Behind every successful procedure is a well-informed patient. Navigating surgical care can raise many questions—whether about our practice, Dr. Nguyen's credentials, or specifics of bariatric or general surgery procedures—and we're committed to providing the clarity you deserve.
Our practice is conveniently located in Los Gatos at 15965 Los Gatos Blvd, Suite 201, Los Gatos, CA 95032. We're easily accessible from throughout the South Bay Area for our patients.
We welcome patients Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. If you need to get in touch with us outside these hours due to special circumstances, that’s no problem—simply call our main number, and our dedicated answering service will connect you directly with Dr. Nguyen or the physician on call. Your health doesn't follow a schedule, and neither does our commitment to your care.
Lifetime Surgical stands apart through our unique combination of surgical innovation, specialized expertise, and patient-centered approach. Under Dr. Richard Nguyen's leadership, we offer cutting-edge techniques rarely available elsewhere, including single-incision laparoscopic procedures and non-mesh hernia repairs that attract patients nationwide. As one of the few surgeons certified in da Vinci robotic surgery, Dr. Nguyen delivers precision that significantly reduces recovery time and improves outcomes.
Our practice philosophy centers on creating lasting partnerships with patients—we take the time to thoroughly understand your health goals, clearly explain all available treatment options, and remain accessible throughout your entire surgical journey. Many patients tell us that this combination of surgical expertise and compassionate care made all the difference in their decision to choose Lifetime Surgical, and ultimately, in their successful outcomes.
We currently accept around 20 different insurance plans. However, since this information may change periodically, all prospective patients are advised to contact the office directly for insurance verification.
Life has a way of surprising us, and we completely understand when plans need to change. While we reserve your appointment time specifically for you, we simply ask that you notify us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule or cancel. Your prompt communication helps us accommodate other patients who may need urgent care and allows us to make the most of Dr. Nguyen's expertise. Think of it as passing along the gift of care—your timely notice means another patient might receive the attention they need. We appreciate your partnership in making our practice run smoothly for everyone we serve.
Dr. Nguyen is a board-certified General Surgeon with additional fellowship training in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery from Vanderbilt University. His credentials reflect our commitment to providing the highest standard of surgical care.
Dr. Nguyen's experience is truly impressive, with over 10,000 surgical procedures performed throughout his distinguished career. This remarkable milestone represents thousands of lives touched, countless health journeys improved, and a depth of surgical expertise that few practitioners achieve.
From routine procedures to complex cases, this extensive experience means he's encountered countless possible surgical scenarios, allowing him to approach each new patient with confidence backed by practical wisdom.
While numbers alone can't fully capture a surgeon's abilities, this impressive surgical volume speaks to the trust placed in Dr. Nguyen by his patients and colleagues alike. It's not just about quantity—it's about the quality, care, and meticulous attention he's brought to each of those 10,000+ surgeries, treating each one as if it were his first and most important.
Dr. Nguyen has been delivering exceptional surgical care since 2001. Throughout this remarkable journey, he has refined his skills through countless procedures while embracing the significant advancements that have transformed modern surgery. Through all these changes, Dr. Nguyen has remained at the forefront of surgical innovation, continuously furthering his expertise while maintaining the steady hands and careful judgment that only come with years of experience.
These two-plus decades represent thousands of patient interactions, complex medical decisions, and successful outcomes. They embody Dr. Nguyen's commitment to surgical excellence and patient care.
Dr. Nguyen's surgical repertoire encompasses an impressive array of over 50 different procedures, spanning multiple surgical specialties and body systems. This extraordinary breadth of expertise makes him truly stand out in today's increasingly specialized medical landscape.
From delicate laparoscopic interventions to complex open surgeries, Dr. Nguyen has mastered techniques across the spectrum of general surgery and bariatric surgery. His versatility enables him to address conditions affecting many different areas of the body—from head and neck procedures to abdominal surgeries, and from emergency interventions to carefully planned elective operations.
