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Bariatric surgery

Weight Loss Surgery in Polokwane: Sleeve, Bypass, SADI-S

Discounted price

$3,600

$4,800 · First consultation — Free

Real result
Bariatric surgery: a patient before surgery and after weight loss before after
Weight loss with guidance and support
all the way. Your surgery and recovery plan is discussed free of charge — before you decide.

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Results

Real weight loss outcomes of clinic patients

Each result belongs to a real patient 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

Two core procedures are offered here: gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. See how each one works, its purpose and its indications so you can pick a method with confidence.

Sleeve gastrectomy

Reducing the 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
Stay and anaesthesia
General anaesthesia, hospital stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days

Gastric bypass

Stomach volume is reduced and the food path is changed

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
Stay and anaesthesia
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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The clinic

A clinic where you can feel at ease

Comfortable rooms, modern equipment and care for each person

A doctor and a patient in a clinic ward

Choose how you would like to contact us

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

Get a consultation

Bariatric surgery does not suit everyone

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

SuitableBariatric surgery helps with

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

Can't tell which column fits your case?

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 contract fixes the cost, which is named at the consultation after your plan is drawn up.

Discounted price

Sleeve gastrectomy

Reducing the stomach volume

Surgeons during a sleeve gastrectomy

$3,600$4,800

Lock in the price

Discounted price

Gastric bypass

Rerouting food and losing weight

A surgeon during a gastric bypass

$4,000$5,200

Lock in the price

Free

First consultation

Surgeon's examination and a treatment plan

First consultation

Free

the price of surgery is confirmed
and fixed in your contract

Book a consultation

Find out your method and the cost of surgery

The doctor looks at your health, talks about your goals and chooses the right method of bariatric surgery. You get the cost at the consultation, fixed 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 (≈ R61,000) price includes

A complete package: preparation plus 12 months of support, without any extra charges.Starting with preparation for surgery
and ending with support for 12 months.

  • Surgery and the surgeon's work
  • General anaesthesia
  • Inpatient care after surgery
  • A slimmer, healthier body
  • Meals at the clinic
  • Support while you keep the weight off
  • A personal coordinator from day one
  • Remote progress check by photos

$3,600$4,800

Discounted price

Lock in the price

How it works

Treatment at the clinic —
from preparation until discharge

Hospital monitoring, a treatment plan agreed with you and a year of support.

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

Consultation and a treatment plan

The doctor evaluates your health, talks through your goals and orders the tests needed to select the right bariatric surgery method.

Booking the surgery date2

Choosing and booking a date

We set aside a surgery date for you — the deposit is paid by card at the clinic or online by bank transfer, and the terms are fixed in the contract for medical services

A blood sample tube for tests before bariatric surgery3

Tests ahead of surgery

Blood and urine tests, an ECG, an ultrasound, a gastroscopy and specialist visits come before surgery. At the consultation the doctor gives you the exact list.

Surgeons performing a bariatric operation4

Surgery

Your surgeon performs the bariatric operation with the chosen method under general anaesthesia, and after surgery the medical team monitors you.

A hospital ward at the clinic5

Inpatient stay

You stay in hospital under doctors' supervision after surgery; the stay runs from 1–3 to 4–5 days, depending on the operation's complexity and how you feel.

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 draws up a plan at the consultation and explains how the surgery will go

A surgeon shows a patient the result forecast on a tablet

You pay nothing for the consultation, happens before surgery, with no obligation.

Book a consultation
A surgeon shows a patient the result forecast on a tablet

Doctors

Surgeons you can trust

Bariatric surgeon Andrey G. Ugay

Andrey G. Ugay

View profile

27 years of experience

Senior bariatric surgeon
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

From the first consultation to the result, your surgeon operates and follows you.

