Gastric band abroad

In this article, the Experts Medical team had its best to give the most detailed answers to the pressing questions that arise in patients who decided to install a gastric band abroad. We will discuss what this operation is, what are its pros and cons, how it is performed, and what results it is possible to achieve with this procedure. Plus, we will separately focus on important aspects such as the cost of the procedure and the organization of the operation abroad.

Gastric banding is one of the popular methods of bariatric surgery, which is used to treat obesity. The procedure involves the use of a band, which is an adjustable silicone ring. At the place of installation, the band narrows the lumen of the stomach, dividing it into two parts – small and large ones. Food enters the small stomach, where the satiety receptors are located. Due to its small size, it fills very quickly, preventing the patient from overeating.

Abroad, gastric banding is performed in accordance with strict international standards, which ensures high safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Foreign clinics often offer a comprehensive approach that includes preoperative preparation, the surgery itself, as well as postoperative support with dietary support and psychological counseling.

Prices for gastric banding abroad vary depending on the country and clinic chosen.

One of the most affordable destinations in this regard is Turkey. Here, bariatric surgeries are significantly cheaper than in Germany, Great Britain, and Israel. More specifically, the cost of gastric banding abroad in Turkey is 1.8-2 times lower than in the USA and Western European countries. In Turkish clinics, it will cost approximately €1800-2000. Accordingly, in medical centers of other countries, prices for the procedure will start from €3600.

The procedure allows for effective weight loss. On average, patients lose 40-50% of excess body weight during the first 3-5 years after surgery. In addition, you can count on the following additional health benefits:

1. Improvement in concomitant diseases. After gastric banding abroad, many patients experience relief from the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.
2. Improved quality of life. Weight loss leads to increased physical activity and self-esteem, as well as improved overall well-being.
3. Changes in eating behavior. Installing a gastric band abroad helps reduce the amount of food consumed and promotes the formation of new eating habits.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of the procedure largely depends on the patient’s compliance with dietary and lifestyle recommendations after surgery. It should also be taken into account that results may vary among patients.

First, it is worth considering the benefits of this bariatric surgery in general, since it does have a real positive effect on health. Its main advantages are:

• Significant weight loss. Within a year, patients lose approximately 40-50% of excess weight.
• Reversibility. Unlike other bariatric surgeries, such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, gastric banding is a reversible procedure. This means that the band can be removed or replaced if necessary.
• Affordable price. The cost of gastric banding abroad is significantly lower than other bariatric interventions.
• Minimally invasive. The procedure is usually performed laparoscopically (through small punctures in the abdominal cavity), which reduces recovery time.
• Low risk of complications. Compared to more invasive surgeries, such as gastric bypass, gastric banding has a lower risk of developing postoperative complications.

If we talk about the advantages of gastric banding surgery abroad, the main ones include:

• Highly qualified and experienced surgeons. Gastric banding abroad has been performed for quite a long time, and the procedure is quite popular among patients. This has allowed foreign doctors to gain invaluable experience and improve the methods of performing this operation.
• Installation of certified devices. Foreign hospitals use high-quality and FDA-approved bands. Most often, this is the Lap-Band from Allergan (Ireland) and the REALIZE band from Johnson & Johnson (USA).
• High quality medical service. Patients of foreign clinics can afford to start their journey to an ideal figure in comfortable conditions, as well as combine treatment with rest.

People who have decided to undergo gastric banding abroad need to know whether this procedure has any disadvantages. Indeed, like other bariatric surgery methods, it has some disadvantages. These include:

• The need to adjust the band. After about 2 months, the patient who has undergone the operation requires a procedure to adjust the banding ring, which is necessary to narrow the lumen of the stomach. In total, 3-4 procedures will be required during the period of weight loss (1-1.5 years). However, to adjust modern bands, you do not need to have a second operation. For this purpose, the doctor simply inserts a needle into a special port in the anterior abdominal wall and fills the band with saline.
• Erosion and displacement of the band. Previously, these complications occurred in 1-2% of patients. Today, gastric banding abroad is performed using more modern devices that reduce the risk of this type of complications to a minimum.
• Limited weight loss. Compared to other bariatric surgeries, gastric banding often results in less weight loss. Therefore, the procedure may not be effective for people with morbid obesity. In this case, foreign doctors will offer alternative surgical methods, such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.

In general, gastric banding surgery abroad allows for significant weight loss, and the risk of complications is minimal, provided that the procedure is performed by an experienced doctor. Write or call us, and we will arrange a consultation with the best bariatric surgeons in the world.

First, the patient is given general anesthesia for complete pain relief. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen, through which the laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted. The video camera, which the laparoscope is equipped with, allows the doctor to monitor his own manipulations and perform the operation with maximum precision.

An adjustable band is placed on the upper part of the stomach, just below the esophagus, dividing it into two parts. The upper part is very small, with a volume of no more than 30-50 ml. This helps the patient to quickly become full, eating less food.

After installation, the band is filled with sterile saline through a port that is placed under the skin. It allows the doctor to further adjust the degree of compression of the band, increasing or decreasing its volume depending on the results achieved by the patient. Upon completion of the procedure, the incisions are sutured, and the patient is transferred to a ward for recovery.

Immediately after the operation, the patient spends several hours in the ward under the supervision of medical staff. For 24-48 hours, it is recommended to minimize physical activity and stay in bed to avoid stress on the area of ​​​​incisions and sutures. In the first days, the patient may have pain and discomfort in the abdomen. The doctor will prescribe painkillers.

It is recommended to avoid intense physical activity and heavy lifting for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Patients will also need to visit their doctor regularly to monitor the condition of the band and the overall well-being. The doctor will adjust the volume of the gastric cuff through a subcutaneous port to adapt it to the patient’s changing needs.

After surgery, it is important to follow strict dietary recommendations in order not to overload the stomach and avoid complications:

1. Liquids and soft foods. In the first days after surgery, it is allowed to take only liquids. Gradually, while recovering, soft foods such as yogurt, pureed soups and purees are introduced into the diet.
2. Small portions. After gastric bypass abroad, patients must get used to the fact that the stomach is now significantly smaller. This means that the volume of each meal should be small. Overeating can lead to discomfort or even vomiting.
3. Frequent meals. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals to ensure that the body receives the necessary nutrients without overloading the stomach.
4. Avoiding hard-to-digest foods. Fatty, fried, and spicy foods can cause irritation and discomfort, so they should be avoided. It is also worth limiting the consumption of sugary and carbonated drinks.
5. Chewing slowly. It is very important to chew food thoroughly and not rush while eating. This will help prevent a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the stomach.

Following these recommendations helps patients adapt to the new diet. Regular consultations with a nutritionist or doctor can also be useful to adjust the diet and ensure maximum success of the surgery.

First, you need to fill out the feedback form on the website or call the number provided. A certified coordinator-physician will review your medical documents and translate them into English. Then he will offer several options for medical programs from the best bariatric surgeons in the world and help you make an informed choice of a clinic and a doctor. At this stage, we will also analyze the prices for a gastric band abroad and select an option for you that meets your financial capabilities and wishes.

Additionally, the Experts Medical team will provide a full package of additional services free of charge: we will sign you up for a preliminary consultation with a doctor, book air tickets and a hotel, provide a transfer and provide an interpreter. The coordinator physician will accompany you at all stages of treatment, resolving all issues that arise.

Start your path to an ideal figure and an active life with Experts Medical. We will develop your treatment plan in detail so that you can focus on your health.