Want to get rid of obesity through bariatric surgery?
Gastric sleeve in Costa Rica can be an economical & effective weight-loss surgical solution abroad.
The surgery can cost you a fortune in the US.
But you can get it here at 50% of the US cost with quality care.
Wondering how? Continue reading.
Laproscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Costa Rica – Patient Testimonial
The gastric sleeve procedure is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery globally.[1]Springer Nature
Safety and effectivenesssleeve gastrectomy in Asian obese patients
“…sleeve gastrectomy is the most frequently performed surgical procedure worldwide..”
View in Article
It is also the most popular weight loss surgery in the US.[2]Medical News Today
What to know about gastric sleeve surgery
“ Gastric sleeve surgery is the most common form of weight loss surgery in the United States.”
View in Article
The surgery is typically recommended only when diet and exercise plans have failed.
The country welcomes millions of medical tourists from the US and Canada.
They get high-quality and low-cost weight loss surgery here.
Want to know the cost of gastric sleeve bariatric surgery in Costa Rica? Read ahead.
Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Costa Rica
Laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery in Costa Rica is relatively inexpensive.
Our gastric sleeve package price begins at $12,650.
While in the US, it can be as high as $26,000, depending on the location and hospital.[4]Forbes
Gastric Sleeve
“The average cost of gastric sleeve surgery in the U.S…. range from $17,000 to $26,000, depending on factors such as your location and the hospital…”
View in Article
So, your savings can be up to 51%, with travel costs included.
Even with insurance, you may find bariatric surgery in Costa Rica affordable.
Moreover, you need not worry about the quality of service.
The country’s healthcare is both low-cost and high-quality compared to the West.[5]Public Health Now
Costa Rica Summary
“… it is still relatively low-cost and has great quality comparable to high income countries….”
View in Article
| Country | Cost |
| Costa Rica | $12,650 |
| US | $26,000 |
| Canada | $17,000 |
Prices are case-dependent. Contact our team to get a FREE QUOTE today!
Now you know how much gastric sleeve surgery costs in Costa Rica.
Let’s see, what makes the country an excellent place for WLS.
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve in Costa Rica
There are many benefits of opting for gastric sleeve operation in Costa Rica. These include the following:
Cost
- Gastric sleeve surgery cost in Costa Rica is 40 – 60% less than in the US and Canada.
- In general, Costa Rica’s healthcare costs are 45 – 65% less than in the US.[7]Reports & Data
Top 10 Countries Changing Medical Tourism Industry
“ Costa Rica’s healthcare costs are between 45 and 65 percent less than those in the United State…”
View in Article
Ease of Travel
- The country can be reached from most US cities within 5 to 7 hours by air.
- Moreover, Americans and Canadians do not require an entry visa for stays shorter than 90 days.
High-quality Medical Services
- Hospitals for sleeve gastrectomy surgery in Costa Rica offer state-of-the-art treatment and facilities.
- They have surgeons with globally respected credentials.
- Many of them have training, certifications & experience from the US.
Above all, there is negligible or zero waiting time for vertical gastric sleeve in Costa Rica.
Looking for the best sleeve gastrectomy hospital in Costa Rica? Read ahead
Top Clinic for Sleeve Gastrectomy in Costa Rica
Clinica Biblica is one of the reputed hospitals for medical tourism in Costa Rica.
It is the first JCI-accredited hospital in Costa Rica.
They use ultra-modern equipment and the most advanced techniques to perform weight loss surgeries.
Get more details from the below video.
Best Clinic for Gastric Sleeve in Costa Rica
Do you wish to know about the bariatric surgeons in Costa Rica?
Check out their profile in the next section.
Best Bariatric Surgeons in Costa Rica
Let’s meet some of the best gastric sleeve doctors in Costa Rica.
Dr. Jacobo Zafrani Z
Specialist in General & Bariatric Surgery
Experience
- 15+ years of experience
Surgeries performed
- Annually perform 300 surgeries.
- Total surgeries – over 4500
Accreditations
- ASMBS, IFSO, SAGES, JCI , ALACE
- Founder & President of ACROMTA
Dr. Mario Sainz
Specialist in General & Bariatric Surgery
Experience
20+ years
Expertise
- Gallbladder surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Digestive surgery
Affiliations
- President ALACE
- President of the Association of Professionals in Medicine of the Hospital Clínica Bíblica.
Dr. Ariel Rivera
Specialist in Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgeries
Experience
30+ years
Surgeries performed
Over 2000 laparoscopic procedures
Affiliations
FICS, SAGES, ASMBS, ALACE, ICS
Dr. Jorge Esmeral
Specialist in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeries
Experience
20+ years
Expertise
- Advanced laparoscopic surgery
- Bariatric Surgery
- Metabolic surgery for type II diabetes
Affiliations
IFSO, ASMBS, ACS, ACROMTA, ALACE
To schedule a FREE consultation with Costa Rica WLS surgeons, click here!
Gastric Sleeve in Costa Rica – Patient Testimonials
Gastric Sleeve Costa Rica Testimonial
Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Testimonial
Want to know how gastric sleeve weight loss surgery in Costa Rica is performed? Read ahead.
Gastric Sleeve – A Brief Overview
The gastric sleeve procedure is known as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG).
About 80% of the stomach is removed during the procedure using surgical staplers.
The sleeved stomach makes you feel full quicker.
Therefore, food consumption is reduced, which leads to weight loss.
The surgery is done using a laparoscope.
