Want to get rid of obesity through bariatric surgery? Gastric sleeve in Costa Rica can be an economical & effective weight-loss surgical solution abroad. The surgery can cost you a fortune in the US. But you can get it here at 50%of the US cost with quality care. Wondering how? Continue reading.
Laproscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Costa Rica - Patient Testimonial
The gastric sleeve procedure is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery globally.[1] It is also the most popular weight loss surgery in the US.[2]
The surgery is typically recommended only when diet and exercise plans have failed.
Did you know?
Costa Rican hospitals are renowned for bariatric treatments.[3]
The country welcomes millions of medical tourists from the US and Canada. They get high-quality and low-cost weight loss surgery here.
Want to know the cost of gastric sleeve bariatric surgery in Costa Rica? Read ahead.
Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Costa Rica
Laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery in Costa Rica is relatively inexpensive. Our gastric sleeve package price begins at $12,650.
While in the US, it can be as high as $26,000, depending on the location and hospital.[4] So, your savings can be up to 51%, with travel costs included.
Even with insurance, you may find bariatric surgery in Costa Rica affordable. Moreover, you need not worry about the quality of service.
The country’s healthcare is both low-cost and high-quality compared to the West.[5]
Gastric Sleeve Price in Costa Rica Vs. US/Canada
Country
Cost
Costa Rica
$12,650
US
$26,000
Canada
$17,000
*Prices are case dependent
Now you know how much gastric sleeve surgery costs in Costa Rica.
Let’s see, what makes the country an excellent place for WLS.
Do you wish to know about the bariatric surgeons in Costa Rica? Check out their profile in the next section.
Best Bariatric Surgeons in Costa Rica
Let's meet some of the best gastric sleeve doctors in Costa Rica.
Dr. Jacobo Zafrani Z
Specialty in General Surgery, 15+ years of experience
Dr. Jacobo Zafrani specializes in laparoscopic general and bariatric surgery.
Dr. Jacobo Zafrani has performed a total of 4,500 surgeries to date. He conducts approximately 300 bariatric surgeries annually and has completed over 275 metabolic surgeries.
His training also includes gastric sleeve procedures completed in New York, USA.
He founded and directed the first minimally invasive surgery training center in Central and South America.
Dr. Mario Saenz Ramirez is a specialist in bariatric and general surgery from Costa Rica. He has extensive training in advanced trauma care and emergency medicine from Japan and the USA.
Dr. Saenz has worked as an assistant director for emergency services and a general surgeon.
Want to know how gastric sleeve weight loss surgery in Costa Rica is performed? Read ahead.
Gastric Sleeve – A Brief Overview
The gastric sleeve procedure is known as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG).
This is an irreversible surgical weight loss procedure.
About 80% of the stomach is removed during the procedure using surgical staplers.
The sleeved stomach makes you feel full quicker.
Therefore, food consumption is reduced, which leads to weight loss.
The surgery is performed using a laparoscope and special instruments that are controlled through long tubes.
You will be in the operating room for about an hour and the recovery room for another 1 hour.[8]
The gastric sleeve procedure does not involve rearranging your intestine. It keeps the pre-existing pathway of food through the intestine intact.
Keep reading to know whether you are an optimal candidate for the procedure.
Who Qualifies for Sleeve Gastrectomy in Costa Rica?
You may be a candidate for gastric sleeve if you have battled obesity for a long time without success.
However, before surgery, your Costa Rica WLS surgeon will check whether you fit into the following categories:[8]
BMI is 40 or morewithout obesity related health conditions.
BMI is 35 to 39.9 with at least one of obesity-related health conditions like sleep apnea, hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
BMI is 30-35 with serious weight-related health problems.
Unable to lose weight with diet and exercise
Free of uncontrolled psychiatric or psychological conditions
No contraindications to surgery
Even if you qualify for gastric sleeve Costa Rica, you will need a complete physical exam before surgery. It ensures you are healthy enough to have the procedure.
You will also receive nutritional and mental health counseling. It will help you to prepare for what to expect after surgery.
If you decide on a sleeve gastrectomy in Costa Rica, you should also know the recovery time, dietary changes, and its outcome.
You will be put on a special diet before and after surgery. It will help in fast recovery and avoid complications.
Your bariatric surgeon in Costa Rica will recommend the best gastric sleeve diet. Here, we give you a few general dietary guidelines:[9]
2 weeks before surgery - Lower carbohydrates, increase protein and eliminate sugar
2 days before & the 1st week after surgery – Clear liquids only (caffeine- & carbonation-free drinks)
For the next three weeks - Add pureed food to your diet.
One month after surgery - Solid foods like low-sugar cereal, well-cooked vegetables/chicken/fish, fruits, and low-fat cheese.
Diet Plan
Remember: Your limited diet may cause some nutritional deficiencies. Ensure to take dietary supplements recommended by your surgeon.
Our medical reviewer advises the following vitamin dosage: Multivitamin twice daily, calcium supplement once a day, and vitamin B-12 injection once a month.
It is always advised to consult your physician before self-medicating yourself, since the dosage may vary from patient to patient.
Due to the minimally invasive nature of gastric sleeve surgery, you can expect a short recovery time.
Furthermore, the small incisions in your abdomen heal quickly and help in fast recovery.
Read below for more information on the gastric sleeve recovery process.
Recovery Timeline
Full Recovery: 4 to 6 weeks
Avg. Hospital Stay: 1 to 3 days
Time off Work: 1 to 3 weeks
Wound Healing Time
Incisions: About 2 weeks
Stomach staple line: About 6 to 8 weeks
Activities
Day 1: Simple movements, breathing exercise
Day 2: Start walking
Day 5: Light physical activities, take a bath
Day 7: Start driving
Weeks 4 to 6 (depends on the patient): Resume normal activities & exercise
Source: Bariatric Surgery Source[10]
Jogging
Exercise
Note: The healing process differs from person to person. Hence, returning to work is dependent on how your recovery goes.
Your healing may take longer if you experience any complications.
With the gastric sleeve, you can expect to lose at least 50 - 70% of your excess weight within 18 to 24 months.[11]
Resolution of Comorbidities
Studies show that one year after gastric sleeve:
Hypertension is reduced in 71.7% of patients
75% of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are in remission
CPAP treatment was withdrawn in all patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Source: NCBI [12]
Remember: Gastric sleeve involves a lifelong commitment to changes in lifestyle and diet and follow-up.
Moreover, individual results may vary based on each person’s medical conditions.
Things to Do Before Considering Gastric Sleeve WLS in Costa Rica
It will help if you look at the below factors before opting for gastric sleeve surgery in Costa Rica.
The procedure is irreversible. Once the operation is performed, restoring the stomach to its original size is impossible.
Seek advice from your local doctor to determine if sleeve gastrectomy surgery in Costa Rica is the right option for you.
Besides gastric sleeve prices in Costa Rica, consider the cost of traveling and taking someone with you.
Always select a reputable medical facility to get first-class healthcare in Costa Rica.
Check out the credentials of the bariatric surgeon who will be performing sleeve gastrectomy in Costa Rica on you.
Ask for referrals and read patient testimonials.
Conclusion
A gastric sleeve in Costa Rica could be a perfect choice if you want to shed those extra pounds.
All-inclusive gastric sleeve surgery packages in Costa Rica can get you the best combination of affordability & medical excellence.
What else could you ask for? Consider the benefits of WLS in Costa Rica and take the first step toward your renewed look.
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