VSG in Europe???

Bookweight
on 5/3/10 3:11 am - Hudsonville, MI

I'm forced into the position of becoming a medical tourist to get my VSG (insurance catch 22 situation, won't bore you with the deets). I'm looking at/considering clinics in Mexico (to save $$ over having it done in Michigan) - but I'm wondering if anyone has researched getting one in Europe? Is it feasible? Is it cost effective? Any hints to focus my search/research?

Kelleigh710
on 5/3/10 3:57 am

Revision on 06/29/10

I have chosen to have my WLS surgery in Mexico ( I am getting the band). I have not researched prices in Europe, I did get some info from my coordinator on procedures in Costa Rica and India. Here is an excerpt of her initial e-mail to me with gastric band pricing:

Location 9: Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, India (Harvard Medical Affiliated & Joint Commission USA accredited)

Gastric Banding: $7,500 {Includes 4 nights hospital stay in private suite, additional 3 night stay in the country is advised}

Dr. Ramen Goel (Top Surgeon, Preceptor/Proctor of American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, LA, USA)

Package Price for luxurious private suites

• Customized exclusively for international Patients

• Air conditioned rooms with attached washroom
• Color Television with cable connection and DVD player
• Mini bar refrigerator
• Surfing facility on broadband internet
• Independent telephone connection
• Local pre-activated mobile phone
• Storage & Locker facilities in the room
• Sof *** bed for one companion
• Room food service
• Tea and Coffee maker
• Laundry Service

Package Price for Private Rooms

About 10 to 20% lower than private suites

Location 10: Artemis Hospital, India (Modern Hospital, planning for JCI Accreditation)

Lap Band: $ 7,300 {Includes 3 night hospital stay}

About Artemis Hospital: http://www.medicaltourismco.com/india-hospitals/artemis/arte mis-hospital-india.php

Location 11: Apollo Hospital, India (JCI accredited. This is the biggest hospital group in Asia).

Lap Band: $ 6,500 {Includes 2 night hospital stay, additional 4 night stay in the country is advised}

About Apollo Hospital: http://www.medicaltourismco.com/india-hospitals/apollo-hospital-india.php

http://www.medicaltourismco.com//india-hospitals/apollo/apol lo-delhi.pdf

Apollo Hospital International Patient Testimonials: http://www.apollohospdelhi.com/international-patients/testimonials.html

Location 12: St Elizabeth Hospital, Zottegem, Belgium

[Popular among patients from abroad, it is about an hour drive from Brussels]

Gastric Band: 4,495 Euro {approx US $ 6,650} {1 nights hospital stay included, suggest 2 nights hotel at your own expense

In case of an all inclusive package

* Accommodation B&B/Hotel(***), 3/5 nights, two persons
* Complete chauffeur service

Gastric Banding : 5.250 Euro

Dr. Toon Sonneville: An experienced board certified Bariatric surgeon from Belgium.

Resume: http://medicaltourismco.com/belgium-hospitals/doctors/dr-toon-peter-marcel-sonneville.php

I don't know, but I would imagine flights to Europe, India, etc would be a lot more money than heading to Mexico. My prference is to stay as close to the US as possible which is why I chose the doctor/hospital in TJ that I am going to. I wish you the very best of luck on your search!

~Kelly