You will be in the operating room for about an hour and the recovery room for another 1 hour.[8]Healthline
What to Know About Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery
“About 80 percent of the outer curved part of your stomach is cut away and removed….You’ll be in the operating room about an hour….You’ll be in the recovery room for another hour”
View in Article
Keep reading to know whether you are an optimal candidate for the procedure.
Who Qualifies for Sleeve Gastrectomy in Costa Rica?
You may be a candidate for gastric sleeve if you have battled obesity for a long time without success.
However, before surgery, your Costa Rica WLS surgeon will check if you fit into the following categories:[8]NCBI
Sleeve Gastrectomy
“BMI greater than or equal to 40 or BMI greater than or equal to 35 with at least one…Mental health clearance…”
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- A BMI over 40 without obesity-related health conditions
- A BMI over 35 with at least one obesity-related health condition like high BP or type 2 diabetes.
- A BMI of 30-35 with uncontrollable type 2 diabetes
- Unable to lose weight with diet and exercise
- Free of uncontrolled psychiatric or psychological conditions
- No medical contraindications to surgery
Even if you qualify for gastric sleeve Costa Rica, you will need a complete physical exam before surgery.
It ensures you are healthy enough to have the procedure.
You will also receive nutritional and mental health counseling.
It will help you to prepare for what to expect after surgery.
If you decide on a sleeve gastrectomy in Costa Rica, you should also know the recovery time, dietary changes, and its outcome.
Diet
You will be put on a special diet before and after surgery.
It will help in fast recovery and avoid complications.
Your bariatric surgeon in Costa Rica will recommend the best gastric sleeve diet.
Here, we give you a few general dietary guidelines:[9]Healthline
What to Know About Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery
“Dietary changes…Two weeks before surgery. Increase protein, lower carbohydrates….wo days before and the first week after surgery.”
View in Article
2 weeks before surgery – Lower carbohydrates, increase protein and eliminate sugar
2 days before & the 1st week after surgery – Clear liquids only (caffeine- & carbonation-free drinks)
For the next three weeks – Add pureed food to your diet.
One month after surgery – Solid foods like low-sugar cereal, well-cooked vegetables/chicken/fish, fruits, and low-fat cheese.
Recovery
Due to the minimally invasive nature of gastric sleeve surgery, you can expect a short recovery time.
Furthermore, the small incisions in your abdomen heal quickly and help in fast recovery.
Read below for more information on the gastric sleeve recovery process.
✅ Recovery Timeline
Full Recovery
4 to 6 weeks
Avg. Hospital Stay
1 to 3 days
Time off Work
1 to 3 weeks
✅ Wound Healing Time
- Incisions: About 2 weeks
- Stomach staple line: About 6 to 8 weeks
✅ Activities
Day 1 – Simple movements, breathing exercise
Day 2 – Start walking
Day 5 – Light physical activities, take a bath
Day 7 – Start driving
Weeks 4 to 6 (depends on the patient) – Resume normal activities & exercise
Source: Bariatric Surgery Source[10]
Bariatric Surgery Source
“Timeline: 4 to 6 weeks to full recovery…About 2 weeks for incisions to heal…Day 1: Start simple movement…Day 2: Start walking”
View in Article
Jogging
Exercise
Note: The healing process differs from person to person. Hence, returning to work is dependent on how your recovery goes.
Your healing may take longer if you experience any complications.
Outcomes
With the gastric sleeve, you can expect to lose at least 50 – 70% of your excess weight within 18 to 24 months.[11]Healthline
What to Know About Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery
“— you can expect to lose at least 50 percent of your excess weight within the 18 to 24 months—”
View in Article
Resolution of Comorbidities
Studies show that one year after gastric sleeve:
- Hypertension is reduced in 71.7% of patients
- 75% of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are in remission
- CPAP treatment was withdrawn in all patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Source: NCBI[12]NCBI
Five-year outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
“Diabetes remitted in 75% of the patients and HTA improved in 71.7%. CPAP masks were withdrawn in all patients …”
View in Article
Remember: Gastric sleeve involves a lifelong commitment to changes in lifestyle and diet and follow-up.
Moreover, individual results may vary based on each person’s medical conditions.
Things to Do Before Considering Gastric Sleeve WLS in Costa Rica
It will help if you look at the below factors before opting for gastric sleeve surgery in Costa Rica.
✅ The procedure is irreversible. Once the operation is performed, restoring the stomach to its original size is impossible.
✅ Seek advice from your local doctor to determine if sleeve gastrectomy surgery in Costa Rica is the right option for you.
✅ Besides gastric sleeve prices in Costa Rica, consider the cost of traveling and taking someone along with you.
✅ Always select a reputable medical facility to get first-class healthcare in Costa Rica.
✅ Check out the credentials of the bariatric surgeon who will be performing sleeve gastrectomy in Costa Rica on you.
✅ Ask for referrals and read patient testimonials.
Conclusion
A gastric sleeve in Costa Rica could be a perfect choice if you want to shed those extra pounds.
All-inclusive gastric sleeve surgery packages in Costa Rica can get you the best combination of affordability & medical excellence.
What else could you ask for?
Consider the benefits of WLS in Costa Rica and take the first step toward your renewed look.
Contact us today to schedule your medical trip to Costa Rica.
References
- Springer Nature: Safety & effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy in Asian obese patients
- Medical News Today: What to know about gastric sleeve surgery
- Reports & Data: Top 10 countries that are changing the narrative on medical tourism
- Forbes: Gastric Sleeve
- Public Health Now: Costa Rica Summary
- Healthline: What to know about gastric sleeve WLS
- NCBI: Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Bariatric Surgery Source: Gastric Sleeve Recovery: Timeline, Pain, Diet, & Activity
- NCBI: Five-year outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
