City Medical Centre · multi-specialty surgery clinicOpen 24/7

Bariatric surgery

Bariatric Surgery in Bonn with a Contract Guarantee

Discounted price

$3,600

$4,800 · First consultation — Free

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Free online consultation · Reply within 15 minutes

Real result
Bariatric surgery: a patient before surgery and after weight loss before after
Weight loss with care and support
at each step. We discuss your surgery and recovery plan for free — before you choose.

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Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) in Bonn: price and key facts

Bariatric surgery for patients from Bonn at City Medical Centre starts at €3,250 (from $3,600). The first online consultation is free; the doctor names the final price and it is fixed in the contract.

Price
€3,250 (from $3,600)
Performed by
Andrey G. Ugay, lead bariatric surgeon
Stay
1–5 days under observation
Recovery
back to work after 2–4 weeks
Final result
18–24 months after surgery
How it works
Send photos on WhatsApp or Telegram, get a free doctor assessment and the price, then confirm the plan and dates before anything is booked.

How it works · Bariatric surgery prices

Information current as of 24 October 2026

Free online consultation on WhatsApp and Telegram

Results

Weight loss our patients achieved

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

Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass are the two main operations we perform. Compare their mechanism, goals and indications to make a confident choice of method.

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 needed
Obesity without marked reflux
Anaesthesia and hospital stay
General anaesthesia, hospital stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days

Gastric bypass

Less stomach volume and a changed route for food

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 needed
Obesity, diabetes or reflux
Anaesthesia and hospital stay
General anaesthesia, hospital stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days

Recovery times and benefits are averaged for each method and shown for orientation. Your anatomy and individual features shape the extent of surgery and recovery, and the surgeon confirms both at the consultation.

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About us

A clinic where you can feel at ease

Modern technology, cosy rooms and personal attention for every patient

A doctor and a patient in a clinic ward

Write or call us the way you prefer

We will answer your questions and find a convenient time for a consultation

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Get a consultation

Weight loss surgery is not right for every patient

The choice to operate is made jointly with your surgeon following a consultation and check-up.

SuitableBariatric surgery is used for

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

Unsure which column describes you?

Text us on Telegram — our coordinator will let you know if bariatric surgery is the right choice for you. The surgeon consultation is free, with no obligation to go ahead with surgery.

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

Prices

You know the price
before surgery

The price is stated at the consultation as soon as your plan is ready and then fixed 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 a new route for food

A surgeon during a gastric bypass

$4,000$5,200

Lock in the price

Free

First consultation

Your treatment plan follows the surgeon's examination

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 evaluates your health, talks through your goals and selects the right bariatric surgery method. The cost is named at the consultation and set in the contract.

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

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A bariatric surgeon discusses a treatment plan with a patient

price

What the $3,600 (≈ €3,250) price includes

A complete package: preparation plus 12 months of support, without any extra charges.From preparation for surgery
to support for 12 months.

  • Surgery and the surgeon's work
  • General anaesthesia
  • Post-operative hospital stay
  • Meals at the clinic
  • Support while you keep the weight off
  • Your own coordinator from the first day
  • Remote progress check by photos

$3,600$4,800

Discounted price

Lock in the price

How it works

Treatment at the clinic —
from the first tests to discharge

A treatment plan we agree on, monitoring in the hospital and support for one year.

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

Consultation and a treatment plan

The doctor reviews your health and goals and orders the tests required to decide on the right bariatric surgery method.

Booking the surgery date2

Choosing and booking a date

We reserve a surgery date for you: the deposit can be paid by card at the clinic or online by bank transfer. The terms are fixed in the contract for medical services

A blood sample tube for tests before bariatric surgery3

Tests to prepare for surgery

Before surgery you have blood and urine tests, an ECG, an ultrasound and a gastroscopy, and see the specialists. The doctor gives you the exact list at the consultation.

Surgeons performing a bariatric operation4

Surgery

The surgeon carries out the chosen bariatric method under general anaesthesia. After the operation the patient is monitored by the medical team.

A hospital ward at the clinic5

Inpatient stay

How you feel and how complex the operation was determine your hospital stay after surgery — from 1–3 to 4–5 days, under doctors' supervision.

