Gastric sleeve surgery in Belgium is becoming a popular choice for many West Europeans looking for low cost bariatric surgeries closer home. When one thinks of medical tourism, value-for-money healthcare destinations such as Mexico, Thailand, and India pop up in the mind, but medical tourism in Belgium too is an evolving industry and offers low priced, yet quality treatments which are just perfect for people who don’t want to or physically can’t travel half way round the world.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery – a Brief Overview

• Gastric Sleeve or Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is usually performed on people with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 40.

• The way it works is that a portion of the stomach is removed before being stapled together using surgical staples.

• It helps eliminate hunger pangs and significantly reduces the capacity of the stomach itself so it’s easier for the person in question to lose weight and keep it off.

• Its success in this manner is duly noted in the study Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity by A. A. Gumbs, M. Gagner, G. Dakin, and A. Pomp published in the July 2007 edition of the journal Obesity Surgery, as per which “Patients experience excellent weight loss after SG alone, and multiple recent reports have documented SG as single therapy in the treatment of morbid obesity.”

Why Go for Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Belgium?

• Belgium has one of the best health care systems in the Western world.

• The cost of gastric sleeve surgery in Belgium can be between 40-50 percent less than in many other countries such as the US and the UK.

• Another advantage is getting treated at clean and spacious Belgian hospitals with minimal to non-existent waiting times.

• Belgian Doctors are some of the best health care professionals in the world.

• Easily accessible for many westerners and cheap to travel to and from due to EU travel laws.

• A variety of different options, in addition to gastric sleeve gastrectomy such as gastric bypass and lap band surgery in Belgium.

• All doctors speak fluent English so it’s perfect for people from the UK, the US, and Canada.

• Belgium’s salubrious climate can pace up recovery.

• Interesting and historical country to enjoy a holiday in.

Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Belgium

• Low cost gastric sleeve surgery in Belgium is available for people from all areas of the world.

• The gastric sleeve surgery cost in Belgium can be as low as half the costs in the USA.

• Factors such as travel and leisure should be taken into account before planning your medical holiday.

• If you have a friend or a relation accompanying you for the obesity surgery in Belgium, factor in the cost of stay of the accompanying guest too.

Belgian Medical Tourism Process

The medical tourism process is simple and easy to follow. In fact, this process takes less time and less effort than planning a conventional holiday. The process can be summarized into four easy steps.

• Decide on which area of Belgium you want to travel to and then planning your holiday by looking at free medical tour estimates.

• Have all of your documents in order before packing and preparing to travel to Belgium.

• Arrive and have your gastric sleeve bariatric surgery in Belgium carried out by world class surgeons.

• Recuperate and enjoy your Belgian holiday before returning home with a successful and complication-free surgery under your belt.

Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy in Belgium – Some Handy Tips
• Beware of showing off your cash and valuables in cities like Brussels and Antwerp, as well as airports.

• Avoid pickpockets by not keeping anything in your back pockets.

• If at all possible, stay clear of traveling at night.

• Inform the hospital beforehand if you have any specific needs before arriving.

• Go through patient feedback and testimonials about hospitals in Belgium before opting for a facility for your bariatric surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery in Belgium is a worthwhile option if you want a low-cost surgery without having to travel half way around the world to obtain it. Just like in places such as Thailand and India, you can expect to have both world renowned doctors and quality care at your disposal at affordable prices so you can return home happy and healthy with a not-so-empty wallet.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting U.S. obesity rates as high as 33.8% of the adult population, it’s no wonder people are flying abroad for gastric bypass in Belgium. Belgium is known for its high quality medical care, skilled doctors, short waiting time and low cost healthcare system.

When patients receive treatment, they can claim a majority of their treatment cost back. Depending on the doctor, the gastric bypass cost in Belgium can be 50% less than in the United States. The low cost of gastric bypass in Belgium coupled with the top caliber medical system is attracting patients from around the world.

An Overview of Gastric Bypass

• Gastric bypass is one type of bariatric surgery, otherwise known as weight loss surgery.

• During gastric bypass, the abdomen is divided into two portions: the small upper pouch and the larger lower pouch.

• The small intestine is then rearranged so that it attaches to the smaller portion of the stomach.

• Food will travel directly from the small pouch to the small intestine, bypassing the larger part of the stomach and first part of the small intestine.

• After the surgery, the patient will be able to eat only small portions of food at a time.

• Gastric bypass is also referred to as laparoscopic gastric bypass, bariatric gastric bypass, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and simply Roux en Y.

Are you a Candidate for Gastric Bypass?

Before you plan to undergo laparoscopic gastric bypass in Belgium, it is important that you check your candidature. To qualify for gastric bypass, the candidate should pass the following guidelines:

• Your BMI is 35-39.9 and you have medical problems related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes.

• You have already attempted to lose weight through diet and exercise without success.

• Your BMI is 40+.

• You have generally good health and have undergone a physical exam.

• Prior to the surgery, you should have been treated for any underlying psychological conditions that may be contributing to obesity.

• You are willing to make serious lifestyle changes to your diet and exercise regimen.

Benefits of Gastric Bypass Bariatric Surgery in Belgium

As per the World Health Organization’s Global Health Observatory Data Repository, Belgium has 31,274 physicians across the country. This number is increasing as the medical tourism industry in Belgium grows. Below is a portrait of why so many tourists are getting the gastric bypass procedure in Belgium:

• Belgium has a low population and high number of physicians. As a result, the waiting time for surgery is minimal.

• If you suffer from severe medical problems because of obesity, you will not have to wait as long as you would in the United States or United Kingdom.

• According to the National Health Service of the United Kingdom’s report Accessing healthcare in Belgium, Belgium’s healthcare system will reimburse you up to 75% of your original medical cost.

• Even the cost of gastric banding in Belgium is low compared to other developed countries of the world.

• You can shop around for the right doctor who fits your needs for gastric bypass in Belgium, since the Belgian insurance system allows patients to choose their doctors.

• Doctors in Belgium are renowned for their expert skills and professional aftercare. They use the most up-to-date technology to promote speedy recovery.

• Belgium is a beautiful, safe country that’s rich with culture. You can view medieval buildings in Bruges, view the Lions of Waterloo or view art in Brussels.

Safety Tips for Medical Tourists in Belgium

Although Belgium is generally safe, it is always good to take precautions when you are in a foreign country. Here are some tips to help ensure your medical trip goes as smoothly as possible:

• Conduct careful research about the doctors and hospitals you want to visit. Call and ask to speak to the doctors, read reviews and obtain a gastric bypass quote.

• Don’t walk alone at night in Brussels or along the outskirts of Antwerp.

• Watch out for public demonstrations in Belgium.

Gastric bypass in Belgium can help those struggling with obesity regain their energy and confidence. As a result of Belgium’s quality healthcare system, you will receive an expertly performed surgery at a fraction of the price that you would pay in other countries. Ask for information on gastric bypass surgery in Belgium from Medical Tourism Corporation.