Is Weight Loss Surgery in Latvia Safe?
Yes. Latvia follows strict EU and WHO medical standards, ensuring a high level of patient safety and quality of care.
All procedures are performed in a modern general hospital – Sigulda Hospital – by experienced, certified bariatric surgeons. We follow internationally recommended protocols for both pre-operative assessment and post-operative care.
Our surgical team works exclusively with internationally recognised and certified surgical equipment, including high-quality bariatric stapling systems (Johnson&Johnson or Medtronic). We do not compromise on patient safety, surgical precision, or outcomes.
Our surgeons are committed to continuous professional development, regularly attending international bariatric conferences, workshops, and knowledge exchange programs to stay up to date with the latest techniques and safest practices.
A key part of our approach is a holistic evaluation of each patient’s health, carefully assessing suitability, safety, and individual needs before recommending surgery.
Our ultimate goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome, improving not only your weight but also your overall health and quality of life.
Why Choose Weight Loss Latvia?
Weight Loss Latvia is a specialised provider of bariatric surgery for international patients seeking safe, affordable, and high-quality treatment in Europe.
We offer surgery in an EU-certified hospital in Latvia, performed by an experienced bariatric surgical team, with full pre-operative assessment and long-term follow-up support.
Patients choose Weight Loss Latvia because we combine:
High medical standards within the European Union
No long waiting times compared to the UK and Ireland – book your surgery when you are ready
Transparent pricing and all-inclusive packages
Personal support before, during, and after surgery
Our team supports each patient throughout the entire journey – from the first consultation to long-term lifestyle guidance.
Where Is the Surgery Performed?
All operations take place at Sigulda Hospital – a modern, EU certified general hospital located in Sigulda town, one hour drive from Riga. Calm and cozy recovery close to nature.
How Experienced Are the Surgeons?
Dr Juris Zarinovs and Dr Olegs Kozlovskis are experienced general and bariatric surgeons, specialising in bariatric surgery since 2009. As a team they have successfully performed 3000+ of bariatric operations.Dr Juris Zarinovs and Dr Olegs Kozlovskis are highly experienced general and bariatric surgeons, specialising in bariatric surgery since 2009. Together, they have successfully performed over 3,000 bariatric procedures. Both surgeons hold international certifications and are registered members of the UK General Medical Council (GMC), ensuring the highest standards of surgical care and patient safety.
How Long Is the Recovery After Surgery?
The active healing stage after bariatric surgery is considered 4-6 weeks. If you do an office work you can go back to work 1-2 weeks after the surgery. If your work is with moderate activity – after 4 weeks. Full recovery is considered in about 2-3 months post surgery. It is not allowed to lift heavy things 6 weeks post surgery. Always consult with your surgeon about the recommended time for recovery. Especially if your work is physically demanding. The active healing phase after bariatric surgery typically lasts 4-6 weeks.
If you have a desk-based (office) job, you may usually return to work within 1-2 weeks after surgery. For jobs involving moderate physical activity, a return to work is generally recommended after around 4 weeks.
Full recovery is usually expected within 2–3 months following surgery.
Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks after the procedure.
As recovery can vary from person to person, it is important to always consult your surgeon for personalised guidance, especially if your work involves physical demands.
What Lifestyle Changes Are Needed After Surgery?
Long-term success after bariatric surgery depends on adopting sustainable lifestyle changes.
A balanced diet, proper hydration, regular physical activity, and consistent vitamin and mineral supplementation are essential for maintaining your results. Equally important are good-quality sleep and effective stress management.
It is also important to develop a healthy relationship with food. This means recognising your personal challenges and triggers, and working on your mindset to support long-term health and wellbeing. Moving away from an “all-or-nothing” dieting approach and addressing emotional eating are key steps. Finding healthier ways to cope with stress and emotions can make a significant difference.
Patients should also be mindful of the risk of “transfer addictions” and remain aware of their habits and behaviours.
Ultimately, improving your lifestyle and mindset is a lifelong journey – one that supports not only weight maintenance, but also your overall health and quality of life.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a well developed, safe and effective medical treatment for severe obesity, performed using minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques. It helps patients achieve significant and lasting weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach and, in some procedures, altering the way the body processes food (the most common procedures – gastric sleeve and gastric bypass).
As a result, patients feel full with smaller portions, experience reduced hunger feeling, and develop healthier eating patterns. Beyond weight loss, bariatric surgery also supports important hormonal and metabolic changes that can improve overall health.
