Weight loss treatments options abroad - Esthetic Planet

Gastric Balloon

A balloon is placed in the stomach, occupying ¾ of the available space and drastically reducing food intake. The resulting ghrelin response triggers satiety much sooner. Patients typically lose 10–20 kg. The balloon is removed after a set period; the outpatient procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

Gastric Botox

Botulinum toxin is injected into the stomach walls, paralyzing their elasticity and preventing the stomach from expanding. The reduced capacity limits food intake. The effect fades after a few months as the toxin is naturally absorbed. Patients typically lose 5–15 kg.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

A large portion of the stomach is removed to form a tube (sleeve). Food intake and absorption rate are permanently and drastically reduced. Weight loss is significant and long-lasting, typically 15–40 kg. This is an irreversible procedure recommended for patients with significant overweight.

Gastric Bypass

The stomach volume is reduced and the food circuit is modified — food bypasses the stomach and upper digestive tract, passing directly into the middle small intestine. Absorption is radically altered. Weight loss is major, typically 20–50 kg. An irreversible procedure for severe obesity.

Gastric Banding — Outdated

Once popular, gastric banding is now considered outdated. Though it requires general anesthesia, it does not deliver comparable weight loss to sleeve or bypass. Risks include band slippage that can damage the stomach and complicate future surgeries. The gastric balloon now offers greater safety and efficacy.

Step 1

Anesthesia

Sleeve and bypass procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Gastric balloon placement uses local anesthesia on an outpatient basis — no hospitalisation required.

Step 2

Intervention

The gastric balloon is swallowed as a pill, then inflated with saline — an X-ray confirms placement. A stay of 2–4 nights is typically sufficient. Sleeve and bypass are performed laparoscopically and generally require 1 week on site. Our packages include all on-site services.

Step 3

Duration & Clinic Stay

Surgical procedures last approximately 1 hour. A minimum 2-night hospitalisation applies for general anaesthesia procedures — the exact stay is confirmed with your surgeon. No hospitalisation is required for balloon or botox treatments.

Step 4

Results & Health Benefits

The goal is improved overall health and life expectancy. By physically reducing stomach capacity, patients are no longer hungry. Weight loss occurs over the months and years after the procedure. Long-term risk of weight regain is low. Comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions typically improve significantly.

Step 5

Follow-Up & Recovery

Post-operative discomfort is minimal. Strict food hygiene rules apply: chew thoroughly, never drink during meals, avoid snacking, limit to 3 meals per day. Liquid and soft foods are recommended initially. Quarterly gastroenterology follow-up is essential during the first two years. Physical activity can resume from the first post-operative week.

Gastric Botox & Elipse Balloon — accessible to anyone seeking modest weight loss (4–8 kg with Botox, 5–10 kg with Elipse) regardless of BMI.

6 or 12 Month Balloon — best suited for moderate to severe overweight, offering substantial support ahead of surgery.

Sleeve & Bypass — primarily for patients with obesity (BMI > 30). Eligibility is not strictly BMI-based; comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension can also indicate surgical intervention after evaluation with the surgeon.