Did Carla Giraldo have a gastric sleeve? Yes, and she explained why

What did Carla Giraldo say about her gastric sleeve?

In April 2026, on Canal RCN's morning show Buen Día Colombia, Giraldo confirmed that she had a gastric sleeve. El País reported her words: “I already weighed 95 kilos and I tried everything, but I looked for help, because I understood the changes in my body. It isn't easy. I was very sad, I didn't understand anything.” She was also clear that surgery alone does not do the work: “Everything starts to work, but you have to exercise.”

Earlier, in a 2024 conversation with presenter Laura Acuña, she explained why she chose surgery at all. El Espectador quoted her: “At that moment, when I had to have the operation, I had a high degree of obesity. It wasn't aesthetic at all, or about feeling prettier.” In the same interview she spoke frankly about a hard emotional period after the operation.

That is all we rely on here. Giraldo did not describe medical details of her operation, so this article does not guess at them. Where the text below explains methods and timelines, it describes bariatric surgery in general, not her treatment.

What her words show

Two things in Giraldo's story are worth noting. First, she describes the decision as medical: she had tried other ways to lose weight, and the reason was the degree of obesity, not appearance. Second, she refuses to present the sleeve as a magic solution. Exercise, new eating habits and emotional support are, in her words, where the real work begins.

This matches how doctors see bariatric surgery. It changes the size of the stomach and the hormonal signals of hunger, which makes weight loss possible, but long-term results depend on what the person does after the operation.

How bariatric surgery is done today

Modern bariatric operations are performed laparoscopically, through a few small punctures in the abdomen. The two most common procedures are:

The choice between them depends on body mass index, related conditions and eating habits, and it is made with the surgeon after an examination, not from a celebrity story.

Who is a candidate and how to prepare

Bariatric surgery is usually considered with a BMI above 40, or above 35 when there are serious weight-related conditions; sometimes lower thresholds apply if non-surgical approaches have not worked. Preparation typically includes:

• blood and urine tests, biochemistry, HbA1c and a coagulation panel;
• consultations with a GP, an endocrinologist, a psychiatrist, a cardiologist and, for women, a gynaecologist;
• cutting fast carbohydrates and fats 2–4 weeks before surgery and quitting smoking a month before.

The psychiatric consultation is not a formality. Giraldo's own account shows that the emotional side of such a big change matters, and it helps to talk about it before the operation, not after.

Recovery and life after the operation

The hospital stay is usually 1–5 days, and patients are up and walking on the first day. Office work is typically possible after 2–4 weeks, physical work after about a month and a half. The diet is staged over 1–2 months: liquid, then soft, then solid food. Regular physical activity is part of the plan from the start — exactly the point Giraldo made. The final result is assessed at 1.5–2 years. The timeline below shows the usual stages.

1. Day of surgeryLaparoscopic operation under general anaesthesia; patients get up and walk the same day.
2. Days 1–5Hospital stay under observation; a liquid diet begins.
3. Weeks 2–4Soft food is gradually introduced; office work is usually possible again.
4. Months 1–2Move to solid food; physical work after about six weeks, regular exercise becomes part of the routine.
5. First yearMost of the weight loss happens; regular check-ups with the team.
6. 1.5–2 yearsThe final result is assessed.

Bariatric surgery at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass and SADI-S for international patients, all laparoscopically. The first consultation with the surgeon is free and can start online; the cost is fixed in the contract. Current prices are $3,600 for a sleeve gastrectomy and $4,000 for a gastric bypass, and the team follows patients up during the first year. More details are on the bariatric surgery page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Carla Giraldo or her treatment. Her story is simply a well-known example of someone who talked openly about this operation.

Frequently asked questions

Which operation did Carla Giraldo have?

She said she had a gastric sleeve after reaching 95 kilos. She did not describe other medical details, and we do not speculate.

Why did Carla Giraldo choose surgery?

She said she had a high degree of obesity, had tried everything else and that the decision was not about looks. She also stressed that exercise is needed after the operation.

How much weight do people lose after a gastric sleeve?

On average, 60–70% of excess weight. The result depends strongly on diet, physical activity and follow-up after surgery.

How much does bariatric surgery cost at City Medical Centre?

A sleeve gastrectomy costs $3,600 and a gastric bypass $4,000. The final price is confirmed after the free consultation and fixed in the contract.

Is a psychological assessment needed before bariatric surgery?

Yes, a psychiatric consultation is part of the preparation. It helps to deal with eating habits and emotional expectations before the operation.