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

Patient support

Helps you choose a convenient date and answers your questions before the first consultation

  • Explains each step of preparation
  • Reminds you about tests and check-ups
Your personal coordinator

With you before your stay and during it, from booking to discharge

Patient support

Helps with your preparation for surgery and stays in touch throughout your clinic stay

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

With you through recovery — from discharge to your final check-up

Patient support

Books your follow-up visits with the surgeon and keeps in touch during recovery

  • Answers questions during recovery
  • Books follow-up visits

Advantages

Reasons patients choose City Medical Centre

A surgeon consults a patient in the clinic

Personal attention at every step

We find the best method for your health, lifestyle and goals. All the way through, our team is with you.

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

Long-term
follow-up support after surgery

We help you adopt new eating habits, track your results and make them last.

A patient at the clinic

Real and lasting results

Steady weight loss, improved well-being and a better quality of life.

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

Your timetable comes first

We adapt to your pace and respect your time — easy booking, a personal approach and open 24/7.

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

Request before the month closes and get any service consultation free

  • Bariatric surgeon consultation

    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 what people ask
before booking

Bariatric Surgery in Polokwane: price and what is included

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

How much does bariatric surgery in Polokwane cost?

Prices start from $3,600 (≈ R61,000). 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.

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Bariatric surgery in Polokwane: methods, stages and package

Bariatric surgery is a medical treatment for obesity and related diseases. Unlike plastic surgery, it changes how the digestive tract works and addresses the causes of excess weight. For patients from Polokwane, four main methods are available: sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass and SADI-S. Each is chosen individually based on BMI, related conditions and personal goals.

Step one: consultation. Step two: laboratory and instrumental tests, gastroscopy and specialist reviews. Step three: surgery through small punctures by a permanent team, not a duty shift. Step four: 1–5 days in the ward with meals and nursing. Step five: a staged diet and a year of follow-up. People in Polokwane follow this route from start to finish.

A permanent team — not a duty shift — handles your case, and the whole package is transparent. Included are the operation, 24/7 care in the ward, meals, nursing and a personal coordinator from day one, plus support throughout the first year. Polokwane patients also get a contractual result guarantee. Book a free consultation to discuss your situation.

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

Polokwane and the decision to have bariatric surgery

Polokwane, whose name means “Sanctuary” in Northern Sotho and which was formerly known as Pietersburg, is the capital of Limpopo Province and the largest urban centre in South Africa north of Gauteng. It was one of the nine host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. People who live here often manage work, family and long distances in a single day, and that practical outlook shapes how they approach a decision such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

The question most residents of Polokwane ask first is not about the operation itself but about how it fits into ordinary life: when to take leave, who will help at home, how to eat at a family gathering and when to get back to a normal routine. This text goes through those questions step by step, so that you can talk to a surgeon with a clear list in your hands.

City Medical Centre works with patients from Polokwane through a free online consultation. Coordinators are available around the clock, 24/7, on Telegram and Telegram. You write from home, in your own language and at your own pace, and a coordinator will call you back 24/7.

Who is usually considered a candidate

BMI is the main tool for assessing the degree of obesity. It is calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. 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 in Polokwane have tried diets, gym programmes and walking groups for years before they start to think about surgery. If that sounds familiar, write down what you tried, for how long and what the result was. The surgeon will ask about this at the consultation, and a clear history makes the conversation shorter and more useful.

The surgeon confirms whether surgery suits you at the consultation. Contraindications are assessed individually, and in general terms they include conditions that make general anaesthesia unsafe, untreated eating disorders, active dependence on alcohol or other substances, and an inability to follow the dietary rules after the operation. Do not rule yourself out or in on your own: send your height, weight and a list of your illnesses and medicines, and the doctor will give a professional opinion.

The WHO fact sheet on obesity and overweight describes obesity as a chronic condition linked to other diseases. That is one more reason to treat the decision as a medical one and not as a cosmetic one.

Sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass: what to ask

The two operations work in different ways, and the choice depends on your BMI, your eating habits, your other health conditions and the surgeon's assessment. Do not choose by what a friend in Polokwane had done; ask the surgeon why one method suits you better than the other.

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. This matters to many people who wear fitted clothing in the warm months and do not want visible scars.

Useful questions for the online consultation: Which method do you recommend for me and why? What anaesthesia is used? How many days will I stay in hospital? Which vitamins will I need to take and for how long? What can I eat in the first weeks? What are the signs that I should contact the team immediately?

