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Bariatric Surgery in Bogotá: Methods and Results
for good —
14,000 CMC patients already have a new body. We put the result in an official contract, so it is legal rather than merely verbal.
patients
experience
from excess weight
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Bariatric Surgery in Bogotá: Methods and Results
for good —
Everything for the result — included
Bariatric surgery —
is it right for me?
Tick the situations that sound familiar.
From 2 matches — a reason to talk to a surgeon.
Everything needed for the result —
already included
Zero hidden fees, zero surprises. One package covers the entire path.
Bariatric surgery —
is it right for me?
Tick the situations that sound familiar.
From 2 matches — a reason to talk to a surgeon.
Reasons to see a surgeon
A surgical consultation makes sense with a high BMI and also with related conditions
Medical history
Excess weight since childhood or a genetic predisposition
Metabolic disorders
Type 2 diabetes and hypertension associated with obesity
Resistance to conservative treatment
Over several years, diets and medication gave no result that lasted.
Medical history
Excess weight since childhood or a genetic predisposition
Metabolic disorders
Type 2 diabetes and hypertension associated with obesity
Resistance to conservative treatment
Over several years, diets and medication gave no result that lasted.
When is bariatric surgery justified?
Surgery is prescribed only when clear criteria are met
The role of body mass index (BMI)
BMI is the principal gauge of how advanced obesity is, found by dividing body weight (kg) by height squared (m²). Typically, a BMI above 40 — or above 35 with serious related conditions — justifies surgery. Some patients with lower values are considered for surgery too, if non-surgical options have failed.
Key factors
- The patient's body mass index (BMI)
- Overall health and any related chronic conditions
- Previous tries at losing weight with ordinary methods have failed
Why don't diets and exercise work for everyone?
People often spend years on diets and physical activity, but the body counters: metabolism slows, appetite increases, lost weight creeps back. When it is plain that changing the diet and taking medication cannot fundamentally improve things alone, bariatric surgery is the only effective exit.
Key factors
- The patient's body mass index (BMI)
- Overall health and any related chronic conditions
- Previous tries at losing weight with ordinary methods have failed
The role of body mass index (BMI)
BMI is the principal gauge of how advanced obesity is, found by dividing body weight (kg) by height squared (m²). Typically, a BMI above 40 — or above 35 with serious related conditions — justifies surgery. Some patients with lower values are considered for surgery too, if non-surgical options have failed.
Why don't diets and exercise work for everyone?
People often spend years on diets and physical activity, but the body counters: metabolism slows, appetite increases, lost weight creeps back. When it is plain that changing the diet and taking medication cannot fundamentally improve things alone, bariatric surgery is the only effective exit.
Medical indications
for bariatric surgery
Have chronic conditions? Please consult one of the clinic's doctors!
Indications
Excess weight
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Sleep apnea
Joint disease
Varicose veins
Fatty liver disease
Reproductive health problems
Contraindications
Age under 18
Malignant tumors
Less than six months since breastfeeding ended
Acute illness or flare-ups of chronic disease
Severe chronic and mental illness
Blood clotting disorders
Pregnancy
Bariatric surgery methods at City Medical Centre
Sleeve gastrectomy
The surgeon takes out most of the stomach and shapes the rest into a narrow tube. Portion size shrinks sharply and ghrelin, the hunger hormone, drops, so fullness comes much faster and the patient eats less.
Effectiveness: recommended for a BMI of 35 to 45. Typically patients shed 60–70% of excess weight.
Specifics: the outcome lasts less reliably than after bypass. Weight can come back if the diet is neglected, above all with high-calorie drinks and liquid food.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
The surgeon forms a small 50–70 ml pouch at the top of the stomach and joins it straight to the small intestine. This restricts food intake and cuts calorie absorption by shortening the route food takes through the gut.
Effectiveness: known as the “gold standard” for a BMI over 45–50 combined with type 2 diabetes. Excess weight loss hits 75–85%.
Specifics: the result is more durable than with other bariatric techniques. Diabetes, hypertension and similar related conditions often enter remission. The changed digestive anatomy means lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements.
