In addition to gastric band surgery in Mexico, self paying individuals in the USA & Canada also go there for procedures to correct lap band related complications like a faulty “lap band port flip” correction. Fortunately majority of the complications related to a lap band are minor and are easily to repair, and the typical worst case is the removal of the band.
Lap band Port is part of a gastric band that is used by the doctor post surgery to fill or remove saline in the band to help maximize the weight-loss success.
One minor risk of lap band surgery is: flipped port (happens in about 2% of the cases), where the port flips or gets displaced . Port “flips over” or also known as “port turn over’ is not is not a serious problem and can usually be corrected by a small procedure.
Port dislocation, which is similar to a port flip, means that the band port has moved from its original location. It can be fixed with a simple operation under local anesthesia. In this case the port is realigned and a small suturing is done if required.
Sometimes an old port may be replaced with a new one, depending on the way it is flipped or dislocated; Or any other problem like infection, being defectively twisted, being stuck etc.
The cost of flipped or dislocated port repair in Mexico varies from US $ 900 to $ 2,000. Usually flipped port will be followed by fills with saline water. In some cases, it requires emptying and refilling again.
Lap band surgery in Mexico is a popular option for self paying individuals in the USA & Canada. Mexico is one of the most popular medical tourism destination for Gastric band and other weight loss surgeries.
Because of the geographical proximity, there are many similarities in culture, too, and it is not like going to an alien land where you may have to be ready for culture shock.
World-class Mexico lap band centers with reputed bariatric surgeons are sprinkled along the south of the Texas-Mexico, California-Mexico, and Arizona-Mexico border, the important ones being at Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Reynosa, and Monterrey.
Lap Band Surgery in Texas-Mexico Border
Ciudad Juarez, Reynosa, and Monterrey are some of the major lap band centers along the Texas-Mexico border. These are helpful for people from the following cities in Texas state – Kingsville, Las Cruces, McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville, Laredo, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, El Paso.
Ciudad Juarez: If planning to fly here for your gastric band, best would be to land at El Paso, Texas, USA. The airport is just 25 minutes away from the Mexico border.
Reynosa: You could land at McAllen, TX Airport, USA from where the Mexico lap band hospital is 25 minutes away.
Monterrey Lap Band : You could either fly or even drive down from Texas, as it is just 4 to 5 hours from the US-Mexico border.
Lap band clinics from Medical Tourism Corporation’s network provide free pick-up and drop to US airports near the Mexico border.
Lap Band Surgery in Arizona-Mexico Border
For people living in Douglas, San Luis, Lukeville, Sasabe, Nogales, Naco cities in Arizona state, crossing over to Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez in Mexico for a cheaper lap band is more than a feasible option, thanks to the superb medical care which is also incredibly low cost. Also, unlike going to far-off places, going to Mexico for follow-up visits can be done easily, as, again, the distance is not too much.
Lap Band Surgery in California-Mexico Border
Mexican gastric band surgeons in the state of Baja California in Mexico have been doing the lap band surgery much before their US counterparts, and hence have much more experience. Not only do they have excellent success rates, but they can also speak good English, making communication quicker and easier between patient and doctor. People from San Diego, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Calexico, and Andrade in California state are very close to the Mexico border and often cross over for low cost weight loss surgery. Tijuana & Mexicali offer great options for people in these areas looking for lap band surgery in Mexico.
Advantage of Obesity surgery in Ciudad Juarez/Reynosa/Monterrey for California, Arizona & Texas residents
Huge cost savings: This is the most obvious and one of the most significant advantages to be had by going across the border for lap band. To many, it is quite unbelievable that the same obesity surgery with the same quality can be had at half the cost just by traveling for a few hours. Also, the flights to US airports on the border are pretty cheap. So, you gain on the travel fare, too.
Proximity: Bariatric surgery on the Mexico border is a very attractive option as traveling to the Mexican border for lap band presents no problems at all in terms of the money or time required to travel.
Board-certified lap band surgeons and accredited hospitals: If Mexico’s cost advantage was not accompanied by quality comparable to US healthcare, it wouldn’t be the booming medical tourism destination that it is today. That said, exercise caution in the selection of the right lap band surgeon and hospital in Mexico.
Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates low cost gastric band surgery south of the border at Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Reynosa, Monterrey and other places along the US-Mexico border.