Dr. Nguyen maintains strategic affiliations with several prestigious medical facilities throughout the Bay Area, ensuring patients can access his exceptional surgical care in the location most convenient for them. These include:
Good Samaritan Hospital (San Jose, CA)
Los Gatos Community Hospital-El Camino (Los Gatos, CA)
Silicon Valley Surgery Center, (Los Gatos, CA)
Fremont Surgery Center (Fremont, CA)
By maintaining privileges at multiple facilities throughout the region, Dr. Nguyen can better accommodate his patients' preferences for location, scheduling, and specific healthcare needs—another way he puts patients first in everything he does.
Dr. Nguyen offers an exceptionally comprehensive range of general surgery procedures, reflecting his extensive training and decades of surgical expertise. This allows him to provide complete surgical care for various conditions.
His surgical specialties include:
Abdominal Procedures: Including various hernia repairs (inguinal, ventral, umbilical, incisional), cholecystectomy, appendectomy, colectomy, and colostomy procedures.
Stomach Procedures: Gastric surgeries including gastrectomy, ulcer repair, Nissen fundoplication for acid reflux, hiatal hernia repair, and feeding tube placements.
Liver Procedures: Including diagnostic liver biopsies and therapeutic liver resections.
Rectal Procedures: Hemorrhoidectomy using various techniques, fistulectomy, treatment for anal fissures, and pilonidal cystectomy.
Spleen Procedures: Including splenectomy and splenorrhaphy (repair).
Pancreatic Procedures: Complex surgeries such as the Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy).
Head and Neck Procedures: Cervical node biopsy, parathyroidectomy, parotidectomy, submandibular gland resection, tracheostomy, and temporal artery biopsy.
Other Specialized Procedures: Including mediport insertion for chemotherapy, amputations, debridement of ulcers, and ganglion cyst excision.
This extensive array of surgical capabilities sets Dr. Nguyen apart from many surgeons focusing on narrower specialties. Whether you require a routine procedure or face a complex surgical challenge, he brings the same meticulous attention to detail, technical precision, and commitment to successful outcomes that have defined his practice for over two decades.
Dr. Nguyen is a skilled practitioner of advanced laparoscopic techniques, offering minimally invasive surgical options for a wide range of procedures. These state-of-the-art approaches represent the gold standard in modern surgical care, allowing Dr. Nguyen to perform complex operations through just a few tiny incisions, or in some cases, a single incision.
The benefits of these minimally invasive techniques are substantial and directly impact your surgical experience. Patients typically enjoy significantly reduced scarring—often just a few small marks rather than a large incision. Pain levels are noticeably lower compared to traditional open procedures, which means less reliance on pain medication during recovery. Perhaps most appreciated by patients is the dramatically accelerated healing time, allowing a quicker return to daily activities and normal life.
Yes, Dr. Nguyen is fully trained and experienced in providing emergency care. As a board-certified surgeon, he responds to urgent surgical needs and is committed to being available when patients face unexpected health crises. Dr. Nguyen works at different hospitals/surgical centers to provide prompt emergency intervention when needed.
Your comfort during recovery is a priority for our team. Dr. Nguyen develops personalized pain management plans that typically include a thoughtful combination of approaches. For mild discomfort, we often recommend specific over-the-counter medications tailored to your needs. When recovery may involve more significant discomfort, Dr. Nguyen prescribes appropriate prescription pain relievers with clear guidelines for safe usage. During your pre-surgical consultation, we'll discuss your medical history, previous experiences with pain management, and any concerns you might have—allowing us to craft a recovery journey that balances effective pain control with your overall wellbeing.
Every surgical journey is unique—just like you. Whether you'll need to stay overnight depends on several factors, including the specific procedure you're undergoing, your overall health, and how your body responds during recovery. Dr. Nguyen carefully evaluates each patient's situation and will discuss hospitalization expectations during your pre-surgical consultation, providing you with a clear roadmap of what lies ahead. Some procedures may allow you to return home the same day, while others benefit from the additional monitoring and care that an overnight stay provides.
Your journey to healing doesn't end when you leave the operating room. Dr. Nguyen believes in comprehensive care that extends throughout your recovery process. Typically, you’ll have an appointment in our office within the first week following your procedure for a personalized follow-up visit. During this important milestone, Dr. Nguyen will carefully evaluate your healing progress, address any concerns, and make any necessary adjustments to your recovery plan.
