Belgium is one of the premium tourist spots for medical procedures and specially gastric lap band surgery and many people travel across Europe and beyond for this service, they have now become specialized in this field.

So why has Belgium become such a popular destination in Europe?

The huge cost savings compared to a country like UK, as for example approx 9,000 for the procedure to compared to Belgium where the same operation would only cost half that amount. With this cost saving the quality has not been downgraded.

Quality of surgery: Belgium has a long been known for an affordable and high quality weight loss surgery medical centres. Laparoscopy, in fact is one of the areas of expertise of Belgian medical tourism for a long time. Gastric Lap Band or Gastric bypass is done by laparoscopy where possible and as this means a reduced stay in hospital, the patients too find this a great choice.

Belgiums secondary infection rate is the best in the world compared to 175 different countries surveyed. Their secondary infection rate is as low as 0.5% compared to UK around 10%.

Belgium has achieved a very high surgical expertise mainly due to the quality of training given to its doctors. Typically their Belgian doctors are trained for a minimum of seven years; for specialists it is 12 years.

A problem with overseas surgery is the follow up inspections that can easy be one in England or Ireland though their network as they have links to local doctors to ensure all is well.

No need to wait for the surgery: As UK is famous for its waiting on the NHS. In Belgium, you set the date for the surgery, after initial tests are done, surgery is next.

Waiting is nearly zero, gone are the days of waiting months like UK, now you can choice your date and next stop is your surgery.

Climate and language: The climate is much about the same as the UK with warmer summers and colder winters. Dutch, French, and German are the official languages but a lot of young people do speak English, too. Hence, there is usually no communication problem.

Laparoscopic gastric surgery in Belgium is one of the popular choices with medical tourists from the UK not only because it is affordable but also because it is very convenient.

In Mexico Gastric lap band surgery cost is lower compared to the USA, UK and Canada and comparable to that in Asia (India & Thailand). Below is the approximate gastric lap band surgery costs comparison:

Mexico: $ 6,500 ~ $ 8,000
USA: $ 13,000 ~ $ 35,000

Except the actual costs, there are some other financial considerations to look into. For example, US health plans, such as Medicare and Medicaid, will only cover the cost of the lap band surgery if the patient can prove that their BMI (body mass index) is higher than 40. Futhermore you will have to able to demonstrate a history of previous attempts at weight loss.

Therefore any patient who does not meet the above requirements does not qualify for health plan coverage for the gastric banding surgery. This effectively puts gastric lap band surgery out of reach for many people in the USA. You will have find your own money or get funding for gastric band through bank loans to finance a lap band surgery in Mexico.

Taking into all these factors Mexico as a medical destination for gastric lap band surgery is quite attractive. Even after will include travel and hotel expenses related to a gastric surgery trip to Mexico, a 50% to 60% cost savings can quite easily be achieved.

Countries such as Mexico and India are able to provide low cost lap band surgery because the general cost of living is much lower than in USA, having less overhead expences for the hospital & medical professionals.

Low cost lap band surgery in Mexico does not mean the quality is substandard. As Mexico has some of the most experienced and qualified lap band surgeons around. Hundreds of Americans visit Mexico for gastric lap band surgery every month.

Many Mexican surgeons are certified by lap band manufacturer INAMED Health (now Allergan) to train (proctor) other doctors in America (including in United States).

If you looking at having Gastric lap band surgery in the UK and you have the ability to fund the surgery yourself, you may want to contact a surgeon to arrange to have it done privately. The cost for having a private gastric band surgery in the UK will generally ranges from £4,000 – £8,000.  For a more complex surgery your surgeon may request you to be a private patient in the NHS hospital rather than in the local private hospital, due to the proximity to specialist care and services should you need them.

Here’s a few question you will need to ask to check whether the private surgery will cover:

• Does the private surgery cover the pre–op assessment blood tests and ECG? Surgeon, physician and dietitian fees?
• Are all hospital costs and operation costs included? Fees for surgeon and anaesthetist? What happens if there’s complications and you need to stay in hospital or need more specialised care?
• Is Follow up treatment included? What period of care is covered? How many visits to the surgeon (and how many band fills is incurred?) What about the dietitian? Does it include blood tests for RNY/BPD/DS patients? What if you need additional care?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding your private surgery for gastric banding and what it entails. Many gastric band surgery packages will offer two band fills which normally is not enough. As many patients require several more adjustments over the next two years after the surgery to reach their weight loss goals. If possible get a package with slightly more of surgeon appointments and dietitians follow–up after surgery than to be faced with the dilemma of not doing as well as you had hoped and having to find the money for additional appointments.

