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Bariatric surgery

Surgical Treatment of Obesity in Thika

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 care and support
at each step. We discuss your surgery and recovery plan for free — before you choose.

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Free online consultation · Reply within 15 minutes

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Results

Weight loss results of our patients

These are real patients treated at 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

Our surgeons perform two key operations — sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. A side-by-side look at how, why and when each is used helps you choose 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
Indications
Obesity without marked reflux
Anaesthesia and hospital stay
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
Indications
Obesity, diabetes or reflux
Anaesthesia and hospital stay
General anaesthesia, hospital stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days

Shown for guidance, the benefits and recovery times are averages by method. The surgeon confirms the extent of surgery and recovery at the consultation, since they depend on your anatomy and individual features.

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About us

A clinic where you feel comfortable

Modern equipment, comfortable rooms and care for every patient

A doctor and a patient in a clinic ward

Choose how you would like to contact us

Ask us anything, and we will arrange a consultation at a time that suits you

Get a consultation

Bariatric surgery is not for everyone

Whether to have surgery is decided together with the surgeon after the consultation and check-up.

SuitableBariatric surgery can help 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

Unsure which column describes you?

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

When your plan is prepared, the cost is named at the consultation and locked in the contract.

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

Weight loss and a new route for food

A surgeon during a gastric bypass

$4,000$5,200

Lock in the price

Free

First consultation

A treatment plan after the surgeon's examination

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 evaluates your health, talks through your goals and selects the right bariatric surgery method. The cost is named at the consultation and set in the contract.

A nurse and a patient in a clinic ward after bariatric surgery

Message our coordinator

Free online consultation · Reply within 15 minutes

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A bariatric surgeon discusses a treatment plan with a patient

price

What the $3,600 (≈ KES 470,000) price includes

All in one package, from the preparation stage to 12 months of support — and no extra fees.From your pre-surgery preparation
to follow-up support for 12 months.

  • Surgery and the surgeon's work
  • General anaesthesia
  • Hospital stay after surgery
  • A slimmer, healthier body
  • Meals at the clinic
  • Support while you keep the weight off
  • Your own coordinator from the first day
  • Remote progress check by photos

$3,600$4,800

Discounted price

Lock in the price

How it goes

Treatment at the clinic —
from admission to discharge

An agreed plan of treatment, in-hospital monitoring and a year of support.

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

Consultation and a treatment plan

The doctor looks at your health, talks about your goals and requests the tests needed to choose the right bariatric surgery method.

Booking the surgery date2

Reserving your surgery date

We reserve a surgery date for you: the deposit can be paid by card at the clinic or online by bank transfer. The terms are fixed in the contract for medical services

A blood sample tube for tests before bariatric surgery3

Pre-operative tests

Before the operation you have blood and urine tests, an ECG, an ultrasound and a gastroscopy, and see specialists. The doctor gives you the exact list at the consultation.

Surgeons performing a bariatric operation4

Surgery

The surgeon carries out the chosen bariatric method under general anaesthesia. After the operation the patient is monitored by the medical team.

A hospital ward at the clinic5

Inpatient stay

Following surgery you remain in hospital, supervised by doctors. The stay is 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

Scheduled check-ups after discharge follow your well-being, weight and test results, alongside advice on diet and recovery. For a year, the clinic team supports you.

A plan is drawn up by the doctor at the consultation, with an explanation of how surgery will go

A surgeon shows a patient the result forecast on a tablet

The consultation is free of charge, comes before surgery and obliges you to nothing.

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

Doctors

Surgeons you can rely on

Bariatric surgeon Andrey G. Ugay

Andrey G. Ugay

View profile

27 years of experience

Lead 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

One surgeon operates and follows you all the way, from the first consultation to the result.

Your first step is a consultation with our patient care manager: BMI calculation, an explanation of the methods and booking with the surgeon. Free of charge.

