Have you ever wondered who is behind the expert hands guiding people toward better health with weight-loss surgery? Meet Dr. Rodrigo Villagran, a skilled doctor from Chile who is making a big difference in people’s lives through bariatric (weight-loss) and metabolic surgery. In this article, we'll walk through Dr. Villagran’s story, his work, research, and why patients trust him. Let’s dive in!
A Doctor with a Purpose
Dr. Villagran is a highly trained medical doctor who focuses on fighting obesity and related health problems like diabetes. He went to medical school at the University of Concepción, one of Chile’s respected universities. Then he trained as a surgeon at the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital and completed a fellowship in bariatric and metabolic surgery in 2008. During training, he worked with top doctors like Dr. Marcos Berry Sánchez, a leader in the field.
Building CLINyCO: A Center of Change
In 2009, Dr. Villagran and other doctors founded CLINyCO in Antofagasta, Chile. This center focuses on nutrition, diabetes care, bariatric surgery, and childhood nutrition.
Their goal? Bring safe, high-standard weight-loss surgery to people in northern Chile. They modernized surgical tools, improved laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, and created strict safety and recovery rules—even for very overweight patients . Today, Dr. Villagran is the medical director there and a key part of this care team.
Safety First
Dr. Villagran is clear: surgical safety is the main priority. First, his team built a step-by-step surgical plan. They use high-tech laparoscopic scopes, have backup doctors ready, and include ICU and intermediate care units on standby. They also combine nutritionists and diagnostic tools like imaging and endoscopy for full support .
Because of this care, CLINyCO performs over 150 surgeries a year and has completed more than 1,500 procedures. That level of experience helps keep patients safe and improve results.
Leading Professional Societies
Dr. Villagran is not working alone—he collaborates with a community of medical experts. He holds leadership positions in:
- The Department of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery of the Society of Surgeons of Chile
- IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders)
- ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery)
These roles show he is an expert recognized both in Chile and around the world.
Tackling a Big Challenge
Obesity is a growing problem in Chile: 25% of adults struggle with obesity, with higher rates in women (30.7%) than men (19.2%). Dr. Villagran understands these statistics well. He knows that for many, dieting and exercise aren’t enough. That’s why he supports bariatric surgery—not as a quick fix, but as a last resort when other treatments fail.
Surgery is recommended for people with:
- A BMI over 40 (severe obesity)
- A BMI between 35–40 with obesity-related illnesses
- A BMI between 30–35 when medical care hasn’t helped and other health problems are present.
He adds that surgery on children is rare and done only in special cases and with full professional support .
The Types of Surgery He Uses
Dr. Villagran and his team offer several types of weight-loss surgeries—all performed with lift keyhole (laparoscopic) tools. Common procedures include:
- Sleeve gastrectomy (“gastric sleeve”): part of the stomach is removed.
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: food bypasses part of the stomach and intestines.
- Intragastric balloon: a non-surgical, temporary balloon in the stomach.
- Endobarrier / gastric sleeve banding: older methods, with sleeve gastrectomy now more common .
The choice depends on each person’s needs, and he decides together with the patient and care team .
Strong Experience & Great Results
Dr. Villagran has helped hundreds of patients. In Antofagasta and nearby regions, his center has completed over 1,500 bariatric and metabolic surgeries .
On ResearchGate, he lists 39 scientific publications, has received over 2,000 reads, and 93 citations, reflecting strong peer recognition.
Selected research highlights:
- Portomesenteric Vein Thrombosis: Studied after sleeve gastrectomy in 1,236 cases.
- Reversion to sleeve surgery: Detailed how to reverse gastric bypass due to anemia/malnutrition.
- Safety in adolescent patients: Shared mid-term results in young patients.
- Single-port sleeve surgery: His center's early experience with smaller incisions .
These scientific studies highlight his focus on safety, results, and continuous research.
Social Media: Educator and Influencer
According to his Instagram bios, Dr. Villagran is among the most experienced bariatric surgeons in Santiago and Antofagasta, with over 6,100 life-changing cases.
Through Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, he shares helpful health info, debunks myths, posts patient journeys, and explains surgery steps. This helps him connect with patients in a clear, caring way .
Recognized by “Hablando de Obesidad”
On HablandoDeObesidad.com, a site dedicated to obesity care, Dr. Villagran is featured as a certified and trusted bariatric and metabolic surgeon. This recognition highlights his professionalism and patient-first values.
Why Patients Choose Him
- Safety-first approach
- Thorough protocols, advanced tools, and expert care team make his programs very safe .
- A center with experience
- Over 1,500 surgeries and more than 150 procedures a year show real-world expertise.
- Evidence-based
- His many scientific publications focus on real problems like blood clots in surgery .
- Personal, clear communication
- On social media, he explains surgeries in simple ways so patients understand their care.
- Strong networks
- His roles in national and international societies ensure he follows top medical standards.
What Patients Say
While we focus on neutral and medical details, clinic feedback highlights how much patients appreciate the care:
- Called the center a place for excellent attention and services
- Mentioned caring nurses and personalized follow-up from Dr. Villagran .
Dr. Villagran’s Message
Through interviews, he reminds us that surgery is not a first choice, but a serious step for those who’ve tried other ways. He believes bariatric surgery is a path once prevention and lifestyle changes fail .
He also stresses obesity must be tackled through:
- Community efforts
- Promoting healthy eating
- Encouraging physical activity
- Tackling obesity early, especially in children .
The Bigger Picture
Obesity is a global health crisis. Dr. Villagran’s work is part of a team effort:
- Surgery to control weight
- Nutrition to guide eating habits
- Ongoing support to sustain lifestyle change
His commitment to safety, high-volume care, and ongoing research makes him a leading figure in his field.
Let’s Recap
- Training: MD in Concepción, surgery specialty, fellowship in bariatrics.
- Clinic: Co-founded and leads CLINyCO in northern Chile.
- Safety: Protocols, tech, ICU readiness, multidisciplinary support .
- Experience: 1,500+ surgeries, 150+ a year.
- Research: 39 publications on real surgical outcomes.
- Societies: Roles in Chilean and international bariatric groups.
- Visibility: Shares info and stories via Instagram, TikTok, Facebook .
- Patient trust: Recognized online and through clinical testimonials .
In Short
Dr. Rodrigo Villagran is a caring, skilled surgeon helping people fight obesity in a safe, modern, and science-based way. His work spans high-tech surgery, strong clinical standards, academic contributions, and friendly patient care. If you or someone you know is thinking about bariatric surgery, he’s a trusted guide on that journey.
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