14,000 CMC patients already live in a new body. The outcome is set down in a formal contract: legally binding, not just promised.
Bariatric Surgery in Dortmund: Methods and Results
Tick the situations that sound familiar.
From 2 matches — a reason to talk to a surgeon.
Zero hidden fees, zero surprises. One package covers the entire path.
Tick the situations that sound familiar.
From 2 matches — a reason to talk to a surgeon.
Not just high BMI: associated health conditions also warrant a surgical consultation
Medical history
Excess weight since childhood or a genetic predisposition
Metabolic disorders
Type 2 diabetes and hypertension associated with obesity
Resistance to conservative treatment
Diets and medicines have failed to give a lasting result for years.
Medical history
Excess weight since childhood or a genetic predisposition
Metabolic disorders
Type 2 diabetes and hypertension associated with obesity
Resistance to conservative treatment
Diets and medicines have failed to give a lasting result for years.
Surgery is prescribed only when clear criteria are met
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 try all kinds of diets and exercise for years, yet the body defends itself — metabolism drops, hunger grows and lost weight returns. Once it is obvious that medication and a changed diet alone cannot fundamentally fix the situation, bariatric surgery becomes the only effective path.
Key factors
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?
Many try all kinds of diets and exercise for years, yet the body defends itself — metabolism drops, hunger grows and lost weight returns. Once it is obvious that medication and a changed diet alone cannot fundamentally fix the situation, bariatric surgery becomes the only effective path.
Chronic illness? Please talk to a doctor at the clinic first!
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

Sleeve gastrectomy
Here the surgeon removes most of the stomach, reshaping it into a narrow tube. That greatly limits portion size and lowers ghrelin, the hunger hormone — the patient feels full much more quickly and eats less.
Effectiveness: suitable for a BMI of 35 to 45. Patients lose 60–70% of their excess weight on average.
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
Using the top of the stomach, the surgeon creates a small 50–70 ml pouch joined directly to the small intestine. This limits intake and reduces the calories absorbed by cutting short the journey of food 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 endures better than with alternative bariatric methods. Associated diabetes and hypertension frequently go into remission. Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements are required because the digestive anatomy changes.

Mini gastric bypass (MGB)
This is an improved version of the classic bypass. Unlike the standard method, the surgeon creates only one connection (anastomosis) between the small stomach and the small intestine. The simpler technique is easier on the patient and needs less recovery time.
Effectiveness: results comparable to classic Roux-en-Y bypass — up to 75–80% of excess weight lost.
Specifics: shorter surgery and faster recovery. The procedure is technically reversible, but there is a risk of bile reflux due to the single anastomosis.

Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI-S)
SADI-S is a contemporary combined technique uniting what is best in sleeve gastrectomy and intestinal bypass. Two stages are involved: first a narrow tube is formed from the stomach, then the small intestine is rerouted, leaving most of it outside active digestion.
Effectiveness: among the most powerful bariatric operations — excess weight loss reaches 80–90% with a lasting result.
Specifics: a reduced stomach without its ghrelin-producing zone means less appetite, and diverting food past part of the intestine restricts calorie absorption. It is suited to super obesity (BMI over 50), severe type 2 diabetes, or a second stage after an ineffective sleeve.
Book a consultation
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and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us -
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
It starts with a surgeon's consultation: medical history, choice of method and a recovery plan

Lab tests
Complete blood count and urinalysis, biochemistry, HbA1c, coagulation panel (clotting test).
Instrumental diagnostics
X-ray of the chest, ECG, kidney and abdominal ultrasound, leg vein Doppler.
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy (required) and colonoscopy (if indicated).
Specialists
GP, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist and gynecologist (for women).

Diet
2–4 weeks out, give up fast carbs and fats; switch to light meals on the day before surgery.
Lifestyle
One month ahead, stop smoking, cut back on physical activity and avoid stress.
The day before
Last light meal the evening before; stop fluids 3–4 hours before surgery.

Lab tests
Complete blood count and urinalysis, biochemistry, HbA1c, coagulation panel (clotting test).
Instrumental diagnostics
X-ray of the chest, ECG, kidney and abdominal ultrasound, leg vein Doppler.
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy (required) and colonoscopy (if indicated).
Specialists
GP, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist and gynecologist (for women).

Diet
2–4 weeks out, give up fast carbs and fats; switch to light meals on the day before surgery.
Lifestyle
One month ahead, stop smoking, cut back on physical activity and avoid stress.
The day before
Last light meal the evening before; stop fluids 3–4 hours before surgery.
Experienced bariatric specialists who are committed to patients' health

Ruslan S. Menzulin
Bariatric surgeon · surgical oncologist
Mercy clinic training under Vadim Gushchin; speaker at the World Congress of bariatric surgery (2025). Among the co-authors of an international study in The Lancet.