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Coordinators

Clinic coordinators

Support at every step of the way

Your personal coordinator

The first person you deal with at the clinic, from your first message to the consultation

Patient support

Answers your questions before the first consultation and helps select a date that works for you

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

Accompanies you before and during your stay, from booking to discharge

Patient support

Helps you prepare for the operation and stays in touch while you are at the clinic

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

Supports you through recovery — from discharge through to your last check-up

Patient support

Stays in touch during your recovery and schedules follow-up visits with the surgeon

  • Answers questions during recovery
  • Books follow-up visits

Advantages

Why patients come to City Medical Centre

A surgeon consults a patient in the clinic

Personal attention at every step

Your health, lifestyle and goals guide us to the best method, and our team is with you every step of the way.

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

Long-term
care after surgery

We help you adjust to new eating habits, follow your results and maintain them.

A patient at the clinic

Real and lasting results

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

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

Your schedule matters most to us

We value your time: we are open 24/7, booking is easy and the approach is personal — we adapt to your pace.

A contract with a fixed price for surgery and no hidden fees

Fixed prices

After the consultation you know the method the surgeon has chosen and the clear price, with no hidden fees and no surprises on the way to your result.

Prices

What bariatric surgery costs

Apply ahead of month-end and have a free consultation for any service

  • Meeting the bariatric surgeon

    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 Thika: price and what is included

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

How much does bariatric surgery in Thika cost?

Prices start from $3,600 (≈ KES 470,000). 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.

Message us on Telegram

By messaging us, you agree to our Privacy Policy

Everything about bariatric surgery for Thika patients

Weight that began in childhood, a family history of obesity, shortness of breath on stairs, avoiding photos — these are common reasons people in Thika start thinking about surgery. A consultation is warranted not only by a high BMI but also by related conditions. The surgeon reviews your health and weight history and offers the most suitable of the four surgical methods.

During the operation the surgeon works laparoscopically, which keeps rehabilitation as short as possible. Right after, you are under round-the-clock care in a ward, with meals and nursing included. After discharge, most people in Thika return to office work in 2–4 weeks, following a diet plan and avoiding saunas and heavy exercise for the first weeks.

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 Thika, the first consultation with the surgeon is free and takes about 15 minutes.

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

Thika and why bariatric surgery is a topic for its residents

Thika is an industrial town and commerce hub in Kiambu County, on the A2 road, close to where the Thika and Chania Rivers meet. It had a population of 279,429 as of the 2019 National Census and is growing rapidly. Thika also has the largest economy in Kiambu County. Many residents work in factories, trading, transport, services and small businesses, and the working day is often long and busy.

A life like this leaves little room for regular cooking at home, planned exercise or long medical appointments. Many people in a growing commercial town eat on the move, at work or during errands, and weight tends to creep up over the years. When diet and exercise have been tried repeatedly without a lasting result, people start asking about bariatric surgery, meaning sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.

This text is written for residents of Thika who want to understand how such surgery fits into their own routine, work and family life, and how to prepare for it sensibly. It is general information and does not replace the assessment of the operating surgeon.

Who is a candidate: BMI and the conditions that matter

Body mass index is the main tool for judging 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. The surgeon confirms at the consultation whether surgery suits you.

In practice, the related conditions that patients in a town like Thika mention most often are raised blood sugar, high blood pressure, sleep disturbance with loud snoring, painful knees and back, and shortness of breath on stairs or when walking between workplaces. These are worth listing in detail before the consultation, together with the medicines you take and the results of any recent tests.

Surgery is not suitable for everyone. Active serious illness, an untreated eating disorder, ongoing alcohol or substance dependence, pregnancy, or an unwillingness to follow a long-term eating plan are general reasons for the surgeon to pause or decline. Your doctor will go through your history and may ask for additional examinations before any decision is made.

The World Health Organization describes obesity as a chronic condition that raises the likelihood of other diseases. Seeing it as a medical condition rather than a lack of willpower is often the first step for people who have blamed themselves for years.

How the remote consultation works from Thika

The first step is a free online consultation. You contact the centre from Thika by Telegram or Telegram, and coordinators are available around the clock, 24/7. If you write late in the evening after work, or early in the morning, a coordinator will still answer, and a coordinator will call you back 24/7 if you prefer to talk.

Before the conversation, prepare your height and weight, so that your BMI can be calculated, a list of long-standing conditions, previous operations, allergies and the medicines you take, and any recent blood test results. A short note about your eating habits and previous attempts to lose weight helps the surgeon understand your situation quickly.

