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Bariatric Surgery in Palermo: Methods and Results
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14,000 CMC patients already live in a new body. The result is fixed in an official contract, legally and not only verbally.
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Bariatric Surgery in Palermo: Methods and Results
for good —
Everything for the result — included
Bariatric surgery —
is it right for me?
Tick the situations that sound familiar.
From 2 matches — a reason to talk to a surgeon.
Everything needed for the result —
already included
No hidden fees. No surprises. One package — the full journey.
Bariatric surgery —
is it right for me?
Tick the situations that sound familiar.
From 2 matches — a reason to talk to a surgeon.
Reasons to see 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
No durable effect from dieting and medication over several 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
No durable effect from dieting and medication over several years.
When is bariatric surgery justified?
Surgery is prescribed only when clear criteria are met
The role of body mass index (BMI)
BMI serves as the chief indicator of obesity severity. Divide body weight (kg) by height squared (m²) to calculate it. Surgery is normally justified at BMI above 40, or above 35 with serious accompanying conditions. In selected cases it is considered at lower values as well — if non-surgical methods did not help.
Key factors
- 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
Why don't diets and exercise work for everyone?
Many people spend years on different diets and exercise, yet the body resists: metabolism slows, appetite rises and the lost weight comes back. Once it is clear that changing the diet and taking medication cannot fundamentally improve things, bariatric surgery becomes the only effective solution.
Key factors
- 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
The role of body mass index (BMI)
BMI serves as the chief indicator of obesity severity. Divide body weight (kg) by height squared (m²) to calculate it. Surgery is normally justified at BMI above 40, or above 35 with serious accompanying conditions. In selected cases it is considered at lower values as well — if non-surgical methods did not help.
Why don't diets and exercise work for everyone?
Many people spend years on different diets and exercise, yet the body resists: metabolism slows, appetite rises and the lost weight comes back. Once it is clear that changing the diet and taking medication cannot fundamentally improve things, bariatric surgery becomes the only effective solution.
Medical indications
for bariatric surgery
Chronic conditions? Please seek a consultation with a clinic doctor!
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
Bariatric surgery methods at City Medical Centre
Sleeve gastrectomy
In surgery, most of the stomach is taken out and the rest is formed into a narrow tube. Portions become far smaller and ghrelin, the hormone behind hunger, drops, so the patient feels full quicker and eats less.
Effectiveness: the method is used for a BMI of 35 to 45; average loss is 60–70% of excess weight.
Specifics: compared with bypass operations, the result is less stable. When the diet is not followed — notably with high-calorie drinks and liquid food — weight may return.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
The surgeon shapes a small pouch, 50–70 ml, from the top of the stomach and routes it directly to the small intestine. Food intake drops and calorie absorption decreases as food covers a shorter distance in the gut.
Effectiveness: the “gold standard” for patients with a BMI over 45–50 and type 2 diabetes. Up to 75–85% of excess weight is lost.
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)
An advanced version of the classic bypass. Differing from the standard method, it involves only one connection (anastomosis) from the small stomach to the small intestine. The simpler technique is gentler on patients and needs a shorter recovery period.
Effectiveness: like the classic Roux-en-Y bypass, it helps patients lose up to 75–80% of excess weight.
Specifics: a shorter operation and quicker recovery. The procedure can technically be reversed, but the single anastomosis carries a risk of bile reflux.
Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI-S)
As a modern combined technique, SADI-S brings together the benefits of sleeve gastrectomy and intestinal bypass. Its two stages: making the stomach into a narrow tube, then rerouting the small intestine so the majority of it is excluded from active digestion.
Effectiveness: among bariatric operations, one of the most powerful — 80–90% of excess weight goes, and it lasts long.
Specifics: the smaller stomach, minus its ghrelin-producing zone, dampens appetite, and bypassing a portion of the intestine limits calorie absorption. It is an option in super obesity (BMI over 50), severe type 2 diabetes, or as a second stage after an ineffective sleeve.
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
Preparing for bariatric surgery at City Medical Centre
Step one is a consultation with the surgeon: your history, the right method and a recovery plan
Lab tests
Full blood count and urine test, biochemistry, HbA1c, plus a coagulation panel (clotting test).
Instrumental diagnostics
Leg vein Doppler, chest X-ray, ECG, and abdominal and kidney ultrasound.
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy (required) and colonoscopy (if indicated).
Specialists
Cardiologist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, GP and gynecologist (for women).
Diet
Starting 2–4 weeks pre-surgery, drop fast carbs and fats; on the eve, move to light meals.
Lifestyle
One month ahead, stop smoking, cut back on physical activity and avoid stress.
The day before
End with a light evening meal; last drink 3–4 hours before surgery.
Lab tests
Full blood count and urine test, biochemistry, HbA1c, plus a coagulation panel (clotting test).
Instrumental diagnostics
Leg vein Doppler, chest X-ray, ECG, and abdominal and kidney ultrasound.
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy (required) and colonoscopy (if indicated).
Specialists
Cardiologist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, GP and gynecologist (for women).