A doctor and a patient in the ward during recovery6

Recovery

After discharge, expect advice on diet and recovery and scheduled check-ups of your well-being, weight and test results. The clinic team supports you for a year.

The doctor puts together a plan at the consultation and explains the course of surgery

A surgeon shows a patient the result forecast on a tablet

The consultation is free, before surgery and with no obligation.

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

Leading bariatric 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.

At the first consultation our patient care manager calculates your BMI, explains the methods and books you with the surgeon — all free of charge.

Book a consultation

Coordinators

Clinic coordinators

We support you at every stage

Your personal coordinator

Your first point of contact at the clinic, from your first message to the consultation

Svetlana

Patient support 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

With you before and during your stay — from booking to discharge

Olesya

Patient support specialist

Helps you prepare for the operation and stays in touch while you are at the clinic

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

Stays with you during recovery, from discharge until your final check-up

Alisa

Patient support 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 people trust City Medical Centre

A surgeon consults a patient in the clinic

Each stage is tailored to you

We select the most suitable method for your health, lifestyle and goals. Our team supports you all the way.

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

Long-term
care after surgery

We help you track your results, keep them and adapt to new eating habits.

A patient at the clinic

Lasting, real results

Better well-being, steady weight loss and a higher quality of life.

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

Your timetable comes first

We value your time: we are open 24/7, booking is easy and the approach is personal — we adapt to your pace.

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

Fixed prices

After the consultation the surgeon selects the method, and you get a transparent price — no hidden fees, no surprises on the road to your result.

Prices

Prices for bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery)

Send a request before month-end for a free consultation on any service

  • Meeting the 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

Answers to frequent questions
before booking

Bariatric Surgery in Bonn: price and what is included

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

How much does bariatric surgery in Bonn cost?

Prices start from $3,600 (≈ €3,250). 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.

By messaging us, you agree to our Privacy Policy

How obesity surgery works for Bonn residents

SADI-S combines a sleeve with intestinal bypass in two stages and is one of the most powerful bariatric operations, with 80–90% excess weight loss and a long-lasting result. It suits super obesity with a BMI over 50, severe type 2 diabetes, or a second stage after an ineffective sleeve. Anyone in Bonn in these situations can discuss it at a consultation.

Several things are worth planning ahead. Pregnancy is advised no earlier than 12–18 months after surgery, once weight and nutritional status stabilise. Vitamins become a permanent part of life because the body absorbs some nutrients less well. Swimming waits 30 days, strength work longer. Patients from Bonn discuss these points with the surgeon well before the operation date.

Everything needed for the result is combined in one package, with no hidden fees and no surprises. For patients from Bonn, it includes surgery by a dedicated team, round-the-clock care in the ward with meals and nursing, a doctor nearby 24/7 and a personal coordinator. The first step is a free 15-minute consultation with a bariatric surgeon.

Stories of well-known people

Well-known people who spoke openly about this operation, in their own words.

All stories about this operation →

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: .

Obesity figures in Germany and what they mean for your decision

Two kinds of data describe adult obesity (BMI 30 and above) in Germany, and they give different pictures. The Mikrozensus survey of 2009, based on what people reported about themselves, found obesity in 15.7% of men and 13.8% of women. The measured data from the DEGS study of 2008/11, in which height and weight were actually taken, gave 23.3% of men and 23.9% of women. Self-reported weight tends to come out lower than measured weight, so the measured figures are the more realistic benchmark. For a reader in Bonn the point is practical. Roughly one adult in four in the country is in the range where a doctor would talk about obesity as a medical condition, not a matter of willpower.

Those percentages describe a population, not you. What matters for you is your own BMI, which you get by dividing body weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. The German S3 guideline sets thresholds that match what we use in the consultation. Bariatric surgery is indicated from a BMI of 40 kg/m² even without other diseases. It is also indicated from 35 kg/m² when an obesity-related condition is present, once conservative therapy has failed. Our own guidance is consistent with this: surgery is generally justified above a BMI of 40, or above 35 when serious related conditions are present. In some cases it is also considered at lower values, when non-surgical methods have not worked.

