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BARIATRIC SURGERY · BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA

Bariatric Surgery
in Colombia
— for International Patients

A multidisciplinary team of bariatric surgeons, obesity medicine specialists and nutritionists. Country & Shaio Hospitals, English-speaking team, robotic Da Vinci surgery — all-inclusive packages from USD $5,500.

13+Years experience
1,000+ CONFIRMInternational patients
CountryShaio · Cobos
Da Vinci3-incision robotic
Da Vinci robotic surgery system used for bariatric procedures at Country Hospital Bogota — Global Obesity Group
Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
3-incision technique · Country Hospital Bogotá
ACCREDITATIONS & AFFILIATIONS ACOCIB SSAT IFSO Country Hospital Shaio Clinic Memorial Hermann · Houston Country & Shaio
Why Choose Us

Why International Patients Choose Global Obesity Group

Most weight-loss surgery sites talk about one surgeon and one procedure. We bring you the full clinic — surgeons, obesity medicine specialists, nutritionists, psychologists, and physical therapists — all under one program.

Multidisciplinary care

Bariatric surgeon, obesity medicine, nutrition, psychology, and physical therapy working together — not separate appointments at separate offices.

Country & Shaio Hospitals

Surgery at Country Hospital and Shaio Clinic — two of Bogotá's top centers, both internationally accredited for safety and quality.

EN

English-speaking team

Dr. Rubén Luna trained at Memorial Hermann Houston. Our patient coordinators handle everything in English, from visa questions to discharge paperwork.

$

Self-pay friendly

No insurance pre-authorization battles. Transparent USD pricing, all-inclusive packages, and your full quote within 24 hours of your virtual consultation.

Procedures

Weight Loss Surgery Procedures We Perform in Bogotá

Three surgical procedures plus two non-surgical options for patients who aren't ready for surgery — or don't yet qualify. Each link goes to the full page with US-Colombia cost comparison, recovery timeline, and candidacy criteria.

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

From USD $5,500 EST

The most common bariatric procedure today. We remove about 75-80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped "sleeve." Most patients lose 60-70% of excess weight within 12-18 months.

Learn about gastric sleeve
Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass Surgery

From USD $6,500 EST

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass — best for higher BMI patients and those with type 2 diabetes. Combines stomach restriction with reduced calorie absorption. Diabetes goes into remission for the majority of patients.

Learn about gastric bypass
Revision Surgery

Bariatric Revision Surgery

From USD $8,000 EST

For patients whose first bariatric surgery — anywhere in the world — didn't deliver. We review your records, identify what went wrong, and plan the right revision. Technically the most demanding bariatric work.

Learn about revision
Gastric Balloon
No surgery · No general anesthesia

Gastric Balloon

From USD $2,500 EST

Non-surgical option. We offer both Allurion (swallowed capsule, no endoscopy) and the traditional intragastric balloon. Good entry point for patients who aren't ready for surgery — or don't qualify yet.

No incisions 6-month treatment Reversible Outpatient
Learn about gastric balloon
Método 4 PRO
Medical program · No procedure required

Método 4 PRO

12-month structured program EST PRICING

Our flagship multidisciplinary weight-management program for patients who don't yet qualify for bariatric surgery — or want a non-surgical alternative. Led by Dra. Paola Sánchez, obesity medicine specialist.

Medical evaluation Nutrition coaching Behavioral support Physical therapy
Learn about Método 4 PRO

Not sure which procedure fits you?

Talk to our medical team
Our Differentiator Da Vinci robotic surgical system at Country Hospital, Bogotá
Robotic Surgery

Robotic Da Vinci Bariatric Surgery — Colombia's 3-Incision Pioneers

We were one of the first programs in Colombia to perform bariatric surgery through just 3 incisions using the Da Vinci robotic system — instead of the traditional 5 laparoscopic incisions.

