Bariatric Surgery at clinics and hospitals worldwide

Bariatric surgery abroad

Bariatric surgery refers to a set of surgical procedures aimed at weight loss, performed when previous diets and weight loss treatments have failed. Patients are generally obese, and their wellbeing is considered at risk because of their weight. These surgeries are usually the main option for patients that present a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, but it can also be performed on those with a BMI under 40, if the patient suffers from diabetes, hypertension and/or other heart conditions.

Weight loss surgery is performed on the stomach in order to restrict food intake of the patient and/or to modify the absorption of the substances ingested. Through different techniques, the surgeon removes or narrows a section of the stomach in order to help the patient to feel full. The most common types of bariatric surgeries are gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery (or vertical sleeve gastrectomy), gastric band surgery (or lap band), and gastric balloon treatment.

Types of bariatric surgery

Gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y, works to reduce food intake and absorption. During this procedure, the stomach is divided into two pouches, an upper and a lower one, and the intestine is then connected to both, thus avoiding the food passage in the intestine as well as the absorption of certain substances. Gastric bypass is non-reversible and is the most common bariatric surgery procedure, accounting for 80% of weight loss surgeries in the US.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is performed by dividing the stomach in half in order to generate a long, sleeve-shaped pouch that then connects to the small intestine. The other half of the stomach is removed, thus helping the patient to feel full sooner when eating.

With gastric band surgery, a silicone band is placed around the upper section of the stomach and a small adjustment port is placed just under the skin. The band restricts food intake and can be adjusted to suit a patient's weight loss goals. This procedure is reversible: The band can be removed, and the stomach will return to its normal size.

Gastric balloon is performed by inflating small balloons in a patient's stomach, thus making the patient feel less hungry. It is a temporary weight loss solution, and the balloons are usually removed after 6 months

After bariatric surgery, the patient will be initially restricted to a liquid diet to allow the body to readjust during the weight loss period. Soft foods are then slowly introduced. This helps with weight loss, reduces risk of cardiovascular complications, and can assist patients in recovering from diabetes.

Which Bariatric Surgery procedures can I find abroad?

• Gastric Bypass Surgery abroad
• Sleeve Gastrectomy abroad
• Gastric Band Surgery abroad

For more information, read our Bariatric Surgery Cost Guide.