Diet
Starting 2–4 weeks pre-surgery, drop fast carbs and fats; on the eve, move to light meals.
Lifestyle
One month ahead, stop smoking, cut back on physical activity and avoid stress.
The day before
End with a light evening meal; last drink 3–4 hours before surgery.
Our specialists
Skilled bariatric surgeons who genuinely care about patient health
Ruslan S. Menzulin
Bariatric surgeon · surgical oncologist
Trained with Vadim Gushchin at Mercy clinic, and presented at the 2025 World Congress of bariatric surgery. Co-author of an international paper published in The Lancet.
Andrey G. Ugay
Lead bariatric surgeon · surgeon
Top in the country by number of SASJ operations performed. Expert council member of the national Society of Bariatric Surgeons, with regular talks at national and international congresses.
City Medical Centre bariatric surgery centre
— your path
to confidence and harmony
City Medical Centre approaches obesity in a comprehensive way. Each patient, after the first examination, is assigned a personal diagnostic program (lab and instrumental) to identify all disorders in the body.
A method matched to your goal
Our doctors tailor the choice of surgical method to each patient. Ahead of the decision they study your health, weight history and related conditions to offer the best-suited surgical treatment.
Support that stays in touch
The City Medical Centre team stays with you after surgery. Throughout the first year, specialists track your weight loss, monitor 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
Forget going between clinics. Everything for your work-up is here, including our own lab, ultrasound and gastroscopy. Preparation is quick and queue-free, all in a single building.
Recovery after bariatric surgery
Recovery largely depends on the individual, but minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques keep rehabilitation as short as possible.
Duration
Observation at the clinic lasts 1 to 5 days, based on how extensive the surgery is and on related conditions.
Activity
Within the first hours after surgery you may sit up, stand and drink fluids.
Wound care
Absorbable sutures are used; they dissolve on their own.
Work
Work can be resumed 7–14 days after surgery, depending on how physically demanding it is.
Restrictions
In the first weeks, avoid the bathhouse, sauna and intense physical exercise.
Diet
A staged diet is set for 1–2 months — from liquid to solid food — so the stomach can adapt.
Pace
Patients who follow what specialists advise lose 10% of excess weight per month 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! City Medical Centre specialists oversee recovery, offering psychological and medical support at every stage of weight loss.
Duration
Observation at the clinic lasts 1 to 5 days, based on how extensive the surgery is and on related conditions.
Activity
Within the first hours after surgery you may sit up, stand and drink fluids.
Wound care
Absorbable sutures are used; they dissolve on their own.
Work
Work can be resumed 7–14 days after surgery, depending on how physically demanding it is.
Restrictions
In the first weeks, avoid the bathhouse, sauna and intense physical exercise.
Diet
A staged diet is set for 1–2 months — from liquid to solid food — so the stomach can adapt.
Pace
Patients who follow what specialists advise lose 10% of excess weight per month 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! City Medical Centre specialists oversee recovery, offering psychological and medical support at every 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
Frequently asked questions
about bariatric surgery at CMC
Bariatric vs plastic surgery: what's the difference?
It is common to confuse them, but their goals are fundamentally different. Bariatric surgery treats obesity and related diseases medically. By changing how the digestive tract works, it addresses the causes of excess weight and metabolism. Plastic surgery shapes the body's outer contours; it does not treat obesity and has no effect on metabolism.
How soon can I return to work and normal life?
Will there be visible scars?
We work with modern laparoscopic technique. The operation needs only 4 small punctures, 5 to 15 mm each. Cosmetic sutures are applied, so healed marks are almost invisible.
What diet do I need to follow?
Your diet changes in stages: from liquid food to soft, then to solid. The focus is on protein and on limiting high-calorie, fatty food.
What types of bariatric surgery are there?
There are four main types of bariatric surgery at City Medical Centre: sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass (MGB) and SADI-S duodeno-ileal bypass. BMI, related conditions and the patient's goals guide the individual choice of method.
Can I plan a pregnancy after surgery?
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.
Do I need to take vitamins after surgery?
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.
Can the weight come back?
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.
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Weight loss surgery in Palermo step by step
Surgery is usually justified with a BMI above 40, or above 35 when serious related conditions are present, and sometimes at lower values if other approaches have failed. People in Palermo who have carried 30 kg or more above normal for years, whose weight returns after every diet, or who live with type 2 diabetes, hypertension or joint pain are typical candidates.
Eating changes in stages. A staged diet lasts 1–2 months, moving from liquid to soft to solid food so the stomach can adapt, with the focus on protein and limited high-calorie, fatty dishes. Following specialist advice, patients lose on average 10% of excess weight per month. Those from Palermo build stable eating habits that keep the weight from returning.
Your investment covers more than surgery. The package includes the full diagnostic programme, the chosen laparoscopic method, inpatient care with food and nursing staff, round-the-clock medical presence and specialists tracking your weight and tests throughout the first year. For people searching for weight loss surgery in Palermo, the first consultation with the surgeon is free and takes about 15 minutes.
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