The related conditions are worth naming, because they often decide the case. Bariatric surgery can help with excess weight, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, varicose veins, joint disease, fatty liver disease and reproductive health problems. If you are already on treatment for one of these and the weight keeps climbing, tell the coordinator when you first write. It changes how the doctor reads your numbers.

The scale of operations in Germany is modest compared with the number of people affected. In 2014 a gastric bypass was performed in 4,083 cases on obesity patients nationwide, according to figures cited by Statista. That is a small fraction of those who meet the medical criteria. Part of the gap comes from how the procedure is funded, which the next section explains.

Bariatric surgery is not plastic surgery, and the difference matters for how it is treated in the German system. Bariatric surgery treats obesity and its consequences by changing how the digestive tract works. Plastic surgery reshapes the outer contours of the body and does not affect metabolism.

What statutory insurance covers, and where the limits are

About 92% of the German population is covered by statutory health insurance (GKV). As of 2024, about 88% of the working population is insured through statutory funds and about 11% privately. So almost every reader in Bonn has some insurer, and the first question is what that insurer will do about a weight-loss operation.

Bariatric surgery is not part of the regular benefit catalogue of the GKV. It can be applied for in individual cases, and the application has two conditions. The first is proof that conservative weight-loss methods were exhausted over 6 to 12 months within a multimodal concept. That means a structured programme combining nutrition, exercise and behavioural support, not a few diets tried on your own. The second is an assessment by the Medizinischer Dienst (MD) under the "Begutachtungsanleitung Adipositas-Chirurgie". Anyone planning to ask their fund for support should start keeping records now: dates, programme participation, weight measurements and notes from the treating doctor.

Insurers handle two other matters differently, and it is easy to confuse them. For cosmetic procedures done at the patient's request, the GKV does not pay. The patient bears the full cost, including lost income. Bariatric surgery for obesity is a different case, because it is treated as a medical question and judged on the individual file. After a procedure that was not medically indicated, insured persons must share in the costs of resulting complications, including sick pay. Insurers may restrict or refuse benefits under § 52 SGB V, and there is no entitlement to continued wage payment (Entgeltfortzahlung) in that case. The practical lesson is to have the medical indication documented properly before any decision.

Our online consultation is free and does not commit you to anything. At it, the doctor looks at your BMI, your related conditions and your history of earlier weight-loss attempts. Those are the same elements an insurer's assessment is built on. We cannot decide for your fund and we do not promise how it will respond. What we can do is tell you honestly whether your medical picture fits the criteria, and what documents would help whichever route you choose. The coordinator can also explain what the contract for medical services fixes, so that you know the terms before any date is reserved.

Waiting is a separate issue. A 2010 Commonwealth Fund survey found that 70% of Germans reported waiting less than one month for elective surgery. That is a general figure for elective operations, not for bariatric cases, where the application and assessment steps above can add time before anything is scheduled. If you want to compare timelines, ask the coordinator about preparation. After the first consultation the doctor orders blood and urine tests, an ECG, an ultrasound and a gastroscopy, and you see the relevant specialists. The doctor gives you the exact list during the consultation.

Choosing between sleeve and bypass

Two core procedures are offered most often, and the consultation explains both in plain terms. Sleeve gastrectomy reduces stomach volume, so you feel full quickly. It is typically considered for obesity without marked reflux. Gastric bypass reduces stomach volume and also changes the path the food takes. It is typically considered when obesity comes with diabetes or reflux, and its aim is weight loss together with better metabolism. Both are done under general anaesthesia, with a hospital stay of 1–5 days.

The centre carries out four main types of bariatric operation in total: sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass (MGB) and SADI-S duodeno-ileal bypass. The choice is individual and depends on BMI, related conditions and your goals. You do not need to arrive with a preference. Many people write to us with a method already fixed in mind from reading forums, and the doctor then compares it with their actual health data.

The procedure is done laparoscopically, through 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm. Cosmetic sutures are placed, so once healed the marks become almost invisible. If you are worried about visible scars, ask for this to be explained in the consultation.

Not everyone is a candidate. Contraindications include age under 18, malignant tumours, pregnancy, blood clotting disorders, severe chronic and mental illness, acute illness or flare-ups of chronic disease, and the period of less than six months since breastfeeding ended. If any of these applies, write to the coordinator before anything else.

