City Medical Centre · multi-specialty surgery clinicOpen 24/7
EN
Message us on Telegram

Bariatric surgery

Bariatric Surgery in Addis Ababa: Methods and Results

Discounted price

$3,600

$4,800 · First consultation — Free

Real result
Bariatric surgery: a patient before surgery and after weight loss before after
Weight loss guided and supported
throughout. Your surgery and recovery plan is reviewed at no charge — prior to deciding.

Message our coordinator

Free online consultation · Reply within 15 minutes

Message us on Telegram

By messaging us, you agree to our Privacy Policy

Results

Before and after: weight loss in our patients

All cases are real patients of the clinic.

Irina, 26 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Irina, 26

Bariatric surgery

Angelina, 22 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Angelina, 22

Bariatric surgery

Anna, 31 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Anna, 31

Bariatric surgery

Veronika, 25 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Veronika, 25

Bariatric surgery

Valentina, 23 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Valentina, 23

Bariatric surgery

Evgenia, 41 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Evgenia, 41

Bariatric surgery

Anna, 27 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Anna, 27

Bariatric surgery

Veronika, 26 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Veronika, 26

Bariatric surgery

Kristina, 23 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Kristina, 23

Bariatric surgery

Anna, 24 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Anna, 24

Bariatric surgery

Veronika, 34 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Veronika, 34

Bariatric surgery

Comparison

Weight loss
methods

There are two main surgeries we offer: the sleeve and the bypass. Learn how they work, why they are done and who they suit, so you can choose your method with confidence.

Sleeve gastrectomy

A smaller stomach volume

A surgeon explains sleeve gastrectomy to a patient on an anatomical model

Discounted price

$3,600 $4,800

Main goal
Weight loss, feeling full quickly
When it is performed
Obesity without marked reflux
Type of anaesthesia and stay
General anaesthesia, hospital stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days

Gastric bypass

Stomach volume is reduced and the food path is changed

A surgeon shows a patient on a model how gastric bypass is done

Discounted price

$4,000 $5,200

Main goal
Weight loss, better metabolism
When it is performed
Obesity, diabetes or reflux
Type of anaesthesia and stay
General anaesthesia, hospital stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days

We show average benefits and recovery times for each method as a guide only: the extent of the operation and recovery are individual, set by your anatomy and features, and confirmed by the surgeon at the consultation.

Book a consultation

The clinic

Feel at ease throughout your stay with us

Modern equipment, comfortable rooms and care for every patient

A doctor and a patient in a clinic ward

Contact us the way that suits you

You get answers to your questions and a consultation slot that fits your schedule

Get a consultation

Weight loss surgery is not right for every patient

You and the surgeon decide on surgery together, after a consultation and check-up.

SuitableBariatric surgery addresses

A bariatric surgeon explains the indications for surgery to a patient
  • Excess weight
  • Hypertension
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Varicose veins
  • Joint disease
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Reproductive health problems

Not suitableContraindications

A surgeon discusses contraindications to bariatric surgery with a patient
  • Age under 18
  • Malignant tumors
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Severe chronic and mental illness
  • Acute illness or flare-ups of chronic disease
  • Less than six months since breastfeeding ended

Not certain which side you are on?

Write to us on Telegram — a coordinator will let you know whether bariatric surgery is an option for you. The surgeon consultation costs nothing and carries no obligation to operate.

Find out if it suits me
A clinic coordinator talks to a patient in the waiting area

Prices

You know the price
before surgery

At the consultation, when your plan is ready, we name the cost and fix it in the contract.

Discounted price

Sleeve gastrectomy

A smaller stomach volume

Surgeons during a sleeve gastrectomy

$3,600$4,800

Lock in the price

Discounted price

Gastric bypass

Weight loss and rerouting food

A surgeon during a gastric bypass

$4,000$5,200

Lock in the price

Free

First consultation

The surgeon examines you and draws up a treatment plan

First consultation

Free

you are told the cost of surgery
and it is fixed in the contract

Book a consultation

Find out your method and the cost of surgery

The doctor reviews your health and goals and decides on the right bariatric surgery method. At the consultation the cost is named, and the contract fixes it.

