Mr. Bobby Bhasker-Rao, MD, FACS

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Get to know Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Bobby Bhasker-Rao, who serves patients in Rancho Mirage, California.

Dr. Bhasker-Rao, or simply “Dr. Bobby” as he is known by his patients, is one of southern California’s most highly regarded bariatric surgeons. 

The Founder & CEO of Lite Life Surgery, he is sought for his extensive experience in the latest minimally-invasive techniques, his warm, caring nature, and his genuine commitment to his patients’ long-term success and well-being.

Having practiced in the Palm Springs area for the past 15 years, Dr. Bobby specializes in cutting-edge robotic weight loss surgery. Utilizing the da Vinci Robotic Surgical system, he performs gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomies, Lap-Bands, and a new procedure known as a modified duodenal switch.

There are only about 50 surgeons nationwide performing surgeries robotically, and Dr. Bobby is the most experienced on the west coast. The robot provides a 3D image and allows for 360-degree wrist rotation, resulting in more precise surgeries with fewer complications and faster recovery. Most patients can return home within 24 hours after surgery.

Nationally recognized as Best of the Best among Bariatric Surgeons, Dr. Bobby has performed more than 3,000 weight loss procedures and turned many lives around in the process. For him, surgery isn’t the final answer. He provides an extensive follow-up program that includes diet counseling with a registered dietitian, nutrient monitoring, support groups, and exercise classes that are designed to help with getting the weight off and keeping it off.

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Bobby was educated at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1994, after which he completed his residency at Brookdale University Hospital & Medical Center in New York in 2001. He furthered his education with a fellowship at University of California Davis Medical Center in 2003, where he trained with world renowned surgeons and was a clinical instructor of surgery. 

Dedicated to his profession, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery (ABS). The ABS is an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge.

Among his professional affiliations, Dr. Bobby holds memberships in the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the American College of Surgeons (Fellow), the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and the American Medical Association.

With a commitment to surgical education, he serves as a proctor for new bariatric surgeons as well as for experienced bariatric surgeons who are interested in improving their technique.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment causing weight loss and reducing complications of obesity. The medical professionals specializing in this particular field are called bariatric surgeons. 

The recipient of the Top Surgeon Award of 2013-2021 as seen in The New York Times, Dr. Bobby has received numerous other awards throughout his career. These include: Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011, 2010), Patients’ Choice Award (2018, 2017, 2016, 2011, 2010), On-Time Doctor Award (2018, 2017, 2016), and Compassionate Doctor Award – 5 Year Honoree (2020).

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