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The hospital stay is 1–5 days, depending on the method and how you feel. Doctors supervise you in hospital after surgery for a stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days, depending on the complexity of the operation and how you are feeling.

Climate in Polokwane and recovery

Polokwane has a semiarid climate. Despite lying on the Tropic of Capricorn, it sits on a plateau 1230 m above sea level, which tempers the heat. Average temperatures reach around 21–22 °C in January and fall to 11 °C in July. The last decade has been notably warmer than the long-term average, so summer planning deserves attention.

Summer is also the rainy season, with December or, less often, January the wettest month. Annual rainfall averages 495 mm. Winter is dry, and July is the driest month. For recovery, the dry and cool winter is calmer: you are less likely to be bothered by heat, sweating and fatigue while the body is healing.

In the warm months, wear loose breathable clothing and keep the incisions clean and dry as the doctor instructs. Avoid long exposure to direct sun in the first weeks, and protect healing skin from sunburn. Heat and dehydration are a real concern after a stomach operation, because you drink in small sips, so plan how you will keep fluids with you during the day.

Dry winter air and dust can irritate the throat and dry the lips. Keep water within reach, and ask the surgeon what you may drink and when. Questions about compression garments or support clothing should be put to the surgeon, who will tell you whether they are needed in your case.

Swimming is allowed after 30 days. If you have a pool at home or plan a day out in summer, count the days from the operation and ask the surgeon to confirm that your wounds have healed.

Choosing the season for the operation

There is no single correct month. A winter operation in Polokwane means mild days and dry weather, which many people find easier for the first weeks. A summer operation falls in the rainy season and in the warmest period, so you should be ready to rest indoors and keep cool.

Think also about the calendar of your family and work. Weddings, funerals, church gatherings and holiday meals are an important part of life in the city, and food is central at most of them. In the first weeks you will eat very little and in small portions, so it is easier to schedule the operation away from large gatherings.

Ask the coordinator to help you build a timeline: preparation, tests, the date of surgery, the hospital stay, the first weeks at home and the follow-up. The programme runs from preparation to 12 months of support, all in one package. No added fees.

Work, study and sport after surgery

Recovery time depends on the activity. Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks. Physical work is possible after 1.5 months. For people employed in administration, public services or education in Polokwane, the shorter period usually applies. For those who do heavy physical work, such as in agriculture, construction or warehouses, plan for the longer period.

Students at the satellite campuses of the Tshwane University of Technology, Capricorn TVET College and the University of South Africa in the city, or at the University of Limpopo's Turfloop campus about 30 km east of Polokwane, should talk to their lecturers early. Plan the operation around the exam periods and submission dates, and ask the surgeon when you can sit for long hours and return to lectures.

Swimming is allowed after 30 days, and other exercise is gradually added as weight goes down. The city offers plenty of gentle options: walking in the Polokwane Game Reserve or the bushveld around it, or an easy stroll in the city parks. Begin with short walks and extend them as the surgeon allows. Do not return to intense gym sessions or to team sports on your own initiative.

Back to work after 2–4 weeks is a general guide, not a promise. Your actual timing depends on the operation, how you feel and how the surgeon assesses your recovery.

Food culture and the new way of eating

Polokwane has a mixed community. Sepedi speakers are roughly 45.9% of residents, Venda people roughly 6.7%, and there are also Afrikaner and English-speaking communities. Each has its own table traditions, and in many homes meals are large, shared and social. Hospitality often means being offered a second plate, and refusing politely becomes a skill you will need.

Before surgery, talk to your family about what will change. Explain that you will eat small portions, chew slowly and avoid certain foods for a time. Ask relatives to support you rather than offer food. At braais and celebrations, eat your planned portion first, bring your own approved dish if necessary and keep water close.

The surgeon and dietitian will give you a stage-by-stage plan. Ask how to adapt your usual dishes: which cooking methods are suitable, how to handle maize-based staples, meat, sweet drinks and alcohol, and how to avoid skipping protein. Do not rely on general internet advice; follow the plan you are given.