Dr. Nguyen has guided over 5,000 successful weight loss transformations throughout his distinguished career—a remarkable achievement that represents thousands of lives changed for the better.
Each of these 5,000+ transformations tells a unique story of personal triumph. Behind every statistic is an individual who experienced improvements such as increased mobility, enhanced self-confidence, reduced health risks, and often, freedom from obesity-related conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea.
Bariatric surgery offers life-changing benefits for those struggling with severe obesity. Beyond significant weight loss, it can dramatically improve or resolve many serious health conditions associated with obesity. Research shows that approximately 300,000 deaths in America annually are linked to obesity-related complications, making this intervention potentially life-saving for many patients.
Following bariatric surgery, patients typically experience remarkable health improvements within just a few months. Medical conditions that may be greatly improved include:
Type II Diabetes: More than 90% of patients achieve excellent results, usually within weeks—normal blood sugar levels, Hemoglobin A1C values, and freedom from medications, including insulin. No other medical treatment can achieve such profound effects.
High Blood Pressure: At least 70% of patients who take medications for hypertension are able to stop all medications and achieve normal blood pressure within 2-3 months after surgery.
High Cholesterol: More than 80% of patients develop normal cholesterol levels within 2-3 months following the procedure.
Sleep Apnea: Dramatic relief occurs as weight is lost, with many patients completely resolving their symptoms within a year and no longer needing CPAP machines.
Joint Pain and Arthritis: Patients typically experience considerable relief from degenerative arthritis and back pain, often with the first 25-30 pounds lost within a month after surgery.
Respiratory Problems: Improved breathing ability and exercise tolerance usually occur within the first few months, allowing many patients to participate in activities they previously couldn't manage.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): For nearly all patients, relief of all reflux symptoms usually occurs within days of surgery.
Stress Urinary Incontinence: This condition responds dramatically to surgical weight loss and typically becomes completely controlled.
Heart Disease: While direct reduction can't be definitively proven, improvements in related conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes suggest significant risk reduction.
Bariatric surgery is worth considering when traditional weight loss methods have been unsuccessful and your health is at risk due to obesity. Our team is committed to helping you determine if this transformative option aligns with your health goals and personal circumstances.
Bariatric surgery is typically considered successful when a patient loses 50 percent or more of their excess body weight. However, success extends far beyond the numbers on a scale. Many patients experience significant health improvements that can be life-changing or even lifesaving—such as the resolution of type 2 diabetes, reduced blood pressure, improved sleep apnea, decreased joint pain, and enhanced mobility.
While complete loss of excess weight is uncommon, the health benefits achieved often dramatically improve quality of life and longevity. It's important to understand that bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, not a quick fix. Long-term success depends on your commitment to adopting new lifestyle habits, including regular physical activity, mindful eating patterns, and ongoing follow-up care with our team.
Following bariatric surgery, you must follow a structured dietary progression that allows your newly modified digestive system to heal while providing essential nutrition. This process typically unfolds in several phases over the first few months after surgery:
Phase 1 (1-2 weeks): Clear liquids and protein shakes to allow for initial healing
Phase 2 (2-4 weeks): Pureed foods with a focus on protein sources
Phase 3 (4-6 weeks): Soft foods that are easy to digest
Phase 4 (6+ weeks): Gradual transition to regular healthy foods
Long-term dietary guidelines typically include eating smaller, protein-focused meals; chewing food thoroughly; separating liquids from solid foods; avoiding sugary, high-fat, and highly processed foods; and staying well-hydrated throughout the day.
We strongly recommend working with a registered dietitian who specializes in bariatric nutrition, as professional guidance is crucial for optimal results. Regular consultations with a dietitian can help ensure you're getting adequate nutrition while maximizing your weight loss results.
Exercise is a vital component of your post-surgical recovery and long-term success. Light exercise, particularly walking, should begin almost immediately after surgery—even while you're still in the hospital. These gentle movements promote healing, reduce the risk of blood clots, and help prevent complications.
