Dr. Ruben Luna answer your questions

Most of my patients stay in the hospital for about 24 hours and go home the next day. You will feel noticeably better within the first week, and the majority go back to desk work in one to two weeks. Full recovery, including exercise and heavier activity, usually takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on whether you had a sleeve or a bypass and on your starting health. I give every patient a clear day-by-day plan, and my team stays in contact with you throughout the process.

Our multidisciplinary program will accompany you in your recovery after surgery. You will have nutritional and psychological support, among others. This includes a specialized diet that progresses gradually, gentle exercises, pain management, incision care, and regular follow-ups with the medical team. Guidance on long-term lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and improve overall health will also be provided.

Bariatric surgery can restore health and eradicate diseases associated with obesity. A woman’s fertility usually improves after weight loss treatment. However, it’s recommended to wait 12 to 18 months after surgery before trying to conceive, to ensure stable weight loss and adequate nutrition. It’s crucial to consult with your bariatric surgeon and obstetrician to plan for a healthy pregnancy.

Diabetes is a disease highly associated with obesity. Bariatric Surgery is an alternative to regain health and can significantly improve or even resolve type 2 diabetes in many patients. In fact, bariatric surgery is often considered an effective treatment for diabetes in people with obesity. For more specific information about your case, we recommend writing to Dr. Ruben Luna for a personalized consultation!

The first thing we look at is your Body Mass Index (BMI), which compares your weight and height. As a general rule, surgery becomes an option when your BMI is 35 or higher, or 30 or higher if you also live with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. The number is only the starting point, though. In your assessment I review your medical history, your previous attempts to lose weight and your goals, so we can decide together whether surgery is right for you and which procedure fits best.

Overweight and obesity are two states that are differentiated by BMI. According to this indicator, a person is overweight if their BMI is higher than 25 and obese if it is higher than 30. Five key differences include:

• Degree of excess weight
• Associated health risks
• Recommended treatments
• Impact on quality of life
• Need for medical intervention

 Whether you are a good candidate for a gastric balloon, gastric sleeve, or gastric bypass depends on a number of factors. During the assessment, we’ll look at your weight, height, and any diseases that might be linked to these aspects. Our multidisciplinary team will evaluate you and recommend the appropriate treatment. Each procedure has its own indications and benefits, and the choice is based on your BMI, medical history, weight loss goals, and personal preferences. Make an appointment for a personalized evaluation.

 Bariatric Surgery will allow you to lose weight substantially, and you will also have our multidisciplinary program that will support you so that the results are long-lasting. However, it’s important to understand that surgery is a tool, and long-term success largely depends on the patient’s commitment to lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. With proper follow-up and maintenance of healthy habits, many patients achieve significant long-term weight loss.

I operate in Bogotá, Colombia, at Clínica Shaio, one of the country’s most recognized hospitals for complex surgery and organ transplantation. With more than 25 years of experience and over 12,000 bariatric procedures, I perform sleeve and bypass surgery using advanced laparoscopy and robotic techniques. International patients are welcome: my team helps you coordinate your consultation, surgery and follow-up, even from abroad.

The two procedures I perform most often are the gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) and the gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y). The sleeve removes part of the stomach to reduce its size and the hunger hormones it produces. The bypass reduces the stomach and reroutes part of the intestine, which adds a metabolic effect that is especially useful for patients with type 2 diabetes. For patients who are not ready for surgery, the intragastric balloon is a non-surgical alternative. Which option suits you depends on your BMI, your health and your goals.

Results vary from person to person, but most patients lose between 50% and 80% of their excess weight within the first 12 to 18 months. With the gastric bypass that is often 60-80%, and with the sleeve closer to 50-70%. What makes the difference in the long run is not only the surgery but the follow-up, which is why you will work with our nutrition and psychology team well beyond the operating room.

Yes, most bariatric surgery patients need to take vitamins and supplements for life. This is because the surgery affects the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients. Common supplements include multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron.

Yes, exercise is crucial after bariatric surgery. Light activity like walking can start the same day of surgery. More strenuous exercise can usually begin 4-6 weeks post-op, with doctor’s approval. Recommended exercises include walking, swimming, and strength training.

Yes, non-surgical alternatives include:

• Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise)
• Behavioral therapy
• Medications for weight loss
• Endoscopic procedures like intragastric balloons These may be suitable for people with lower BMIs or those who cannot undergo surgery.

Contact us if you want an appointment to find out what is the best treatment for you.

Success rates are generally high. Studies show that 50-70% of excess weight loss is maintained 10+ years after surgery for most patients. However, success depends on adherence to post-surgical lifestyle changes.

Sleeve gastrectomy, are not truly reversible but can be converted to a different type of bariatric surgery if needed. Gastric bypass can be reversed, but it’s complex and rarely done.

Follow-up schedules vary, but typically include:

• 1 week post-op
• 1 month post-op
• 3 months post-op
• 6 months post-op
• 1 year post-op After the first year, annual check-ups are usually recommended.