A nurse and a patient in a clinic ward after bariatric surgery

Message our coordinator

Free online consultation · Reply within 15 minutes

Message us on Telegram

By messaging us, you agree to our Privacy Policy

A bariatric surgeon discusses a treatment plan with a patient

price

What the $3,600 (≈ ETB 590,000) price includes

One package includes preparation and 12 months of support. There are no extra charges.Starting with preparation for surgery
and ending with support for 12 months.

  • Surgery and the surgeon's work
  • General anaesthesia
  • Inpatient stay after surgery
  • A slimmer, healthier body
  • Meals at the clinic
  • Support while you keep the weight off
  • One coordinator with you from day one
  • Remote progress check by photos

$3,600$4,800

Discounted price

Lock in the price

What to expect

Treatment at the clinic —
from preparation until discharge

A jointly agreed treatment plan, monitoring in hospital and support over a year.

A bariatric surgeon shows a patient the surgery plan on a tablet1

Consultation and a treatment plan

The doctor looks at your health, talks about your goals and requests the tests needed to choose the right bariatric surgery method.

Booking the surgery date2

Setting the date of surgery

A surgery date is reserved for you, with the deposit paid by card at the clinic or online by bank transfer. The terms are recorded in the contract for medical services

A blood sample tube for tests before bariatric surgery3

Lab tests before the operation

Before surgery you will have blood and urine tests, an ECG, an ultrasound and a gastroscopy, plus specialist appointments. The doctor provides the exact list at the consultation.

Surgeons performing a bariatric operation4

Surgery

The bariatric operation takes place under general anaesthesia, performed by the surgeon with the chosen method; after surgery the medical team monitors the patient.

A hospital ward at the clinic5

Inpatient stay

You stay in hospital under doctors' supervision after surgery; the stay runs from 1–3 to 4–5 days, depending on the operation's complexity and how you feel.

A doctor and a patient in the ward during recovery6

Recovery

After you leave hospital, you receive advice on diet and recovery. Scheduled check-ups monitor your weight, test results and how you feel. The clinic team supports you for a year.

At the consultation the doctor makes a plan and tells you how the surgery will go

A surgeon shows a patient the result forecast on a tablet

The consultation is free of charge, comes before surgery and obliges you to nothing.

Book a consultation
A surgeon shows a patient the result forecast on a tablet

Doctors

Surgeons to rely on

Bariatric surgeon Andrey G. Ugay

Andrey G. Ugay

View profile

27 years of experience

Senior bariatric surgeon
Surgeon

  • Has performed the largest number of SASJ operations in the country
  • Expert council member of the national Society of Bariatric Surgeons
  • Speaks regularly at national and international congresses
Bariatric surgeon Ruslan S. Menzulin

Ruslan S. Menzulin

View profile

9 years of experience

Bariatric surgeon
Surgical oncologist

  • Trained at Mercy clinic (USA) under Vadim Gushchin
  • Spoke at the World Congress of bariatric surgery in Santiago (2025)
  • Co-author of an international study published in The Lancet

Your surgeon does the operation and follows your progress from the first consultation to the result.

Your first consultation is with our patient care manager, who calculates your BMI, explains the methods and books you in with the surgeon. It is free of charge.

