Gastric sleeve surgery in Medellín
From COP 23,000,000, done laparoscopically with about one day in the hospital
The gastric sleeve, also called sleeve gastrectomy, is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the world. It reduces the stomach to a narrow tube and lowers hunger. At MDE Care we tell you the full cost before you decide, connect you with a certified bariatric surgeon and coordinate your assessment, your tests and, if you are traveling, your stay in Medellín.
1 to 2 h
of surgery
~1 day
in the hospital
1 to 2 wk
to return to the office
60 to 70%
of excess weight
Save up to 70%
compared with the United States
How much does a gastric sleeve cost in Medellín?
Tell us where you are coming from and we will show you the cost of your process, including a recovery stay if you need one.
Where are you coming from?
The surgery price includes
- Laparoscopic surgery
- General anesthesia
- About one day in the hospital
- Post-operative follow-up visits
Your quote
Gastric sleeve, estimated cost
From COP 23,000,000
Not included
COP 150,000 to COP 300,000
Assessment consultation with the bariatric surgeon.
In the United States, the surgery alone costs between USD 15,000 and 25,000.
Save up to 70%
* Estimated costs. The final quote is provided after the assessment, based on your case and your tests.
How much weight could you lose with a gastric sleeve?
Using your height and weight, we calculate your excess weight and the average loss at each stage after surgery.
Your BMI is 42.2. Your reference weight, at a BMI of 25, is 68 kg, so your excess weight is 47 kg. This is the average loss with a gastric sleeve:
3 months
103 to 108 kg
Loss of 7 to 12 kg, 15 to 25% of excess weight
6 months
92 to 96 kg
Loss of 19 to 23 kg, 40 to 50% of excess weight
12 months
84 to 89 kg
Loss of 26 to 31 kg, 55 to 65% of excess weight
18 to 24 months
82 to 87 kg
Loss of 28 to 33 kg, 60 to 70% of excess weight
Reference averages published for this surgery. Each patient’s result depends on adherence to the diet, physical activity and follow-up. This is not a guaranteed result.
What a gastric sleeve is and how it works
The gastric sleeve removes 75 to 80% of the stomach and leaves a narrow tube: its volume goes from about 1.5 liters to less than 150 milliliters. It works in two ways: you feel full with much smaller portions, and you feel less hungry because the gastric fundus, the area that produces ghrelin, is removed.
It is always done laparoscopically, with 4 to 6 incisions of 5 to 12 millimeters and a high-definition camera. Compared with open surgery, this means less pain, minimal scarring, a lower risk of infection and hernias, less bleeding and a recovery of one to two weeks.
Volume restriction
The stomach is left with a capacity of less than 150 ml.
Less hunger
Ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite, goes down.
It is not reversible
The part of the stomach that is removed cannot be restored.
Conditions that improve with a gastric sleeve
Percentage of patients with remission or improvement, according to the reference results published for this surgery.
Type 2 diabetes
40 to 55%
remission
High blood pressure
60 to 70%
improvement
Sleep apnea
75 to 80%
improvement
High cholesterol
65 to 75%
improvement
Knee osteoarthritis
55 to 65%
improvement
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Significant improvement.
Reflux is the exception: with a sleeve its course varies and it can get worse. That is why, with severe reflux, the surgeon usually recommends gastric bypass.
Who is a candidate for a gastric sleeve?
It is usually indicated when
- BMI is 40 or higher, even without related conditions.
- BMI is 35 or higher with diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or another related condition.
- BMI is between 30 and 35 with significant metabolic conditions, assessed case by case.
- It is the first bariatric surgery and there is no severe reflux.
- Age is between 18 and 65; other cases are assessed individually.
- There is a commitment to follow-up.
It may be ruled out by
- Severe, uncontrolled reflux.
- An active eating disorder.
- An uncontrolled psychiatric condition.
- Active use of alcohol or other substances.
- Inability to keep up with follow-up.
Not sure whether you are a candidate? Use the bariatric surgery guide.
