Gastric Sleeve Surgery Abroad
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost: 4,400 ~ 12,650 USD
Gastric sleeve surgery abroad is a good choice for people who can’t afford the treatment in their home country.
You’ll be glad to know that Americans and Australians can save around 40 – 75% in Mexico, India, and Costa Rica.
This article will help to explore your options for medical tourism for gastric sleeves.
Patient Testimonial: Gastric Sleeve Abroad
Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The gastric sleeve cost is exceptionally high in developed countries like the US and Australia.
If you choose gastric surgery abroad, you’ll save up to 75%.
For instance, the average cost of a gastric sleeve in Mexico is around $4,400, whereas it is about $20,000 in the US.
Find out the sleeve gastrectomy prices of popular medical tourism destinations from the table below.
The Average Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery by Country (USD)
| Country | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Australia | $21,000 |
| United States | $20,000 |
| United Kingdom | $13,800 |
| Costa Rica | $12,650 |
| India | $6,500 |
| Mexico | $4,400 |
*Prices are subject to change. Fill out our online quote form for the latest prices and specials.
Compared to other countries, Mexico is the cheapest. Americans and Canadians can also save on their flight ticket since it’s close to the US.
India and Costa Rica are also affordable countries for gastric sleeves but not as cheap as Mexico. However, they offer some of the best surgeons in the world.
Note that the prices listed above cover your hospital stay, which is typically two nights.
The cost may also include local transportation and initial consultation, depending on the hospital. You’re responsible for the cost of your:
- Flight
- Hotel
- Prescription drugs
It is obvious that gastric sleeve cost without insurance is unaffordable. That’s why many people are drawn to much cheaper surgery options abroad.
Paying for Gastric Sleeve Surgery Out-of-pocket
Health insurance can make the cost of gastric sleeve surgery more manageable. However, not all insurance providers cover weight loss operations.[1]CareCredit
Gastric Sleeve Costs, Financing, and Insurance Explained
“Some health insurance companies may cover all or a portion of the cost of gastric sleeve surgery …In most cases, you’ll need to have documented health issues related to being overweight that make weight loss surgery medically necessary.”
View in Article
Medical tourism is an appealing option for those who have to self-pay for gastric sleeve surgery.
Americans and Australians can save around 76% in Mexico, 70% in India, and 40% in Costa Rica.
So if you lack insurance and can’t afford gastric sleeve in your country, traveling abroad is a practical option.
Best Countries for Bariatric Procedures
Mexico, Costa Rica, and India are three of the top medical tourism destinations in the world.[3]Verywellhealth
Why Patients Are Turning to Medical Tourism
“Mexico, India, Costa Rica, Turkey, Singapore, Canada, and Thailand are among the many countries that are popular for medical tourism.”
View in Article
Each has an efficient, reliable healthcare system with world-class hospitals and doctors.
They offer high-quality care on par with the US and other Western nations, but at a fraction of the cost.
1️⃣ Mexico
Because of its location, most of Mexico’s medical tourists come from the US.
Mexico is easily reached from Texas, Arizona, California by car, and every major American city by plane.
Mexico also attracts a lot of Canadian patients who make the trip to avoid the long wait times.
The top medical tourism destinations within Mexico are:
2️⃣ Costa Rica
Costa Rica appeals to North American patients for the same reasons Mexico does, namely:
- Low healthcare costs
- High standard of care
- Convenient location
- Timely treatment
Medical tourism is a rapidly growing sector in Costa Rica, bringing in well over $400 million per year.[5]Tourism Review News
MEDICAL TOURISM GENERATED $437 MILLION IN COSTA RICA
“Foreign visitors arriving to Costa Rica to undergo medical procedures generated an income of $437 million.”
View in Article
The leading private hospitals are certified by international organizations, including JCI
3️⃣ India
India’s medical tourism industry is one of the largest in the world.
Currently valued at over $5 billion,[6]Hindustan Times
Medical tourism companies turn to telemedicine in wake of Covid-19
“…the Indian MVT sector (which is valued at between US$5 and 6 billion)…”
View in Article it draws in hundreds of thousands of international patients every year.