Its a pity but most of the UK private health insurance companies will not reimburse the costs of the gastric band surgery as they see obesity is a chronic condition. BOSPA is lobbying the private insurers to adopt a more enlightened approach - treating the obesity will more than likely reduce the likelihood of the insurer having to pay out for many other treatments over subsequent years.

Some patients chose to travel to France or other countries like Belgium for gastric lap band surgery which will be done privately because the basic costs of the operation are considerably lower. However, you may miss out on the follow up care services that UK surgery will provide. Many surgeons may actually refuse to see you even privately if you have had your gastric surgery done abroad.

Whichever route you choose to follow for your surgery, the most important aspect is the follow up care and typically that provided at specialist UK obesity surgery centres will undoubtedly be the best. Multidisciplinary teams of doctors will ensure that the correct attention is given to all aspects of follow up such as weight loss progress, diet, exercise and social aspects, as well as the correct functioning of the alterations made to your anatomy by the surgery. This quality of care should not be compromised by your seeking treatment privately.

For many people the gastric lap band surgery is proving a priceless and there are numerous benefits of gastric banding, we going discuss why patients from the USA are increasingly choosing Mexico for Gastric banding surgery.

History of Gastric Lap Band Surgery in Mexico

Mexico had an early start over USA when it comes to gastric banding surgery and has been doing successful surgeries since the 1980’s compared to USA who got FDA (food and drug administration) to approve the process of lap band surgery in the USA in 2001.

The good news for all people seeking gastric banding surgery in Mexico is that the cost of the surgery has been going down steadily over the years but at the same time the standards of the medical facilities has been steadily going up.

Now many facilities in Mexico meet or exceed U.S. standards, and boast of state of the art medical equipment. This is again attributed not only to the lower “operating costs” in Mexico but also to the fact that gastric lap band surgery has had a head start in Mexico over U.S.

Mexican Hospitals - Where to go for Gastric Lap Banding Surgery?

When choosing a suitable hospital for your lap band surgery in Mexico costs should not be the only criteria. There are certain factors the patient needs to take into account besides costing.

Here are some of them:

Decide on which type of facilities would be better for your personal needs: a hospital and a clinic (surgery center)? Doctors would advise going for a fully integrated hospital. The reason is in rare cases of unexpected surgical emergency or medical complication a hospitals will have better means to handle it. Also important that patients select a hospital with ICU, Blood Bank, MRI, Pharmacy, Cafeteria, X-Ray, and doctor offices at the same premises. Other thing to consider is the geographic location of the facility.

Whats the past record & reputation of the hospital? The hospital staff should know English. IF you bring along a friend while your in Mexico does your friend have a place to stay. Certain hospitals in Mexico do provide boarding arrangements.

Important is the credentials & experience of the surgeon. Things to look for here are successful surgeries the doctors have carried out in the past. More the surgeries generally the better the doctor. Check if the surgeons are certified by the medical board. Do they speak good English?

Gastric Banding in Belgium

Having your Gastric Lap Banding Surgery in Belgium has become very common, and Belgium has become one of the medical tourism destinations in Europe for Weight Loss Surgery and especially laparoscopic gastric band surgery.

Why is Belgium a popular Gastric Lap Band Surgery destination in Europe?

1. Huge cost savings: In the UK for example, you may have to pay a whopping £ 9,000 - £ 12,000 for the gastric lap band, whereas the same procedure in Belgium will cost around £ 4,000. Surpisingly with this savings the quality of the gastric banding surgery is not less.
2. Quality of surgery: Belgium has a long been known for an affordable and high quality weight loss surgery medical centers. Laparoscopy, in fact is one of the areas of expertise of Belgian medical tourism for a long time. Gastric Lap Band or Gastric bypass is done by laparoscopy where possible and as this means a reduced stay in hospital, the patients too find this a great choice.

