Hussain Al Jassmi and his gastric bypass: the story in his own words

What did Hussain Al Jassmi say about his operation?

When Al Jassmi became ambassador of a wellness campaign in the UAE, Gulf News reported that the singer, who at his heaviest weighed 184 kilograms, had undergone gastric bypass surgery and changed his lifestyle to include daily exercise and lighter food. He told the newspaper: “I hope to be a good example [to Emirati society] with my interest in my health and how I look.”

He also explained the turning point. According to the same report, it came when he went on umrah and could not complete the rites because of his excess weight and poor health; since the surgery he has performed three umrahs. With a laugh he added: “Some people tell me I looked better at 200 [kilos]. And I agree! But for health, it’s another thing.”

The women’s magazine Aljamila recalled a 2016 television interview in which he confirmed that he chose gastric bypass to reach a normal weight and better health, and said he had delayed the decision because he was busy with work and singing. Aljamila dates the decision to 2009, Gulf News dates the surgery to 2010.

That is all we rely on here. The article does not add medical details that he did not share, and the explanations below describe gastric bypass in general, not his treatment.

Why his openness matters

Men in the Gulf rarely talk publicly about weight-loss surgery. Al Jassmi did the opposite: he connected the operation with health, faith and daily routine rather than with appearance, and he now runs in public places so that people can see him exercise. For people living with obesity, hearing a famous singer describe the decision calmly can make it easier to ask a doctor about options instead of postponing the conversation for years, as he himself admitted he did.

What a gastric bypass is

In a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the small intestine, so food bypasses most of the stomach and part of the intestine. The operation is done laparoscopically, through four small punctures of 5–15 mm. People feel full with much smaller portions, and fewer calories are absorbed.

It is one of several bariatric operations. The two most common options compared:

Who is it for?

Bariatric surgery is usually considered when:

• the body mass index (BMI) is above 40;
• the BMI is above 35 and there are serious weight-related conditions;
• in some cases with a lower BMI, if non-surgical approaches have not worked.

Before surgery patients have blood and urine tests, a glucose (HbA1c) test and consultations with several specialists, including an endocrinologist, a cardiologist and a psychiatrist. It is also recommended to cut fast carbohydrates and fats two to four weeks before and to stop smoking a month before.

What recovery looks like

Patients are usually up and walking on the first day and stay in hospital for one to five days. The diet moves in stages over one to two months, from liquid to soft to normal food. Office work is usually possible after two to four weeks, and long trips are best planned no earlier than a month after surgery. After a bypass, vitamins and minerals are taken for life. As Al Jassmi’s story shows, the operation is a start: he speaks about daily exercise and lighter food as the part that keeps the result. The final result is judged after one and a half to two years. The timeline below shows the usual stages.

1. Day of surgeryLaparoscopic operation through four small punctures under general anaesthesia.
2. Day 1Patients get up and walk; drinking starts in small sips.
3. Days 1–5Hospital stay, depending on the operation and how you feel.
4. Months 1–2Staged diet: liquid, then soft, then normal food; swimming after about 30 days.
5. Months 1–12The fastest weight loss, vitamins and regular follow-up with the team.
6. 1.5–2 yearsThe final result is assessed.

Bariatric surgery at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass and SADI-S for international patients, all laparoscopically. The first consultation with the surgeon is free: the doctor looks at your weight history and health, recommends the suitable operation and names the cost, which is then fixed in the contract. A gastric bypass costs $4,000 and a sleeve gastrectomy $3,600. The team follows up with patients during the first year. More details are on the bariatric surgery page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Hussain Al Jassmi or his treatment. His story is simply a well-known example of someone who talked openly about the operation.

Frequently asked questions

What operation did Hussain Al Jassmi have?

Gulf News reported in 2018 that he had undergone gastric bypass surgery, and Aljamila recalled a 2016 TV interview in which he confirmed choosing gastric bypass for a normal weight and better health.

How much did Hussain Al Jassmi weigh before surgery?

Gulf News wrote that at his heaviest he weighed 184 kilograms. He joked that some people said he looked better at 200 kilos, but added that health is another matter.

What is the difference between a gastric bypass and a sleeve?

A sleeve removes most of the stomach, while a bypass connects a small stomach pouch to the small intestine. A bypass usually gives greater weight loss and requires lifelong vitamins; the surgeon recommends the option after tests.

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

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

When can I fly home after bariatric surgery?

The hospital stay is usually one to five days, and long trips are best planned no earlier than about a month after surgery. Your coordinator helps plan the dates at the consultation.