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.

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

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

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

9 Bandster Eating Rules: Gastric Lap Band Diet Recommendations

Bariatric Surgery Links

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 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. For setting up this hospital, an investment of more than 84 Million US dollars was required.

There is no border charge to enter Ciudad Juarez from the USA. Travel by car, taxi, bus, & even simply walking across on foot is quite common across this international border. It took us less than 15 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 one of the best doctors in their field, supported by an able staff & latest medical technology equipment. Top bariatric surgeons (lap band, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass ) surgeons practice at this facility.

Video of Hospital Angeles, Juarez Mexico

Pictures of Hospital Angeles, Juarez Mexico

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 lobby & the hospital area. With the cost of high quality medical care here at 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(its a X-Ray type machine used for lap band adjustments), angiography, fully equipped laboratory, blood bank, helicopter landing zone, and doctor offices and more).

The hospital is self contained for an accompanying guest as well, with its own chapel, cafeteria, pharmacy and a gift shop, ATM, and more. Unless, it’s a personal desire there should not be a need to venture outside the hospital premise.

For people wanting a taste of good old American fast foods, walking distance from the hospital are American popular fast foods chains, Haagen-Dazs, Wendy, Subway, and Carl’s. Although these might not be of interest to bariatric surgery patients.

About 3 miles from the hospital is a Hampton Inn Hotel part of the Hilton Family and a 4 stars Mexican Hotel, City Express. These are used rarely by the hospital patients, as the patient & one accompanying guest are accommodated in the hospital itself.

Medical Tourism Corporation team hopes this report helps you in your journey to finding 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.

Gastric bypass surgery is a very cost effective way to loose weight. A BMI of 40 or more is a good indicator that you may be a candidate for a gastric bypass surgery. The cost of gastric bypass varies between different hospitals & locations. Mexico, Costa Rica & India gastric bypass price are about 50% less that the USA, even considering the money spent for the medical trip. The cost of gastric bypass surgery is usually higher compared to the other popular bariatric surgery, the lap band.

Unless it is medically necessary, insurance companies do not pay for a gastric bypass surgery. This trend may be changing with some insurance companies are beginning to see obesity as a serious health disorder and cause of other serious illness. For most patients, the gastric bypass cost is far outweighed by the advantages that the surgery can have. Some of the advantages of resulting weight loss from gastric bypass surgery are: reversal of life threatening diseases like type II diabetes, heart disease prevention and cancer risk reduction and psychological benefits.

Research shows that experienced surgeons and hospitals greatly reduce the risks associated with a gastric bypass surgery. The success of the surgery also depends upon post-operative changes in eating habits. Exercising regularly after the surgery is also recommended & helps patients lose weight more rapidly. Not following the doctors post operation instructions might result in no or very less benefits.

Majority of the gastric bypass surgeries nowadays are done via a minimally invasive technology (laparoscopic) that speeds recovery & reduces pain and scarring. In some cases a plastic surgery may be required due to droopy skin from the weight loss. The requirement for plastic surgery is known after a year or more after the gastric bypass surgery has been performed.

After a gastric bypass, about three fourth of the patients loose about 75% of their excess body weight. The surgery causes nutrient and calorie restriction that results in weight loss at a very rapid pace. The surgeon creates a small pouch that is attached to the small intestine thus bypassing the stomach.

Bariatric surgeries have been performed for decades in the United States and abroad. When diet, exercise, creams, pills and other non surgical methods fail, an increasing percent of people turn to bariatric surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery cost in the United States varies depending upon the experience of the doctor, location & complexity of the surgery. The average cost is 25,000 dollars, for a two hour surgery. The results are permanent & the patient can be back to work in about three to six weeks time after the operation. The gastric bypass cost in Mexico, Costa Rica & India is significantly less. Following are some price quotes.

• India US $9,800
• Mexico US $11,990
• Costa Rica US $11,500

Medical Tourism website has an exclusive section for bariatric surgery. In this section, you can visit the sub section on affordable cost of gastric bypass. This section provides details on the cost of bariatric gastric bypass surgery in different overseas locations.

Most insurance companies in the USA pay for bariatric surgeries (weight loss or obesity surgery). But the process to obtain approval is a lengthy one & not all qualify due to it. The patient needs to establish a medical necessity. Following are the points they consider:

• BMI of 40 or higher and morbidly obesity. BMI is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height and is used as an indicator of body fatness to categorize obesity.