Book a consultation

Coordinators

Clinic coordinators

Our team supports you at each stage

Your personal coordinator

The person you reach first at the clinic, from your first message up to the consultation

Patient care specialist

Answers your questions before the first consultation and helps you choose a convenient date

  • Explains each step of preparation
  • Reminds you about tests and check-ups
Your personal coordinator

From the moment you book to discharge — with you before and during your stay

Patient care specialist

Stays in touch during your clinic stay and helps you prepare for surgery

  • Supports you before and after surgery
  • Helps with documents and bookings
Your personal coordinator

By your side through recovery, from discharge to your final check-up

Patient care specialist

Books your follow-up visits with the surgeon and keeps in touch during recovery

  • Answers questions during recovery
  • Books follow-up visits

Advantages

Why patients come to City Medical Centre

A surgeon consults a patient in the clinic

An individual approach at each stage

We pick the best method for your health, lifestyle and goals, and our team is with you all the way.

A tablet with a meal plan and a patient's diary after bariatric surgery

Long-term
post-operative support

We help you get used to new eating habits, monitor your results and hold on to them.

A patient at the clinic

Real results that last

Weight loss that is steady, better well-being and a higher quality of life.

A patient picks a convenient visit time in her planner and phone calendar

Your timetable comes first

We respect your time: we work 24/7, with easy booking and a personal approach — we adapt to your pace.

A contract with a fixed price for surgery and no hidden fees

Fixed prices

After the consultation the surgeon chooses the method and you get a clear price — no hidden fees and no surprises on the way to your result.

Prices

Prices for bariatric surgery

Get a free consultation for any service when you apply before the month is out

  • Consultation with a bariatric surgeon

    Free

    Book

  • Sleeve gastrectomy

    Price without discount: $4,800$3,600

    Book

  • Gastric bypass

    Price without discount: $5,200$4,000

    Book

FAQ

Questions patients often ask
before booking

Bariatric Surgery in Addis Ababa: price and what is included

Prices are in US dollars; the amount in brackets is an approximate conversion to ETB at the rate of 02.10.2026. The final price is fixed in your contract.

How much does bariatric surgery in Addis Ababa cost?

Prices start from $3,600 (≈ ETB 590,000). The surgeon sets the final price at the free consultation, and it is fixed in the contract, with no hidden extras.

What is included in the price?

General anaesthesia, a personal coordinator from day one, monitoring in the hospital and support for one year.

How long do the procedure and recovery take?

The hospital stay is 1–5 days, depending on the method and how you feel. Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks.

Is the first consultation free?

Yes. The first consultation is free and does not oblige you to anything. You can start online by sending a message to the coordinator.

How do I get my exact price?

Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram using the buttons below. A coordinator will answer your questions and book a free consultation where the doctor names the exact price.

Message us on Telegram

By messaging us, you agree to our Privacy Policy

Bariatric surgery in Addis Ababa: what you should know

Surgery is usually justified with a BMI above 40, or above 35 when serious related conditions are present, and sometimes at lower values if other approaches have failed. People in Addis Ababa who have carried 30 kg or more above normal for years, whose weight returns after every diet, or who live with type 2 diabetes, hypertension or joint pain are typical candidates.

It begins with a surgeon's consultation: medical history, choice of method and a recovery plan. Patients from Addis Ababa then complete a work-up — blood and urine tests, biochemistry, HbA1c, coagulation, chest X-ray, ECG, abdominal and kidney ultrasound, leg vein Doppler and a required gastroscopy — plus consultations with a GP, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist and, for women, a gynecologist.

One package covers the full journey, from consultation to final result. There are no separate charges added later: ward, meals, nursing care and coordinator support are included. To find out whether surgery suits you, patients in Addis Ababa can book a free surgeon consultation; the doctor reviews BMI, health and weight history and recommends a method.

Patient reviews

What patients write after this operation. Reviews are translated from the original language.