Booking is easy, the approach is personal and the process adapts to your pace. You are not pushed to decide on the first call. Many people from Thika prefer to talk it over with a spouse, parents or an older relative, and to ask further questions in writing a few days later. That is a reasonable way to take a decision of this size.

The programme runs from preparation to 12 months of support, all in one package, with no added fees. Follow-up support continues for 12 months, which matters because most of the real work of bariatric surgery happens in the months after the operation, at home.

Climate of Thika and its effect on recovery

Thika has a subtropical highland climate with sunshine most of the year and an average annual temperature of 19.8 °C. The town lies at an elevation of about 1,631 metres. This mild climate is a practical advantage during recovery: you rarely face extreme heat that makes a compression garment or loose clothing uncomfortable, and fresh air walks are pleasant on most days.

The hottest period is March and April, leading into the long rains, and the coolest month is July. If you plan the operation so that the first days at home fall in a cooler month, light layers are easy to manage and you sweat less around the small wounds. In the hotter weeks, choose soft, breathable cotton clothing, keep the skin dry and avoid strong midday sun during early recovery.

The long rains run from March or April to May or June, and the short rains from October to November or December. Rain affects daily life: muddy roads, crowded matatus and wet pavements. In the first days after leaving hospital, avoid crowded transport, slippery surfaces and long waits outdoors. Ask a relative to help with errands during rainy spells so that you can rest.

Dehydration is a common concern after bariatric surgery, and a warm, dry spell can make it more noticeable. Small, frequent sips of fluid through the day are the usual advice, and your surgeon will give you the exact plan.

Choosing the season: planning around rains, work and family events

There is no single best month, but Thika's calendar offers useful guidance. The cooler period around July gives comfortable conditions for the first weeks. The rainy seasons are workable too, as long as you arrange help at home and avoid unnecessary outings. The hottest months of March and April ask for a little more attention to hydration and clothing.

Think about your own year as much as the weather. Harvest and trading peaks, school terms and fees periods, weddings, funerals and church or community gatherings all bring long meals and social pressure to eat. In the early weeks after surgery your portions will be small and your diet staged, so it is easier to start recovery when no big event is near.

Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks. Physical work, for example in a factory, on a building site or in loading and transport, usually requires about 1.5 months. If your job is physical, discuss with your employer in advance whether lighter duties are possible during the transition. A medical note from the surgeon can help with this conversation.

Students in Thika's colleges can plan the operation for a break between terms, so that missed classes and exams do not add stress to recovery.

The operation itself: sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass

Both operations are performed under general anaesthesia using modern laparoscopic technique. The surgeon works through 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm. Cosmetic sutures are used, so after healing the marks are barely visible. For many patients this matters because the scars are not a topic they must explain at work or at family gatherings.

In a sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach is reduced in size so that you feel full after a small portion. In a gastric bypass, the stomach is made smaller and the route of food through the digestive tract is changed. Which method suits you depends on your weight, health conditions, eating pattern and the surgeon's assessment. Ask the surgeon to explain why one method is proposed over the other for you specifically.

The hospital stay is 1–5 days, depending on the method and how you feel. Doctors supervise you in hospital after surgery, with a stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days depending on the complexity of the operation and how you are feeling. You remain under observation for 1–5 days, and the team decides when you are ready to go home.

Because the consultation is remote, you will receive the explanation of the steps, the preparation and the schedule in advance, so that you and your family in Thika know what to expect at each stage.

Return to work, sport and daily life in Thika

Recovery time depends on activity. Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks. Physical work is possible after 1.5 months. For people working in Thika's shops, offices, schools and service jobs, the first group applies; for those in industry, construction or transport, plan for the longer period and discuss lighter duties.

Swimming is allowed after 30 days. Other exercise is added gradually as weight goes down. Thika is a town where many people walk a lot, and walking is a natural start: short, slow walks around the neighbourhood, gradually longer as you feel stronger. The gentle plain on which the town lies makes flat walking routes easy to find, and the Thika Sports Golf Club area and other green areas can be pleasant for easy exercise later on.