Mini gastric bypass (MGB)
This operation is an improvement on the classic bypass. Compared with the standard technique, the surgeon creates a single connection (anastomosis) between the small stomach and the small intestine. Its simplicity makes it easier for the patient, with less recovery time.
Effectiveness: in line with the classic Roux-en-Y bypass — loss of up to 75–80% of excess weight.
Specifics: shorter surgery, quicker recovery. It is technically reversible, yet bile reflux is a risk because of the single anastomosis.
Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI-S)
As a modern combined technique, SADI-S brings together the benefits of sleeve gastrectomy and intestinal bypass. Its two stages: making the stomach into a narrow tube, then rerouting the small intestine so the majority of it is excluded from active digestion.
Effectiveness: one of the most potent bariatric operations; excess weight loss hits 80–90% and the result is long-lasting.
Specifics: a smaller stomach curbs appetite because the ghrelin-producing zone is removed, and sending food past part of the intestine limits calorie absorption. It suits super obesity (BMI over 50), severe type 2 diabetes, or a second stage after a sleeve that did not work.
Book a consultation
Call or message us -
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us -
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Preparing for bariatric surgery at City Medical Centre
The first step is a surgeon's consultation covering medical history, method selection and recovery plan
Lab tests
A complete blood count, urinalysis, biochemistry, HbA1c and clotting test (coagulation panel).
Instrumental diagnostics
X-ray of the chest, ECG, kidney and abdominal ultrasound, leg vein Doppler.
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy (required) and colonoscopy (if indicated).
Specialists
GP, cardiologist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, and a gynecologist for women.
Diet
Cut fast carbs and fats 2–4 weeks ahead of surgery; switch to light food the day before.
Lifestyle
Quit smoking one month before, limit physical activity, avoid stress.
The day before
Final light meal in the evening; last drinks 3–4 hours before surgery.
Lab tests
A complete blood count, urinalysis, biochemistry, HbA1c and clotting test (coagulation panel).
Instrumental diagnostics
X-ray of the chest, ECG, kidney and abdominal ultrasound, leg vein Doppler.
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy (required) and colonoscopy (if indicated).
Specialists
GP, cardiologist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, and a gynecologist for women.
Diet
Cut fast carbs and fats 2–4 weeks ahead of surgery; switch to light food the day before.
Lifestyle
Quit smoking one month before, limit physical activity, avoid stress.
The day before
Final light meal in the evening; last drinks 3–4 hours before surgery.
Our specialists
Seasoned bariatric surgeons who look after their patients' well-being
Ruslan S. Menzulin
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.
Andrey G. Ugay
Lead bariatric surgeon · surgeon
The country's most prolific surgeon in SASJ operations. A member of the national Society of Bariatric Surgeons' expert council and a frequent speaker at national and international congresses.
City Medical Centre bariatric surgery centre
— your path
to confidence and harmony
City Medical Centre takes a comprehensive approach to obesity. After the first examination, each patient gets a personal diagnostic program (lab and instrumental) to identify every disorder in the body.
A method matched to your goal
Our doctors decide on the surgical method case by case. Before choosing, they evaluate your health, weight history and related conditions in order to offer the surgical treatment that fits best.
Support that stays in touch
The City Medical Centre team keeps supporting you after the operation. All through the first year, specialists track how your weight drops, check your tests and handle every question on diet and recovery.
Fast recovery
Laparoscopic bariatric operations at City Medical Centre make recovery far shorter. Most patients are moving on day one and resume their normal life within a week.
Full diagnostics on site
Running around different clinics is not necessary. Our centre has all you need for your work-up, from our lab to ultrasound and gastroscopy. Preparation is fast and queue-free, in one building.
Recovery after bariatric surgery
Recovery is very much individual, though minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques keep the rehabilitation phase as short as possible.
Duration
Depending on the extent of surgery and related conditions, the patient is observed at the clinic for 1 to 5 days.
Activity
Sitting up, standing and drinking are allowed in the first hours after surgery.
