Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery in Benoni

Yes, bariatric surgery is the medical term for it. At City Medical Centre the main methods are sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) and gastric bypass; the surgeon chooses the method by your BMI and health.

Usually a BMI over 40, or over 35 with related health conditions. The surgeon confirms whether surgery suits you at the consultation.

Our clinic's bariatric operations are performed 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.

Send us a message — our coordinator will get back to you shortly and set up your consultation. The bariatric surgeon consultation is free.

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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
• Unsuccessful past attempts at weight loss by traditional means

Obesity is graded mainly by BMI, calculated as body weight (kg) over height squared (m²). A BMI above 40 usually justifies surgery, as does a BMI above 35 with serious related conditions. In certain cases surgery is considered at lower values too, if approaches without surgery have not succeeded.

Many people confuse the two, but their goals are fundamentally different. Bariatric surgery is a medical treatment for obesity and related diseases. It changes how the digestive tract works, addressing the causes of excess weight and metabolism. Plastic surgery reshapes the body's outer contours; it does not treat obesity or affect metabolism.

City Medical Centre performs four core types of bariatric surgery: sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass (MGB) and SADI-S duodeno-ileal bypass. Selection is individual and takes into account BMI, related conditions and the patient's goals.

Using modern laparoscopic technique, we perform the operation via 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm. Cosmetic sutures are placed, leaving marks that are nearly invisible after healing.

When you recover depends on your activity. Office work: after 2–4 weeks. Physical work: after 1.5 months. Sport and activity: swimming is fine after 30 days; other exercise gets added gradually as weight drops. Travel and holidays: best planned from a month after surgery.

Diet changes happen in stages, from liquids to soft food and then solids. It centers on protein and limits high-calorie, fatty food.

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery is possible, though doctors recommend waiting at least 12–18 months. In that time the body stabilizes, weight reaches its target and nutritional status returns to normal.

Yes — vitamins are required after bariatric surgery. With the digestive anatomy changed, some nutrients are absorbed less well, and regular vitamin and mineral supplements become a permanent part of 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.