A growing trend is for patients from the West (United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland) to travel to India for sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Low price, experienced bariatric surgeons, quality hospitals & no wait times for the weight loss surgery are some of the many reasons for this growing phenomenon.

Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is also known by Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Gastric Sleeve Resection, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy , Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Tube, Vertical Gastroplasty, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction,and Sleeve Gastroplasty to name a few. In this surgery for weight loss, stomach size is reduced, so the individual feels full quickly with a small meal & also production of hunger causing hormone is restricted.

Some of the reasons this surgery is becoming so popular is the positive clinical findings of patients who have had this procedure in the last few years, unlike a lap band there is no need for repeated doctor visits for any device adjustments or fills, absence of mal absorption unlike a gastric bypass, and, the weight loss surgery patients in this case are allowed most foods(although in small quantities). Some country sleeve gastrectomy cost comparisons (only the best bariatric surgeons & hospitals are considered for the below prices examples):

India: US $7,500 [Harvard Medical affiliated JCI accredited hospital]

Costa Rica:US $8,900 [Tulane Medical School affiliated JCI accredited hospital]

Mexico: US $11,900 [Top hospital, >50% of the WLS patients are from the USA]

Not only is the cost of obesity surgery lower in India, but the level of service is very high as well. For example, good bariatric centers in India keep the patient in the hospital for three to four days after the gastric sleeve procedure with close monitoring. In other countries the patient is usually sent home or to a hotel in one or two days after the sleeve surgery.

Why would anyone want to settle for a clinic or a surgery center for a gastric sleeve surgery in the USA, UK or Canada, when paying a fraction of that amount they can avail the procedure at a JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited quality hospital in India. That also, one that is affiliated to Harvard Medical in the USA?

Why would anyone not want an experienced bariatric surgeon who has performed thousands of advanced laparoscopic weight loss surgeries at a fraction of the price in the west? That also, one who has trained in the France & the USA, and, is a Preceptor(Proctor) of American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.

Considering the high costs and long wait times in many western countries and the advantages listed above, India is a a very good alternative for patients looking abroad for Sleeve Gastrectomy. Other countries, where high quality & price are attractive is, Mexico & Costa Rica. These are countries where abundance of bariatric experts, highly accredited hospitals & a track record of satisfied & happy patients from all over the world is present.

Demand for sleeve gastrectomy surgery in India is poised to gain more popularity with the growing world wide epidemic of obesity. Also, the demand for this baraitric procedure will grow within India as the changing lifestyle & dietary habits (moving towards western lifestyles) is causing the spread of the obesity there as well.

Surrogate mothers in India cost considerably lower (about fourth of what it would cost in the United States). The cost of surrogacy in the United States is anywhere within $50,000 to $100,000.

Surrogacy in India has few legal hassles and a Government organization Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has set national guidelines to regulate it. Unlike many countries where surrogacy is banned or has many restrictions, India’s laws allow the surrogate mother to sign away her rights to the baby as soon as its delivered.

Surrogacy is a God send option for women having trouble conceiving due to a number of reasons. The procedure uses IVF technology, except for the fact that the embryo is planted in the uterus of a surrogate mother who can successfully carry the pregnancy to term.

Approximate Surrogacy Cycle Cost at a reputed hospital in India is about US $ 13,000. This Includes

This does not include the cost of IVF / ICSI. IVF cost in India is about US $ 1,800. ICSI cost in India is about US $ 2,500. FYI, in India even more cheaper surrogacy options are available, but not advisable, due to potential higher medical quality issues.

Additionally, what works in favor of India, unlike some developing countries, is the availability of advanced health care facilities and doctors who speak English. Surrogacy in India is about a half a billion dollar business.

Remuneration is not the only reason for easy availability of Surrogate mothers in India, there is also a heartfelt desire to help others with the joys of parenthood and is accepted practice in many communities there.

Surrogacy Procedure
First step is to decide on the best the kind of surrogacy . There two types of surrogacy, genetic and gestational.

In detail, in case of gestational surrogacy the donor is prepared by administering follicle stimulating (hormonal) medications to stimulate the production of eggs. This procedure takes about 4-6 weeks. These medications cause more than one egg to mature and they will be retrieved before they are released.These retrieved eggs are then fertilized by the sperm in a Petri dish in an incubator.

