Gastric Band Surgery

Gastric band surgery is a type of bariatric surgery that helps patients lose weight by restricting the capacity of their stomachs. During gastric band surgery, an inflatable gastric band is cinched around part of the stomach, much like a belt. The band is inserted laparoscopically, i.e., through a small incision in the lower abdomen. Gastric band surgery is indicated for patients who have a BMI over 40. Not all insurance companies cover this surgery, and the out-of-pocket expense can be around £19,500 in the UK and $24,000 in the US. In contrast, bariatric surgeons in Latin America, Europe, and Asia can perform the surgery for less than half that cost.

In Costa Rica and Mexico, gastric band surgery costs between $7,000 and $9,000, or between £4,900 and £6,300. Hospital facilities in the Costa Rica and Mexico are among the cleanest and best-maintained in Latin America. Yet because the cost of living is much lower than in the US or UK, the price of gastric band surgery is very reasonable. Bariatric surgeons in Latin America use the latest methods in lap banding, and the risk of complications is low.

The Czech Republic is a leader in high-quality, affordable surgery in Europe. Their medical facilities are equipped with the most recent advances in laparoscopic imaging technology, so doctors can insert the gastric band with precision.

Patients with obesity-related issues can use the search engine at www.surgeryoverseas.com to find more listings of gastric band surgeons abroad. Rather than sort through hundreds of webpages, patients can view information about bariatric surgeons on a single page. Surgeryoverseas.com was developed by international healthcare experts and consumer advocates, and has the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on lap band procedures abroad.