Weight Loss Surgery in Florence

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.

At the clinic, experienced bariatric surgeons perform the bariatric operations:

• 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.

Message us — our coordinator will be in touch shortly to arrange your consultation. There is no charge for the bariatric surgeon consultation.

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 efforts at weight loss through standard methods did not work

BMI is the main tool for assessing the degree of obesity. It is calculated by dividing body weight (kg) by height squared (m²). Surgery is usually justified with a BMI above 40, or above 35 with serious related conditions. In some cases surgery is considered at lower values too — if non-surgical approaches 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.

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.

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.

The recovery timeline depends on your activity. Office work: after 2–4 weeks. Physical work: after 1.5 months. Sport and activity: swimming allowed from 30 days, other exercise added gradually as weight comes down. Travel and holidays: best planned at least a month after surgery.

Your diet changes step by step: from liquid food to soft and then to solid. The emphasis is on protein and on cutting high-calorie, fatty food.

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery is possible, but doctors advise waiting at least 12–18 months. During this time the body stabilizes, weight reaches target values and nutritional status normalizes.

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.

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.