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. 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 for sleeve 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 $5,200 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.

Compared to Canada, UK, and USA, gastric sleeve surgery (also referred as “sleeve gastrectomy”) cost abroad can be about 50 to 60% cheaper. Popular destinations for gastric sleeve surgery are Mexico, Costa Rica, and India. Gastric Sleeve Special Packages start at as low as $ 5,200 US.

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:

Mexico $ 5,200
Costa Rica $ 9,500
India $ 6,600

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.