During your first month after surgery:
Start with short, gentle walks several times daily
Gradually increase your walking distance and time as your energy improves
Focus on proper breathing and maintaining good posture
Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10-15 pounds
By weeks 4-6, many patients can begin incorporating more varied activities as approved by their surgeon. More vigorous exercise will typically be introduced around 6-8 weeks post-surgery, assuming your recovery is progressing well.
Exercise offers numerous benefits beyond weight loss—it helps preserve muscle mass during rapid weight loss, improves cardiovascular health, enhances mood through endorphin release, and increases overall energy levels. Many patients find that regaining the ability to engage in physical activities they once enjoyed is one of the most rewarding aspects of their bariatric journey.
During your follow-up appointments, we'll discuss appropriate exercise progression based on your individual healing process and fitness goals. Remember that consistency is more important than intensity, especially in the beginning—creating sustainable exercise habits now will support your weight loss and health improvements for years.
Weight loss after bariatric surgery follows a predictable but individualized pattern. Excess weight loss begins immediately after surgery and typically continues steadily for 18-24 months, though individual experiences may vary.
During the first three months, patients often experience rapid weight loss as their body adjusts to the surgical changes and reduced caloric intake. Many patients lose 25-35% of their excess weight during this initial phase. The rate of weight loss then typically slows but remains steady through the first year, when most patients achieve 60-70% of their total excess weight loss.
Weight loss generally continues at a slower pace during the second year, with many patients reaching their maximum weight loss between 18-24 months after surgery. After this period, weights typically stabilize, and the focus shifts to maintaining the significant results achieved.
Several factors influence your specific weight loss timeline, including:
The type of bariatric procedure you undergo
Your starting BMI and health status
Your adherence to dietary guidelines
Your exercise routine and physical activity level
Your metabolism and genetic factors
During your follow-up appointments, we'll monitor your progress, celebrate your milestones, and provide guidance to help optimize your results. Remember that while the scale is one measure of success, the improvements in your health, mobility, and quality of life are equally important achievements throughout this journey.
Many insurance companies now recognize obesity as a substantial health risk and provide coverage for bariatric surgery procedures. However, coverage varies significantly between insurance providers and specific plans. Most insurers require documentation of medical necessity, which typically includes:
A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or BMI of 35-39.9 with obesity-related health conditions
Evidence of previous structured weight loss attempts
Medical records documenting obesity-related health problems
Psychological evaluation confirming readiness for surgery
Participation in a medically supervised weight loss program
Our practice accepts around 20 different insurance plans, but we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your specific coverage details. Our team is always available to help you understand the process and maximize your benefits for these life-changing procedures.
Dr. Nguyen creates personalized pre-operative instructions for each patient, tailored to your specific procedure and health profile. While your individual preparation plan may vary, here are the general guidelines to help ensure a safe and successful surgical experience:
Medication Management
Review your complete medication list with Dr. Nguyen during your consultation
Stop over-the-counter blood thinners (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Aleve) 7 days before surgery
Continue low-dose (81mg) Aspirin if prescribed by a physician
Discontinue prescription blood thinners (such as Xarelto, Plavix, and Coumadin) 5 full days before surgery, unless your prescribing physician instructs otherwise
Continue all non-blood thinning medications as normal
Tylenol is safe to use for pain management during the pre-operative period
Day of Surgery Preparation
Fast completely (no food or drink) for a minimum of 8 hours before your check-in time
Refrain from smoking for at least 8 hours before surgery
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and assist with your initial recovery
This companion must be present to check you out of the facility—this is a safety requirement
These guidelines help minimize surgical risks and optimize your recovery. Your specific procedure may require additional preparation steps, which Dr. Nguyen's team will explain thoroughly. Following these instructions precisely is one of the most important contributions you can make to your surgical success and smooth recovery.
Remember, our team is always available to answer any questions about your pre-operative instructions—no concern is too small when it comes to your health and safety!
Preparing your body for surgery is a collaborative effort. In most cases, you'll receive a personal call from our hospital partners with customized pre-surgical hygiene instructions specifically tailored to your upcoming procedure. These important guidelines—which may include specific showering protocols, the use of special antimicrobial soaps, or temporary restrictions on certain personal care products—are designed to create the optimal environment for your procedure and subsequent healing.
