International standard criteria indicate bariatric surgery for individuals with: a BMI greater than 35 without comorbidities, a BMI between 30 and 35 with at least one associated condition (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia), or a BMI greater than 40 in any circumstance. The typical age range is between 18 and 65 years. A comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Bula determines individual eligibility.

Yes. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is one of the most standardized and safe procedures in modern surgery when performed by an expert team at a high-level institution. The rate of serious complications is 1% to 3%. Untreated obesity carries significantly higher risks than properly performed bariatric surgery. Dr. Bula performs surgeries at Clínica Las Vegas in accordance with all safety protocols.

The entire process from the initial consultation to surgery typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. It includes: initial assessment, pre-surgical tests, nutritional and psychological evaluation, a 7- to 14-day pre-surgical diet, and scheduling the surgery. For international patients, the timeline can be optimized by coordinating tests in their home city.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective tool available to treat severe obesity, but it is not a definitive cure on its own. Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease. Long-term results depend on the combination of surgery and the patient’s sustained commitment to changes in eating habits, physical activity, and medical follow-up. Approximately 60–80% of patients maintain their results at 10 years.

Standard pre-surgical tests include: complete blood work (complete blood count, blood chemistry, lipid profile, liver and kidney function, thyroid profile, vitamins), electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and cardiopulmonary evaluation. In specific cases, additional tests are added depending on comorbidities.

The 7- to 14-day pre-surgical diet has a key medical goal: to reduce the size of the liver. The livers of obese patients are often enlarged, which hinders laparoscopic access to the stomach. A low-calorie diet (typically 800–1,200 kcal/day with an emphasis on protein) reduces hepatic glycogen stores, and the liver shrinks in size within a few days, facilitating surgery and reducing risks.

Yes, the psychological evaluation is a standard part of the bariatric assessment. It identifies eating disorders, depression, anxiety, or other factors that could affect the outcome of the surgery. It also prepares the patient for post-operative emotional changes. It is not a test to “pass” or “fail”—it is to ensure that the surgery is performed at the right time and with the right support.

The standard preoperative fasting period is 8 hours for solids and 2 to 4 hours for clear liquids (water, tea without milk, juices without pulp). The specific protocol is provided a few days before surgery. Adhering to the fasting period is essential to prevent anesthetic complications such as pulmonary aspiration.

Some yes, others no. Anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants are generally discontinued 7 to 10 days beforehand (as medically indicated). Diabetes medications may require dose adjustments. Blood pressure medications are usually continued. Never stop taking medications on your own—this is planned during the pre-surgical consultation with Dr. Bula.

The average hospital stay is 24 to 48 hours for gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, and 48 to 72 hours for revision surgery. During the hospital stay, vital signs, hydration, pain management, progressive mobilization, and fluid tolerance are monitored.

Recovery has several phases: light daily activities in 7 to 14 days, return to the office in 1 to 2 weeks, moderate physical activity in 3 to 4 weeks, and intense physical exertion in 4 to 6 weeks. Nutritional recovery follows its own progression: clear liquids, full liquids, purees, soft foods, and solids over the course of 6 to 8 weeks.

For office work or jobs without physical exertion, most patients return 7 to 14 days after surgery. For jobs involving physical exertion, heavy lifting, operating machinery, or intense activity, we recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks to avoid complications with the incisions and the abdominal wall.

The post-operative diet progresses in stages: Days 1–7: clear liquids (broths, gelatin, water, unsweetened tea). Weeks 2–3: full liquids and purees (protein powders, soft purees). Weeks 4–6: soft foods (shredded chicken, fish, cooked vegetables). Month 2 onward: a balanced solid diet with an emphasis on protein. Nutritional support is ongoing.

Gentle walks begin on the first post-operative day (even in the hospital; they are essential for preventing thrombosis). Low-intensity aerobic exercise (brisk walking, gentle swimming) in 2 to 3 weeks. Strength and high-intensity exercise after 6 to 8 weeks, once the abdominal wall has fully recovered.

Standard follow-up includes checkups at 24 hours, 8 days, 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, and 12 months, followed by annual checkups. Each checkup assesses weight loss, nutritional parameters, comorbidities, and adaptation to the new regimen. In the case of gastric bypass, annual checkups with comprehensive lab work are mandatory for life to detect nutritional deficiencies early.

Yes, for both procedures. After gastric sleeve: daily multivitamin, iron, and vitamin B12 as needed based on levels. After gastric bypass: supplementation is mandatory for life and includes iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and a daily multivitamin. Supplementation prevents anemia, osteoporosis, and other nutritional deficiencies.

The cost of the surgical package varies depending on the procedure (sleeve, bypass, or revision), the type of hospitalization, and individual clinical findings. Medellín offers significantly lower costs than the United States, Canada, or Europe, with equivalent or superior surgical standards. A detailed budget is provided following the pre-surgical evaluation with Dr. Bula.

The initial evaluation consultation with Dr. Bula costs $170,000 COP. It includes a comprehensive clinical evaluation, review of medical history, BMI calculation, analysis of comorbidities, and a personalized recommendation for the most appropriate procedure for your case (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, revision surgery, or another option).

The package typically includes: fees for the lead surgeon and surgical team, anesthesiology fees, use of the operating room and laparoscopic equipment, hospitalization (24–48 hours depending on the procedure), antibiotic and antithrombotic prophylaxis, post-surgical endoscopy if indicated, follow-up consultations during the first year, and initial nutritional support. The exact details are provided in the personalized quote.

Dr. Bula currently sees patients only in private practice. Coverage by EPS, prepaid insurance, or supplemental plans varies depending on the plan and each insurer’s criteria. If your plan covers bariatric surgery, we will guide you through the steps to follow with your insurer.

Yes, we offer financing options to make the surgery accessible. The specific terms and payment schedules are discussed after the initial evaluation, taking your individual situation into account. We also accept payment in person, bank transfer, and other methods.

Dr. Bladimiro Bula Márquez is a general surgeon with a subspecialization in bariatric and laparoscopic surgery. He has performed more than 2,000 successful surgeries. His main practice is located at Clínica Las Vegas, Office 415, El Poblado, Medellín. Professional License No. 79788744.

Dr. Bula completed his undergraduate degree in Medicine and his residency in General Surgery at the Metropolitan University of Barranquilla (residency completed in 2012). He received his certification in Bariatric Surgery from the prestigious IRCAD Institute in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, one of the world’s leading centers for training in minimally invasive surgery. He also received training in Surgical Management of Complex Abdominal Wall Conditions from the Universidad del Rosario (2016).

Dr. Bula primarily operates at Clínica Las Vegas (Cl. 2 Sur #46-55, El Poblado, Medellín), where he has his office. He is also affiliated with Clínica El Rosario in Medellín. Both are high-level institutions with all the surgical and post-operative care protocols required for bariatric surgery.

Dr. Bula is an active member of the Colombian Association of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery (ACOCIB), where he has participated in its national conferences. He has also regularly participated in the National Congress of General Surgery of Colombia and in specialized workshops such as the one on Laparoscopic Inguinal Herniorrhaphy at the CES Clinic in Medellín.

Dr. Bula has performed more than 2,000 successful surgeries throughout his career. His experience includes bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and revision), anti-reflux surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, inguinal herniorrhaphy, and other general laparoscopic surgical procedures.

You can schedule your consultation via: WhatsApp at +57 300 677 9166, a direct call to the office at Clínica Las Vegas, a message on Instagram @drbladimirobula, or through this website. For international patients, we coordinate a preliminary virtual consultation via video call.