Common treatment categories include weight loss, dental, cosmetic, and orthopedic.
In terms of medical tourism, India’s leading cities are:
- Delhi
- Chandigarh
- Mumbai
- Chennai
Healthcare in India is affordable, especially relative to Western countries.
Best Gastric Sleeve Surgery Hospitals Abroad
We’ve compiled a list of the best hospitals for gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico, Costa Rica, and India.
These medical centers feature ultramodern facilities, advanced equipment and technology, and highly skilled surgeons.
Many of them have separate departments catering to medical tourists.
Mexico
Hospital Angeles – Tijuana
- Founded in 2006
- 100+ beds
- 20 minutes from San Diego by car
- 1.5 hours from Los Angeles by car
- Internationally certified
Galenia Hospital, Cancun
- Internationally certified
- 6 operating rooms
- 55 private rooms
- Special room for bariatric surgery
- 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport
Hospital de la Familia, Mexicali
- Founded in 2003
- 23 private rooms
- 5 operating rooms
- 24 hour intensive care unit
- Medical tourism department
- 2 hour drive from San Diego
Costa Rica
Clinica Biblica Hospital – San Jose
- Founded in 1929
- Largest private hospital in Costa Rica
- Accredited by JCI
- Private rooms with bathroom, phone, and internet
- 40-minute drive from Juan Santamaria International Airport
India
Max Hospital (multiple cities)
Max Healthcare is the largest private hospital network in India.
Altogether they operate 17 facilities in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra.
The Max Super Speciality Hospital in South Delhi is one of the finest medical centers in India. It has:
- 530+ beds
- 450+ doctors
- 920+ trained staff
- Certification from Joint Commission International
- Advanced bariatric surgery department
Best Gastric Sleeve Surgeons Abroad
The gastric sleeve surgeons profiled here have exceptional credentials and reputations. They also have a wealth of experience treating foreign patients.
Dr. Hector Perez
Credentials
Mexican board-certified
Experience: 20+ years
No of WLS performed: 3000+
Certifications: CMCOEM, CMCG
Dr. Luis Cazares
Credentials
Certified gastric sleeve surgeon
Experience: Over 11 years
No of WLS performed: 3000+
Certifications: IFSO
Dr. Guillermo Lopez
Credentials
Mexican board-certified
Experience: Over 37 years
No of WLS performed: 5000+
Certifications: ACLS
Dr. Galileo Villarreal
Credentials
Experience: Over 12 years
No of WLS performed: 4000+
Certifications: CMCG, Advanced Laparoscopy from AMCE
Dr. Marco Sarinana
Credentials
Experience: Over 15 years
No of WLS performed: 1100+
Certifications: Gastric Band Placement and Intragastric Ball, Guadalajara
Dr. Gustavo Ramírez
Credentials
Experience: 30 Years
Expertise: General and Laparoscopic Surgery, Metabolic Bariatric Surgery
Affiliations: AMACR, ASA
Dr. Jessica Gutierrez
Credentials
Experience: Over 10 years
Expertise: General Surgery, Metabolic Bariatric Surgery
Accreditation: Board Certified FACS
Dr. Pradeep
Credentials
Experience: Over 45 years
Expertise: Laparoscopic/minimal access surgery
No of surgeries performed: 85,000
Dr. Rajesh Khullar
Credentials
Experience: Over 37 years
Expertise: Laparoscopic Surgery, Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery
Affiliations: IFSO, ELSA
Gastric Sleeve Abroad Patient Reviews
Lap Sleeve Gastrectomy Abroad
Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Abroad
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Abroad
Sleeve Gastrectomy Abroad
About Gastric Sleeve Procedure
During the procedure, around 80% of your stomach is surgically removed.
This has the effect of “shrinking” your stomach, thereby limiting the amount of food you can eat.
The procedure is minimally invasive.[7]SpringerLink
Identification of technical errors and hazard zones in sleeve gastrectomy using OCHRA
“The sleeve gastrectomy is an example of minimally invasive surgery.”
View in Article
The surgeon makes several small incisions to access your stomach instead of one large incision.
