Medically Reviewed By: Dr. David Warmflash (MD), Dr. Julia Osei (MBChB, MHS)
Gastric Sleeve Costa Rica
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]
| 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.
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve in Costa Rica
There are many benefits of opting for gastric sleeve operation in Costa Rica. These include the following:
- Gastric sleeve surgery cost in Costa Rica is 40 - 60% less than in the US and Canada.
- In general, Costa Rica's healthcare costs are 45 – 65% less than in the US.[7]
- The country can be reached from most US cities within 5 to 7 hours by air.
- Moreover, Americans and Canadians do not require an entry visa for stays shorter than 90 days.
- Hospitals for sleeve gastrectomy surgery in Costa Rica offer state-of-the-art treatment and facilities.
- They have surgeons with globally respected credentials.
- Many of them have training, certifications & experience from the US.
Above all, there is negligible or zero waiting time for vertical gastric sleeve in Costa Rica.
Looking for the best sleeve gastrectomy hospital in Costa Rica? Read ahead
Top Clinic for Sleeve Gastrectomy in Costa Rica
Clinica Biblica is one of the reputed hospitals for medical tourism in Costa Rica.
Established in 1929, ISO and JCI-certified, Hospital Clinica Biblica has built its legacy in healthcare in Costa Rica.
The hospital provides advanced medical care in 80+ specialties and partners with expert, board-certified doctors.
The hospital is also accredited by the Costa Rican Accreditation Entity (ECA).
- 90+ Years of Excellence
- 80+ Specialties
- JCI Accredited
- It is the first JCI-accredited hospital in Costa Rica.
- They use ultra-modern equipment and the most advanced techniques to perform weight loss surgeries.
Get more details from the below video.
Best Clinic for Gastric Sleeve in Costa Rica
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
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.
Educación
University of Costa Rica
Membresías
- Joint Commission International (JCI)
- College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Society of Costa Rican Surgeons
Dr. Mario Sainz
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.
Educación
University of Costa Rica
Dr. Ariel Rivera
Dr. Ariel Rivera Aguerri is a renowned bariatric surgeon in Costa Rica.
He has international training and extensive experience in laparoscopic gastrointestinal, bariatric, and general surgery.
After his doctorate, he completed a mini-fellowship in laparoscopic bariatric surgery at the University of Texas, Dallas.
Educación
Universidad Autónoma de Centro América
Membresías
- International College of Surgeons
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
Dr. Jorge Esmeral
Dr. Jorge Esmeral Maldondo is a highly experienced bariatric surgeon in Costa Rica, specializing in laparoscopic surgery.
He specializes in general surgery and completed a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery at Teknon Clinic, Barcelona.
Dr. Esmeral has extensive experience in bariatric, metabolic, and diabetes-related surgeries.
Educación
Universidad Del Cauca, Costa Rica
Membresías
- American College of Surgeons
- American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons
- International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
Gastric Sleeve in Costa Rica - Patient Testimonials
Gastric Sleeve Costa Rica Testimonial
Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Testimonial
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 more without 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.
References
- Springer Nature: Safety & effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy in Asian obese patients
- Medical News Today: What to know about gastric sleeve surgery
- Reports & Data: Top 10 countries that are changing the narrative on medical tourism
- Forbes: Gastric Sleeve
- Public Health Now: Costa Rica Summary
- Healthline: What to know about gastric sleeve WLS
- NCBI: Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Bariatric Surgery Source: Gastric Sleeve Recovery: Timeline, Pain, Diet, & Activity
- NCBI: Five-year outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