Support continues for 12 months, so you can ask the team about everyday food situations as they come up, whether at work, at a family event or while shopping.

Pregnancy and family planning

Getting pregnant after bariatric surgery is possible, but doctors advise waiting at least 12–18 months, so the body can stabilize, weight can reach target values and nutritional status can normalize.

If you are planning a family, tell the surgeon at the first consultation. It affects the timing of the operation and the vitamin and nutrition plan. Use reliable contraception during the waiting period, and ask the doctor which method is suitable for you.

The result of surgery is assessed over a longer period: weight loss continues for a long time, and the stage 18–24 months after surgery is the point at which results are usually evaluated.

From Pietersburg to Polokwane: a city of sanctuary and a fresh start

The town was founded in 1886 and named Pietersburg after the Voortrekker leader Petrus Jacobus Joubert. It became a city on 23 April 1992, and on 25 February 2005 the official name Polokwane, already used by Northern Sotho speakers, was adopted. The name means “Sanctuary”, and many people who consider bariatric surgery describe the decision in a similar way: as a chance to give the body a safe place to recover and start again.

The city has changed names and shape more than once, and a change of lifestyle after sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass is also a process, not a single day. Think of the operation as the start of a longer programme: preparation, a hospital stay of 1–5 days, the first weeks at home and follow-up support for 12 months.

Residents of the city often say they have heard stories from older relatives about how much daily life here has changed. Use that sense of change as motivation, but keep your plan practical: write down your questions for the surgeon and share the plan with the people who live with you.

Suburbs, clusters and distances: planning your weeks at home

Polokwane is divided into seven clusters and forty-five wards. Mankweng lies 20 km east of the centre, the Molepo, Chuene and Maja cluster 20 km to the south, and Sebayeng and Dikgale 30 km to the northeast, while Seshego sits on the northwest outskirts. Many people live in suburbs such as Nirvana, Bendor, Flora Park, Ivy Park, Hospital Park or Thornhill, and others in the outlying clusters.

Distance matters for recovery. If you live in an outlying cluster, think about who will drive you, who will stay with you in the first days at home, and how you will reach a local clinic for routine checks and blood tests if the surgeon asks for them. Share this with the coordinator during the online consultation so the follow-up plan fits your daily reality.

Short, regular walks are easier to organise in a quiet suburb with calm streets. If you live far from the centre, plan walking around your own neighbourhood rather than relying on a daily drive. After the first weeks, the aim is simple: a little more movement each week, as the surgeon allows.

Work, employers and campuses in Polokwane

As the provincial capital, Polokwane has a large commercial area, with the four largest banks in the country each having at least three branches here. The city also hosts industries such as Coca-Cola, Freshmark, a division of Shoprite Checkers, and South African Breweries. Office staff in banks, retail administration and public services can usually plan for a return after 2–4 weeks, while those working in warehouses or on production lines should plan for 1.5 months.

Talk to your employer early and in plain terms. Ask for a written note of the dates, and agree who covers your tasks. If you work with beverages, shift work or heavy lifting, mention this to the surgeon so that the advice about lifting is clear for your job.

For students, the satellite campuses of the Tshwane University of Technology, Capricorn TVET College and the University of South Africa are in the city, and the University of Limpopo's Turfloop campus is about 30 km east. Choose a quieter academic period for the operation, and agree on deadlines with your department before you travel for any appointments.

Sport, stadiums and the Polokwane way of staying active

Sport is part of the city's identity. Polokwane City and Baroka play football here, Peter Mokaba Stadium was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Polokwane Cricket Club dates from 1902, the Pietersburg Golf Club has a full 18 holes, and the city has swimming and tennis clubs. Golf, cricket and swimming are good examples of activities to return to gradually.

Swimming is allowed after 30 days, and other exercise is added gradually as weight goes down. Contact sports such as rugby, which Noordelikes Rugby Club plays in the city, and fast team games should wait until the surgeon agrees. A relaxed walk on a golf course is a gentler first step than a full round with a heavy bag.