Irina, 26

For a long time I doubted whether to go ahead with surgery, but after the consultation I felt much calmer. Andrey Georgievich explained in detail how gastric bypass is done, what to expect after the operation and how recovery would go. I especially liked that they talked to me calmly and without pressure. I am now gradually getting used to my new way of life and I am very glad I took this step.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Andrey G. Ugay

Angelina, 22

For me the hardest part was deciding to have the operation. At the consultation Ruslan Sergeyevich answered all my questions in detail and explained the specifics of sleeve gastrectomy and recovery. After the operation I always understood what I was doing and why. Thank you to the doctor and the whole team for their attentiveness.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Ruslan S. Menzulin

Anna, 31

For a very long time I tried to deal with my excess weight on my own, but I did not get the result I wanted. After the consultation with Andrey Georgievich I finally understood what to do next. I came through the operation well, and my recovery was supervised by the doctors. It was important for me to feel that I was not left alone after surgery.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Andrey G. Ugay

Veronika, 25

Before the operation I had many fears, mostly of the unknown. Ruslan Sergeyevich explained every stage of treatment in detail and answered even the simplest questions. Thanks to that I felt much more confident. I keep following the recommendations and I am gradually seeing the changes I had the operation for.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Ruslan S. Menzulin

Valentina, 23

The decision to have bariatric surgery was not easy for me. I worried both about the operation itself and about how my life would change afterwards. At the consultation Andrey Georgievich explained everything in detail, so little by little my fear turned into confidence. What matters most to me now is the result and the chance to treat my health and lifestyle differently.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Andrey G. Ugay

Anna, 27

I am very grateful to Ruslan Sergeyevich for his attentiveness. Before the operation I had a huge number of questions, and I got a clear answer to every one of them. After the operation it was also clear which recommendations to follow and how to eat. It was important to me that the doctor stayed in touch and I felt supported at every stage.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Ruslan S. Menzulin

All patient reviews

Page medically reviewed by Andrey G. Ugay, lead bariatric surgeon. Review date: .

Bariatric surgery for residents of Addis Ababa: who this is for

Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, with an estimated population of 6,287,000 inhabitants as of 2025. It is a highly developed cultural, financial and administrative centre. Many residents work in trade, manufacturing, civil administration, transport, education, health services, and hotels and catering. Office days, long meetings and shift work all shape how a person eats, moves and sleeps. When excess weight stops responding to diet and exercise, sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass becomes a question that people in the city ask more and more openly.

City Medical Centre offers a free online consultation to patients in Addis Ababa. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on WhatsApp and Telegram, so you can write after work, in the evening or at any other time that suits you. A coordinator will call you back 24/7. The work is organised in a personal way and adapted to your own pace, so you are never rushed into a decision.

This text is general information. It does not replace the surgeon's assessment. The surgeon confirms at the consultation whether surgery suits you, and only after reviewing your history, your weight and your current state of health.

Who is a candidate and who is not

The usual criterion is a BMI over 40, or over 35 with related health conditions. BMI is the main tool for assessing the degree of obesity. It is calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. Surgery is usually justified with a BMI above 40, or above 35 with serious related conditions. In some cases surgery is considered at lower values too, if non-surgical approaches have failed.

Before the online call, it helps to write down your height, your current weight, the diets and programmes you have already tried, and the chronic conditions you live with, such as raised blood pressure, diabetes or sleep problems. Residents of Addis Ababa often come to the conversation after several years of attempts, and a clear timeline of those attempts helps the surgeon judge your situation.

Surgery is not suitable for everyone. Conditions that make an operation under general anaesthesia unsafe, untreated eating disorders, or an unwillingness to follow nutritional advice can all be reasons to wait or to choose another path. The surgeon will explain this plainly. A candid answer of this kind is part of a good consultation, not a refusal to help.

Sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass: what patients in Addis Ababa ask

The two most common questions are which operation gives more weight loss and which is easier to live with. The honest answer is that the choice depends on your BMI, your related conditions, your eating habits and your goals. The surgeon discusses both methods with you and explains the reasons for recommending one of them.

Both operations rely on modern laparoscopic technique. The operation is performed through 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm. Cosmetic sutures are used, so after healing the marks are barely visible. For people who spend their days in offices, hotels, schools or shops in Addis Ababa and wear light clothing for much of the year, this detail often matters.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The hospital stay is 1–5 days, depending on the method and how you feel. Doctors supervise you in hospital after surgery for a stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days, depending on the complexity of the operation and how you are feeling. Ask the surgeon which of these ranges applies to your case and why.