  • Faster recovery — Fewer incisions means less tissue trauma. Most patients are walking the same day and discharged within 24 hours.
  • Reduced scarring — Three small incisions instead of five. The difference is visible even at the one-month follow-up.
  • Enhanced precision — The robotic arms eliminate hand tremor and allow finer movements in tight anatomy — especially helpful in revision cases or patients with prior abdominal surgery.
Da Vinci certification: Dr. Rubén Luna trained on the Da Vinci system at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. We've performed Da Vinci bariatric procedures at Country Hospital since 2018.
Our Team

Meet the Bariatric Team Behind GOG

Four specialists working together on every case. Our patients don't see a surgeon for 30 minutes and then a separate nutritionist somewhere else — we share notes, coordinate plans, and answer the phone together.

Dra. Carolina Rodríguez

Bariatric Surgeon · FACS
  • 15+ years bariatric surgery
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)
  • Hospital de San José · Shaio Clinic · Cobos
  • Bilingual: Spanish & English
View Dra. Rodríguez's profile →

Dr. Felipe Bernal

Bariatric Surgeon · Co-founder · Da Vinci
  • Co-founder of GOG · 10+ years bariatric surgery
  • Da Vinci certified · 3-incision robotic surgery
  • Shaio · Cobos · Colsubsidio 94
  • ACOCIB · SAGES · IFSO · ACDC member
View Dr. Bernal's profile →

Dr. Rubén Luna

Lead Bariatric Surgeon
  • 13+ years bariatric surgery experience
  • ACOCIB · SSAT · IFSO member
  • Da Vinci certified · Memorial Hermann Houston
  • 3-incision robotic bariatric pioneer in Colombia
View Dr. Luna's profile →

Dra. Paola Sánchez

Obesity Medicine Director
  • Internal medicine + obesity medicine specialist
  • Architect of the Método 4 PRO program
  • Pre-op medical clearance & comorbidity management
  • 12-month post-op follow-up lead
View Dra. Sánchez's profile →
Where We Operate

Reference Hospitals in Bogotá

Our surgeons operate at five reference hospitals across Bogotá — selected for medical backing, surgical infrastructure, and patient-safety standards consistent with international hospital practice.

Country Hospital · La Colina Clinic

Two of Bogotá's most established private hospitals, with high-volume surgical infrastructure and dedicated bariatric facilities. Da Vinci robotic system available at Country Hospital.

Shaio Clinic Foundation

One of Colombia's leading academic medical centers. Dr. Rubén Luna leads the General Surgery and Renal Transplant department here.

Salud Colsubsidio

Private hospital network with modern surgical suites used by our team for both laparoscopic and Da Vinci robotic procedures.

Los Cobos Medical Center

High-end private facility with international patient services, used for both surgical procedures and pre- and post-operative evaluations.

Our Approach

The 12-Month Program Around Your Surgery — Método 4 PRO

Surgery is one day. What makes the weight loss stick is the year-long program around it. Our four-pillar approach handles the medical, nutritional, behavioral, and physical sides — not as add-ons, but as the program itself.

1

Medical Evaluation

Endocrinology, cardiology, anesthesia clearance, sleep apnea screening, lab work, imaging — before we even discuss surgery.

2

Nutrition Program

Pre-op meal plans tailored to your starting weight. Post-op progression through liquid, soft, and solid phases — with bilingual nutritionist support.

3

Behavioral Support

Psychology assessment pre-op. Habit work pre and post. Most weight regain after bariatric surgery is behavioral, not surgical — we address it from day one.

4

Physical Therapy

Pre-op fitness assessment. Post-op recovery protocol. Long-term movement plans built for your new body — at the pace your body can handle.

Why Colombia

Why International Patients Travel to Colombia for Bariatric Surgery

It's not about being the cheapest option — it's about getting US-level training and accreditation at sensible prices, with the shortest flight from the US among medical-tourism destinations.

Country Sleeve (USD) Bypass (USD) Flight from Miami Top Hospitals
USA (self-pay) $20,000–25,000 $25,000–35,000
Mexico (Tijuana) $4,500–6,000 $6,500–8,000 3 h Limited
Turkey (Istanbul) $4,000–5,500 $5,500–7,500 11 h
Colombia (GOG) $5,500–7,500 EST $6,500–8,500 EST 5 h ✓ (Country, Shaio)

Prices include surgical procedure, hospital stay, surgeon fee, anesthesia, and pre-op evaluation. They exclude flights and accommodation outside our partner hotel.