When the fertilized eggs reach the four to ten cell stage of development; they are called embryos and are ready to be placed in the womb of the surrogate, which is simultaneously prepared to receive the embryo so that it could be carried to term.

Not all eggs which are retrieved get fertilized and not all of the fertilized eggs are used in the current IVF cycle. Some of the embryos are cryopreserved for future IVF procedures.

We at Medical Tourism Corporation will be glad to facilitate your needs relating to Surrogate mothers in India. Fill out an estimate request for for more information on your needs related to surrogacy in India.

Surrogacy Resources:

Low Cost Surrogacy in India - FAQ & Procedure Overview

Infertility Resources

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE - Sperm, egg, and embryo donation and surrogacy guide

A number of people from overseas visit India for cost savings on cervical disc replacement. Costa Rica is one more country where the the cervical disc replacement costs compared to North America & Europe is quite less. This article focuses on the things you should keep in mind while looking for a cervical disc replacement hospital in India. FDA approved this procedure in July 2007, although it has been performed for many years with success in Europe & India. Below is a Video showing how anterior cervical disc replacement works(no sound).

Cervical disc replacement is an effective treatment for people suffering from disc herniations(where the inner core pushes back into the spinal canal). In cervical disc replacement, an artificial disc is inserted in place of the inter-vertebral disc. Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement is considered a better option than spinal fusion for treating cervical disc herniation. This is because cervical disc replacement maintains normal neck motion and helps the patient return to normal activity faster.In this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial disc made of stainless steel. The artificial disc has a ball in trough design to simulate natural neck movement. The patient is typically hospitalized for 1-2 days and can return to work in 45 days {Refer: Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago}.
The main reason for India’s popularity as a medical tourism destination is its cost effectiveness. A cervical disc replacement surgery can cost around $ 30,000 to $ 40, 000 USD in USA, Canada or Europe. Due of the newness of the cervical disc replacement treatment in the USA, it is not covered by all private insurers. Therefore, patients who cannot afford the high rate opt for getting the surgery in India where the cost of the surgery is as low as $ 8,500 in one of the best brain & spine hospital. Even after you add travel and accommodation costs, a cervical disc replacement surgery in India can result in substantial cost savings. You should look for a cervical replacement hospital in India that provides an all inclusive package at a fixed price. Another reason for India’s popularity is its impressive medical expertise. India has a large pool of US and UK returned surgeons. When looking for a cervical disc replacement hospital in India, verify that the surgeon you are considering has specialized in orthopedics. The surgeon should have a Master of Surgery (M.S. or M.CH.) degree in orthopedics. The surgeon should have undergone specialized training in spine surgery and cervical disc replacement. Ideally, the surgeon should have at least 5 years of surgical experience.

India also provides a very high quality of private medical care. You should look for a cervical disc replacement hospital that is internationally accredited. Preferably, the hospital should be accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). JCI is a non-governmental body in USA which accredits international hospitals that meeting exacting American standards. A JCI-accredited hospital follows international standards of quality and cleanliness and has state of the art technology. You should also ensure that the hospital has a fully equipped operating room with specialized equipment, such as the Jackson Spine Table. It should also have a diagnostic center with facilities for MRI scan and computed tomography.

Medical Tourism Corporation(MedicalTourismCo.com) facilitates cervical disc replacement & other surgery at world class hospitals abroad. You can submit a request for a free quote and more information.

Refer: Is Cervical Disc Replacement For You?

Compared to Canada, UK, & USA, the gastric sleeve surgery (also referred as “sleeve gastrectomy”) cost abroad can be about 50 to 60 percent cheaper. Popular destinations are, Mexico, Costa Rica and India. This article discusses what gastric sleeve surgery is and what are the things to keep in mind on deciding on a trip to Mexico, India or Costa Rica for this bariatric medical procedure. Also, discussed here is the price of this surgery at these overseas locations.

In the gastric sleeve surgery the surgeon removes about 60 percent of the stomach resulting in its shape like a “sleeve” (Banana or tube shape). This is performed usually on individuals having a BMI of 60 or more. The Gastric Sleeve is many times used as the first of the two stage weight loss surgeries. The second stage being gastric bypass, after 80 to 100 pounds have been lost by the patient due to the gastric sleeve.Some surgeons overseas have started offering gastric sleeve surgery to low BMI patients as an alternative to laproscopic gastric banding (”LAP BAND”). Majority of the patients lose about 50 percent of their excess weight in the first 6 to 12 months after the sleeve Gastrectomy.