Football, running and gym work should return step by step, following the surgeon's advice. Do not rush to lift heavy loads or to start intense training because you feel well; the body needs time for internal healing even when you feel energetic.

Weight loss continues for a long time. The result is assessed at 18–24 months after surgery, and during this period your clothing sizes, your energy and your health markers will change. Keep a simple diary of weight, meals and activity so that you can share it during follow-up.

Food culture, family meals and the new eating routine

Kenyan home cooking often centres on filling staples, stews, greens and shared plates, and in Thika, as in many Kenyan towns, meals are social. After bariatric surgery, the volume you can eat is much smaller, and the order of foods changes: protein first, then vegetables, and starchy foods in small amounts. Tell your family early so that no one insists that you finish your plate.

Street food and quick snacks are part of working life in a commercial hub. Fried snacks, sweet tea and sugary drinks are easy to buy between tasks but can undermine results, and some foods may cause discomfort after the operation. Prepare simple food to carry from home during the first months, and agree with colleagues that you are on a medical eating plan.

Eat slowly, chew thoroughly and stop when you feel full. Drink between meals rather than during them, as your care team will explain. Your surgeon or dietitian will provide staged guidance for liquid, soft and normal foods, and it is best to follow that guidance rather than advice from friends who had a different operation.

Vitamin and mineral supplements are usually part of long-term care after these operations. Keep taking them as prescribed and attend your follow-up checks, which is one of the reasons that the 12 months of support are built into the programme.

Thika's factory belt and shift work: fitting surgery around the working week

Thika is known for agricultural processing and manufacturing. Pineapple, coffee, cooking oils, animal feed, textiles, macadamia nuts, tanneries, motor vehicle assembly, bakeries and packaging all operate in and around the town, with about 100 small-scale industries and about 50 major factories. For a patient this means that many neighbours, relatives and friends work on production lines, in warehouses, in packing halls or on loading bays.

If you work on a line or on your feet in a processing plant, think about the return date early. Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks, but physical work comes after 1.5 months. Ask your supervisor or human resources department whether a period of lighter duties, such as sorting, checking or desk tasks, can be arranged. A bakery or food-packing worker should also think about long hours beside hot ovens and about tasting food all day, which makes the new eating plan harder to follow.

Shift workers should tell the surgeon about their sleep pattern and meal times. Eating at night or skipping meals during a shift often leads to snacking. Together with the dietitian, plan small portions that you can carry to work in a closed container.

Students and colleges: planning surgery in a town of learning

Thika is home to or close to three universities, tens of middle-level colleges and hundreds of schools. Mount Kenya University, Gretsa University, the Thika Institute of Science and Technology, Thika Technical Institute and several medical and business colleges all draw young people to the town. Staff, lecturers and older students are also among those who ask about weight surgery.

A teacher or lecturer can often plan the operation for a holiday between terms, and then return to the classroom after 2–4 weeks, since teaching is mostly office-type work. Standing for long lessons and speaking for hours can feel tiring at first, so ask whether you can sit during the first days back.

Campus life around Thika and nearby Juja is lively at weekends, with clubs, snacks and late nights. If you are a student, the first months after surgery are easier when you explain your eating plan to roommates and avoid sweet drinks and heavy fried food in group outings. Choose a calm period without exams.

Rivers, waterfalls and green walks around Thika

The Thika and Chania Rivers meet on the north-western edge of town, and the area is known for Chania Falls and for Fourteen Falls on the River Athi. Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park lies to the south-east. These places are part of local weekend life, and many families like to spend a day outdoors there.

Treat them as goals for later months, not for the first weeks. Uneven ground, wet rocks near falling water and long days without a proper meal are not suitable for early recovery. Start with short flat walks near home on the gentle plain on which Thika lies, and add distance as your strength returns and the surgeon agrees.

Swimming is allowed after 30 days. Even then, do not plan a long day at a river or waterfall pool without clean drinking water, a small meal in your bag and a companion. Cold water and tiredness can come together more quickly than you expect.

Thika Road, matatus and getting around while you heal

Thika is served by an eight-lane superhighway towards Nairobi, a highway to Garissa and a highway to the central highlands, and the town has a well maintained internal road network. Most people move around by matatu, boda boda, private car or on foot, and the main roads are busy in the morning and evening.

