guarantee
Weight Loss Surgery in Thembisa
for good —
14,000 CMC patients already live in a new body. An official contract sets out the result with legal force, not as mere words.
patients
experience
from excess weight
rating
Weight Loss Surgery in Thembisa
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
All costs upfront, 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
A high BMI is not the only reason to see a surgeon — related conditions count too
Medical history
Excess weight since childhood or a genetic predisposition
Metabolic disorders
Type 2 diabetes and hypertension associated with obesity
Resistance to conservative treatment
Years of diets and medication without any lasting result.
Medical history
Excess weight since childhood or a genetic predisposition
Metabolic disorders
Type 2 diabetes and hypertension associated with obesity
Resistance to conservative treatment
Years of diets and medication without any lasting result.
When is bariatric surgery justified?
Surgery is prescribed only when clear criteria are met
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.
Key factors
- The patient's body mass index (BMI)
- Overall health and any related chronic conditions
- Conventional weight-loss methods have failed in past attempts
Why don't diets and exercise work for everyone?
Many people try various diets and exercise for years, but the body fights back: metabolism slows, appetite grows and the lost weight returns. When it becomes clear that diet changes and medication alone cannot fundamentally improve the situation, bariatric surgery becomes the only effective way out.
Key factors
- The patient's body mass index (BMI)
- Overall health and any related chronic conditions
- Conventional weight-loss methods have failed in past attempts
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 people try various diets and exercise for years, but the body fights back: metabolism slows, appetite grows and the lost weight returns. When it becomes clear that diet changes and medication alone cannot fundamentally improve the situation, bariatric surgery becomes the only effective way out.
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 the operation the surgeon removes most of the stomach, leaving a narrow tube. Portions become much smaller and levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, fall, so the patient feels full far sooner and eats less.
Effectiveness: suitable for a BMI of 35 to 45. Patients lose 60–70% of their excess weight on average.
Specifics: the result is less durable than with bypass operations. If the diet is not followed, especially with high-calorie drinks and liquid food, the weight can return.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
The surgeon forms a small 50–70 ml pouch at the top of the stomach and joins it straight to the small intestine. This restricts food intake and cuts calorie absorption by shortening the route food takes through the gut.
Effectiveness: regarded as the “gold standard” for a BMI over 45–50 with type 2 diabetes. Loss of excess weight reaches 75–85%.
Specifics: the result is more durable than with other bariatric techniques. Diabetes, hypertension and similar related conditions often enter remission. The changed digestive anatomy means lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements.
Mini gastric bypass (MGB)
This procedure improves on the classic bypass. Instead of the standard approach, the surgeon creates a single connection (anastomosis) between the small stomach and the small intestine. A simpler technique means an easier experience for the patient and a shorter recovery.
Effectiveness: close to the classic Roux-en-Y bypass, with patients losing up to 75–80% of excess weight.
Specifics: less time in surgery and a faster recovery. Technically the procedure is reversible, though the single anastomosis brings a risk of bile reflux.
Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI-S)
A modern combined approach, SADI-S merges the benefits of sleeve gastrectomy with those of intestinal bypass. It takes two stages — turning the stomach into a narrow tube, then rerouting the small intestine so that the larger part 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: a smaller stomach reduces appetite by removing the ghrelin-producing zone, and rerouting food past part of the intestine limits calorie absorption. It suits 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
You begin with a surgeon's consultation, where history, method and recovery plan are covered
Lab tests
A complete blood count, urinalysis, biochemistry, HbA1c and clotting test (coagulation panel).
Instrumental diagnostics
ECG plus chest X-ray, abdomen and kidney ultrasound, leg vein Doppler.
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy (required) and colonoscopy (if indicated).
Specialists
GP and endocrinologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist, and gynecologist for women.
Diet
Cut back on fast carbs and fats 2–4 weeks before surgery, and eat light the day before.
Lifestyle
From a month before: no smoking, less physical activity, no stress.
The day before
Light last meal in the evening; final fluids 3–4 hours before surgery.
Lab tests
A complete blood count, urinalysis, biochemistry, HbA1c and clotting test (coagulation panel).
Instrumental diagnostics
ECG plus chest X-ray, abdomen and kidney ultrasound, leg vein Doppler.
