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Antonio Braun

New
27 years of experience
Location: Italy, Bologna
Clinic:Maria Cecilia Hospital
Over 500 successful Nissen and Toupet Fundoplication procedures – Dr. Braun specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for GERD.
- 27 years of experience of experience in gastrointestinal surgery
- Trained at Johns Hopkins University in hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery
- Member of SICOB and ACOI – leading Italian surgical societies
- Focuses on improving patient outcomes with personalized treatment plans
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New

Package price from$16,410

Ismail Ayman

New
21 years of experience
Location: Italy, Bologna
Clinic:Maria Cecilia Hospital
Specializes in sleeve gastrectomy and other bariatric procedures at Maria Cecilia Hospital – skilled in minimally invasive techniques for obesity management.
- Trained in General Surgery at the University of Brescia with a focus on fast-track recovery
- Advanced training in colorectal and abdominal wall surgery from top Italian and Belgian institutions
- Active member of IFSO and S.I.C.OB. – contributes to international bariatric surgery advancements
- Performs gastric bypass, mini laparoscopic bypass, and emergency surgical interventions
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New

Package price from$16,410

Bookimed Insights: Top Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve gastrectomy) Specialists in Italy (2026)

Bookimed has coordinated 88 requests for Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve gastrectomy) in Italy, collaborating with 2 top-rated specialists. The doctors in this table are selected based on their international credentials, clinical expertise, and patient outcomes. The 2026 ranking is formed using verified data from actual patient cases and current programs from our partner clinics.

Rank	Doctor	experience	Good Fit For	What Sets Them Apart	Clinic & Location	Consultation
#1	Antonio Braun	27 years of experience	GERD treatment with Fundoplication	Specializes in minimally invasive GERD surgery – trained at Johns Hopkins. Member of SICOB & ACOI with 500+ procedures.	Maria Cecilia Hospital Italy	Price on request
#2	Ismail Ayman	21 years of experience	Minimally invasive bariatric surgery	Expert in fast-track recovery techniques for sleeve gastrectomy. Member of IFSO with advanced training from top European institutions.	Maria Cecilia Hospital Italy	Price on request

FAQ

These FAQs come from real patients seeking medical assistance through Bookimed. Answers are given by experienced medical coordinators and trusted clinic representatives.

Is gastric sleeve surgery in Italy safe and performed by qualified surgeons?

Gastric sleeve surgery in Italy is safe and performed by highly skilled surgeons adhering to rigorous European Union medical standards. Facilities in Milan, Rome, and Bologna hold Joint Commission International (JCI) and IRCCS accreditations, utilizing minimally invasive laparoscopic and Da Vinci robotic systems for superior patient safety.

Surgeon credentials: Specialists like Dr. Antonio Braun have performed over 12,000 gastrointestinal interventions.
Clinical certifications: Hospitals maintain prestigious IRCCS status and Joint Commission International (JCI) quality seals.
Surgical technology: Advanced centers in Milan and Rome offer Da Vinci robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy.
Safety protocols: Clinics like San Donato perform 9,400+ annual procedures with high recommendation rates.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While Italy is famous for cardiology, its bariatric sector is equally concentrated. Data shows that clinics like San Donato and IRCCS Galeazzi in Milan manage nearly 10,000 cases annually. This high volume directly correlates with lower complication rates, as surgeons maintain peak proficiency in laparoscopic techniques.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of verifying surgeon credentials through Italian medical boards and international bariatric organizations. Many recommend arranging remote monitoring with a local doctor to manage your post-operative care once you return home.

How much weight will I lose after a sleeve gastrectomy, and how permanent are the results?

Patients typically lose 60% to 70% of excess body weight within 12 to 18 months after a sleeve gastrectomy. This permanent surgical reduction of the stomach capacity leads to rapid initial results. Long-term success requires lifelong dietary changes to prevent the remaining stomach tissue from stretching.

Weight loss timeline: Expect 10–20 pounds within 2 weeks and 60–77% excess loss by month 12.
Surgical permanence: Surgeons remove 75% of the stomach permanently, reducing the hunger hormone ghrelin significantly.
Long-term maintenance: Average maintenance remains at 51% to 58% of excess weight loss after 10 years.
Regain risks: Approximately 13% to 30% of patients experience regain due to lifestyle shifts or dilation.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian bariatric centers often favor a multidisciplinary approach involving specialized research institutes. For example, Maria Cecilia Hospital utilize surgeons with experience in over 12,000 procedures. This high volume often correlates with better long-term gastric volume management. Patients should prioritize clinics with Italian Society of Obesity Surgery (SICOB) members to ensure standardized follow-up care.

Patient Consensus: Many patients report losing 60–100 lbs within two years but emphasize that women may lose faster initially. Consistent protein intake and avoiding carbonated drinks are crucial to maintaining the restrictive effect of the sleeve long-term.

What are the major short- and long-term risks of sleeve gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy risks include short-term surgical complications like staple line leaks, bleeding, and blood clots, alongside long-term issues such as chronic acid reflux and nutritional deficiencies. Most procedures are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic techniques by board-certified Italian surgeons to optimize safety.