Belgian hospitals have very high standards of hygiene standards and always uses the latest technology. Recently, The World Markets Research Centre put Belgium on top of a list of 175 countries on ratings done for medical purposes, one of the ratings being secondary infection or Staph rates. Belgium’s secondary infection rate was found to be on an average less than 0.5% compared with 10% in the UK.

Belgium has achieved  a very high surgical expertise mainly due to the quality of training given to its doctors. Typically their Belgian doctors are trained for a minimum of seven years; for specialists it is 12 years.

3.  Follow-up feature: Quite often patients are scared off by this part when it comes to oveseas treatment. However, as with Belgium,  many doctors do offer follow-up checks through their network in the UK and Ireland.

4.  No need to wait for the surgery: As UK is famous for its waiting on the NHS. In Belgium, you set the date for the surgery, after initial tests are done, surgery is next.

5.  Belgium is just around the corner: You can fly, drive down or take a train. With Eurostar offering you quick and convenient train service from London. Major European highways pass through Belgium where Eurolines coaches can easily access from anywhere in Europe.

6. Climate and language: The climate is much about the same as the UK with warmer summers and colder winters. Dutch, French, and German are the official languages but a lot of young people do speak English, too. Hence, there is usually no communication problem.

Laparoscopic gastric lap band surgery in Belgium is one of the popular choices with medical tourists from the UK not only because it is affordable but also because it is very convenient.

Myth 1: You can lose the weight without a drastic lifestyle change
If you are very overweight then your lifestyle was not healthy in the first place so of course you have to change your lifestyle if you want to change your body. Losing a large amount of weight is by no means easy but with agood attitude and the commitment to change your life for the better, weight loss is an attainable goal for sure.

Myth 2: The surgery results are an unhealthy rapid weight loss
Weight loss will never occur overnight and if it did would not be healthy. A good target lose is around 2-3 pounds a week, if you follow a doctor’s eating and exercise plan accordingly. And of course it will depend on your starting weight and your weight loss goals too.

Myth 3: The surgery prevents proper nutrition
Not true at all gastric band surgery will still allow you proper nutritions. Many doctors will prescribe vitamins and supplements to take after the surgery in order to help the recovery process. Individuals can still get proper nutrition.

Myth 4: You will have to eat only a liquid diet
You won’t be on a liquid diet forever that is only during the recovery process after gastric banding surgery which is approximately 4 weeks. Of course you shouldn’t continue to eat the super sized fast food meals like before, but you can eat solid foods. The idea is to eat smaller portioned meals, three times a day because the smaller amount will still give you a full feeling for longer.

Myth 5: Lap Band Surgery is an easy way to lose weight
People tend to view Gastric Lap Band as an easy solution for a lifetime weight problem. Instead it should be viewed as a commitment one makes to change their life for the better. It is for people who have tried diets and exercise yet nothing seems to help. It might be a difficult life change, but it is worth it because it is the safe way for overweight individuals to successfully lose the pounds.

Myth 6: Even if you lose the weight, you will gain it back
The secret is making a lifelong commitment. If you make the commitment to lose the weight and change old eating habits, you will of course lose the weight. If you continue to eat like you used to, then your chances of losing a large amount of weight decreases.

Myth 7: The follow-up care is not important
The follow-up care is the most important part because changing your eating habits and old lifestyle is what leads to healthy weight loss.

What is a slipped Band, and what causes it?

There are two types of gastric band slippage; anterior and posterior which basically refers to whether the back or front side of the stomach slips. Gastric band Slippage or prolapse is where the stomach slides up through the Band, making the pouch bigger. If this happens to a patient its because the Band usually becomes too tight, and patients will experience symptoms of reflux (heartburn) as well as nausea and vomiting. This is due to the amount of stomach being “squeezed” by the Gastric Band is increased, thereby obstructing the Band.

Anterior slippage is where the front of the stomach slips up though the band. We try to prevent this by suturing the stomach below the Band to the stomach above the Band, “locking” the Band in place in the right spot. In spite of this, slippage still occurs. It can happen for two reason, one because the surgeon haven’t placed enough stitches, or they haven’t been placed in the right place or secondly slippage can also occur if patients eat too much and vomits frequently.

