Did 'Coronel' Valverde have bariatric surgery? Yes, and he explained why

What did “Coronel” Valverde say about his surgery?

Valverde shared photos from the clinic, before and after the operation, and said he was already home and recovering. BioBioChile reported the reason he gave: “I’m very fearful, and doing it terrified me, but not as much as never being able to get on a stage again, or having a health scare before I turn 50.” The same words were quoted by T13, which also reported messages of support from colleagues.

In the Instagram post itself he did not name the type of operation. According to BioBioChile, when a follower asked in his stories whether it was a gastric sleeve or a bypass, he replied with a photo of a road detour sign, a playful hint at the bypass. That is all we rely on here: no clinic, surgeon or other medical details were given, so this article does not guess at them. Where the text below explains methods and timelines, it describes bariatric surgery in general, not his case.

Why his reason resonates

Valverde did not talk about looks. He talked about fear of the operation and a bigger fear of losing his work and his health. Many people considering bariatric surgery recognise that trade-off: the operation is a serious step, but so are the long-term effects of obesity on the heart, the joints and blood sugar.

Being open about being afraid is also useful. Fear before surgery is normal, and a good consultation is where it should be addressed: what exactly will be done, what the risks are, and what life will look like afterwards.

How gastric bypass differs from a sleeve

Both operations are performed laparoscopically, through four small punctures of 5–15 mm. In a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and connects it to a lower part of the small intestine, so food bypasses most of the stomach and the first section of the intestine. In a sleeve gastrectomy most of the stomach is removed and a narrow tube remains.

The clinic’s site describes the bypass as the “gold standard” for patients with a high BMI and type 2 diabetes. Still, the right procedure is chosen by the surgeon after tests and specialist consultations.

Who is a candidate and how to prepare

Bariatric surgery is generally considered with a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more with a serious weight-related condition; sometimes lower thresholds apply when other treatments have not worked. Preparation 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 stopping smoking a month before.

Recovery after gastric bypass

Patients get up on the first day after surgery and usually stay in hospital for 1–5 days. The diet is staged over 1–2 months, from liquid to soft to solid food. Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks, physical work after about six weeks, swimming after 30 days, and long trips are best planned no earlier than a month after surgery. After a bypass, vitamins and minerals are taken for life. The final result is assessed at 1.5–2 years.

1. Day of surgeryLaparoscopic operation through four small punctures under general anaesthesia.
2. Day 1You get up and walk; small sips of liquid.
3. Days 1–5Hospital stay, then discharge with a diet plan and a vitamin schedule.
4. Weeks 2–4Return to office work; soft food is introduced.
5. Months 1–2Move to solid food; swimming allowed after 30 days.
6. Year 1Follow-up with the team; vitamins and minerals continue for life.
7. Years 1.5–2The final result is assessed.

Bariatric surgery at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and SADI-S for international patients, all laparoscopically. The surgeon’s first consultation is free and can start online; the price is fixed in the contract. A gastric bypass currently costs $4,000 and a sleeve gastrectomy $3,600, 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 Marcelo “Coronel” Valverde or his treatment. His story is simply a well-known example of someone who talked openly about this operation.

Frequently asked questions

When did “Coronel” Valverde have his surgery?

He announced it on Instagram in July 2024, saying he had the operation that week and was already home recovering.

Did he have a bypass or a gastric sleeve?

He did not name it in his post. According to BioBioChile, when a follower asked, he answered with a photo of a road detour sign, hinting at a bypass.

Is it normal to be afraid of bariatric surgery?

Yes. Valverde said the operation terrified him. A detailed consultation, where the surgeon explains the procedure, the risks and the recovery, is the place to address those fears.

How much does a gastric bypass cost at City Medical Centre?

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

Do you need vitamins after a gastric bypass?

Yes. Because part of the intestine is bypassed, vitamins and minerals are needed for life, as prescribed by the doctor.