Laparascopic adjustable gastric band surgery for teens (adolescent & children under 16 years) is currently not approved by the US FDA. It is true that teen weight loss surgery is a new option and statistics are only now becoming available on this, but till date the results of children having weight loss surgery look very encouraging. Until now, most US teen gastric lap band surgery have been performed in Mexico. Medical Tourism Corporation is one of the rare medical travel facilitator who have experience in assisting lap band for teens overseas.
For example, in a recent study by the New York University School of Medicine, 53 teenagers (41 girls and 12 boys) between the ages of 13 and 17 showed some impressive results after being ‘banded’. The teenagers, who on averaged weighed 297 pounds before surgery and had an average body mass index (BMI) of 47.6, shed some 50 percent of their excess weight 18 months after teen gastric lap band surgery.
Obesity & Kids in the US
Up to a third of American teenagers are obese, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The numbers are projected to rise to up to 50% in the next few years. This has forced parents and doctors to consider new methods like lap band surgery to tackle teenage obesity.
Child Obesity Trends Worldwide
Studies show an exponential growth in obesity problems among children & teenagers in the next few years globally. If current trends are an indication, by 2010 the projections in rise of percentage of overweight youngsters are as follows:
North & South America:Â about 50% from the 30% today
Europe & UK: 38% from the 25% today
China: about 20% by 2010
Until recently, weight loss surgery for children was frowned upon but that was also because surgery meant gastric bypass. And this procedure carries a small but very real risk of death. This risk, though considered acceptable for many adult patients, is thought to be too high for children.
But the picture has changed since the arrival of lap gastric band surgery on the scene. In the lap band procedure, a silicon band is strapped around the top of the stomach, dramatically decreasing the amount of food the patient can consume at a time. The surgery is minimally invasive and is reversible – significant advantages for children, whose bodies are still forming.
When weighed with the ill effects of obesity like increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and breathing problems, the benefits of gastric lap band for children are too great to ignore. But at the same time, it’s important to remember that even lap band is not a magic wand. The success of lap band, to a large extent, depends on the post-operative care.
Obesity in children is brought on by many factors like poor eating habits, lack of exercise, family history of obesity(genetics), depression, etc. Hence, even after the surgery, all care should be taken to instill good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise.
Teen gastric lap band surgery for obese teenagers is becoming popular, not only because of the benefits it brings, but also because the procedure is safe and minimally invasive. Teen Lap band surgery in Mexico is expected to see a big growth.
Belgium is a very popular medical tourism destination with medical tourists in the Western world, especially for those from the UK. The laparoscopic gastric band surgery or ‘lap band’, in short, done in Belgium is the one of the best options, any which way you look at it.
What is laparoscopic gastric band surgery?
The laparoscopic gastric band surgery or lap band, in short, decreases the size of the stomach pouch. This makes people feel full after they have had just a small meal, and thus helps in losing weight.
Why get the lap band done in Belgium?
Cost: If you are from the UK, lap band surgery in Belgium is the way to go. While the procedure may cost anywhere between £ 9,000 – £ 12,000 in the UK, in Belgium the cost can drop to £ 4,000. This low cost of the surgery does not mean that quality of healthcare is compromised in any way.
Quality: Obesity surgery is carried out in many countries in the world. However, there are few countries with the same experience and success rate in obesity surgery as Belgium. Many Belgian hospitals have a very long tradition of surgical experience in obesity surgery and treatments. Laparoscopy, in fact, is one of the specialties of Belgium medical tourism. Every Gastric Band or Gastric Bypass is done by laparoscopy (unless technically impossible) and this means a very short stay in hospital.
Also, in general, Belgium has always been known for its high hygiene standards and use of latest technology. In a recent study by The World Markets Research Centre, Belgium ranked top for medical purposes out of 175 countries, not least because secondary infection rates average less than 0.5% compared with around 10% in the UK.
The high level of Belgium’s surgical expertise comes from many years of training imparted to its doctors: all doctors are trained for a minimum of seven years and specialists for 12 years.
Follow-up care: Many Belgium doctors have a follow-up network in neighboring countries like UK and Ireland. Hence, do check if your doctor or hospital offers such a service.
No queues: Forget the long waiting lines of NHS. For a weight loss surgery in Belgium, you choose the date for the operation after all initial screenings, and get yourself banded. As simple as that.
