The ultimate guide to Bariatric Surgery in Bali

Last fact-checked: 22 October 2019

Discover affordable surgical weight-loss options with bariatric surgery in Bali. With obesity on the rise across the world, weight-loss surgery is becoming a popular option for those who are worried about the long-term health issues that being overweight causes.

Bariatric surgery is not usually covered by health insurance, and it's not cheap either if you're faced with the prospect of having to pay for it all yourself. This is why traveling to somewhere like Bali may be a good alternative, as the surgery is often 50-70% less than it is at home. Medical tourists, especially when visiting Asia, can also enjoy a relaxing holiday before surgery, with the chance to recuperate in style in world-class resorts afterward.

What Are Bariatric Surgery Procedures and How Do They Work?

Bariatric surgery is the catch-all name given to a range of surgical procedures that are carried out to restrict the number of calories ingested by the body. Typically, this is done by reducing the capacity of the stomach so that it can hold less food, or by shortening the small intestine so less food is absorbed.

What Are the Different Bariatric Surgery Procedures?

There are a number of permanent and non-permanent bariatric surgery procedures that your surgeon will discuss with you. The main ones are:

Gastric Bypass

One of the most popular bariatric procedures. It involves dividing the stomach and small intestine so that food essentially bypasses the larger part of the stomach and the intestines.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Around 80% of the stomach is removed leaving only a narrow tube.

Gastric Band

An inflatable band is placed around the stomach that sections the stomach into two parts. Inflating the band reduces the opening between the two parts, which means less food can pass through.

How Long Does Bariatric Surgery Take and What Is the Recovery Time?

Most bariatric procedures are done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery). This means recovery time is a lot quicker as there aren’t long incision wounds compared to traditional surgery, which take longer to heal.

For some procedures, like a gastric band, you may be out of hospital within a day, whereas the other procedures may necessitate a hospital stay of up to five days. You must remember that this surgery requires a dramatic change – both to your body and your lifestyle. After surgery, your body will need time to recover and so you will not be able to eat any food for a couple of days. After that, you will start on liquids, then soft or liquidized food before going back on to solids.

Once you leave hospital, you will be given dietary advice and an exercise program enabling you to achieve sensible and healthy weight loss. Do bear in mind that it may take some time for your mind and body to adjust to the new regime, but over the following months, it will become easier – especially as you see the newer, slimmer you emerging.

Why Should I Have Bariatric Surgery in Bali?

Bali is a top tourism destination and offers a number of locations for rest and recuperation. The Indonesian island boasts varied landscapes, beautiful beaches, verdant hillsides and stunning scenery; you'll also find plenty of entertainment and leisure activities to make the most of before you go in for surgery.

As far as medical expertise is concerned, you can be assured that doctors in Indonesia receive excellent training and that facilities in the country are world-class. Many of the hospitals and clinics in which medical tourists are treated are new and purpose-built, containing the latest technologies and adhering to international hygiene and safety standards.

When you book with Medical Departures, you have an added layer of protection as we have already run our own background checks on all of our clinic and hospital partners. This includes legal/criminal records checks, onsite visits, collection of patient testimonials and verification of doctor qualifications. International professional memberships, like IFSO, are also included in our listings. Going abroad for surgery can be a rewarding experience, but only if you make sure you go to a reliable facility.

How Much Can I Save on Bariatric Surgery in Bali compared to Australia?

The cost of bariatric surgery in Bali varies depending on the exact procedure, but costs are substantially less at around 50% lower than prices in Australia, for example, which range from AUD $8,000 - $35,000 (UK £2,300 - £20,000; US $3,000 - $27,000; EUR €2,600 - €29,000).

For latest prices and extensive information, check out the excellent Kasih Ibu Hospital - Denpasar, which is one of our most popular facilities in Bali for bariatric surgery.

Getting Started

Search our extensive listings to find your surgeon. Once ready, see below for ways to book a free appointment, or chat with our Customer Care Team if you’d like to know more about bariatric surgery in Bali.

Sources:

International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. Website accessed: 22 October 2019.
http://www.ifso.com/

Asia leads the world in medical tourism. The Thaiger. 21 October 2019.
https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/asia-leads-the-world-in-medical-tourism

Bariatric Surgery. Mayo Clinic. Website accessed: 22 October 2019.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/about/pac-20394258

Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). NHS. Website accessed: 22 October 2019.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laparoscopy/