Climate of Addis Ababa and recovery

Addis Ababa lies in the Ethiopian Highlands at an elevation of 2,355 metres, and the high elevation moderates temperatures all year round. No month has a mean temperature above 22 °C. This is good news for recovery: you are rarely exposed to the heavy heat that makes compression garments, bandages and wound care uncomfortable elsewhere.

The dry season runs from mid-November to January, with daily maximum temperatures usually not above 23 °C and cool nights that range from 5 °C to 10 °C and can drop to freezing. Warm layers at home are sensible in this period, as is soft clothing that does not press on the puncture areas. The short rainy season is from February to May. The long wet season, from June to mid-September, is the coldest time of the year, with frequent rain, hail and cloud. Damp days make it tempting to stay still, so ask your surgeon about gentle walking at home during this period.

Altitude and dry air can make it easy to forget to drink. In the first weeks after surgery, sip fluids slowly through the day exactly as the team has instructed, and report anything that worries you to the coordinator. Protect healing marks from strong sun when you are outdoors at height, and choose a hat or a cap for comfort. These are general suggestions; your surgeon's instructions always come first.

Choosing the season for the operation

There is no single best month in a city where temperatures are so even. The decision usually depends on your work calendar, school terms for your children, family obligations and when you can count on help at home. Because the climate is mild, the weather seldom forces a postponement.

The dry months from mid-November to January are cool and calm, which suits quiet rest at home and short walks. The short rainy season from February to May brings warm temperatures and pleasant rainfall, with a smaller gap between day and night temperatures. In the long wet season, the cold and damp can make daily movement less appealing, so plan indoor walking and warm clothing if you choose these months.

Whichever month you pick, plan the first weeks with the surgeon's recovery timeline in mind. Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks. Physical work follows after 1.5 months. Agree these dates with your employer or colleagues in advance, and ask the coordinator if you need help with the wording of a medical note.

Work, study and sport after surgery

Addis Ababa is a city of universities and colleges, from Addis Ababa University, founded in 1950, to many public and private institutions. Students and young staff members who consider surgery often ask whether they can keep up with classes. The general answer is that sedentary study can resume sooner than heavy activity, but the exact moment depends on how you feel and what the surgeon says.

For work, the facts are straightforward. Recovery time depends on the activity. Office work: after 2–4 weeks. Physical work: after 1.5 months. If your job involves lifting, long hours on your feet or work at a hotel, a market or a construction site, plan the longer period and discuss duties with your employer before the operation.

Sport has a special place in the city. Addis Ababa hosts the Jan Meda International Cross Country and the annual 10 km Great Ethiopian Run, held in late October. Many residents want to return to running or walking in a group. After surgery, swimming is allowed after 30 days, and other exercise is gradually added as weight goes down. Do not set a goal such as a race date without the surgeon's agreement; ask what a realistic first target looks like.

Family events, shared meals and eating after surgery

Addis Ababa is a melting pot of communities from across the country. Amharic, Afaan Oromo, Gurage, Tigrinya and other languages are spoken, and the city has Orthodox, Muslim and Protestant communities. Family gatherings, religious holidays and celebrations are major parts of social life, and they are almost always built around shared food. Households in the city are large, with an average of 5.3 persons per household at the 2007 census, so meals are often communal.

After sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, portions are much smaller and the diet moves through stages. Tell your family early. Explain that you will eat slowly, in small amounts, and that this is not a sign of disrespect to the host. Many patients find it helpful to agree beforehand with relatives on what will be served for them during the early weeks.

If you observe religious fasting periods, tell the surgeon and the dietitian at the very first consultation. Fasting in the weeks after the operation can interfere with protein intake and hydration, and the team can suggest how to plan your diet safely. Do not decide this alone; discuss it openly, and the coordinator can help prepare the questions.

