Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery in Kitwe

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.

Write to us and our coordinator will respond shortly and book you in for a consultation. The consultation with the bariatric surgeon is free.

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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 key measure used to assess how severe obesity is. You get it by dividing body weight (kg) by height squared (m²). Surgery is generally justified at a BMI above 40, or above 35 when serious related conditions are present. Sometimes it is also considered at lower values — when non-surgical methods have not worked.

The two are often mistaken for each other, but their goals are fundamentally different. Bariatric surgery provides medical treatment for obesity and related diseases. Changing how the digestive tract works, it deals with the causes of excess weight and metabolism. Plastic surgery modifies 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.

We rely on modern laparoscopic technique. The operation is performed through 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm. Cosmetic sutures are used, so after healing the marks are barely visible.

Recovery depends on what you plan to do. Office work: after 2–4 weeks. Physical work: after 1.5 months. Sport and activity: swimming after 30 days, other exercise phased in as weight drops. Travel and holidays: preferably not earlier than one 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.

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery can happen, though doctors advise holding off at least 12–18 months. In this period the body becomes stable, weight reaches target values and nutritional status normalizes.

Yes, taking vitamins after bariatric surgery is mandatory. Because digestion is anatomically altered, the body absorbs some nutrients poorly, so regular vitamin and mineral supplements stay in the patient's life permanently.

Weight can be regained after bariatric surgery, but this is very unlikely with the doctor's advice followed. Proper nutrition, avoiding high-calorie drinks and regular follow-up with City Medical Centre specialists are crucial.