• Prove obesity as an issue for more than five years

• Have exhausted all serious efforts to reduce weight by non-surgical methods (pills, exercise, dieting, creams & location, special clothing etc).

• You have co-morbidities (Medical illnesses/diseases that are either caused by or contributed to by morbid obesity. For example, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and arthritis)

Along, with this the patient also needs to provide the insurance company data about their:

• Medical condition related to liver, kidney, or any gastrointestinal disease

• Thyroid Test Results

• Any history of alcohol or substance abuse

It makes business sense for health insurance companies to pay for weight loss surgery. There is a number of health risk associated with obesity that would cost the insurance companies more money if the bariatric surgery is not performed upfront. Health risks associated with obesity are heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gout, lower back pain, pregnancy complications, bladder control problems and cancer to name a few. Additions to this are psychological disorders like low self esteem, depression & eating disorders.

According to United States, government research report published in New York Times in 2004, obesity is near to overtaking smoking as the No. 1 cause of death in the United States(tobacco related deaths are still number 1 with 18.1 percent). According to a November 2007 report by National Center for Health Statistics obesity rate in the United States was 34 percent (U.S. adults aged 20 and over). Obesity by them is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.

The stringent requirements that a patient has to meet for bariatric health insurance benefits, discourages many from being able to avail the weight loss surgery benefits of their health insurance plan(even if their insurance policy covers it).

A viable alternative that is being explored by many is for affordable overseas bariatric surgeries. These include common bariatric surgery like lap band, gastric bypass & gastric sleeve surgery. Popular destinations for US patients seeking cost effective bariatric surgery is Mexico & Costa Rica. Many surgeons at these overseas location have more experince than their US counterparts. Many times the total cost of surgery and travel expenses combined, is still less than the cost the patient would pay if the insurance paid its part of the medical insurance coverage.

For patients that do not have their insurance covering bariatric surgery in the USA, Medical Tourism Corporation helps with high quality bariatric surgery hospital & centers overseas. A page that has links to articles on weight loss (bariatric) surgery can also accessed for more information and knowledge.

A number of people from the United States visit Mexico for cost savings on lap band surgery. This type of bariatric surgery is safer & less invasive than other obesity control surgeries. It is also known as Adjustable gastric banding surgery. Although the number one surgery for weight loss in the USA is Gastric Bypass, lap band may sson have that spot. Lap band surgery started in USA in year 2001 after FDA approval, but gastric bypass has been going on for many years. This article addresses the important things to keep in mind when shopping for a lap band facility in Mexico.

First, yes the prices are lower, about 50~70% than the USA. But that should not be the only criteria when selecting a clinic or a hospital. The range could be from 6000 to 12000 US Dollars. A too less price should be avoided, as it indicates the facility does not have much business & does not do a quality job. There are very good chances that a 6000 US dollar clinic will have an incompetent or inexperienced surgeon as well.

Another, things to choose is between a hospital and a clinic (surgery center). A fully integrated hospital is a better choice. In rare cases if there is some unexpected medical emergency or surgical complication a hospital will be a better place than a stand alone clinic. Choose a hospital that has ICU, MRI, Blood Bank, X-Ray, Pharmacy, Cafeteria and doctor offices at the same location. On top of this, if the hospital in Mexico has boarding arrangements for an patient accompanying guest, its even better. The reputation & past record of the hospital is also important. The hospital staff should know English. It’s important to confirm this in advance, since Mexico is a Spanish speaking country.

Third and equally important is the experience & credentials of the surgeon. Look for how many successful surgeries they have performed. A surgeon who has performed about 100 surgeries is good, but one with 1000 surgeries experince will be an excellent choice. Are they medical board certified? Do they know English? If possible have your local doctor talk to them. Best is to look for INAMED certified surgeons or better INAMED proctors. INAMED is a global leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing obesity intervention products. FDA approved Lap Bands are made by them.

Other thing to consider is the geographic location. Tijuana in Mexico is very well suited for California & other western United States patients. Ciudad Juarez location is very well suitable for patients in Texas and the other southwest United States patients. Both cities have good hospitals & are drivable from many parts of the USA. Many hospitals doing lap band in Mexico have more patients from the USA than the local clientèle. You can view a video of Hospital Angeles, Juarez part of Grupo Angeles, the biggest hospital chain in Mexico, where about 70% of the lap band patients are from the USA.

Medical Tourism Corporation website has a section on Mexico lap band surgery & costs . This section has a lot of information that will help make a decision on choosing the right Lap band hospital in Mexico.