Questions to ask the surgeon

A useful consultation is a prepared one. Write your list before the call and keep it short enough to cover everything. Good questions include: which operation suits my BMI and my conditions, and why; how long will I stay in hospital; what will I eat in each stage; which vitamins will I need; what follow-up will I have.

The programme is structured as one package from preparation to 12 months of support, with no added fees. Ask exactly what each stage includes, who answers your messages, and how quickly. Follow-up support for 12 months matters, because the first year is when habits are formed and when most questions arise.

Also ask about pregnancy if you or your spouse are planning a family. Getting pregnant after bariatric surgery is possible, but doctors advise waiting at least 12–18 months, so the body can stabilize, weight can reach target values and nutritional status can normalize. Ask about long-term results too: the full result is usually seen 18–24 months after surgery, so do not judge the operation by the first months.

How the remote consultation works from Addis Ababa

You contact the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram, at any hour. We work 24/7: booking is easy, the approach is personal and we adapt to your pace. You send basic information about your height, weight and health, and the coordinator arranges a free online consultation with the surgeon. A coordinator will call you back 24/7.

During the consultation the surgeon reviews your history, explains the options and tells you whether surgery suits you. Nothing is decided in a hurry. You can take time at home with your family, which matters in a city where major decisions are usually discussed with relatives, and come back with further questions.

If you choose to go ahead, the coordinator guides you through the preparation step by step, then the hospital stay of 1–5 days under observation, and afterwards the support during the first 12 months. Keep your messages and test results in one place on your phone, so each conversation continues where the last one ended.

From Finfinne to Addis Ababa: a city named for hot springs and a new flower

Addis Ababa means 'new flower' in Amharic, while the Oromo name Finfinnee refers to a fountain of hot mineral water. The settlement began in 1886 in the valley south of Mount Entoto, around the Filwuha hot mineral springs, where Empress Taytu and the royal court liked to take mineral baths. A city that grew around warm water has a long habit of connecting health with daily routine, and that is a useful frame of mind for someone planning bariatric surgery.

Many residents still think of care for the body as something slow and regular rather than sudden. After sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, the same attitude helps: short daily walks, steady sips of fluid and calm rest at home matter more than any single dramatic effort. Ask the surgeon at the online consultation when gentle warm showers are suitable, and keep the puncture areas clean and dry as instructed.

Entoto, eucalyptus and walking routines at 2,355 metres

The city lies at the foot of Mount Entoto and rises from about 2,326 metres in the southern periphery to over 3,000 metres in the Entoto Mountains to the north. One of Emperor Menelik's contributions still visible today is the planting of eucalyptus trees along the city streets, and the Entoto hills remain the natural backdrop for outdoor exercise.

For recovery this means that your route matters. Choose a flat, quiet street near home for the first walks and avoid steep slopes while you are still weak. Climbing toward Entoto belongs to a later stage, once the surgeon agrees that exercise can increase gradually as weight goes down. Because the city is high, breathlessness can come sooner than you expect, so stop and rest without guilt.

Sport clubs and group running are part of city life, but swimming is allowed only after 30 days, so do not plan a pool visit before that date.

Sefer neighbourhoods, kebele life and support at home

Addis Ababa grew from sefer, the large plots allocated in 1887 to nobles and their households, and the word is still used for neighbourhoods. Today the city is divided into subcities and 99 wards called kebele, and people often rely on neighbours, relatives and the local church or mosque in daily life.

This closeness can be a real strength after surgery. Before the operation, tell one or two trusted people in your sefer what you are planning, and ask who can cook small portions, collect prescriptions or simply check on you. Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks and physical work after 1.5 months, so arrange help for the weeks in between.

Households here include people from the Amhara, Oromo, Gurage, Dorze and Tigrayan communities, so mealtime customs differ from family to family. Explain your new eating pattern kindly and early to each household you visit often.