Proximity to UK: You can choose to go to Belgium by air, road or rail. There is the fast and convenient Eurostar train service from London (all tickets from London allow you free onward travel within Belgium) and an easy-to-navigate public transport network in Belgium. Major European highways like the E-19, E-17, E-40, E-411 and E-313 pass through Belgium. You can also get to Belgium from all over Europe on Eurolines coaches.
Climate and language: The climate is similar to UK’s, with slightly hotter summers and colder winters. The official languages spoken are Dutch, French, and German, but many people speak English, too.
All in all, getting gastric lap band surgery in Belgium is a good option for someone looking for a high quality and affordable weight loss procedure in Europe.
Many patients from the West (United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland) these days travel to India for sleeve gastrectomy surgery,mainly because of the low cost, experienced bariatric surgeons, quality hospitals and no wait times.
This weight loss surgery is also known as 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.
This surgery reduces stomach size, so the individual feels full quickly with a small meal. Â It also restricts the production of the hunger-causing hormone.
Some reasons why this surgery is becoming so popular is the positive clinical feedback from 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). A country by country cost comparison forsleeve gastrectomy cost comparisons:
(only the best bariatric surgeons and hospitals are considered for the below prices):
India: US $7,000 (Harvard Medical-affiliated JCI-accredited hospital)
Costa Rica: US $9,500 (Tulane Medical School-affiliated JCI-accredited hospital)
Mexico: US $5,500 to $11,500 (Top hospitals; more than 50% of WLS patients are from the US)
Not only is the cost of obesity surgery lower in India, but the level of service is also very high. 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 a day or two 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. Also, when that hospital 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? When the surgeon also happens to be trained in France and the US and is a Preceptor (Proctor) of American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, the choice becomes all the more easier, doesn’t it?
When you compare the high costs and long wait times in many Western countries with the advantages of getting the surgery done in India, you will see that the latter is a very good alternative for patients looking abroad for Sleeve Gastrectomy. Other countries where you get similar advantages are Mexico and Costa Rica. These are countries with an abundance of bariatric experts, highly accredited hospitals and a track record of satisfied and happy patients from all over the world.
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery in India is poised to gain more popularity with the growing worldwide epidemic of obesity. Also, the demand for this bariatric procedure will grow within India too as changing lifestyles and dietary habits (moving towards Western lifestyles) is making way for obesity.
This article discusses what gastric sleeve surgery is and what are the things to keep in mind when choosing between Mexico, India, or Costa Rica for this bariatric medical procedure. Also, discussed here is the price of this surgery at these overseas locations.
In gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon removes about 60% 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 surgery is used many a time as the first of a two-stage weight loss surgery. The second stage is gastric bypass and is done after the patient loses 80 to 100 pounds due to the gastric sleeve. Some surgeons overseas have started offering gastric sleeve surgery to low BMI patients as an alternative to laparoscopic gastric banding (”LAP BAND”). Majority of the patients lose about 50% of their excess weight in the first 6 to 12 months after the sleeve gastrectomy.
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Does not involve cutting and 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 and US patients because of its proximity. Costa Rica is also popular among North Americans as it not only provides low-cost and high quality treatment but it is also a great tourist attraction and has plenty of direct flights from most major US cities.
From Europe there are no direct flights to Costa Rica. A stopover and plane change in the US would be required. India also has recently started attracting a fair number of obesity surgery patients from North America, primarily because of the low price of the medical treatment, high quality medical professionals and internationally accredited hospitals. For UK patients too, India is one of the best options due to a number of cheap direct flights and shorter travel times. Here are price quotes from some leading hospitals in these countries:
Weight loss surgeries is a popular medical tourism procedure. With most of the insurance industry considering this an elective medical procedure, patients have to pay for it themselves. Going abroad, hence, is a good alternative.
Mexico, Costa Rica, and India provide a high-quality low-cost alternative to patients who in their home country cannot afford the procedure because of the high cost or long waiting lines.
Doctors provide post lap band diet advice, but the recommendations can be different for different people. Below is an example of a diet recommendation after lap band in a major Costa Rican hospital. This is to only give you a good idea of what to expect, but, remember, you must follow the advice given by your lap band surgeon.
Post-lap band surgery, your gastric capacity has been restricted between 3 and 8 ounces (90 mililiter-240 mililiters).Hence, the first few days, you need to respect the recommended amounts and the allowed foods, in order for your body to adapt and to reduce nausea, pain, and vomiting.