Eating after the operation, around the calendar of a university city

Diet after bariatric surgery proceeds in stages: from liquid to soft to solid food. The main focus is protein, and restricting high-calorie, fatty food. The doctor and coordinator give the exact order and timing in your plan, and you should follow that plan, not general advice from anywhere else. High-calorie drinks deserve a special mention, because they are one of the habits most likely to undo progress.

Vitamins are not optional. As the digestive anatomy changes, the body absorbs certain nutrients less well, so regular vitamin and mineral supplements become a lasting part of the patient's life. Weight regain is possible but very unlikely if you follow the doctor's advice. Proper eating, avoiding high-calorie drinks and regular follow-up with the specialists are the key factors.

Bonn's calendar is a useful tool when you plan eating habits. We have no sourced facts about local dishes, so we will not describe a "typical" Rhineland meal. What the sources do tell us is how the year is structured. Bonn is described as a centre of Rhenish carnival, which means a season of social events when eating and drinking in company are part of the occasion. The Beethovenfest is held every year in September with about 70 concerts. The 2024 edition ran from 5 September to 3 October. It was first held in 1845 and has been annual since 1999. Universität Bonn, founded on 18 October 1818, had 31,501 students and 6,575 doctoral candidates in December 2024. Together these suggest a city with a busy social and academic calendar.

Why does this matter for a diet plan? Because the hard part is not the first weeks, when you have written instructions. It is the months afterwards, when invitations, receptions and festivals arrive and you must decide in advance what you will eat and drink. A good plan names those occasions. When you speak with the coordinator, mention the events that are fixed in your year, such as a family celebration, a work season or a university term. Together you can place the operation and the early recovery so that the most demanding social dates fall later, not in the first stage.

Recovery periods are also worth putting against your calendar. Office work is usually possible again after 2–4 weeks. Physical work usually needs about 1.5 months. Swimming is fine after 30 days. Other exercise is added gradually as weight drops. These are averages for guidance. The doctor confirms your own timeline, because it depends on your anatomy and individual traits.

Online follow-up through the first year and beyond

The operation is only one step, and the follow-up decides how well the result holds. The package includes support for 12 months, starting with preparation. One coordinator is with you from day one. You send photos by WhatsApp or Telegram, and the coordinator reviews your progress remotely. Coordinators answer round the clock, 24/7, so a question that comes up in the evening does not have to wait.

After discharge you receive advice on diet and recovery, and scheduled check-ups of your well-being, weight and test results. Because most of this is done by message, photo and video, it fits equally well for someone in a quiet part of Bonn on the left bank of the Rhine or someone who commutes. You do not have to arrange time off for a routine check, which is one reason online follow-up works for people with full schedules.

The final result is usually seen 18–24 months after surgery. That period is longer than most people expect. In the first months the weight falls quickly and enthusiasm is high. Later the loss slows, and this is the stage where habits are tested. Regular contact with the same coordinator makes it easier to notice drift early, such as a return to sweet drinks, skipped supplements or a missed test, and to correct it before it becomes regain.

Pregnancy needs separate planning. It can happen after bariatric surgery, but doctors advise holding off at least 12–18 months. In this period the body becomes stable, weight reaches target values and nutritional status normalizes. If starting a family is part of your plans, say so at the first consultation so that the timing is built into the schedule.

Geography and size also shape how people experience online care. Bonn has 323,587 residents (31 December 2025) on 141.06 km², and lies about 24 km south-southeast of Cologne in the southernmost part of the Rhine-Ruhr region. Almost three-quarters of the city lies on the left bank of the Rhine. It is a compact city with a large student and professional population, and that population is used to doing things by phone and message. The same convenience applies to your follow-up: the check-ups are built around your photos and test results, not your location.

Seasons in Bonn and planning the first weeks

Weather does not change the medical plan, but it affects how comfortable the first weeks are, and Bonn's climate is well documented. Annual mean temperature is 11.1 °C. July is the warmest month, with a mean daily maximum of 25.3 °C, followed by 24.7 °C in August and 23.7 °C in June. The record is 40.3 °C in July. January has a mean daily maximum of 5.4 °C and a mean temperature of 3.0 °C, with mean daily minima of 0.4–0.5 °C in January and February.