A capital of institutions, offices and long working days

Addis Ababa is a financial and administrative centre and home to major international organizations, which means many residents work in offices, meetings and conferences where food is offered at fixed moments. Banking grew in the city from the 1920s, and today banks, ministries and service companies employ a large share of the workforce.

If your job involves official lunches, hospitality or frequent meetings, tell your employer in advance that you will need a short leave and that for the first weeks you will eat small amounts slowly. Ask the surgeon how to handle a first day back at the desk, and keep a water bottle within reach. The coordinators are on WhatsApp and Telegram around the clock if you need help preparing a medical note.

Obesity as a health question in the capital

Obesity is a medical condition, not a lack of willpower. The World Health Organization treats obesity and overweight as a significant health concern, and the capital, with its offices, shopping malls, restaurants and growing range of services, has a lifestyle that is changing for many households.

Treat surgery as a tool, not a shortcut. It works best together with regular meals, enough protein, fluids, movement and medical check-ups. The results come from the combination of the operation and the changes you make afterwards.

If you are unsure whether the time is right, a free online consultation costs you nothing but a conversation. Write to the coordinators and ask your questions in your own words.

Can I have a consultation from Addis Ababa without leaving home?

Yes. The consultation is online and free. You write to the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram, they are available around the clock, and the surgeon speaks with you remotely. A coordinator will call you back 24/7.

Who is usually considered for bariatric surgery?

Usually a BMI over 40, or over 35 with related health conditions. In some cases surgery is considered at lower values too, if non-surgical approaches have failed. The surgeon confirms at the consultation whether surgery suits you.

How is the operation performed?

With modern laparoscopic technique, through 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm, under general anaesthesia. Cosmetic sutures are used, so after healing the marks are barely visible.

How long is the hospital stay?

The hospital stay is 1–5 days, depending on the method and how you feel. Doctors supervise you in hospital after surgery, and the surgeon can tell you which range applies to your case.

When can I go back to work?

Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks. Physical work follows after 1.5 months. Agree the dates with your employer before the operation.

Does the cool climate of Addis Ababa help recovery?

The high elevation keeps temperatures moderate all year, with no month above 22 °C in mean temperature, so heat is rarely a problem for bandages or compression garments. Cool nights in the dry season call for warm, soft clothing, and drinking enough fluids matters at altitude. Follow your surgeon's instructions.

When can I swim or return to sport?

Swimming is allowed after 30 days. Other exercise is gradually added as weight goes down. Ask the surgeon before returning to running or any intense training.

Can I get pregnant after bariatric surgery?

It is possible, but doctors advise waiting at least 12–18 months, so the body can stabilize, weight can reach target values and nutritional status can normalize.

What support is included after the operation?

The package runs from preparation to 12 months of support, all in one, with no added fees. Follow-up support for 12 months is part of it.

When will I see the full result?

The full result is usually seen 18–24 months after surgery. Weight changes gradually, and the surgeon will explain what to expect at each stage.

Is Addis Ababa's altitude a problem after bariatric surgery?

The city is at 2,355 metres, so you may feel breathless sooner on slopes. Start with flat, short walks, rest when needed and increase activity gradually as the surgeon advises. Raise any unusual symptoms with the coordinator.

Can I use my neighbourhood for walking during recovery?

Yes, if the surface is level and quiet. Choose a familiar street near home in your sefer, walk at a slow pace and avoid steep climbs toward the Entoto hills until the surgeon agrees.

How should I tell my family and colleagues in Addis Ababa about the operation?

Tell them early and plainly: you will eat small portions slowly, and you will be away from office work for about 2–4 weeks, or longer for physical work, which follows after 1.5 months.

Who in the city can help me during the first weeks?

Relatives, neighbours and your community often form the support network. Agree beforehand who will cook suitable food and who will check on you, while the coordinators remain available 24/7 for questions.