Considering weight loss surgery in Thailand? Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the procedures our quality-checked surgeons regularly carry out to help overweight and obese patients lose weight safely and effectively. 

If you’ve tried (and failed) to lose weight through diet and exercise and your health is suffering, surgery is a drastic but effective option. The cost of this procedure back home may be one factoring putting you off—but in Thailand, you save potentially thousands without having to compromise on standards of care.  

A gastric sleeve, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) as it’s also known, is a type of bariatric surgery. Alongside other options, like the gastric band, it one of the most popular surgical procedures to help patients achieve significant weight loss over a relatively short period of time.

The gastric sleeve procedure entails the surgeon removing part of the stomach, with the remaining parts joined together to make a ‘sleeve’ shape—decreasing its size by around 75%. A smaller stomach means you physically won’t be able to eat as much; even after small portions, you will feel full. (Note: this procedure is described in more detail further down this page). 

You may also hear it referred to as tube gastrectomy or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Going ahead with weight loss surgery is a major life-altering decision. It’s important to carefully consider all of the pros and cons, and be prepared to make radical changes to your lifestyle, especially with regards to food and exercise.

As previously mentioned, cost is a major reason why patients look into the possibility of having weight loss surgery abroad, with it being around 50 to 70% less than what's charged back home. Even if you stick around after your surgery in Thailand for a few weeks, you are still likely to save thousands compared to if you were to undergo the procedure at home.

Thailand first became popular as a medical tourism destination in the 1990s and continues to attract thousands of patients to this day who come for a wide variety of surgical, dental and cosmetic procedures. 

It has an excellent reputation thanks to its world-class facilities, the expertise of its medical staff and, of course, the Thais’ famously warm hospitality. Many patients new to medical tourism are surprised at just how modern the facilities are, as well as the high-tech equipment—with some hospital rooms kitted out like boutique hotels!

Thailand was the first country in the region to have a hospital awarded Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, and there are now more than 40 throughout the country—testament to the excellence of the country’s medical facilities.

Undergoing surgery anywhere is daunting, and more so if traveling abroad. Medical Departures makes it easier, providing listings of pre-checked doctors and clinics, alongside verified patient reviews and clinic photos. This allows you to properly look before you book, and get a feel for which clinic, hospital or surgeon is right for you.

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is performed under general anesthetic and is normally carried out with a laparoscope. This thin tube with a camera attached to the end is inserted through a small incision made in the tummy, relaying the imagery back for the surgeon and their team to view on a monitor. This way, by making a number of other small incisions (between two and five) across the abdomen, the surgical instruments can be passed through in the same way, at the appropriate places. As a result, the whole procedure can be carried out without creating large incisions, which means your recovery time is quicker and more comfortable. 

The surgery divides the stomach, stapling a small portion together to create a banana-shaped tube, and removing the rest. Your stomach will be around 25% of its original size, so you won’t be able to eat as much food before you feel full.

Your digestive system will need time to heal after the procedure, so you won’t be able to eat for a couple of days. After that, you will need to be introduced to food gently; initially, it will be just liquids, then pureed food, and eventually solid food.

You will be provided with a diet and exercise regime, as well as advice as to what vitamin supplements to take after weight loss surgery. It will take around a month before you can start exercising.

These radical changes may make you feel tired and achy, but your body will get used to it after a couple of months.

Sleeve gastrectomy in Thailand is a fraction of the price you’d pay at home, at around AUD $9,000 (US $7,000, CAD $8,500, £4,500 GBP, €6,000). 

This can be compared to Australia, for example, where the same procedure may set you back around AUD $20,000 (US $15,500, CAD $19,000; £10,000 GBP, €14,000). 

[Please note that these are approximate, averages prices collated at the time of writing.]

Get started now by checking out Phyathai 2 International Hospital, a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospital in Bangkok that offers a range of bariatric surgery options for international patients. Our listing contains photos, surgeon profiles, prices and booking options through Dental Departures. 

To book, see below for ways to get in touch or connect with our Customer Care Team if you have any questions about sleeve gastrectomies in Thailand.

Sources:

What Is Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery? WebMD. 25 December 2018.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/what-is-gastric-sleeve-weight-loss-surgery#1

Giorgi, Anna. What is laparoscopy? Healthline. 6 September 2017.
https://www.healthline.com/health/laparoscopy

Vitamin and mineral supplements after weight loss surgery. NHS. PDF accessed: 16 January 2019.
https://www.sth.nhs.uk/clientfiles/File/PIL1716%20vitamins%20and%20minerals.pdf

Joint Commission International. Website accessed: 16 January 2019.
https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/