You will be under general anesthesia for the duration of the operation.[8]Online library Wiley
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Bariatric Surgery Patients:
“…bariatric surgery is today a common procedure performed under general anesthesia. ”
View in Article
Ordinarily, patients spend 2 – 3 days in the hospital following surgery.[9]EKB Journal
The Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Serum Lipids
“Patients were discharged home on the 2nd or 3rd postoperative day”
View in Article
After your discharge, you will have to adhere to a special diet for two months.
You will also have to follow up with your doctor regularly.
Generally speaking, people with a BMI of 40 or higher are candidates for gastric sleeve surgery.
You may also qualify if your BMI is 35-39 and you have health problems caused by excess weight.[10]Johns Hopkins Medicine
Woman with a rolling suitcase leaving an airport Gastric Sleeve Surgery
“ Your doctor may advise gastric sleeve surgery if you are severely obese with a body mass index (BMI) over 40. Your doctor may also advise it if you have a BMI between 35 and 40 and a health condition such as…”
View in Article
Tips to Beat a Weight Loss Stall After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The main objective of gastric sleeve surgery is to assist in weight loss.
Patients often lose 60% of their excess body weight within two years[11]Mayo Clinic
Sleeve gastrectomy
“ It is possible to lose approximately 60%, or even more, of your excess weight within two years.”
View in Article and 80% in the long term.
By losing that much excess weight, you reduce your risk of numerous medical conditions, such as:
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Stroke
- Heart disease
Source: NCBI[12]NCBI
The advantages and disadvantages of sleeve gastrectomy
“The advantages of sleeve gastrectomy…a significant long-term weight loss (up to 80% EWL…Obesity-related disease resolution…”
View in Article
Gastric sleeve surgery is most effective when combined with long-term changes to your diet and lifestyle.
That means getting regular exercise and eating healthy, nutritious foods.
FAQs
Is traveling to another country for gastric sleeve safe?
It is safe to have your gastric sleeve surgery done abroad. The important thing is to choose a reputable hospital and surgeon.
Many overseas clinics have medical tourism departments that cater to foreign patients. They offer all-inclusive packages for bariatric surgery.
Why is gastric surgery cheaper abroad?
Gastric sleeve surgery is cheaper in places like Mexico, Costa Rica, and India because the cost of living in those countries is relatively low.
Doctors there can afford to charge less because it doesn’t cost them as much to maintain a clinical practice.
As a result, gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico costs about 76% less than in the US.
Who is the best candidate for the gastric sleeve?
Those with a BMI of 40 or higher are good candidates for gastric sleeve surgery.
Your doctor may also recommend the procedure if your BMI is 35-39 and you have weight-related health problems.
What is the recovery time for gastric sleeve surgery?
Most gastric sleeve patients spend 2-3 days in the hospital. You must consume a liquid diet for several weeks after the surgery.
Patients usually resume eating solid foods after one month. You will have to see your doctor regularly for check-ups, lab work, and follow-up exams.
Conclusion
Gastric sleeve surgery can help you lose weight, improve your overall health, and turn your life around.
Going abroad for the procedure makes sense if you intend to pay out-of-pocket.
Mexico, Costa Rica, and India are the most affordable countries for gastric sleeves. Thanks to the efficiency and affordability of their private healthcare networks.
If you are interested to know about the best doctors and hospitals for gastric sleeve surgery abroad, feel free to contact us.
References
- Carecredit: Gastric Sleeve Costs, Financing, and Insurance Explained
- US Census Bureau: Health Insurance Coverage in the US: 2020
- Verywellhealth: Why Patients Are Turning to Medical Tourism
- PR Newswire: Medical Tourism Mexico: High Quality, Affordable Prices
- Tourism Review: Medical Tourism Generated $437 Mn in Costa Rica
- Hindustan Times: Medical tourism companies turn to telemedicine
- SpringerLink: Identification of technical errors and hazard zones in sleeve gastrectomy using OCHRA
- Online Library Wiley: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Bariatric Surgery Patients
- EKB journal: Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Serum Lipids
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Mayo Clinic: Sleeve gastrectomy
- NCBI: The advantages and disadvantages of sleeve gastrectomy