Andrey G. Ugay
Lead bariatric surgeon · surgeon
Has carried out the largest number of SASJ operations in the country. Serves on the expert council of the national Society of Bariatric Surgeons and presents regularly at national and international congresses.
City Medical Centre treats obesity comprehensively. Following the first examination, every patient receives a personal diagnostic program (lab and instrumental) to detect 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
After surgery, the team at City Medical Centre stays with you. For the entire first year, specialists keep track of your weight loss, oversee your tests and answer all questions about diet and recovery.

Fast recovery
At City Medical Centre bariatric surgery is laparoscopic, making recovery much shorter. Most patients are up and walking on the first day and resume normal life within a week.

Full diagnostics on site
You won't need to visit several clinics. Our centre covers the whole work-up, from our in-house lab to ultrasound and gastroscopy. Quick preparation with no queues, all in one building.
Recovery depends heavily on the individual, but minimally invasive laparoscopic methods keep rehabilitation as short as possible.

Duration
For 1 to 5 days the patient stays in the clinic under observation; this depends on the surgery's extent and related conditions.
Activity
You are permitted to sit up, stand and drink fluids in the first hours after surgery.
Wound care
Absorbable sutures are used; they dissolve on their own.

Work
Back to work in 7–14 days after surgery, depending on how physical your job happens to be.
Restrictions
During the first weeks, stay away from bathhouses, saunas and intense exercise.
Diet
For 1–2 months a staged diet is prescribed — liquids first, then solids — to help the stomach adapt.

Pace
Keeping to the specialists' advice, patients lose 10% of their excess weight monthly on average.
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 supervised by City Medical Centre specialists, who give psychological and medical support through each stage of weight loss.

Duration
For 1 to 5 days the patient stays in the clinic under observation; this depends on the surgery's extent and related conditions.
Activity
You are permitted to sit up, stand and drink fluids in the first hours after surgery.
Wound care
Absorbable sutures are used; they dissolve on their own.

Work
Back to work in 7–14 days after surgery, depending on how physical your job happens to be.
Restrictions
During the first weeks, stay away from bathhouses, saunas and intense exercise.
Diet
For 1–2 months a staged diet is prescribed — liquids first, then solids — to help the stomach adapt.

Pace
Keeping to the specialists' advice, patients lose 10% of their excess weight monthly on average.
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 supervised by City Medical Centre specialists, who give psychological and medical support through 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
Bariatric vs plastic surgery: what's the difference?
These two are frequently confused, although their goals differ at the core. Bariatric surgery is a medical treatment of obesity and related diseases that changes the workings of the digestive tract, targeting the causes of excess weight and metabolism. Plastic surgery corrects outer body contours; it does not treat obesity or change metabolism.
How soon can I return to work and normal life?
Will there be visible scars?
The operation uses modern laparoscopic technique, through 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm. We place cosmetic sutures, and after healing the marks become almost invisible.
What diet do I need to follow?
You move through diet stages from liquid food to soft and finally solid. Protein comes first, and high-calorie, fatty food is restricted.
What types of bariatric surgery are there?
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.
Can I plan a pregnancy after surgery?
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.
Do I need to take vitamins after surgery?
Yes, vitamins after bariatric surgery are a must. Because the digestive anatomy changes, the body absorbs some nutrients less well, so regular vitamin and mineral supplements become a permanent part of the patient's life.
Can the weight come back?
Weight may return after bariatric surgery, though that is very unlikely when you follow the doctor's advice. Key factors: proper nutrition, avoiding high-calorie drinks and regular follow-up with City Medical Centre specialists.
A free consultation for any service if you apply before the end of the month
Service
Discounted price
All bariatric operations here are laparoscopic, performed through four small punctures of 5 to 15 mm with cosmetic sutures, so the marks become almost invisible after healing. This greatly shortens recovery. For those from Dortmund, the choice between sleeve, classic bypass, mini bypass and SADI-S depends on BMI, related diseases and the result you want to reach.
The work-up is done in one building with its own lab, ultrasound and gastroscopy, so preparation is quick and without queues. After laparoscopic surgery, the patient stays under observation for 1 to 5 days depending on the extent of the operation. Within the first hours you may sit up, stand and drink. Most Dortmund patients are up and moving on day one.
Before spending on another diet, get a professional assessment. A short no-cost talk with the surgeon, about a quarter of an hour, shows whether your BMI and related conditions justify surgery. If they do, one package takes you through tests, the operation, care in the ward and follow-up, with the weight loss result set in a contract. Residents of Dortmund can apply online.
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Apply before the end of the year and get a consultation at the clinic's expense!