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy (required) and colonoscopy (if indicated).
Specialists
GP and endocrinologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist, and gynecologist for women.
Diet
Cut back on fast carbs and fats 2–4 weeks before surgery, and eat light the day before.
Lifestyle
From a month before: no smoking, less physical activity, no stress.
The day before
Light last meal in the evening; final fluids 3–4 hours before surgery.
Our specialists
Skilled bariatric surgeons who genuinely care about patient health
Ruslan S. Menzulin
Bariatric surgeon · surgical oncologist
Took training at Mercy clinic under Vadim Gushchin and addressed the World Congress of bariatric surgery (2025). Co-author of an international study that The Lancet published.
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
At City Medical Centre, obesity is approached as a whole. After the initial examination each patient is given an individual diagnostic program, both lab and instrumental, to find all disorders in the body.
A method matched to your goal
The surgical method is selected individually by our doctors for every patient. Your health, weight history and related conditions are reviewed first, so the most suitable surgical treatment can be offered.
Support that stays in touch
You are not left alone after surgery — the City Medical Centre team stays with you. Across the first year, specialists follow your weight loss, monitor tests and answer all diet and recovery questions.
Fast recovery
Laparoscopic bariatric operations at City Medical Centre make recovery far shorter. Most patients are moving on day one and resume their normal life within a week.
Full diagnostics on site
No shuttling between clinics. Your full work-up happens at our centre, from our own lab to ultrasound and gastroscopy. Preparation is quick, there are no queues, and it is all in one building.
Recovery after bariatric surgery
Recovery is very much individual, though minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques keep the rehabilitation phase as short as possible.
Duration
Depending on the extent of surgery and related conditions, the patient is observed at the clinic for 1 to 5 days.
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
Bathhouse, sauna and intense physical exercise are banned in early weeks.
Diet
A staged diet is prescribed for 1–2 months — from liquids to solids to let the stomach adapt.
Pace
Average monthly loss is 10% of excess weight for patients following the specialists' advice.
Stabilization
The final result is seen after 1.5–2 years. In that time the patient builds stable eating habits that keep the weight from returning.
Important! City Medical Centre specialists keep recovery under supervision and give psychological and medical support at every stage of losing weight.
Duration
Depending on the extent of surgery and related conditions, the patient is observed at the clinic for 1 to 5 days.
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
Bathhouse, sauna and intense physical exercise are banned in early weeks.
Diet
A staged diet is prescribed for 1–2 months — from liquids to solids to let the stomach adapt.
Pace
Average monthly loss is 10% of excess weight for patients following the specialists' advice.
Stabilization
The final result is seen after 1.5–2 years. In that time the patient builds stable eating habits that keep the weight from returning.
Important! City Medical Centre specialists keep recovery under supervision and give psychological and medical support at every stage of losing weight.
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?
Many mix them up, but they pursue fundamentally different goals. Bariatric surgery medically treats obesity and related diseases by changing how the digestive tract functions, addressing the causes of excess weight and metabolism. Plastic surgery reshapes the external contours of the body; it does not treat obesity or influence metabolism.
How soon can I return to work and normal life?
Will there be visible scars?
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.
What diet do I need to follow?
The diet evolves in steps — from liquids to soft, then solid food — with a focus on protein and limits on high-calorie, fatty food.
What types of bariatric surgery are there?
Four main bariatric surgery types are available at City Medical Centre: sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass (MGB) and SADI-S duodeno-ileal bypass. The method is picked individually, considering BMI, related conditions and the patient's goals.
Can I plan a pregnancy after surgery?
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.
Do I need to take vitamins after surgery?
Yes, vitamins after bariatric surgery are necessary. The body absorbs certain nutrients less well due to the changed digestive anatomy, 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.
Prices
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Bariatric surgery in Thembisa: from consultation to result
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 Thembisa, 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.
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 Thembisa build stable eating habits that keep the weight from returning.
Weight loss is written into the contract, and the package includes every stage: consultation, diagnostics, the operation, inpatient care with meals and a year of support. A personal coordinator guides you from day one. To begin, patients from Thembisa leave a request on the page or message the clinic, then receive a free consultation with a bariatric surgeon.
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Well-known people who spoke openly about this operation, in their own words.
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