Our specialists

Stef Smeets

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Dr. Stef Smeets

Stef Smeets

My passion for surgery originated in the field of traumatology. During my medical studies, I conducted research on elderly patients with hip fractures. As I progressed through my surgical training, I discovered that my skills and interests aligned more with laparoscopic surgery — also known as minimally invasive procedures.

I received a broad surgical education at the Maastricht University Medical Center, focusing on liver, pancreatic, and colorectal surgery, and at the Máxima Medical Center in Veldhoven/Eindhoven, where I specialized in bariatric and colorectal surgery.

Following this, I dedicated myself to the care of patients with colorectal cancer and bariatric (obesity) surgery at MC Zuiderzee.

I strongly believe in the importance of thorough patient education: making surgical decisions together with the patient. Proper preoperative guidance empowers patients to actively contribute to their own recovery after surgery.

I am a passionate surgeon who always strives to look beyond the obvious when solving medical challenges. In bariatric surgery, it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation patients undergo — often within just one year after surgery.

"Making the right surgical decision together with the patient."

- Dr. Stef Smeets

Dr. Smeets completed his training at Maastricht University Medical Center and Máxima Medical Center in Veldhoven. He later worked at MC Zuiderzee, and currently practices at Flevo Hospital and, since 2024, also at WeightWorks.

Treatment

Gastric Bypass

(gastric bypass)

A gastric bypass or stomach bypass is an operation in which the stomach is reduced in size and the digestive tract rerouted. People with gastric bypass lose an average of 70 percent of their excess weight.

Treatment

Gastric Sleeve

(Tube stomach)

A Gastric Sleeve or tube stomach is an operation in which part of the stomach is closed with staples and then removed. With that, the stomach becomes about ¾ smaller. What remains is a tube stomach as thick as your thumb on the inside. Not much food will fit in there anymore. Removing part of the stomach decreases the feeling of hunger.

Treatment

Mini Gastric Bypass

(gastric bypass)

The Mini Gastric Bypass is a variation of the classic Gastric Bypass in which a small part of the stomach is cast off. The stomach reservoir is slightly longer to prevent bile from flowing back into the esophagus and the rest of the stomach just stays in place.

Learn more about:

A stomach reduction surgery is basically reimbursed from your basic package. That means your health insurance company will pay for the surgery if you meet the requirements. You do pay your own deductible each year.

Although the risks of our operations are low, it is not completely harmless. Therefore, it is important to know the risks in advance so you can make a good decision. Check out our overview of the criteria you must meet.