The volume of food ingested should not exceed 240 ml (a small dessert cup or an 8 ounce plate). Remember that you must eat slowly and chew very well each morsel 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 low in or free from calories . 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 food from your stomach to the small intestines such as: raw food with rind (apples, pear, mangoes, etc); seeded food (blackberries, guava, kiwi, popcorn, seeds like peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc.); fibrous food (Mandarin, orange, pineapple, etc).
You should not drink any liquids, not even water during meals. Do it 15 to 30 minutes before or after meals.
Do not drink carbonated drinks or alcoholic beverages for six months after the procedure.
Do not stretch, recline on the sofa, or lie down in bed after eating.
Do not eat dried nuts or 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 better swallowing and absorption. You can even consider taking the liquid versions. If that is not possible, take the capsules in the way mentioned above.
Stop eating when you feel satisfied, don’t wait till you feel completely full.
If you have vomiting or constant diarrhea for more than 3-5 days, call your doctor.
Your nutritionist will recommend the nutritional supplements and food in order to maintain the adequate proteins and calories for your daily needs.
When you eat food, remember to chew properly and with the mouth closed, and try to take your meals in a calm and relaxed pace.
If you are a woman of reproductive age, ask for contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy for a year after the surgery.
Maintain the incisions clean and dry.
Gradually increase movement and physical activity. Try not to lift heavy weights in order to avoid strain on the abdominal muscles and the zones of incision.
There are many lap band pre-surgery diet options, but one common diet recommendation is to help the liver shrink. A smaller liver helps the surgeon perform the surgery easily. If the liver is too large, the surgery may have to be postponed. Below is a diet recommended by one of our network hospitals before a lap band surgery:
Pre-Lap Band Surgery Diet Recommendation
A low-fat/carb diet is recommended about 7-10 days before gastric band surgery. A liquid diet may be too drastic and may drain the person’s energy.
About two weeks before 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 and reduce the size of your liver.
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 before 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 (or any protein supplement providing about 20-25 grams of protein per serving) mixed with skim milk, 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, water, fruit juice, or any high protein, low carb drink.
If you smoke, we recommend you stop at least two weeks before the surgery.
Hospital Angeles in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico is part of Grupo Angeles, a business group that owns the largest private hospital chain in Mexico. The hospital is a very popular destination for US patients wanting lap band surgery (adjustable laparoscopic gastric banding). This is a popular type of bariatric (obesity/weight loss) surgery. An investment of more than 84 Million US dollars went into setting up this hospital.
There are no border charges to enter Ciudad Juarez from the USA. Travel by car, taxi, bus, and even simply walking across on foot is quite common across this international border. It took us less than 15 to minutes drive form the El Paso airport baggage claim area to the hospital in Juarez.
Hospital Angeles, Juarez, is a world class medical care facility designed especially to provide state-of-the-art high quality medical care to international patients. The hospital boasts of some of the best doctors in their field, supported by an able staff and latest medical technology equipment. Top bariatric surgeons (lap band, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass ) surgeons practice at this facility.
We were told that more than 70% of the current patients here for lap band are from United States. This was confirmed when we observed many Americans in the hosptial lobby. With the cost of high quality medical care here at a fraction of the USA cost, it is not surprising. Lap band surgery cost in Mexico is about US $8000 vs. the USA cost for the same surgery around US $25,000.
The hospital is a fully integrated hospital, 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 (it’s a X-Ray type machine used for lap band adjustments), angiography, fully equipped laboratory, blood bank, helicopter landing zone, doctor offices and more).
The hospital is self-contained with its own chapel, cafeteria, pharmacy, gift shop, ATM, and more. Unless, you want to take a look around, there will be no need for you to step outside the hospital premises.
For people wanting a taste of good old American fast foods, fast foods chains like Haagen-Dazs, Wendy, Subway, and Carl’s are walking distance from the hospital. But these might not be of interest to bariatric surgery patients.
About three miles from the hospital is a Hampton Inn Hotel, part of the Hilton Family, and a 4-star Mexican Hotel: City Express. These are used rarely by hospital patients as the patient and an accompanying guest are accommodated in the hospital.
Medical Tourism Corporation team hopes this report helps you in your journey to find the right medical destination.
For lap band surgery (laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding) or other international medical surgery, fill out the estimate request form on our site for a free quote and more information.