Early complications: Staple line leaks occur in 0.16% to 4.9% of cases, potentially requiring revisions.
Long-term reflux: Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease affects 30-50% of patients, sometimes necessitating gastric bypass.
Nutritional health: Lifelong deficiencies in B12, iron, and calcium require consistent daily vitamin supplementation.
Weight maintenance: Stomach stretching may lead to 20-50% weight regain without strict lifestyle management.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian bariatric centers like Maria Cecilia Hospital and IRCCS San Donato often combine surgical expertise with deep research backgrounds. Surgeons like Dr. Antonio Braun have performed over 12,000 procedures. This high volume is a key safety signal because experienced centers typically maintain lower leak rates and offer smoother transitions to robotic-assisted Da Vinci surgery if complications are anticipated.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that early movement is vital to prevent blood clots even when it feels painful. Many advise tracking heartburn symptoms immediately, as reflux tends to worsen over time without medical intervention.

What does the surgery involve and how long does the operation take?

Gastric sleeve surgery in Italy involves removing approximately 70-80% of the stomach using a stapling device. The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes of pure surgery time, though the total operating room duration usually spans 1 to 2 hours with anesthesia.

Surgical technique: Surgeons primarily use minimally invasive laparoscopy involving 4 to 6 small keyhole incisions.
Robotic options: Advanced centers like IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio offer Da Vinci robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy.
Anesthesia type: All patients undergo general anesthesia, requiring 30 to 60 minutes for induction and awakening.
Stomach reduction: The surgeon staples the remaining stomach into a narrow, vertical sleeve-like tube.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While surgery lasts around 90 minutes, top Italian facilities like Maria Cecilia Hospital prioritize multidisciplinary protocols to minimize complications. Prof. Dr. Antonio Braun has performed over 12,000 gastrointestinal surgeries, illustrating how high-volume expertise can reduce specific surgical risks.

Patient Consensus: Patients often experience transient gas pain for 1 to 3 days from abdominal inflation. Many report walking within hours of waking up to aid recovery and manage this discomfort.

How long will I stay in Italy, and what is the typical recovery timeline?

Patients typically stay in Italy for 7 to 14 days to complete gastric sleeve surgery and initial monitoring. Hospitalization lasts 2 to 4 days at facilities like Maria Cecilia Hospital. Most individuals return to light desk work within 10 days and resume full activity after 6 weeks.

Hospital stay: Expect 2 to 4 days inpatient for monitoring and initial recovery.
Total trip duration: Plan for 7 to 14 days in Italy to include follow-up checks.
Initial downtime: Most patients return to light activities and work within 1 to 2 weeks.
Full activity: Resuming normal physical exercise and heavy lifting typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Long-term adaptation: Lifestyle and dietary adjustments continue for 3 to 6 months post-surgery.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian clinics like Maria Cecilia Hospital often extend hospital stays by 2 to 3 days for pathology reviews. This rigorous protocol ensures patient safety before discharge but requires flexible travel planning. Scheduling 14 days total prevents stress if flight adjustments or extra outpatient checks become necessary.

Patient Consensus: Many patients find they can resume desk work by day 10 but suggest buying flexible return flights. Expect energy levels to normalize by the second month while prioritizing aggressive hydration during the initial travel home.

Who qualifies for gastric sleeve surgery in Italy?

Italy qualifies adults for gastric sleeve surgery if they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. Individuals with a BMI of 35 to 39.9 also qualify when high-risk comorbidities like type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea are present.

BMI criteria: Requirements start at BMI 30 for patients with uncontrolled metabolic health conditions.
Weight loss history: Candidates must provide documentation of failed weight loss attempts through diet and exercise.
Duration of obesity: Qualifying patients must have experienced severe obesity for at least 5 years.
Health evaluation: Psychological clearance, endocrinologist sign-off, and 6-month smoking cessation proof are mandatory.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While public waiting lists are long, private facilities in Milan and Rome offer faster access. Leading specialists like Dr. Antonio Braun at Maria Cecilia Hospital bring 25 years of experience to these cases. Private packages often include multidisciplinary diagnostic screenings that can expedite the mandatory endocrinology and psychological approvals.

Patient Consensus: Successful patients emphasize documenting 2 years of failed diets meticulously for approval. Many suggest securing an endocrinologist evaluation early to strengthen the case for surgery based on comorbidities.

Will the laparoscopic scars be visible afterwards?

Laparoscopic gastric sleeve scars in Italy are minimal and fade significantly over time. Surgeons use small port incisions measuring only 0.5 to 1 cm. These 4 to 5 marks typically become thin, pale lines that are nearly invisible within 12 to 24 months of healing.

Incision size: Most ports measure between 0.5 cm and 1 cm in length.
Strategic placement: Surgeons often place 1 incision near the navel to hide scarring.
Healing timeline: Marks fade dramatically by 6 months and flatten fully by 2 years.
Advanced technology: Facilities like IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi use Da Vinci robotic systems for precision.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian bariatric centers often lead in volume, with San Raffaele performing over 52,000 operations yearly. High-volume centers often utilize mini-laparoscopic ports. These tools are even smaller than standard laparoscopic instruments. This typically results in scars that blend like natural skin creases or stretch marks.

Patient Consensus: Patients report that clothing and bikinis easily conceal the small marks after maturation. Many recommend starting silicone gel treatments by week 3 to ensure scars remain flat and skin-colored.

Best Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve gastrectomy) doctors in Bologna: TOP 2 doctors

Get quotes from 3 top Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve gastrectomy) specialists in Italy