Advantages or Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Does not involve cutting & rejoining of intestines
- Simpler than gastric bypass
- No fills or adjustments.
- Safer even for high BMI patients (60 BMI or more)
- Does not have the side effects experienced by bypass patients because the digestion system is unaltered.
- Preferred by patients who are reluctant to have a device implanted in their body.

Mexico is the most preferred destination for Canadian & US patients due to the geographic proximity. Costa Rica is also popular among North Americans as along with having one of the most low cost high quality hospitals & surgeons, it also is a great tourist attraction and has plenty of direct flights from most major cities. From Europe there are no direct flights to Costa Rica, a stop over(plane change) in the USA would be required. India also has recently started attracting a fair number of obesity surgery patients from North America, this is primarily due to the low price of the medical treatment, high quality medical professionals and internationally accredited hospitals. For UK patients looking for overseas gastric sleeve surgery India is one of the best option due to a number of cheap direct flights & smaller travel times. Example, price quotes from some leading hospitals in these countries are:

Mexico $ 11,990
Costa Rica $ 8,900
India $ 7,500

Weight loss surgeries are popular medical tourism procedure. With most of the insurance considering this as an elective medical procedure patients have to self pay for it. Going abroad is a good alternative. Mexico, Costa Rica & India provide a high quality low cost alternative to patients who in their home country cannot afford the procedure because the cost of gastric sleeve surgery very high or the other reason in some countries is the long waiting lines this bariatric treatment.

Related: American College of Surgeons Report - Comparison of Gastric Sleeve, Lap Band & Gastric Bypass

Computer aided knee replacement(also known as computer assisted knee replacement surgery or computer aided knee arthroplasty) is attracting a large number of medical tourist to hospitals in India. The less invasive nature of this medical procedure, will also help increase the popularity in India of the total & partial knee replacement surgeries.

In this procedure a computer is installed with a medical surgery software and is connected to a surgery infra red camera & specialized surgical instruments. This “knee surgery computer system” is used by the surgeon to perform the knee replacement. This allows for more precision & accuracy during the surgery.The surgeon can see the computer generated image real time while preforming the knee operation. The alignment of the knee replacement implant is more accurate (accuracy of 0.5 mm and 0.5 degrees) & predictable compared to how it would be when doing surgery just with naked eyes.

The system acts as a GPS for the human body helping the surgeon by providing real time navigation information and enhanced 3-D visualization. The International Society for Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery is a non profit organization working towards the growth of this field.

Other advantages of computer aided knee replacement surgery are:
- Smaller incisions as its a minimally invasive surgery
- Faster recovery
- Less bleeding and lesser chance of blood clotting.
- Less pain
- Easy on patient & doctor
- Reduces chances of human error
- Increased implant longevity as it reduces chances of bad alignment requiring revision surgeries.

The total knee replacement usually lasts about 15 to 20 years. With the computer assisted orthopedic surgery the knee replacement can last up to 30 years without needing an replacement.

These advantages are achieved as computer assisted total knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery (also known as laparoscopic or endoscopic surgery). In these type of surgeries specialized instruments, monitors, fiber optic lights, miniature cameras and computer monitors are used to perform the surgery though a small incision unlike a traditional surgery which is more invasive.

Although the surgery is performed using a computer system, this does not reduce the knowledge & experience that the surgeon needs for a successful knee replacement. The procedure combines the surgeons skill with computer technology. In India many surgeons have this expertise and experience. Research has shows that not only does the computer aided knee replacement results are clearly more favorable in comparison to conventional knee replacement surgery, but also it significantly reduces the chances of error outliers.

With advancements in surgical robotics & the field of computer assisted surgical navigation, the use of traditional surgery means for knee replacement will reduce. Computer assisted knee replacement is the future of knee replacement surgery.

A number of people visit India for this cutting edge medical procedure. Although premier hospitals in USA, Canada & UK have this latest medical procedure available, majority of the hospital don’t. The associated price & cost of the Knee replacement surgery in India, Costa Rica & Mexico is about 50~80 percent less that what is in the USA.