Your comfort is essential on surgery day, so we recommend dressing accordingly. Choose loose-fitting, soft clothing that won't restrict movement or press against your surgical area during recovery. Button-up or zip-front tops are particularly helpful as they can be easily removed without raising your arms. Slip-on shoes eliminate the need for bending over, and elastic waistbands offer gentle accommodation for potential post-operative swelling. Remember to leave valuable jewelry at home. Following these simple guidelines can make you feel more comfortable following your procedure.
A sports hernia, also known medically as athletic pubalgia, is not actually a true hernia at all. Unlike traditional hernias where internal tissue protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall, a sports hernia involves a tear or strain in the soft tissue (muscles, tendons, or ligaments) of the lower abdomen or groin area without any visible bulge.
The key difference is that traditional hernias (inguinal, femoral, or umbilical) involve an actual defect in the abdominal wall with tissue protruding through it. Sports hernias instead typically affect the attachment of the oblique muscles to the pubic bone, the tendons in the groin area, or the joint where the pelvis meets in front (pubic symphysis).
Sports hernias primarily affect athletes who perform repetitive twisting movements or sudden directional changes, particularly in sports like soccer, hockey, and football. They typically cause chronic, activity-related groin pain that improves with rest but returns with activity—a pattern distinct from the persistent discomfort of traditional hernias.
Dr. Nguyen specializes in accurately diagnosing and treating sports hernias, distinguishing them from other conditions with similar symptoms to provide you with the most effective treatment approach.
Recovery follows a structured six-week progression to optimize your return to full activity:
Week 1: Rest while allowing gentle movement—walking, stairs, and lifting up to 20 lbs as tolerated. Resume normal daily activities within your comfort limits.
Week 2: Begin formal rehabilitation with isometric abdominal exercises focusing on transversalis/oblique muscles and targeted hip work.
Week 3: Gradually increase walking duration and exercise intensity. Start Cliniband isokinetic work under guidance.
Week 4: Introduce mobility, stability, and cardiovascular exercises. Swimming and cycling are approved; begin progressive running program.
Week 5: Focus on muscle re-education with concentric/eccentric functional patterns. Start sport-specific training (cutting movements, directional running).
Week 6: Add lower limb strength work and general weights with proper core support. Athletes begin full sport-specific training and return to play based on functional ability.
Dr. Nguyen provides personalized guidance throughout your recovery, adjusting your plan based on your specific needs and progress.
Our sports hernia surgical outcomes are consistently excellent. Approximately 90% of athletes successfully return to their original sport with minimal or no pain. About 5% of patients experience significant improvement but may still have moderate discomfort during intense athletic activities.
In the small percentage of cases where patients continue to experience limiting pain, Dr. Nguyen remains committed to your complete recovery. We understand that sports hernias can present complex challenges, so we pledge to work persistently with each patient, exploring all available options until we achieve a satisfactory solution for your specific situation. Our goal is always your successful return to the activities you love.
A sports hernia repair procedure with Dr. Nguyen typically takes approximately forty minutes from start to finish—a relatively brief surgical intervention compared to many other operations.
Despite the brief surgical time, please rest assured that Dr. Nguyen never rushes through any procedure. Each sports hernia repair receives his full attention and meticulous care, with the appropriate time to ensure optimal results.
Yes, you can. Patients traveling to California for treatment with Dr. Nguyen typically only need a brief three-day stay in the area. Your visit is efficiently structured to maximize your time. On the first day, you'll undergo a comprehensive examination and personalized evaluation with Dr. Nguyen to confirm your diagnosis and finalize your treatment plan. Surgery is then scheduled for the second day, using our advanced minimally-invasive techniques. By the third day, most patients are ready to return home with detailed aftercare instructions. This streamlined process is designed to accommodate out-of-town patients while ensuring you receive the complete care needed for successful recovery.
Wondering which surgical procedure might be right for your condition? We're here to help you understand your treatment options and develop a personalized surgical plan. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Your path to improved health may be more achievable than you think—with advanced surgical techniques leading to faster recovery, reduced complications, and a significantly enhanced quality of life.