Gastric sleeve or bypass: how they differ
Gastric sleeve
From COP 23,000,000
- Volume restriction and less ghrelin.
- Loss of 60 to 70% of excess weight at 18 to 24 months.
- Type 2 diabetes remission of 40 to 55%.
- Reflux can get worse.
- Less complex, with fewer supplements.
Gastric bypass
From COP 26,000,000
- Restriction, selective malabsorption and a hormonal effect.
- Loss of 75 to 85% of excess weight at 2 years.
- Type 2 diabetes remission of 60 to 80%.
- Reflux improves in most patients.
- More complex, with lifelong supplements.
Both require about one day in the hospital. See every technique on bariatric surgery in Medellín.
Preparation, recovery and diet
Pre-surgery diet
2 to 4 weeks, low in calories and high in protein, to reduce fatty liver by 20 to 30%.
Medications
Blood thinners, anti-inflammatories and some diabetes medications are stopped, as directed by the team.
Smoking
You must quit 6 to 8 weeks before, because it raises the risk of leaks and lung complications.
The five diet phases
Days 1 to 7
Clear liquids
Weeks 2 and 3
Full liquids
Weeks 4 to 6
Purées
Weeks 7 to 10
Soft, well-chewed foods
From week 11
Adapted regular diet
Three rules for life
Protein first
At least 60 g a day in the first year.
No liquids with meals
Wait 30 minutes before and after.
Chew well
About 20 times per bite.
When you can return to your activities
- Desk work and driving1 to 2 weeks
- Aerobic exercise4 to 6 weeks
- Gym and weights6 to 8 weeks
Supplements after a gastric sleeve
The sleeve does not cause malabsorption, so it requires fewer supplements than bypass.
| Supplement | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Multivitamin | At least one year, ideally for life | Covers micronutrients given the lower intake. |
| Vitamin D | At least one year, based on lab results | Deficiency is common in patients with prior obesity. |
| Calcium citrate | At least one year | Bone health, especially in women. |
| Vitamin B12 | Based on lab results | It can drop due to lower intake of animal protein. |
| Iron | Only if lab results call for it | Lower risk than with bypass, but possible in women. |
Risks of a gastric sleeve
Like any surgery, the gastric sleeve has risks. The surgeon reviews them with you at the assessment, and follow-up care exists to detect them early.
Staple line leak
Smoking raises this risk, which is why you must quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.
Reflux
It can appear or get worse. If it becomes severe, one option is to convert the sleeve into a bypass.
Nutritional deficiencies
They are prevented with supplements and follow-up lab tests.
Weight regain
If healthy habits are abandoned, the stomach stretches and the weight can come back.
Your gastric sleeve in Medellín, step by step
The recommended stay is 4 to 6 days. Between the first consultation and surgery there are usually 4 to 8 weeks, and much of that time is handled remotely.
Contact us on WhatsApp
Tell us about your case, your height and your weight.
Video call with the surgeon
Initial assessment without traveling.
Pre-surgery tests
Lab work, electrocardiogram, endoscopy and anesthesia assessment.
Quote in US dollars
With a breakdown of what is included.
Telehealth follow-up
Follow-up visits at months 1, 3, 6 and 12.
About gastric sleeve surgery in Medellín
How much does a gastric sleeve cost in Medellín?
How much weight is lost with a gastric sleeve?
How many days in the hospital, and when can I go back to work?
Is the gastric sleeve reversible?
Can I have a gastric sleeve if I have reflux?
How long should I wait before getting pregnant?
Can weight be regained after a gastric sleeve?
How long should I stay in Medellín if I travel from abroad?
Not sure whether the sleeve is the right technique for you?
The bariatric surgery guide compares your case with every option, with and without surgery.
Other bariatric surgery options
Request your gastric sleeve quote in Medellín
Tell us your height, your weight and where you are traveling from. We will send you the full cost of your process and coordinate your assessment with the bariatric surgeon.