After the hospital stay of 1–5 days, you will need a calm return home. Arrange a relative or friend with a car for the day you are discharged, and avoid packed matatus and boda boda rides in the first weeks, because sudden braking and bumps are uncomfortable when the abdomen is healing. Ask your surgeon about driving and wait for the go-ahead.

For follow-up, much of the contact is by phone and messages, so you do not have to spend hours in traffic. The coordinator will call you back 24/7 if you have a question.

Thika's history, Mugumo Gardens and the mindset of a long journey

Thika received town status by government gazette in 1924 and became a municipality in 1963. Its history includes the legend of the giant fig tree at Mugumo Gardens, linked with the seer Mugo wa Kibiro, and the story of the Flame Trees of Thika, written by Elspeth Huxley. Local people carry a strong sense of long memory and patience.

That attitude helps with bariatric surgery. The operation is a beginning, and the result is assessed at 18–24 months after surgery. Many patients find it helpful to keep a notebook of weight, meals and walks, in the same spirit in which a family keeps its stories.

Quiet places such as Mugumo Gardens can also serve as a gentle walking goal once the surgeon allows light activity.

Pregnancy, family planning and questions to ask the surgeon

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 a woman in Thika planning a family, raise this at the first consultation so that the timing of the operation fits your plans.

Useful questions for the surgeon: Which operation do you recommend for me and why? What preparation do I need before surgery? How long will I stay in hospital? What will I eat in the first weeks? When can I go back to my kind of work? Which symptoms mean I should contact the team immediately? What follow-up checks are planned over the 12 months?

Also ask about your own medicines, especially for diabetes and blood pressure, because doses often need to be reviewed as weight falls. Ask how contact with the team works once you are back in Thika, and who answers when a question arises at night. The coordinators work 24/7, and this is meant to make it easy to ask.

Bring a relative or friend into the conversation if you can. A second listener often remembers details that you may miss, and support at home is one of the strongest helps during the first months.

Who can have bariatric surgery in Thika?

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

How do I start if I live in Thika?

Contact the centre on Telegram or Telegram. The online consultation is free and coordinators are available 24/7. Prepare your height, weight, list of conditions and medicines, and the surgeon will assess your case remotely.

How is BMI calculated?

Divide your body weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. BMI is the main tool for assessing the degree of obesity, and the surgeon uses it together with your health conditions.

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

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The hospital stay is 1–5 days, depending on the method and how you feel, and doctors supervise you throughout this period.

Will I have large scars?

The laparoscopic technique uses 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?

Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks. Physical work is possible after about 1.5 months. If your job in Thika is physical, plan for the longer period and discuss lighter duties with your employer.

When can I swim or exercise?

Swimming is allowed after 30 days. Other exercise is added gradually as weight goes down, starting with short walks.

Does Thika's climate matter for recovery?

The mild highland climate with an average annual temperature of 19.8 °C is comfortable for recovery. Wear breathable clothing in the warmer months of March and April, drink small amounts regularly, and avoid crowds and slippery roads during the long and short rains.

When will I see the full result?

The result is assessed at 18–24 months after surgery. Weight goes down gradually, and your follow-up checks over the 12 months of support help you stay on track.

Can I become pregnant after the operation?

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.

What does the programme include and does it cost extra?

It runs from preparation to 12 months of support, all in one package, with no added fees. Follow-up support continues for 12 months, and a coordinator will call you back 24/7.

I work in a Thika factory. When can I go back?

Physical work is usually possible after about 1.5 months, and office work after 2–4 weeks. Ask your employer about lighter duties during the transition.

Can I visit Fourteen Falls or Chania Falls after surgery?

Not in the early weeks. Start with short flat walks, and plan such outings for later when your strength has returned. Swimming is allowed after 30 days, and the surgeon confirms what suits you.

How should I travel home after the hospital stay in Thika?

Ask a relative to take you in a private car, and avoid crowded matatus and boda boda rides in the first weeks. The stay itself is 1–5 days.

I am a student or teacher in Thika. When should I plan the operation?

A break between terms is practical. Office-type work is possible after 2–4 weeks, and you should tell the surgeon about your exam and teaching calendar.

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