Wound care
Absorbable sutures are used; they dissolve on their own.
Work
You can return to work 7–14 days after surgery, depending on how physical your job is.
Restrictions
During the first weeks, stay away from bathhouses, saunas and intense exercise.
Diet
A staged diet is prescribed for 1–2 months, moving from liquids to solids so the stomach can adapt.
Pace
Average monthly loss is 10% of excess weight for patients following the specialists' advice.
Stabilization
The final result takes 1.5–2 years. By that stage, the patient has stable eating habits in place that block weight regain.
Important! Your recovery is overseen by City Medical Centre specialists, who offer psychological and medical support throughout each stage of weight loss.
Duration
Depending on the extent of surgery and related conditions, the patient is observed at the clinic for 1 to 5 days.
Activity
Sitting up, standing and drinking are allowed in the first hours after surgery.
Wound care
Absorbable sutures are used; they dissolve on their own.
Work
You can return to work 7–14 days after surgery, depending on how physical your job is.
Restrictions
During the first weeks, stay away from bathhouses, saunas and intense exercise.
Diet
A staged diet is prescribed for 1–2 months, moving from liquids to solids so the stomach can adapt.
Pace
Average monthly loss is 10% of excess weight for patients following the specialists' advice.
Stabilization
The final result takes 1.5–2 years. By that stage, the patient has stable eating habits in place that block weight regain.
Important! Your recovery is overseen by City Medical Centre specialists, who offer psychological and medical support throughout each stage of weight loss.
Book a consultation
Call or message us -
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us -
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Frequently asked questions
about bariatric surgery at CMC
Bariatric vs plastic surgery: what's the difference?
Many people confuse them, but the goals are fundamentally different. Bariatric surgery is a medical way to treat obesity and related diseases. It changes how the digestive tract works, getting at the causes of excess weight and metabolism. Plastic surgery only reshapes the body's outer contours; it does not treat obesity or affect metabolism.
How soon can I return to work and normal life?
Will there be visible scars?
Our approach is modern laparoscopic technique: 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm. We use cosmetic sutures, so the marks turn almost invisible after healing.
What diet do I need to follow?
The diet shifts in stages — liquid, then soft, then solid food. Protein is the priority, while high-calorie, fatty food is limited.
What types of bariatric surgery are there?
City Medical Centre offers four main types of bariatric surgery: sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass (MGB) and SADI-S duodeno-ileal bypass. The method is chosen individually according to BMI, related conditions and the patient's goals.
Can I plan a pregnancy after surgery?
Bariatric surgery does not rule out pregnancy, but doctors suggest waiting 12–18 months or more. During that time the body settles, weight reaches target values and nutrition status normalizes.
Do I need to take vitamins after surgery?
Yes, vitamins become essential after bariatric surgery. The changed digestive anatomy lowers absorption of some nutrients, so regular vitamin and mineral supplements turn into a permanent part of the patient's life.
Can the weight come back?
Weight can come back after bariatric surgery, but this is very unlikely if you follow your doctor's advice. Proper nutrition, skipping high-calorie drinks and regular follow-up with City Medical Centre specialists are key.
Prices
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About weight loss surgery for patients from Bogotá
Why do diets fail? The body fights back: metabolism slows, appetite grows, and lost kilos return. When diet changes and medication cannot fundamentally improve the situation, surgery becomes the effective way out. Bogotá residents who have tried diets, fasting and pills for years without a lasting result are exactly the patients for whom bariatric operations are intended.
Recovery is short thanks to the minimally invasive technique, and absorbable sutures dissolve on their own. Office work is usually resumed after 2–4 weeks and physical work after about 1.5 months; swimming is allowed after 30 days, with other exercise added gradually. For the first weeks, no sauna or intense training. Bogotá residents get the same step-by-step guidance from the team.
A permanent team — not a duty shift — handles your case, and the whole package is transparent. Included are the operation, 24/7 care in the ward, meals, nursing and a personal coordinator from day one, plus support throughout the first year. Bogotá patients also get a contractual result guarantee. Book a free consultation to discuss your situation.
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