Annual precipitation is 645 mm. June is the wettest month with 78 mm, then August with 70 mm. October (30 mm) and April (35 mm) are the driest. Sunshine averages 4.5 hours a day over the year: about 7 hours a day from May to August, but only 1 hour in December and 2 hours in January and November.

What follows from this? The early weeks after discharge are usually quiet and involve gentle walking and rest at home. Some patients prefer to spend that time in milder, brighter months, from April to October, when there is more daylight. Others choose winter because it is easier to step back from work and social life. Neither choice is medically better, and the doctor will not set the season for you. It is a matter of your preference, and the coordinator can fit the date around it. If you plan for summer, keep in mind that the record of 40.3 °C shows a very hot spell is possible. Raise it with the doctor during the consultation so that your recovery plan covers it.

Remember also that a hospital stay of 1–5 days comes first, with the medical team monitoring you. Depending on how complex the operation is and how you feel, the stay lasts from 1–3 to 4–5 days. The rest of the schedule is built around your date.

Does the German health insurance fund pay for bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is not part of the regular benefit catalogue of the statutory health insurance (GKV), but it can be applied for in individual cases. The conditions are proof that conservative weight-loss methods were exhausted over 6 to 12 months in a multimodal concept, and an assessment by the Medizinischer Dienst (MD) under the "Begutachtungsanleitung Adipositas-Chirurgie". We cannot decide for your fund, but at the free consultation the doctor can tell you whether your BMI and conditions fit the usual criteria.

What BMI does the German guideline use, and does it match your criteria?

The German S3 guideline indicates bariatric surgery from a BMI of 40 kg/m² even without comorbidities, and from 35 kg/m² with an obesity-related comorbidity, once conservative therapy has failed. Our own guidance is the same: usually a BMI over 40, or over 35 with related health conditions. The doctor confirms at the consultation whether surgery suits you.

Why do German obesity figures differ so much between surveys?

Because they measure different things. The Mikrozensus 2009 survey, based on self-reported data, found obesity in 15.7% of men and 13.8% of women. The DEGS 2008/11 study, which took actual measurements, found 23.3% of men and 23.9% of women. Surveys give lower values than measurements. For your own decision, only your measured BMI matters, so have your height and weight checked accurately before the consultation.

I am privately insured. Does that change how I should prepare?

Statutory insurance covers about 92% of the German population, and about 11% of the working population is privately insured as of 2024. We have no information on the terms of individual private policies. Whichever type you hold, ask your insurer in writing what documents it needs for obesity treatment, and keep records of earlier weight-loss attempts. The coordinator can tell you what we can supply from the consultation and the medical services contract.

What happens if I choose a procedure that my insurer does not consider medically indicated?

In that case insured persons must share in the costs of resulting complications, including sick pay. Insurers may restrict or refuse benefits under § 52 SGB V, and there is no entitlement to continued wage payment (Entgeltfortzahlung). That is why the medical indication should be documented before you decide. Ask the doctor at the consultation to explain in plain words why a given method is recommended for you.

How do I fit the operation around Bonn's social calendar, such as carnival or the Beethovenfest?

Bonn is described as a centre of Rhenish carnival, and the Beethovenfest runs every September with about 70 concerts, so the calendar has fixed dates. Tell the coordinator which of them matter to you. The first weeks follow a staged diet from liquid to soft to solid food, with a focus on protein and limits on high-calorie, fatty food. Placing the operation so that the early stage does not coincide with major events makes the plan easier to follow.

Can the 12 months of follow-up really be done online from Bonn?

Yes. The package includes support for 12 months, with one coordinator from day one and remote progress checks by photos on WhatsApp and Telegram. After discharge you get diet and recovery advice and scheduled check-ups of well-being, weight and test results. Coordinators answer 24/7, and the final result is usually seen 18–24 months after surgery.

Does the cold or hot season in Bonn matter for recovery?

It does not change the medical plan, but it affects comfort. January has a mean daily maximum of 5.4 °C, July 25.3 °C, and the record is 40.3 °C. Sunshine drops to about 1 hour a day in December and rises to about 7 hours from May to August. Choose the date with the coordinator according to your preference, and raise any concerns about a very hot spell with the doctor at the consultation.