Eligibility

Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

The standard medical criteria are clear, but every candidate is different. BMI is the start of the conversation, not the end — we evaluate every patient individually during the private virtual consultation.

1

BMI ≥ 35 with comorbidities — or BMI ≥ 40 alone

BMI ≥ 35 combined with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea or severe joint disease qualifies for surgery. So does BMI ≥ 40 on its own, regardless of other conditions. These are the standard surgical thresholds.

2

Age 18 – 65

The standard age range. We evaluate cases outside this window individually — balancing surgical risk against long-term benefit.

3

Previous weight loss attempts

Documented attempts with diet, exercise or medical management — without lasting results. The surgical conversation starts here.

4

Commitment to lifestyle change

Bariatric surgery is a tool, not a fix. The patients who succeed are the ones who commit to the 12-month program around the operation.

Not sure if you qualify?

Private virtual evaluation
Quick Tool

BMI Calculator — Check Your Eligibility Instantly

Your BMI is one of the first things we'll check during the virtual consultation. Calculate it here in 10 seconds to see where you stand.

BMI classification (WHO): <18.5 underweight · 18.5–24.9 normal · 25–29.9 overweight · 30–34.9 obesity class I · 35–39.9 class II · ≥40 class III

ft in
lb
Your Journey

Your Journey to Bogotá — Step by Step

From the first email to your one-year follow-up call. This is exactly what every international patient goes through.

1
Week 1

Virtual consultation

30-minute private video call with the surgeon. English-speaking. We review your medical history, weight history, and goals — and tell you honestly whether surgery is right for you.

2
Within 24h

Personalized quote & pre-op checklist

Final USD price with what's included. Pre-op tests checklist you can do in your home country (saves you a Colombia trip).

3
2-4 weeks before

Travel logistics

Visa-free entry for US, UK, Canada, EU. Flights: 5h Miami, 3.5h Houston, 6h NY. Our patient coordinator books your transfers and confirms your partner hotel reservation. HOTEL TBD

4
Day of surgery

Surgery + 1 night hospital

Procedure at Country Hospital or Shaio Clinic — top-tier. Two nights in private room with English-speaking nursing support. Family/companion can stay.

5
Days 3-10

Recovery at partner hotel

5-7 days at our partner hotel. Bilingual concierge handles meals, medications, and any questions. Daily check-ins with the medical team. Final clearance to fly before departure. Hotel stay is not included in the surgical package — booked separately, companion rates available.

6
12 months

Remote follow-up program

Monthly virtual visits with the surgeon for the first 6 months, quarterly thereafter. Nutritionist and psychologist video sessions on demand. You're not on your own after you fly home.

Real Outcomes

Real bariatric outcomes at Global Obesity Group

Real before-and-after cases operated by our bariatric surgeons. Patient identity protected at their request — no names, no countries, just the work.

Bariatric surgery before-and-after case with Dr. Felipe Bernal at Global Obesity Group Bogotá Colombia
Dr. Felipe Bernal · Bariatric Surgeon Before & After
Bariatric surgery before-and-after case with Dr. Rubén Luna at Global Obesity Group Bogotá Colombia
Dr. Rubén Luna · Bariatric Surgeon Before & After
Bariatric surgery before-and-after case with Dr. Felipe Bernal at Global Obesity Group Bogotá Colombia
Dr. Felipe Bernal · Bariatric Surgeon Before & After
Bariatric surgery before-and-after case with Dr. Rubén Luna at Global Obesity Group Bogotá Colombia
Dr. Rubén Luna · Bariatric Surgeon Before & After

