Obesity treatment at Ponderas Academic Hospital in Bucharest, Romania, includes surgical and non-surgical options led by the only Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery in Southeast Europe. Prices for these procedures vary, with a nutritionist consultation costing around $180, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at around $6,600, and advanced robotic surgery costing approximately $12,300. The facility holds Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation and uses the da Vinci Xi robotic system for high-precision operations.
Expertise in bariatric surgery
Prof. Dr. Catalin Copaescu leads the surgical team with over 30 years of experience. Prof. Dr. Copaescu is the first Surgeon of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Romania. He holds double certifications from the European Accreditation Council for Bariatric Surgery (IFSO-EC) and the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). The clinic provides a dedicated patient navigator and a free initial online evaluation with a surgeon before arrival.
Diagnostic and consultation options
Patients start with a detailed assessment to determine the most effective treatment plan. The following diagnostic services are available:
- Consultation with treatment plan. This initial meeting costs around $140 and helps define the surgical or non-surgical path.
- Consultation with a nutritionist. For around $180, patients receive specialized dietary advice and metabolic evaluation.
- Bariatric preoperative evaluation. This includes blood tests, cardiological checks, X-rays, ultrasound, and gastroscopy. These tests are often bundled into comprehensive packages.
Surgical and non-surgical treatments
The hospital performs a wide variety of weight-loss procedures, from standard laparoscopic methods to robotic-assisted surgery. Typical hospital stays for these procedures last around 48 hours.
- Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. This surgery costs around $6,600 and removes approximately 80% of the stomach. It helps patients lose 50-80% of excess weight within two years.
- Da Vinci robotic sleeve gastrectomy. Priced around $12,300, this method uses the da Vinci Xi system for minimized scarring and reduced pain.
- Gastric bypass. This procedure costs around $10,500 and creates a small stomach pouch to bypass part of the small intestine.
- Endogastric balloon. A non-surgical option where a balloon occupies one-third of the stomach to help lose 15-20% of excess weight.
- Gastric plication. A laparoscopic technique that folds the stomach wall without using staples or metallic implants.
- Revisional bariatric surgery. This personalized procedure corrects issues from previous surgeries and has a 90% success rate.
Comprehensive treatment packages
The clinic offers a comprehensive sleeve gastrectomy package for around $7,900. This package includes the complete preoperative evaluation, up to 5 nights of hospital stay, and nutritional and psychological recommendations. It also features a lifelong follow-up program to support long-term weight maintenance. Patients should note that flights and hotel stays outside the hospital are not included in these prices. You may request a consultation through Bookimed to discuss these options further.
Individual treatment program and cost estimate
Average answering time – 5 minutes
