If you’re considering a gastric sleeve in Colombia, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. I’m Dr. Felipe Bernal, a bariatric surgeon based in Bogotá, and over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of international patients—especially from the U.S.—take control of their health through safe, effective weight loss surgery. Colombia has become a trusted destination for people looking for high-quality medical care without the sky-high prices you’ll find back home. In this blog, I’ll walk you through what makes this journey worth it, and what you can expect if you choose to take it with me.
Why so many americans are choosing Gastric Sleeve in Colombia
When people ask me why so many Americans are traveling to Colombia for bariatric surgery, the answer is simple: Colombia has become a global hub for high-quality, affordable medical care—especially in the field of weight loss surgery.
Back in 2019, local media reported that over 17,000 bariatric procedures were performed across the country. That’s a huge number for a country our size—and it means one thing: we know what we’re doing. Bariatric surgery in Colombia isn’t new or experimental. It’s a well-established specialty with highly trained surgeons, advanced hospital infrastructure, and strict safety protocols.
In cities like Bogotá, we treat patients from all over the world every single week. I’ve personally worked with patients from the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and even Europe. They come not just for the cost savings, but because they’re looking for a safe, professional, and human experience—from a surgeon who speaks their language and truly listens.
Here’s why Colombia continues to stand out as a top medical tourism destination for weight loss surgery:
- Experienced bariatric surgeons with international training.
- State-of-the-art hospitals and private clinics.
- Significantly lower costs compared to the U.S.
- Warm, personalized care with no long waiting lists.
- Beautiful cities like Bogotá that offer a safe, modern recovery environment.
You might be interested: Reasons to have a Bariatric Surgery in Colombia
How much does a gastric sleeve cost in Colombia?
Let’s talk numbers—because I know that’s one of the biggest reasons people look outside the U.S. for bariatric surgery.
At my practice here in Bogotá, together with my team at Global Obesity Group, we offer gastric sleeve surgery packages ranging from $4,300 to $4,900 USD. This price includes far more than just the operation itself—it’s a comprehensive care model designed to support you long after the surgery is done.
Of course, the final cost needs to be confirmed after an initial evaluation, which we can do easily through a virtual consultation. Every patient is unique, and your health and needs come first—so it’s important we get to know you before locking in any numbers.
What’s included? A lot more than most people expect:
- Surgery with a board-certified bariatric surgeon (that’s me).
- Full pre-op evaluation and medical tests.
- Post-op hospital stay in a private clinic.
- One full year of multidisciplinary follow-up, including:
- Personalized nutrition guidance.
- Psychological support to help you adjust emotionally.
- Functional medicine strategies to optimize your health.
- Medical check-ins to monitor your progress.
- A structured activity and lifestyle plan.
This isn’t a “one and done” surgery. It’s a long-term partnership—and my team and I are with you every step of the way.
How does Colombia compare to the U.S.?
| Aspect | Colombia | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $4,300 – $4,900 USD | $15,000 – $25,000 USD |
| Board-certified surgeons | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Accredited private hospitals | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multidisciplinary team | ✅ Included (nutrition, psych, medical follow-up) | ✅ Often separate and additional cost |
| Pre-op consultation | ✅ Included (virtual) | ✅ Included or billed separately |
| 1-year follow-up support | ✅ Included | ❌ Often not included or very limited |
| Post-op remote monitoring | ✅ Included (Sensórica system) | ❌ Rarely offered |
| Wait times for surgery | Short (1–3 weeks) | Long (1–6 months or more) |
| Language accessibility | ✅ English-speaking team | ✅ English |
Same standards. Same results. A fraction of the cost.
In Colombia, you're not sacrificing safety or quality—you’re simply accessing world-class care without the inflated prices. This is why so many patients from the U.S. are making the decision to trust their health to experienced bariatric teams here.
Don’t wait months or pay more—schedule your gastric sleeve surgery in Colombia with full peace of mind
What to expect: Your bariatric journey in Bogotá
If you’re thinking of taking this step, it’s natural to wonder how everything will work—especially when you’re planning it from another country. Let me walk you through the process, step by step, so you can feel confident and informed from day one.
Step 1: Schedule your pre-op consultation
Every successful surgery starts with a conversation. When you schedule your pre-operative consultation, it’s not just a formality—it’s the beginning of a partnership.
We’ll meet virtually so you can speak with me directly from the comfort of your home. During this session, I’ll listen to your story, review your health history, and answer all your questions. It’s also the moment where I explain, in clear and simple terms, how the gastric sleeve works and what the journey ahead looks like.
Once we talk, I’ll send you a short list of pre-op tests that you can complete in your home country. These typically include:
- Blood tests.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Abdominal ultrasound or upper GI series.
If needed, I’ll guide you on how to get these done and review everything personally.
This step helps us make sure you’re medically ready for surgery and gives you peace of mind that nothing is being rushed. Once your results are in and everything looks good, we’ll move on to planning your travel and surgery date.
Step 2: Coordinating your surgery and travel plans
Once your medical evaluation is complete and you’re cleared for surgery, we move on to planning the logistics—this part is easier than most people expect.
My team and I will guide you through the entire process: choosing the surgery date, booking the operating room, and giving you a timeline that allows you to plan your travel with total clarity. You won’t be alone—we’re here to help with every detail.
We’ll help you understand what to pack, how to prepare, and what to expect on arrival in Bogotá.
I always recommend that my international patients arrive at least one or two days before surgery, so we can meet in person, run a final check-up, and make sure everything is perfectly in place for your procedure.