Cases shown are real patients operated by our bariatric surgeons at Global Obesity Group, Bogotá. Identity protected at patient's request. Individual results vary based on starting weight, comorbidities, and adherence to the 12-month program.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of bariatric surgery in Colombia?
Our all-inclusive packages start at USD $5,500 for gastric sleeve and USD $6,500 for gastric bypass. Prices cover the surgical procedure, surgeon and anesthesia fees, hospital stay, and pre-op evaluation. Flights and post-op hotel are quoted separately. Exact pricing depends on your medical evaluation. USD VALIDATE
Is bariatric surgery in Colombia safe for international patients?
We operate exclusively at Country Hospital and Shaio Clinic — two of Bogotá's top centers, both internationally accredited. Our complication rates match or beat US averages reported by ASMBS. Dr. Rubén Luna has performed thousands of bariatric procedures over 13+ years and is certified on the Da Vinci robotic system through Memorial Hermann Houston.
How long do I need to stay in Bogotá?
Plan on 10-14 days total. That's 1 night in the hospital after surgery, then 7-10 days at our partner hotel for recovery. We give final flight clearance before you depart. International patients with longer recovery needs (revision surgery, complex cases) may need 14-21 days.
Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia for surgery?
No visa required for US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, and most Latin American passport holders for stays up to 90 days. You'll receive a tourist stamp on arrival. Our patient coordinator confirms your specific entry requirements before you book flights.
What if my insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery?
This is why most of our international patients come to us. We don't deal with insurance — we work self-pay only, in transparent USD pricing. No pre-authorization, no medical-necessity letters, no 6-month diet documentation requirement. You make the decision, we book the date.
Who is a candidate for weight loss surgery?
The standard criteria: BMI ≥40, or BMI ≥35 with at least one obesity-related condition (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, severe joint disease). Age range typically 18-65. We evaluate every case individually during the private virtual consultation — BMI is where the conversation starts, not where it ends.
What's the difference between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?
Sleeve removes about 75-80% of the stomach — restrictive only. Bypass keeps a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine — restrictive plus reduced absorption. Sleeve is technically simpler with faster recovery; bypass has stronger effects on type 2 diabetes and higher long-term weight loss for high-BMI patients. We help you choose based on your medical picture.
How much weight will I lose after surgery?
Average sleeve patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight in the first 12-18 months. Bypass patients average 70-80%. The variance comes mostly from how well you follow the post-op program — nutrition, behavioral work, exercise. Surgery is a tool; the year-long program around it is what makes the result stick.
What happens if I have complications back home?
We provide a 24/7 contact line for the first 90 days post-op. Most complications are minor and managed remotely. If you need urgent in-person care, we coordinate directly with your local emergency department and have working relationships with bariatric centers in the US, UK, and Canada that can take post-op patients.
Can I bring a companion?
Yes — and we recommend it. Our partner hotel has companion rates, and we coordinate everything so your travel partner can stay at the hospital during the surgery and the recovery hotel afterwards. The companion fee is included in most package quotes.
What language is spoken at the clinic?
English and Spanish at every patient-facing role. Dr. Rubén Luna trained in the US (Memorial Hermann Houston) and runs all international consultations in English. Our patient coordinators are bilingual. Nursing staff at Country Hospital and Shaio have English-fluent rotations on bariatric floors.
How experienced are GOG surgeons with international patients?
Over the past 5 years we've cared for international patients from the US, UK, Canada, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and most of Latin America. International cases follow a separate coordination track with extra pre-op planning, longer recovery hotel stays, and dedicated bilingual support — different from how we handle local Bogotá patients.
Take the Next Step

Book Your Virtual Consultation

Thirty minutes with the surgeon. Honest evaluation. No commitment. Your information stays confidential — protected under Colombian Habeas Data Law and HIPAA-equivalent international standards.

1,000+ CONFIRMInternational patients 4.9★Average rating 13+ yrsLead surgeon experience Country · ShaioTop-tier hospitals
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical evaluation. Bariatric surgery is a major medical procedure with risks. Outcomes vary depending on individual health, adherence to the post-operative program, and other factors. Always consult with a qualified bariatric specialist before making decisions about surgery.
Reviewed by Dr. Rubén Luna · Lead Bariatric Surgeon · Last updated: May 2026