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates computer assisted(aided) knee surgery in India. The typical price of this surgery in India is about 20 percent of what is would cost in the USA. This price includes the estimated travel & lodging expenses that would be occurred for a person to fly form North America to India.

Medical Tourism Podcast educates on medical travel(aka medical tourism, medical outsourcing, health tourism, medical trip etc). It provides details on the medical travel services that Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates.

 

 Medical Tourism Podcast [12:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Further, in addition to educating on the benefits of using a medical tourism company, it describes the criteria used by Medical Tourism Corporation to add hospital overseas for medical care. Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates medical care at international low cost specialty hospitals, clinics & surgery centers. These global medical institutes have expert doctors, surgeons, specialist & physicians. Saving of 60~80% over US medical prices. Countries include Mexico, India, Costa Rica, and Thailand.

Medical tourism corporation team visited Hospital Angeles in Tijuana, Mexico. This hospital is part of the largest private hospital chain in Mexico. Procedures offered to Medical Tourist at this Mexican hospital are: Gallbladder Removal, Inguinal Hernial, Umbilical Hernia, Incisional Hernia, Lap Band Inamed, Lap Band J&J, Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Arthoscophy, Arthoscophy (Outpatient), Knee Replacement, Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing.

Video of Hospital Angeles, Tijuana

Pictures of Hospital Angeles, Tijuana

It took us less than 25 minutes drive form the San Diego airport baggage claim area to the hospital. Hospital Angeles, Tijuana is a world class hospital designed especially to provide state of the art high quality medical care to international patients. The hospital boasts one of the best doctors in their field, supported by an able staff & latest medical technology equipment

.

The 118 bed hospital has 97 private rooms and is located in an upscale area.
It is the first fully integrated hospital in Baja California, meaning it offers complete medical services in-house (outpatient clinic, emergency room, pharmacy, intensive care unit, intermediate ICU, neonatal ICU, intermediate neonatal ICU, X-ray, tomography, MRI, nuclear medicine, fluoroscopy, angiography, fully equipped laboratory, helicopter landing zone, and medical offices where 135 board-certified doctors practice).More than 50% of the current patients there are from United States. This was confirmed when we observed many Americans in the lobby & the hospital area.

The hospital facility is self contained for a patient with its own cafeteria, a pharmacy, ATM, Chapel and more. Unless, it’s a personal desire there should not be a need to venture outside the hospital premise. This is also a major reason its a popular medical tourism destination in Mexico.

For people craving for good old American fast foods, walking distance from the hospital are American popular fast foods chains, McDonald’s & Peter Piper Pizza. And them there is a Cine mark across the Hospital. Not sure if it shows any English movies! For people missing a discount club shopping, Sam’s club is around the corner!

Very near the hospital is Hotel Marriott and few luxury Mexican Hotels. These are used rarely by the hospital patients, as the patient & one accompanying guest are accommodated in the hospital itself.

The hallways, waiting rooms, corridor & patient rooms & suites are kept sparking clean & give an impression of a five star hotel & not a hospital. The walls are decorated with brightly colored abstract art by Tijuana painters. A lot of work, thought & attention to detail have gone in the interior design to make the aura uplifting & the hospital patient friendly.

The signs are in English and Spanish, many in the staff speak English. In case of US patients a dedicated English speaking staff member is assigned.

The hospital takes special care of its doctors to ensure they are relaxed & at their best when serving the patients. There is an exclusive hospital club area for doctors that include a relaxing lounge, exercise gym, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, Sauna & More.

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates medical trips to some of the worlds leading hospitals including Hospital Angeles, Tijuana.

1. Eat slowly & chew very well.

2. Avoid any Drink 30 minutes before the meals, during the meal & up to an hour after the meal.

3. When eating a meal first eat the proteins (meat, fish, egg), followed by vegetable & last if desired the carbohydrates.

9. Avoid dry or fibrous food.  

Related Lap Band Links

Post Lap Band Diet: What to Eat after Lapband Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery Links

Post lap band diet advice is provided by the doctors office that performs the lap band surgery. Diet after lapband can vary from one individual to another. Below is an example of a diet recommendation after lapband in one major hospital in Costa Rica. It will gives a good idea of what to expect, but finally advice should be followed of your lap band surgeon and not what are general recommendations provided here.