If you are a spectator type, going to a match is fine once you feel well, but plan your food and water in advance. Stadium snacks and sweet drinks are the exact temptations you will be avoiding, so bring an approved snack and a bottle of water.

Food, markets and local produce in the plan

Agricultural produce moved through the city includes tomatoes, citrus fruit, sugar cane, peanuts, tea, bananas and avocados. Fresh produce like this can support a good eating plan after surgery, but the surgeon and dietitian decide which foods are suitable at each stage. Ask when raw fruit and vegetables may be introduced and how to portion them.

Malls such as Mall of the North and Savannah Mall, and venues such as the Greenery and Cycad Centre, offer cafés and food courts where a social meal is easy to arrange. Choose a calm time, check the menu before you go and order a small portion of a protein-based dish. Bring your vitamins with you.

How the remote consultation works from Polokwane

You contact a coordinator on Telegram or Telegram at any hour, since the team works 24/7. Booking is easy, the approach is personal and we adapt to your pace. You send your height, weight, list of illnesses, medicines and earlier operations, and you arrange an online conversation with the surgeon.

At the consultation, the surgeon looks at your BMI and general health, explains the options and says whether surgery suits you. You can ask all the questions from your list, and you can involve a family member who will support you at home.

If you decide to go ahead, the coordinator explains the next steps and stays in touch. Support lasts for 12 months. A stable internet connection and a quiet room are all you need, and you do not have to leave Polokwane for the first conversation.

Who can have bariatric surgery?

Usually a BMI over 40, or over 35 with related health conditions. The surgeon confirms whether surgery suits you at the consultation. In some cases surgery is considered at lower values too, if non-surgical approaches have failed.

How do I calculate my BMI?

Divide your body weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. Send the figures to the coordinator, and the surgeon will interpret them together with your health history.

Which anaesthesia is used and how long is the hospital stay?

General anaesthesia is used. The hospital stay is 1–5 days, depending on the method and how you feel, and doctors supervise you throughout that time.

How is the operation performed?

With modern laparoscopic technique through 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm. Cosmetic sutures are used, so after healing the marks are barely visible.

When can I return to work in Polokwane?

Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks. Physical work is possible after 1.5 months. The surgeon will confirm the timing for your situation.

When can I swim or exercise?

Swimming is allowed after 30 days. Other exercise is gradually added as weight goes down. Ask the surgeon before returning to intense training.

Is summer or winter better for the operation?

Neither is strictly better. Winter in Polokwane is dry and cool, which many people find comfortable for recovery, while summer is warm and rainy and needs more attention to hydration and sun protection. Choose according to your work and family calendar.

Can I become pregnant after surgery?

It is possible, but doctors advise waiting at least 12–18 months so the body can stabilize, weight can reach target values and nutritional status can normalize.

When is the result assessed?

The stage 18–24 months after surgery is when the result is usually evaluated, while weight loss continues gradually before that.

How do I start from Polokwane?

Write to the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram. They work 24/7, a coordinator will call you back, and the first consultation is free and online. The programme runs from preparation to 12 months of support, all in one package. No added fees.

What does the name Polokwane mean and why does it matter?

It means “Sanctuary” in Northern Sotho. The city was formerly Pietersburg, and the official name Polokwane was adopted on 25 February 2005. For many patients it is a reminder that the decision about surgery is a fresh start taken calmly and with good medical support.

I live in Mankweng or Seshego. Can I still use the online consultation?

Yes. The first consultation is online and free, and coordinators are on Telegram and Telegram 24/7. Tell the coordinator which cluster you live in so that follow-up and everyday planning fit your situation.

Can I play golf, cricket or tennis after the operation?

Swimming is allowed after 30 days, and other exercise is added gradually as weight goes down. Ask the surgeon when to start each sport, and begin with light practice.

Can I go to a match at Peter Mokaba Stadium after surgery?

Once you feel well and the surgeon agrees, yes. Plan water and an approved snack in advance, since stadium food and sweet drinks do not suit the new eating plan.

Page medically reviewed by Andrey G. Ugay, lead bariatric surgeon. Review date: .