BARIATRIC SURGEON IN SALT LAKE CITY, UT

EXCELLENT

4.1 STARS ON

Experience Long-Term
Weight Loss

  • 1,000+ Patients Transformed | 20+ Years Experience
  • Advanced Laparoscopic & Robotic Techniques
  • Insurance Guidance + Flexible Financing Available

EXCELLENT

4.1 STARS ON

1000+ Satisfied Patients

“Life-Saving, Trusted Care”

Dr. Paulk’s professionalism and expertise made me feel safe and truly cared for.

Angi Baldwin

Verified Google Review

“Exceptional Surgical Expertise”

Dr. Rodrick D. McKinlay provided outstanding pain management, meticulous technique, and compassionate care ensuring a smooth recovery.

Tiffany Holmberg

Verified Google Review

“Support Beyond Expectations”

Provided excellent referrals, attentive care, and guidance every step of the way.

Brenda Skinner

Verified Google Review

“Life-Changing Weight Loss Care”

Professional, safety-focused approach with clear explanations and a supportive, knowledgeable team.

Lisa Day-Daniels

Verified Google Review

“A Doctor Who Listens”

Genuinely attentive approach makes you feel heard, valued, and truly cared for.

Mark Bennett

Verified Google Review

Expert Bariatric Surgeons Helping You Reclaim Your Health With Medically Guided Weight Loss Surgery

Achieve Significant,
Sustainable Weight Loss

Bariatric surgery isn’t another diet. It’s a medically guided reset designed to help you lose substantial weight and keep it off long-term.

Improve Your Health
& Reduce Medications

Many patients experience improvements in diabetes, blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain — helping you feel healthier, stronger, and more in control.

Regain Energy
& Confidence

Feel lighter, move easier, and show up fully in your life again — whether that’s keeping up with your kids or feeling confident in photos.

Why Us

4 Reasons To Choose Us For
Advanced Bariatric Surgery

Over 1,000 women and men have trusted us to guide their transformation safely and successfully.

Exceptional Surgical Expertise

With over two decades of experience and advanced robotic techniques, your procedure is performed with precision and efficiency to minimize trauma and complications.

Comprehensive Education & Support

You’re supported by an in-house dietitian, detailed pre-op education, and ongoing monthly support groups to help you succeed long-term.

Low Complication Rates & Short Hospital Stays

Our refined surgical methods are designed to promote smoother recovery, less discomfort, and faster return to daily life.

Reputation for Excellence

Recognized multiple years as “Best in State” for bariatric surgery and one of the longest-running bariatric clinics in the country.

3 Easy Steps to a Healthier, Stronger You

Take control of your future with expert bariatric care designed around your long-term success.

01 Schedule Your Comprehensive Consultation

Book a personalized consultation to discuss your goals, medical history, BMI, and insurance options.

02 Meet With Your Surgeon

Dr. Nicholas Christian Paulk will evaluate your health, explain the differences between sleeve, bypass, duodenal switch, and SADI, and design a custom surgical plan tailored to your needs.

03 Begin Your Transformation

Move forward with confidence knowing you have a structured medical team supporting you before surgery and for years after.

Meet The Surgeon Helping 1,000+
Patients
Reclaim Their Health

Director of Utah Bariatrics | Board-Certified | 20+ Years of Experience

20+

Years
Experienced

Dr. Nicholas Christian Paulk is a highly experienced bariatric surgeon dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting health transformation.

With over two decades of surgical experience and more than 1,000 patients treated, Dr. Paulk specializes in advanced laparoscopic and robotic bariatric procedures designed to minimize complications and optimize outcomes.

He is affiliated with the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), and the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM).

Recognized multiple years as “Best in State” for bariatric surgery and honored with the Frist Humanitarian Award, Dr. Paulk combines precision, compassion, and comprehensive patient education to help individuals take control of their health safely and confidently.

His approach emphasizes efficiency, safety, and long-term support — ensuring patients are guided every step of the way.

20+

Years
Experienced

Dr. Rodrick McKinlay is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting, life-changing weight loss. With over two decades of surgical experience and thousands of successful procedures performed, he specializes in advanced minimally invasive bariatric techniques designed to enhance safety, reduce recovery time, and deliver optimal long-term results.

A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and active member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), Dr. McKinlay is recognized for his surgical precision, compassionate approach, and commitment to excellence in metabolic care.

Beyond surgery, he emphasizes patient education and long-term postoperative support, ensuring every individual is guided with confidence, clarity, and personalized care throughout their transformation journey.

Who Is Bariatric Surgery Right For?

If you struggle with a high BMI and related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

If you’ve tried diets and weight loss programs repeatedly without long-term success.

If your weight is affecting your energy, mobility, or ability to fully participate in life with your family.

If you want a medically supervised, structured solution with professional guidance and ongoing support.

No matter your situation, Dr. Paulk can provide you with a custom plan designed around your health goals and long-term success.

FAQ's

Got questions

Your consultation is comprehensive and personalized. We’ll review your BMI, medical history, previous weight loss attempts, and current health conditions. Dr. Paulk will explain your surgical options — sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, or SADI — and help determine which is safest and most effective for you. We also discuss insurance coverage, financing options, and what to expect before and after surgery so you leave feeling informed and confident.

Many insurance plans do cover bariatric surgery if you meet medical criteria such as BMI requirements or obesity-related conditions. Our team helps verify your insurance benefits and guide you through the approval process. If you’re paying cash, financing options through third-party providers are available to make treatment manageable.

Each procedure works differently to support weight loss and metabolic improvement:


  • Gastric Sleeve reduces the size of the stomach to limit intake and regulate hunger hormones.
  • Gastric Bypass reroutes digestion to reduce absorption and promote faster metabolic improvement.
  • Duodenal Switch combines restriction and significant metabolic changes for greater weight loss in higher BMI patients.
  • SADI is a simplified version of the duodenal switch with similar powerful metabolic benefits.

Dr. Paulk will recommend the safest and most effective option based on your health profile and goals.

Bariatric surgery is considered safe when performed by an experienced surgeon using advanced techniques. Dr. Paulk utilizes advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical methods designed to reduce trauma, minimize complications, and shorten hospital stays. Your safety is our highest priority, and you’ll receive thorough pre-operative education and post-operative monitoring.

Most patients stay in the hospital for a short period and return to light activities within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery varies depending on the procedure and individual health factors. Because we use minimally invasive techniques, recovery is typically smoother and faster than traditional open surgery.

Long-term success depends on following structured dietary and lifestyle guidance — which is why our program includes detailed education, access to an in-house dietitian, ongoing InBody scans, and monthly support groups. With the right support system and commitment, bariatric surgery can provide sustainable, long-term results.

Ready to Take Control of Your Health?

Book your consultation below and receive a personalized surgical plan, insurance verification guidance, and a comprehensive health evaluation so you can move forward with clarity and confidence — before making any final decisions.