Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is not about cosmetics — it is a treatment for metabolic disease. For patients with a BMI above 35 (or above 30 with diabetes or hypertension), it produces durable weight loss and often resolves type 2 diabetes entirely.
What it involves
Dr Marais offers laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (the most common bariatric operation in South Africa) and the endoscopic gastric balloon for patients who need a step below surgery. Every patient goes through a full pre-operative assessment with dietitian, physician and psychologist input.
When it's indicated
When medical management and lifestyle intervention have not produced sustained results, and the metabolic risk of continuing at current weight outweighs the risk of surgery. That's a conversation, not a checklist.
The approach
Bariatric surgery works. It is also a lifelong commitment. The consultation is honest about both.
Discuss bariatric surgery with Dr Marais
Send a short enquiry and the practice will be in touch during weekday office hours. Consultations take place at Johannesburg Surgical Hospital.
Next procedure
09Dialysis Fistula & Vascular Access →Arteriovenous fistula creation and revision for haemodialysis.