Posterior slippage was more commonly seen when the Gastric Banding was placed by the “perigastric” technique. With this technique the back side of the stomach was free to slide up through the Band. Now a days surgeons use the “pars flaccida” technique, which was developed to prevent this form of slippage, and has more or less eliminated the incidence of this problem.

Is Lap Band Slippage Rare or Common?
Unfortunately, at this time there’s not much data on the frequency (or rarity) of Lap Band slippage in post-surgery patients. As this surgery increases in popularity and longevity, there will certainly be more data available on the frequency of Lap Band slippage in patients,

How is a slipped Band diagnosed?

This is very easy, as diagnosis is made based on the history of the patient. A patient who has been going along fine, with no problems, and then suddenly develops reflux symptoms or symptoms of a too-tight Band will most likely have a slipped Gastric Band. The diagnosis is easily confirmed with an x-ray and barium swallow examination.

How is a slipped Band fixed?

A slipped Band needs to be fixed with another operation. The Gastric Band has to be dissected out, all the sutures removed, and the position of the stomach made right. Some surgeons remove the Band and place it back with a new one and others just straighten things out.

What happens if the Band slips again?

One could certainly try to fix the slip again by again another surgery, but my personal view is that, for whatever reason, the Band is just not working for that particular patient, and ought to be removed.

It’s natural to be nervous on the day of Gastric Banding Surgery but at the same time you can be excited as it’s a milestone your journey to a healthier and happier life.

Preparing for Surgery

Before you have the surgery, your gastric banding surgeon will discuss your procedure in detail with you. It is also very important for you to discuss your overall health and your health history with him. You need to let your surgeon know if you are allergic to any drugs, have any current/past health conditions, or have ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia. In addition to this, make a list of all the medications that you take how ever small it is, including aspirin, injections, all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, vitamins, and recreational drugs, and give it to your surgeon.

Your doctor/surgeon may also want you to meet with other medical experts, such as a dietitian and/or psychologist, to help you understand what will happen during and after the gastric banding surgery process. They will help you make certain that you are emotionally and mentally prepared for the up coming surgery and your new life afterwards. You will be required to have a number of tests before your surgery to evaluate your general state of health.

On the day before your gastric procedure, you will need to listen and follow the specific instructions to ensure a smooth surgery the next day. Your surgeon or medical team will provide you with a complete list of the do’s and dont’s on how to prepare for the surgery.

Here are two general guidelines:

1. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before surgery this way your stomach will be empty for surgery to minimize risks during the gastric banding operation.
2. Ask a friend or a family member to be at the hospital with you for comfort and support and to drive you home after the surgery.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

The routine at your healthcare/hospital facility may be different form country to country. You will be admitted to the hospital either the day before, or on the actual morning of your surgery. You may be in the operating room for the morning but the actual procedure typically takes about one hour. Then you will spend a few hours in the recovery room. Once the anesthesia has worn off, you may feel some pain or discomfort from the operation which can usually be treated with pain killers.

On the day after the surgery, you will likely have an X-ray. This allows your health team to see that the gastric banding System is in the right place and that the new stomach outlet is open. You may be asked to swallow a liquid that can be seen on X-ray.

Typically for gastric banding surgery, hospitalization is usually less than 24 hours. However the hospital stay may have you stay longer if there are complications or if the surgeon has to change to an “open” surgical procedure.

You have just had your surgery and you are likely have lots of questions for your surgeon about the Gastric Banding Surgery and what your life will be like afterwards. Here are some typical questions that you may have.

1. Will I be sick a lot after the gastric banding operation?
2. Will I feel hungry or deprived after the gastric banding surgery?
3. Can I eat anything in moderation?
4. Can I drink alcohol?
5. Can I go out to eat?
6. Am I allowed to have my gastric lap band opened for a special occasion?
7. Does the gastric lap band limit any physical activity?
8. Do I have to be careful with the access port just underneath my skin?

1. Will I be sick a lot after the gastric banding operation?
The gastric banding will limit the amount of food you can eat at one time. If you always feeling nauseated on a regular basis, it probably means that you aren’t chewing your food well enough or that you aren’t following the gastric banding post-surgical diet properly, other reason could be that the placement of the gastrc band have a problem, so contact your doctor if you continue to get sick. You must avoid vomiting as much as possible because it can cause your small stomach pouch to stretch. It can also lead to slippage of the band which will offsetting the effectiveness of your surgery. In some severe cases, damage due to vomiting can mean another operation.