Beyond weight loss, one of the greatest advantages is the significant improvement, and in some cases remission – of obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint or back pain. Many patients also experience increased energy, better mobility, and an overall improvement in quality of life.
Bariatric surgery is not just about losing weight – it is about treating obesity as a chronic medical condition and helping you move towards a healthier, longer, and more active life.
Who Is Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery may be the right option for you if you have been struggling with weight for a long time and feel that diets, medications, or lifestyle changes alone have not provided lasting results.
You may be a suitable candidate if you:
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Have a BMI of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 30+ with obesity-related health conditions
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Are living with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint or back pain, or PCOS
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Have tried to lose weight through other methods without long-term success
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Are ready to commit to lasting lifestyle and mindset changes
Bariatric surgery is not just about losing weight, it is about improving your overall health and quality of life. Many patients experience significant weight loss, improved mobility, better energy levels, and even remission of certain health conditions.
It is important to understand that surgery is a tool, not a quick fix. The best results are achieved when combined with a commitment to healthy eating, regular physical activity, and ongoing medical support.
Every patient is unique. A full medical evaluation is always required to ensure that surgery is safe, appropriate, and tailored to your individual needs.
How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose?
Most patients lose 50–80% of their excess weight within the first 12–18 months after bariatric surgery, depending on the type of procedure and their adherence to lifestyle recommendations.
Weight loss is usually most rapid during the first 3–6 months, followed by a more gradual and steady phase. Many patients reach their lowest weight around 12–18 months post-surgery, after which the focus shifts to long-term weight maintenance.
Different procedures may lead to slightly different outcomes:
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Gastric bypass: often associated with 60–80% excess weight loss
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Sleeve gastrectomy: typically results in 50–70% excess weight loss
In addition to weight reduction, patients often see early improvements in health conditions, sometimes even before significant weight loss occurs – particularly in conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
Long-term success depends on several key factors, including diet, physical activity, regular follow-up, and adherence to vitamin and nutritional guidance. While some degree of weight regain can occur over time, patients who maintain healthy habits can preserve the majority of their results for years.
Overall, bariatric surgery is continuously considered the most effective and durable treatment for significant and sustained weight loss in patients with obesity.
What Are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?
The benefits of bariatric surgery go far beyond weight loss – it is a powerful step towards reclaiming your health, energy, and quality of life.
For many patients, bariatric surgery leads to significant and lasting weight loss, which in turn brings meaningful improvements in overall wellbeing. One of the most important benefits is the positive impact on obesity-related health conditions. Many patients experience improvement or even remission of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, PCOS, joint and back pain, and asthma. There is also evidence showing a reduced risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
However, the benefits are not only physical.
Patients often experience a renewed sense of freedom, confidence, and enjoyment of life. Everyday activities become easier – walking, travelling, socialising, and simply feeling comfortable in your own body. Energy levels improve, sleep quality becomes better, and many people rediscover the ability to fully participate in life again.
Bariatric surgery can also have a positive effect on mental and emotional wellbeing, helping patients build a healthier relationship with food and themselves.
Most importantly, it is an investment in your future – offering the opportunity for a longer, healthier, and more active life.
While surgery is a tool, it is a life-changing one. With the right support and commitment, it opens the door to lasting transformation and a better quality of life.
What Are the Possible Risks of Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, like any procedure performed under general anaesthesia, carries certain risks, including bleeding, blood clots, and infection. However, serious complications are rare when surgery is performed by an experienced surgical team.
In bariatric surgery, one of the most important early risks is leakage from the newly formed gastrointestinal connections. To minimise this risk, our bariatric team follows strict safety protocols, including performing a leak test using contrast fluid before completing the surgery, as well as thorough checks to prevent any internal bleeding.
At Weight Loss Latvia, patients remain in the hospital for 3–4 days after surgery, allowing close monitoring and ensuring that any potential early complications are identified and managed promptly.
Late complications may include nutritional deficiencies (malabsorption), temporary hair loss, these can be effectively managed by following the recommended dietary guidelines and vitamin supplementation. One of common side effects after bariatric surgery is formation of gallstones from rapid weight loss. Cholecystectomy is a recommended treatment in such situations.
Long-term success and safety depend not only on the surgery itself, but also on your commitment. Taking responsibility for your health, making mindful daily choices, and following medical guidance are key to achieving the best outcomes of bariatric surgery and maintaining your improved health.