Bariatric Surgery in Beirut: Methods and Results

Bariatric operations here are carried out by experienced bariatric surgeons:

• Ruslan S. Menzulin — bariatric surgeon and surgical oncologist, 9 years of experience. 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.
• Andrey G. Ugay — lead bariatric surgeon, 27 years of experience. Has performed the largest number of SASJ operations in the country. Expert council member of the national Society of Bariatric Surgeons.

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Surgery is prescribed only when clear criteria are met

• The patient's body mass index (BMI)
• Overall health and any related chronic conditions
• Weight-loss attempts using conventional methods have not succeeded

The main way to assess the degree of obesity is BMI. It is body weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). Generally, surgery is justified with BMI above 40, or above 35 combined with serious related conditions. Lower values may sometimes be considered for surgery too, when non-surgical measures have failed.

It is common to confuse them, but their goals are fundamentally different. Bariatric surgery treats obesity and related diseases medically. By changing how the digestive tract works, it addresses the causes of excess weight and metabolism. Plastic surgery shapes the body's outer contours; it does not treat obesity and has no effect on metabolism.

The four main types of bariatric surgery at City Medical Centre are sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass (MGB) and SADI-S duodeno-ileal bypass. Each method is matched individually to BMI, related conditions and the patient's goals.

Our surgeons use modern laparoscopic technique: the operation goes through 4 small 5 to 15 mm punctures. With cosmetic sutures, the marks become almost invisible once healed.

Recovery time depends on the activity. Office work: after 2–4 weeks. Physical work: after 1.5 months. Sport and activity: swimming allowed after 30 days, other exercise gradually added as weight goes down. Travel and holidays: plan no sooner than one month after surgery.

The diet evolves in steps — from liquids to soft, then solid food — with a focus on protein and limits on high-calorie, fatty food.

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery can happen, though doctors advise holding off at least 12–18 months. In this period the body becomes stable, weight reaches target values and nutritional status normalizes.

Yes, after bariatric surgery vitamins are a must. The altered digestive anatomy reduces absorption of some nutrients, which makes regular vitamin and mineral supplements a permanent part of the patient's life.

Although weight regain after bariatric surgery is possible, it is very unlikely if you follow the doctor's advice. Proper eating, avoiding high-calorie drinks and regular follow-up with City Medical Centre specialists are key.