Bariatric Surgery in Bogotá: Methods and Results

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.

Experienced bariatric surgeons perform the bariatric operations at the clinic:

• 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.

Drop us a message and our coordinator will get back to you shortly to book your consultation. The bariatric surgeon consultation is free.

Send a request

Surgery is prescribed only when clear criteria are met

• The patient's body mass index (BMI)
• Overall health and any related chronic conditions
• Previous tries at losing weight with ordinary methods have failed

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.

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.

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.

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.

Recovery depends on what you do. Office work: after 2–4 weeks. Physical work: after 1.5 months. Sport and activity: swimming is allowed after 30 days, other exercise is added gradually as weight drops. Travel and holidays: best planned no earlier than a month after surgery.

The diet shifts in stages — liquid, then soft, then solid food. Protein is the priority, while high-calorie, fatty food is limited.

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.

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.

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.