Comfortable recovery at Plaza Suites Hotel
To make your stay even easier, we’ve partnered with Plaza Suites Hotel, located just minutes away from the clinic. Patients and their companions are welcomed there in a peaceful, modern environment where comfort and care come first.
What makes this hotel special is that the staff is already trained to support bariatric patients. That means:
- They understand your post-op dietary needs.
- They provide light, appropriate meals that follow medical guidelines.
- They offer quiet, private rooms ideal for resting.
- Your companion can stay with you comfortably.
Staying at Plaza Suites helps reduce stress so you can focus 100% on your recovery.
Step 3: Surgery and initial recovery
The day of surgery is when everything starts to change—not just physically, but emotionally too. Most of my patients arrive a little nervous (which is completely normal), but once we walk through everything in person and they meet the rest of the team, those nerves usually turn into calm and confidence.
Your surgery will take place in one of Bogotá’s top private clinics, where we follow strict international safety protocols. The gastric sleeve procedure itself usually takes about one hour, and you’ll stay in the clinic for one or two nights under close medical supervision.
The day after surgery, you’ll already be up and walking. That’s one of the big surprises for many people—they don’t expect to feel mobile so quickly. Of course, you’ll still need to take it slow, but movement is an important part of recovery.
I recommend staying in Bogotá for at least one week after your surgery. This allows us to monitor your progress in person, manage any early discomfort, and ensure everything is healing properly. During this time, you’ll also meet with our nutrition and support team, who will help guide your new eating habits step by step.
Remote monitoring with Sensórica
For patients who need to return home sooner, we offer an innovative solution: the Sensórica remote monitoring system.
With Sensórica, you can safely travel back to your country as early as three days after surgery, while staying fully connected to my medical team. The device tracks your vital signs in real time and sends alerts if anything needs attention—allowing us to respond immediately, no matter where you are.
It’s like having your doctor in your pocket. This technology has allowed many of our international patients to recover with peace of mind, knowing they’re never truly “on their own.”
Step 4: Remote aftercare and long-term support
One of the biggest concerns I hear from international patients is:
“What happens after I go back home?”
And my answer is always the same: we don’t disappear.
Your surgery is just the beginning. Real transformation happens in the months that follow—and you’re not expected to go through that process alone. That’s why we’ve built a full one-year follow-up program, specifically designed for patients who return to their home countries after surgery.
Through scheduled video consultations, I’ll personally check in with you to review your progress, adjust your care plan if needed, and make sure everything is on track. You’ll also continue receiving support from our multidisciplinary team, including:
A nutritionist
who will help you adapt to your new eating habits.
A psychologist
specialized in bariatric care, to support emotional adjustment
A functional medicine physician
to optimize your recovery and energy levels.
A physical activity specialist
who will help you build a safe, personalized exercise plan to support your weight loss and recovery.
We also work with diagnostic centers in various countries, so if we need follow-up tests—like bloodwork or ultrasounds—we can help coordinate them close to your home.
In short: you’re never “finished” with us after surgery. You’re part of our patient family, and we’re committed to walking alongside you for the long term—no matter where in the world you are.
Book your consultation for a gastric sleeve in Colombia
If you’ve made it this far, it means you’re truly considering this change—and I want you to know that I’m here to walk that path with you.
The best way to find out if the gastric sleeve in Colombia is right for you is to schedule a virtual consultation with me. No pressure, no commitments—just a conversation where I’ll get to know your medical history, your goals, and your expectations.
Together, we’ll evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for surgery and, if so, how we can create a personalized plan that fits your life and health.
I’ve helped hundreds of patients from around the world reclaim their well-being, and I’d be honored to help you do the same.
Let’s find out if this is your moment to begin again—with guidance, with safety, and with support every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions about gastric sleeve in Colombia
How soon after the virtual consultation can I schedule surgery in Bogotá?
Once we complete your medical evaluation and review your pre-op tests, most patients can schedule surgery within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on availability.
Can I do all pre-operative tests in my home country?
Yes. We’ll send you a list of required exams (labs, ECG, imaging), and you can complete them locally. We’ll review your results before confirming your surgical plan.
What type of anesthesia is used for the gastric sleeve surgery?
We use general anesthesia, administered by certified anesthesiologists in a fully equipped hospital setting. It’s the same standard you’d expect in the U.S. or Europe.
Do I need to stay in Colombia for several weeks after surgery?
Not necessarily. Many patients return home as early as 3 days after surgery, thanks to our Sensórica remote monitoring system, although we recommend staying for 5–7 days when possible for in-person follow-up.
What happens if I have a complication after returning to my country?
You’ll have access to our medical team through remote monitoring and video consultations. We also provide guidance to help you coordinate emergency care locally if needed.
Does the surgery price include nutritional and psychological support?
Yes. Our package includes 1 year of follow-up with our team of nutritionists, psychologists, and medical professionals—all specialized in bariatric patients.
Is the surgical technique used in Colombia the same as in the U.S.?
Absolutely. We use laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, following international protocols and guidelines. The equipment, instruments, and techniques are the same.
Can I bring a companion with me? Where will they stay?
Yes, and we encourage it. You and your companion can stay at Plaza Suites Hotel, where the staff is familiar with bariatric patient needs and post-op dietary guidelines.
Will I need additional follow-up with doctors in my country?
Not necessarily, but we can coordinate with local physicians or labs if needed. Many patients complete their follow-up exclusively through our virtual program.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?
The best way to find out is through a virtual consultation. We’ll review your BMI, medical history, and lifestyle to determine if this is the right procedure for you.