2. Will I feel hungry or deprived after the gastric banding surgery?
The gastric lap band makes you eat less and feel full in two ways:

• By reducing how much your stomach can hold at one time
• By increasing the time it takes food to get through your digestive system.

After a small meal, the amount of which varies from person to person, you should feel full and satisfied for some time. If you follow the nutrition guidelines when you choose your food and then chew it well, you shouldn’t feel hungry or deprived at all.
3. Can I eat anything in moderation?
After your stomach has healed, generally you may eat most foods that don’t cause you discomfort. Since you can only eat a small amount of food at a time, it is important that you choose nutritious, vitamin-rich foods. You may click here to find out some problem foods after you avoid after gastric banding.

4. Can I drink alcohol?
Alcohol has a lot of calories and breaks down vitamins. An occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage is not considered harmful to weight loss.

5. Can I go out to eat?
Order only a small portion, such as an appetizer and try to eat slowly. It may help if you stop eating at the same time as your dinner companions too. Best to explain to your host or hostess know in advance that you cannot eat very much.
6. Am I allowed to have my gastric lap band opened for a special occasion?
While it is tempting and easy, your gastric lap band should not be opened to eat a big meal at a special occasion. However the gastric lap band can be opened for medical reasons such as pregnancy, when you will need to increase your nutritional intake.

7. Does the gastric lap band limit any physical activity?
It should not hamper any type of physical activity. You should be free to do aerobics, stretches, and any strenuous exercise you enjoy once you’ve completely recovered.

8. Do I have to be careful with the access port just underneath my skin?
The access port is placed under the skin in the abdominal wall, it should not cause discomfort or limit any physical exercise at all. The only sensation you may experience from the port occurs when you go in for adjustments. If you feel persistent discomfort in the port area, see your doctor.

Most obese patients have gastric banding surgery to get rid of excess pounds, but losing weight may not be the only reason to have the operation. A researcher team at Monash University Centre for Obesity and Education released the results of a four-year study in January 2008, indicating that gastric banding can also help improve conditions of Type 2 diabetes.

Maintaining a good diet after gastric banding and exercising regularly after surgery may be important elements of diabetes management, but results of this study highlight the value of gastric banding for both weight loss and healthy glycemic levels.

Key Benefits of Gastric Banding for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Type 2 diabetes patients will struggle with managing healthy blood sugar levels along with their extra weight. Excess weight is a risk factor for developing diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems, in gastric banding is a valuable solution for managing all of these areas.

As stated by Dr. John Dixon, the lead doctor at the Centre for Obesity Research and Education, states that: “Our study presents strong evidence that obese patients with a Body Mass Index greater than 30 with Type 2 diabetes need to lose a significant amount of weight to improve their overall health and glycemic management.”

He also indicates that patients who lose a significant amount of weight from gastric banding surgery were found to be able to reduce their diabetes medication, control their blood pressure more effectively and lower blood fats – all of these are common challenges of Type 2 diabetes conditions. Normally these circumstances will take several months and years to get under control.

Other Concerns for Diabetes Patients

Despite the positive impact on Type 2 diabetes after gastric banding surgery, patients do need to keep up with a healthy weight loss program. In a rial also in 2008 highlights the results of 60 obese patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure, and compared the effects to those who were receiving conventional medical therapy for diabetes. Those who underwent gastric banding surgery also took part in a conventional therapy program which comprised of:

• Ongoing education about Type 2 diabetes and health
• Medical therapy with an experienced diabetologist
• Frequent contact with a diabetes educator
• Access to a dietitian, nurse and physician
• Lifestyle modification programs that included physical activity and education on low glycemic index foods for meal planning purposes

Those who completed the surgery and also pursued the conventional therapy program showed a significant improvement in the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and were able to reduce their diabetes medication. Therefore researchers concluded that the trial proves gastric banding leads to diabetes remission, but th patient must have ongoing care and lifestyle modification programs are necessary for long-term success.

Contact your local bariatric surgeon who can provide referrals for nutritional counseling, lifestyle modification therapy, and other resources to help you maintain weight loss for the long term – and reduce or eliminate a case of diabetes as a result.