Did anyone have their sleeve abroad?

[CaniSani]

If so what was your experience like? I really want the sleeve now but can't afford to have it over here, I was just wondering can anything go wrong with the sleeve? Also who did you go with if you got it done abroad?

 

[marcusbm]

I'm having a gastric bypass this week in Belgium.

The surgeon is one of the best but it's surgery only and none of the counselling, dieticians etc. you'd get in the UK.

Essentially it's arrive, one day consult, one day surgery, one day rest, one day hotel and home. Personally I'm staying three nights extra before and after.

 

[CaniSani]

Thanks for replying, could anything go wrong if I had my sleeve abroad? Too expensive over here.

 

[Big Dave D]

Thanks for replying, could anything go wrong if I had my sleeve abroad? Too expensive over here.

Probably the same things that could go wrong here - a leak, other post-op issues such as high/low blood pressure, vomiting, etc.

Also consider a potential language barrier.

 

[Big Dave D]

I'm having a gastric bypass this week in Belgium. The surgeon is one of the best but it's surgery only and none of the counselling, dieticians etc. you'd get in the UK. Essentially it's arrive, one day consult, one day surgery, one day rest, one day hotel and home. Personally I'm staying three nights extra before and after.

Why did you choose Belgium Marcus?

(Apologies if you've already answered on another thread)

Of course, the best thing about surgery in Belgium is the chocolate. Ironic eh...?

 

[CaniSani]

Big Dave so you wouldn't recommend me having it done abroad? I guess I will just have to get the band done here.

 

[Big Dave D]

Big Dave so you wouldn't recommend me having it done abroad? I guess I will just have to get the band done here.

No, I didn't say that.

I don't have experience of overseas surgery, but you asked what the pit-falls would be - much the same as having surgery in the UK, but without the follow-up.

It's your personal choice in the end, you have to do what's best for you.

 

[marcusbm]

Yes. Same risks as at home. Also it would mean needing to convince your local hospital should there be major complications.

I chose Belgium as the price was low and the surgeon has a very low complication rate.

I'm converting from a gastric band that was fitted in Singapore but opened up. I lived in the area and had my aftercare there. I saw the same surgeon for all fills but it was pointless.

Also Belgium is very close. I can take a flight from Southend to Antwerp at short notice. By travel time and geographical distance Brugge is closer than many UK cities (to Ipswich).

 

[CaniSani]

Sorry Big Dave I am just panicking a little bit.

 

[CaniSani]

Marcus do you mind sharing the details of where you are getting it done?

 

[Big Dave D]

Sorry Big Dave I am just panicking a little bit.

It's cool; I just didn't want you to misconstrue what I said.

 

[marcusbm]

Sorry Big Dave I am just panicking a little bit.

 

[marcusbm]

Sorry Big Dave I am just panicking a little bit.

Marcus do you mind sharing the details of where you are getting it done?

The hospital is called AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV

It's 15 minutes by bus from Brugge 'centrum'.

The surgeon is called Dr Bruno Dillemans.

The rest you can Google I'm sure.

 

[CaniSani]

Thanks Marcus going to check it now, thanks for getting back to me. So kind x

 

[ZMI]

Hello Everyone!
Marcus do you mind me asking how much the bypass is costing you in Belgium as I'm also considering WLS abroad.

 

[marcusbm]

It's under £7000. The surgeon is one of the best.

 

[ZMI]

Thankyou. I've been looking at the website and videos and it does look really good, just couldn't find any prices. I'm considering the sleeve, have requested a quote but not had anything back yet.