• Remember that your gastric capacity has been restricted between 3 and 8 ounces(90 mililiter-240 mililiters), reason why the first days you need to respect the recommended amounts and the allowed foods, in order for your body to adapt and to reduce nauseas, pain and vomiting.

• The gastric band is a restrictive procedure, so that it restricts food ingestion in amount. You must be conscious of the gastric limitation. Thus, the volume of foods ingested should not exceed 240 ml (a small a dessert cup or and 8 ounce plate). Remember that you must eat slowly and chew very well each mouthful of food.
  

• You can drink between 1 and 1,5 liters of water daily outside the daily meals. Remember to do it slowly, in little sips and preferably with a little spoon.

• Remember that the liquids you drink must be calorie reduced or free, reason why sugar shouldn´t be added. You can use a sugar substitute such as SPLENDA, no-Sucar. Equal, Nutra sweet, etc.
  

• Avoid food that could cause obstruction in the passage of foods from your stomach to the small intestines such as:

Raw Foods with rind (apples, pear, mangoes, etc);

Seeded Foods (blackberries, guava, kiwi, popcorn, seeds like peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc.)

Fibrous Foods (Mandarin, orange, pineapple, etc)

You should not drink any liquids, not even water during meals, do it 15 to 30 minutes before or after eating foods.

• Do not drink carbonated drinks or alcoholic beverages during the next 6 months after the procedure.
  

• Do not stretch, recline on the sofa nor lie down in bed after eating.
  

• Do not eat dried nuts nor ceded fruits until indicated by your nutritionist (blackberries, peanuts, cashews, almonds, guava, strawberries, etc)
  

• Ideally, medicines should be mashed and diluted in water to permit a better swallowing and absorption, you can either take the liquid versions. If it is not possible, take the capsules slowly and with care.
  

• Avoid sugar sweetened foods and drinks (marmalades, coconut water, “agua dulce”, etc)
• Stop eating when you feel satisfied not when completely full.
  

• In case of vomiting or constant diarreah for more than 3-5 days, call your doctor.

• Your nutritionist will recommend the nutritional supplements and foods in order to maintain the adequate proteins and calories for your daily needs.

• When you eat foods, remember to chew properly and with the mouth closed, and try to make your meals in a calm and relaxed pace.

• If you are a woman in reproductive age, ask for contraceptive methods, to avoid pregnancy during the following year to the surgery, due to the risk it will represent for the baby the fast weight loss.

• Maintain the incisions clean and dry.

• Gradually increase movement and physical activity. Try not to lift heavy weights in order to avoid effort of the abdominal muscles and the zones of incision.

• Do not forget to take your daily vitamins.

Related Lap Band Links

Bariatric Surgery Links

There are many lapband pre-surgery diet options, common among all diet recommendations before lap band surgery is the idea to help the liver shrink. Smaller liver helps the surgeon to perform the surgery easily, if it is too large, the surgery may have to be postponed . Below are two examples of diet recommended by two of our hospitals before a lap band surgery.

Pre Lap Band Surgery Diet Recommendation

Recommend lowfat/carb diet 7-10 days before gastric band surgery. Believe a liquid diet is too drastic and may drain person’s energy.
Below is a suggested diet send to patients.

About two weeks prior to surgery, you need to start on a special diet that is low in fat and carbohydrates. It is important to follow this diet because you need to lose fat around your stomach and around your liver as well as reduce the size of your liver prior to surgery.

In general, it is recommended that you limit your intake of high fat, high carbohydrates and high sugar foods. No carbonated drinks and no alcohol at least seven days prior to surgery. This is the recommended diet:

Breakfast
* One serving of any two of the following: (toast, eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, fruits, or cereal).
Lunch
* One serving of Myocel mixed with skim milk or water or fruit juice.
Dinner
* One serving of lean meat or fish (pork, beef, chicken or fish) and one serving of green vegetables (lettuce, broccoli, etc.)
Dessert
* One serving of Myocel mixed with skim milk or water or fruit juice {Or instead any high protein, low carb drink}.
If you smoke, we recommend you stop at least two weeks prior to the surgery.

Links

Related Lap Band Links

Post Lap Band Diet: What to Eat after Lapband Surgery?

9 Bandster Eating Rules: Gastric Lap Band Diet Recommendations

Bariatric Surgery Links