Medical Team · GOG Bogotá

Dr. Rubén Luna

Lead Bariatric Surgeon · Co-founder

3-incision robotic Da Vinci pioneer in Colombia. Based in Bogotá, Colombia. Treating international patients in English.

18+Years experience
2,000+Patients treated
Robotic Da VinciCore specialty
About

In Dr. Rubén Luna's own words

"I belong to the third generation of a family devoted to medicine — particularly surgery. I listen carefully to each case and design a plan that fits the patient, not a checklist."

I am a bariatric surgeon based in Bogotá. After more than 2,000 weight-loss surgeries and 18+ years inside the operating room, I have come to a simple conviction: the surgery is one moment in a long process, and what surrounds it determines the outcome.

I lead the General Surgery and Renal Transplant department at Clínica Shaio. Outside of bariatrics, that role keeps me sharp on complex abdominal anatomy and on critical-care decision-making — skills that translate directly to safer bariatric outcomes when something unexpected appears.

In 2018 I was the first surgeon in Colombia to perform 3-incision robotic Da Vinci bariatric procedures. Robotics is not marketing for us — it allows us to operate on patients with anatomy that would be difficult for conventional laparoscopy, and to recover with less pain and visible scarring. I am a co-founder of Global Obesity Group, where we built the kind of multidisciplinary program I always wanted my patients to have access to.

Credentials

Training, hospitals, and memberships

Where Dr. Rubén Luna trained and operates. International credentials are highlighted for patients evaluating care abroad.

Specialty

  • Bariatric Surgery
  • 18+ years of practice
  • 2,000+ patients treated

Hospitals

  • Clínica Shaio
  • Clínica Cobos
  • Clínica Colsubsidio

Memberships

  • SAGES
  • IFSO
  • ACOCIB
  • ACDC
Clínica Shaio
Clínica Cobos
Clínica Colsubsidio
SAGES
IFSO
ACOCIB
ACDC
Procedures

Bariatric procedures Dr. Rubén Luna performs

Every procedure is preceded by a full multidisciplinary evaluation. You will know what to expect before surgery is booked.

Gastric Sleeve

75–80% stomach reduction. Most common first-time procedure for BMI 35–45 with comorbidities.

Learn more →

Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y. Best long-term tool for type 2 diabetes resolution and higher BMI ranges.

Learn more →

Gastric Balloon

Non-surgical. Allurion (swallowed, 16 weeks) or traditional intragastric (endoscopic, 6 months).

Learn more →

Revision Surgery

Conversion of prior sleeve to bypass, repair of slipped/eroded bands, late complication management.

Learn more →
Why patients choose Dr. Rubén Luna

Three things that differentiate this practice

1

Robotic precision

Da Vinci Xi 3-incision technique allows operations through smaller, fewer incisions — useful for revision surgery, higher BMI patients, and anyone concerned about visible scarring.

2

Trauma + transplant background

Heading the renal transplant and general surgery service at Shaio means I operate weekly on complex abdominal cases. Bariatric surgery becomes safer when the surgeon does not only do bariatric surgery.

3

A team, not a solo practice

Every patient I take to surgery has been seen by Dra. Sánchez (obesity medicine), our nutrition team, and psychology before the date is booked. Nothing happens in isolation.

Real patient stories

Patient outcomes

Real testimonials from Dr. Rubén Luna's international patients will appear here once consent is granted. We do not use stock testimonials or fabricated case studies.
FAQ

Common questions for Dr. Rubén Luna

If your question is not here, the fastest way to a real answer is a 30-minute virtual consultation.

How many bariatric procedures have you performed?
More than 2,000, across gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and revision surgery. I have been operating since 2006.
What is 3-incision robotic Da Vinci surgery?
A version of laparoscopic bariatric surgery performed with the Da Vinci Xi robotic system through three small incisions instead of the conventional five. It is useful for patients where visible scarring matters, in revision cases, and when the abdominal wall is unusually thick.
Do you operate on international patients?
Yes. A significant portion of my practice is international patients flying into Bogotá from the US, the UK, Canada, and the Caribbean. I speak working English and our patient coordinators are fully bilingual.
Where do you operate?
Primarily at Clínica Shaio, where I run the General Surgery department, and at Clínica Cobos and Clínica Colsubsidio for bariatric cases. All three are private hospitals in Bogotá with equivalent international safety standards.
What if I need a revision of a previous surgery done elsewhere?
Revisions are a meaningful part of my practice. A first consultation is essential to review your prior operative notes, current imaging, and discuss what is technically achievable.
How long should I plan to stay in Bogotá?
Surgical patients: 7–10 days minimum (1 night hospital + 5–7 days hotel recovery). I see every international patient in person 24 hours before surgery and again before they fly home.

Book a virtual consultation with Dr. Rubén Luna

Private, 30 minutes, in English. We review your medical history, recent weight changes, and prior attempts. You leave with a written plan, not a sales pitch.

Medical disclaimer. The information on this page is educational, not medical advice. Bariatric and obesity treatment outcomes vary by patient. Always consult with a licensed physician before making medical decisions. Global Obesity Group is licensed to operate in Bogotá, Colombia.
Reviewed by the GOG medical team · Last reviewed: May 2026 · Versión en español →
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