Bariatric Surgery

At Mediclinic, our bariatric and metabolic surgery teams support people with obesity through weight-loss surgery and a structured weight-reduction and obesity-management programme. Surgeons, dietitians, and other specialists work together across our UAE hospitals.

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also called weight-loss surgery, helps people with obesity lose weight by changing the size of the stomach or rerouting the flow of food through the gut, helping you feel full sooner and, with some procedures, absorb fewer calories. It also affects hormones that control hunger, fullness and how the body uses energy.

Bariatric surgery is also known as metabolic surgery because it can significantly improve conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It is one part of a wider programme that includes diet, lifestyle changes, anti-obesity medications, and long-term follow-up, alongside non-surgical weight management options.

When should you consider bariatric surgery?

You might think about bariatric surgery, usually after talking it through with your doctor, if:

• You're living with severe obesity that affects your health
• Diet, exercise and medication haven't led to lasting weight loss
• A weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, isn't well controlled
• Your weight limits your mobility and everyday activities
• Your weight affects your breathing or your sleep
• Carrying extra weight strains your knees or hips

Whether surgery is right for you is decided by the team, not by weight alone. After a full assessment, they'll weigh up your BMI, your general health and how other approaches have worked for you. Eligibility usually rests on a high BMI, or a lower BMI alongside a weight-related condition, once diet and lifestyle changes have been tried. In the UAE you'll normally start with your GP or a physician, who can refer you on.

What to expect

Your first appointments focus on getting to know your health, not on booking an operation. You'll meet the surgeon and a dietitian, who take a full picture of your weight history and health. A medical work-up usually follows, such as blood tests and checks on conditions like sleep apnoea. The team then talks through whether surgery suits you, which type might fit, and what it would ask of you.

Operations are usually performed using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery and work by making the stomach smaller or rerouting the flow of food through the gut. Options include gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery, as well as non-surgical treatments such as a gastric balloon for some people. Afterwards, you'll receive long-term support, including a staged diet, vitamin and mineral supplements, and regular follow-up.

Bariatric Surgery at Mediclinic

We provide bariatric and metabolic surgery as part of our weight reduction and obesity management programme. Our teams perform keyhole procedures such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery. For some people with less severe obesity, a gastric balloon may be a less invasive option. We also perform revisional surgery for weight regain or complications following previous bariatric surgery. Dietitians and the wider team support you before and after surgery, with counselling and long-term follow-up.

Bariatric surgery is available at our hospitals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital holds international accreditation in metabolic and bariatric surgery. All our bariatric and metabolic centres provide surgical and dietetic care in line with internationally recognised guidelines.