Liver-shrinking diet, psych evaluation, cardiac clearance, and the lifelong post-op protocol — the same requirements whether you have surgery at home or abroad.
Bariatric surgery requires specific pre-operative preparation and lifelong post-operative follow-up — these requirements are the same whether you have surgery in the US or Colombia. Colombian bariatric centers follow ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) guidelines.
Pre-Op Requirements
- Liver-shrinking diet (2–4 weeks): Low-carb, high-protein diet to reduce liver size. This is mandatory — it gives the surgeon better access and reduces surgical risk.
- Psychological evaluation: Assessing readiness, identifying eating disorders, establishing behavioral support.
- Blood work and cardiac clearance: Complete blood panel, EKG, sometimes stress test for higher-risk patients.
- Sleep study: If sleep apnea is suspected (common in obese patients), this affects anesthesia planning.
⚠️ Be wary of any program — abroad or domestic — that skips pre-op requirements to rush you into surgery. These steps exist for safety, not bureaucracy.
Post-Op Protocol
- Weeks 1–2: Clear liquids only (broth, water, sugar-free gelatin)
- Weeks 3–4: Full liquids (protein shakes, yogurt, cream soups)
- Weeks 5–6: Soft foods (scrambled eggs, mashed vegetables, soft fish)
- Week 7+: Gradual solid food reintroduction. Small portions. Chew thoroughly.
- Lifelong: Vitamin supplementation (B12, iron, calcium, multivitamin). Quarterly blood work year 1, then annual.
Key TakeawayBefore traveling for bariatric surgery, identify a local physician (bariatrician or PCP) who will manage your long-term follow-up. Lifelong vitamin supplementation and blood work monitoring are non-negotiable.
Explore Bariatric Surgery in Colombia
ASMBS-aligned programs at JCI hospitals. Gastric sleeve at $4,500–$6,500 with comprehensive support.