Government Program of Pará reaches over 2,000 free bariatric surgeries

Launched in September 2020, the Zero Obesity Program is an initiative of the Government of Pará, executed by the Jean Bitar Hospital (HJB) in Belém, in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa). The program aims to combat obesity through free bariatric surgeries, also offering clinical follow-up and multidisciplinary support to patients.

Since its implementation, the program has already performed over 2,031 bariatric surgeries by the end of the first quarter of this year, benefiting patients from all over the State. In addition to surgeries, Zero Obesity offers clinical evaluations, exams, consultations, and pre- and post-operative follow-up, ensuring complete and effective treatment.

For the executive director of the Jean Bitar Hospital, Giovani Merenda, the achieved mark represents an important advance in public health in the State. “Zero Obesity is a transformative program that has provided more health, quality of life, and dignity for thousands of people from Pará. Our commitment is to continue expanding this service responsibly, safely, and with care for the patients who need it most,” he emphasized.

To join the program, interested individuals must access the official website and complete a self-assessment, including the calculation of the Body Mass Index (BMI). Patients with a BMI of 40 kg/m² or higher, or between 35 and 40 kg/m² with associated comorbidities, are eligible for surgery. After screening, candidates undergo a detailed medical evaluation with a multidisciplinary team.

Approval – Patient Larissa Gaia, 25 years old, an accounting assistant residing in the capital of Pará, is already in the final phase of consultations and exams for the surgery. She said she once weighed 150 kg before starting the process. “My routine changed when I entered the program, and so that I wouldn’t have to get a gastric balloon to lose weight, I followed medical recommendations to lose weight naturally with exercise and diet to get to this point. So, I fought for this, so that I could only have the bariatric surgery.”

She explained her expectations after reaching her ideal weight. “I see it as a life change, primarily. And also self-esteem. I believe that my body is my pain. So, I believe that after the bariatric surgery, I will feel much better. We are also seeking health and life transformation,” concluded the young woman.

Patients treated by the program report significant improvements in quality of life and self-esteem. The continuous support offered by the medical team and the possibility of undergoing surgery for free have been highlighted as important differentiators of Zero Obesity.

“Surpassing the mark of two thousand free bariatric surgeries is a milestone that proves the success of Zero Obesity, a public policy that has changed lives in all regions of Pará. The program goes far beyond the surgical procedure — it represents care, prevention, and comprehensive health care for our population. We will continue to expand this service responsibly and with commitment to the well-being of the people of Pará,” emphasized the State Secretary of Public Health, Ivete Vaz.

For more information and registrations, visit the official program website: https://www.cadastrobariatrica.pa.gov.br

HJB - The Jean Bitar Hospital belongs to the public health network of the Government of Pará and is managed by the National Institute of Social and Human Development (INDSH), in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa).

The HJB provides assistance in medium and high complexity in outpatient and hospital areas for transgender users, and in medical and surgical clinics for patients with metabolic and gastrointestinal diseases. The unit is located at Rua Cônego Jerônimo Pimentel, No. 543, in the Umarizal neighborhood, in Belém.

Text: Marcelo Zeno/ Ascom HJB