight maintenance.

Why Choose Todd Eibes, MD FACS

Choosing a surgeon for weight loss surgery is one of the most consequential health decisions you can make, and Dr. Eibes' credentials and experience are central to why his practice is worth considering. His FACS designation is a meaningful quality marker, and his specialization in both bariatric and body contouring procedures means he can support you through the full arc of a weight loss journey rather than just the surgery itself.

His practice also takes the pre-surgical evaluation process seriously. That might feel like extra steps when you're eager to move forward, but it's the part of the process that protects you and sets you up for the best possible outcome. Surgeons who rush this phase tend to produce worse long-term results.

For patients who've previously had bariatric surgery that didn't work or caused complications, Dr. Eibes' experience with revisional procedures is a particular advantage. Revisional bariatric surgery is technically demanding, and not every surgeon handles it well. Having access to someone with real depth in this area matters.

Insurance & Pricing

Bariatric surgery is covered by many insurance plans when patients meet specific medical criteria, typically a BMI over 35 with comorbidities or a BMI over 40. Dr. Eibes' office works with patients to navigate insurance authorization, which involves documenting medical necessity and completing required pre-surgical steps.

For patients paying out of pocket, surgery costs vary based on procedure, facility fees, and anesthesia. Financing options are generally available. Body contouring procedures are typically not covered by insurance unless there's a documented functional issue, such as skin infections caused by excess skin folds. The practice's billing team can help clarify what's likely to be covered and what you can expect to pay directly.

First-Time Patient Tips

If you're considering bariatric surgery with Dr. Eibes, start by pulling together your medical records. Your weight history, prior attempts at medically supervised weight loss, and current health conditions will all come up during the evaluation, and having documentation ready makes everything move faster.

Be honest during the consultation about your history and your expectations. Surgeons evaluate candidacy partly on how realistically a patient understands the commitment involved. Surgery isn't an easy fix, and the patients who do best are those who go in with clear expectations about the dietary and lifestyle changes that follow.

If you have insurance, contact your insurer before the consultation to ask about your bariatric surgery benefit. Knowing what's required for authorization in advance helps you plan the pre-surgical evaluation steps accordingly and avoids surprises later.

After surgery, the follow-up process matters just as much as the procedure itself. Show up to your appointments, take your prescribed supplements, and stay connected with the practice's support resources. Long-term success depends heavily on the habits you build in the year after surgery.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Dr. Eibes holds FACS designation, reflecting rigorous surgical training and adherence to professional standards.
Offers revisional bariatric surgery for patients whose prior procedures didn't deliver lasting results or caused complications.
Having bariatric and body contouring services under one surgeon simplifies the process for patients planning a full transformation.

Things to Consider

Surgical weight loss carries real medical risks and requires a significant recovery period that not every patient is prepared for.
Pre-surgical requirements can take several months to complete, which can feel slow for patients who are ready to move forward.

Service Area

Dr. Todd Eibes' practice in West Des Moines serves patients from across Iowa and beyond. Most clients come from the Des Moines metro area, including West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, and Ankeny, but bariatric surgery patients often travel significant distances to see a highly qualified surgeon. If you're anywhere in Iowa and considering bariatric or weight loss surgery, the West Des Moines location is accessible from most major population centers via I-80 and I-35, and the area has plenty of lodging options for those coming from farther away.

Local Insight

West Des Moines is one of Iowa's fastest-growing cities, with a well-developed medical corridor along University Avenue and near Jordan Creek Parkway. The area supports a strong base of specialty medical practices serving patients from across central Iowa. Dr. Eibes' location in West Des Moines puts him within easy reach of the western suburbs while remaining accessible from Des Moines proper. For patients traveling from other parts of Iowa for surgery, the area has convenient lodging and services close to the practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I'm a candidate for bariatric surgery?

General candidacy criteria include a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with a significant weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. Dr. Eibes will conduct a full evaluation to determine whether surgery is appropriate for your specific situation and health profile.

What's the difference between a gastric sleeve and a gastric bypass?

A gastric sleeve removes a large portion of the stomach without changing the digestive tract. A gastric bypass reduces the stomach and reroutes part of the small intestine, which affects how nutrients are absorbed. Bypass tends to produce stronger weight loss results but has a slightly more complex recovery. Dr. Eibes will help you understand which option makes more sense for your health and goals.

How long does the pre-surgical process take?

It typically takes three to six months from initial consultation to surgery date, depending on insurance requirements and how quickly pre-surgical steps are completed. This includes lab work, clearances, nutrition counseling, and a psychological evaluation. It can feel slow, but each step helps ensure you're getting the safest possible outcome.

Will insurance cover bariatric surgery?

Many insurance plans cover bariatric surgery when patients meet BMI and comorbidity criteria. You'll need to complete specific pre-authorization steps, and the practice's billing team can guide you through what your plan requires. Contact your insurer before your first visit to understand your coverage and what documentation they'll need.

What does recovery from bariatric surgery look like?

Most patients are walking the day after surgery and return to light activity within two to four weeks. You'll start with liquids and gradually advance to solid foods over several weeks following a specific dietary progression. Full recovery and adjustment to your new eating patterns typically takes three to six months.

Can I have body contouring done at the same time as bariatric surgery?

Generally no. Body contouring is typically performed after you've reached a stable weight following bariatric surgery, which usually means waiting 12 to 18 months after the procedure. Combining major surgeries increases risk, and waiting ensures your body has fully adjusted before any contouring work is done.

What happens if I had bariatric surgery elsewhere and it didn't work?

Dr. Eibes performs revisional bariatric surgery for patients whose prior procedures produced inadequate weight loss or complications. The evaluation process for revisional surgery is thorough because it's a more complex procedure, but it can be an effective option when the first surgery didn't produce lasting results.

Do I need to follow a special diet after surgery for the rest of my life?

Yes, though it becomes easier over time. Immediately after surgery you'll follow a strict dietary progression, and long-term you'll need to prioritize protein, take vitamin and mineral supplements, and avoid certain foods that don't sit well with a reduced stomach. Most patients adapt well within the first year and find the dietary changes manageable.