Gastric Balloon Abroad: Lithuania
Price in GBP
Price in EUR
Gastric balloon (12 months) in our clinic – 3.190 £
Book a consultation in London with Professor Maleckas on 21 January here.
Get your hernia repaired during weight loss surgery for FREE.
- accommodation with medical care – from 58 £ per night
Regular price:
- consultation with the surgeon and anaesthesiologist
- all the necessary health tests before and after the surgery
- bariatric surgery
- anaesthesia
- hospital stay (1-3 days) with 24 hours medical care
- 24/7 personal assistance during your stay
- transfers to / from the airport, hotel and clinic
- diet instructions after bariatric surgery
- FREE dietician follow-up for 5 years
Get your surgery for free by claiming a refund from your local health board. We cooperate with HSE and other health boards across the EU to help our Irish and EU patients receive a refund for their weight loss surgery in Lithuania. The clinic helps with the documents needed to claim a refund after following the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad.
Please note that the price of the surgery itself is provisional and may be accurately assessed only after the evaluation of each individual case.
The default currency at our clinic is EUR, so if you were looking at prices in GBP it may vary depending on GBP / EUR exchange rate at the moment of payment.
Things to consider when choosing a clinic and surgeon abroad:
- Is it a World-class surgeon with similar experience to ours (700 bariatric surgeries per year) ?
- Is bariatric staff available? We are one of the few clinics that has a specially trained bariatric nursing staff.
- Experience with bariatric anaesthesia? Anaesthesia of overweight patients requires skill and specialised experience, and our anesthesiologists have been specialising in bariatrics for over 15 years.
- Is it a multidisciplinary private hospital? Nordbariatric is a private clinic with modern facilities and exceptional care.
- Overall knowledge in the field? We have designed a unique bariatric mobile app. Our surgeon is the co-author of more than 40 scientific articles.
Testimonials
Facebook reviews & group
Watch videos about our clinic
As seen on BBC
Our patient Paul was interviewed by the largest UK broadcaster BBC One on Nolan Live show 1 month and 1 year after the surgery. He chose to travel to our clinic from Nothern Ireland to undergo bariatric surgery with Professor Maleckas. He has lost 8 stone (~50 kg). Watch interview here.
Other stories
Only we can offer:
One of the most experienced private bariatric clinic teams in Europe. More than 7.000 bariatric surgeries were performed by our surgeon to this date. A figure that no surgeon or clinic in a region can match.
The only clinic in Europe with a specially designed bariatric mobile app for patients after weight loss surgeries. Available in 6 languages on iOS as well as Android devices.
See before-after pictures
Refund for EU patients
Get your surgery for free by claiming a refund from your local health board. The clinic helps patients with the documents needed to claim a refund after following the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad. It applies to patients who are insured under the systems of one of the EU countries and may not get the surgery due to long waiting times.
Bariatric Team
- Our surgeon Almantas Maleckas is a doctor of medical science
- UK General Medical Council (GMC) certified
- He performed over 7.000 bariatric operations
- A pioneer in laparoscopic surgery in the region
- More than 15 years working experience in Sweden, Gothenburg University hospital
- Works both in Lithuania and Sweden, speaks fluent English and Swedish
- London School of Economics graduate
- Our surgeon Nerijus Kaselis is a doctor with a degree in medicine
- Member of the International Federation of Obesity
- Has been practising abdominal surgery for over 32 years, specialising in bariatric surgery for the past 18 years
- Was the first surgeon to perform various laparoscopic surgeries in Lithuania
- Works as a team lead of surgeons in complicated obesity surgeries abroad
- Has international work and study experience
- Our surgeon Linas Venclauskas has over 15 years of experience
- Specialises in minimally invasive surgery, surgical treatment of the upper gastrointestinal tract and bariatric surgery
- Associate Professor at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
- President of the Kaunas Society of Surgeons
- A member of the European Hernia Society
- Chairman of the Lithuanian Society of Hernia Surgery
- Our surgeon Aurika Karbonskiene has over 25 years of experience as anesthesiologist
- Over 15 years of experience as a bariatric anesthesiologist
- Since 2008 – Associate Professor at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
- Board member of Lithuanian Society of Anesthesiologists and Intensive Care Physicians
- Member of the European Society of Anesthesiology
- Researcher and coordinator at the Clinical Trial Network of European Society of Anesthesiology
- Our surgeon Almantas Maleckas is a doctor of medical science
- UK General Medical Council (GMC) certified
- He performed over 7.000 bariatric operations
- A pioneer in laparoscopic surgery in the region
- More than 15 years working experience in Sweden, Gothenburg University hospital
- Works both in Lithuania and Sweden, speaks fluent English and Swedish
- London School of Economics graduate
- Our surgeon Nerijus Kaselis is a doctor with a degree in medicine
- Member of the International Federation of Obesity
- Has been practising abdominal surgery for over 32 years, specialising in bariatric surgery for the past 18 years
- Was the first surgeon to perform various laparoscopic surgeries in Lithuania
- Works as a team lead of surgeons in complicated obesity surgeries abroad
- Has international work and study experience
- Our surgeon Linas Venclauskas has over 15 years of experience
- Specialises in minimally invasive surgery, surgical treatment of the upper gastrointestinal tract and bariatric surgery
- Associate Professor at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
- President of the Kaunas Society of Surgeons
- A member of the European Hernia Society
- Chairman of the Lithuanian Society of Hernia Surgery
- Our surgeon Aurika Karbonskiene has over 25 years of experience as anesthesiologist
- Over 15 years of experience as a bariatric anesthesiologist
- Since 2008 – Associate Professor at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
- Board member of Lithuanian Society of Anesthesiologists and Intensive Care Physicians
- Member of the European Society of Anesthesiology
- Researcher and coordinator at the Clinical Trial Network of European Society of Anesthesiology
5-year follow up with dietitian
Nutrition is one of the main focus after weight loss surgery to maximize weight loss and prevent weight gain. We offer a dietitian who will talk with you about the diet you’ll need to follow after surgery, explaining what types of food and how much you can eat at each meal. Karolina is a dietitian and Nutrition Consultant with a degree in the medical field. Read more about her here.
Special bariatric app for your mobile phone
We proudly present the product of our clinic – Bariatric IQ mobile app, the first comprehensive and easy-to-use app specially designed to address all issues bariatric patients face before and after surgery. It is currently available in 6 languages, has a massive product database, recommendations, motivations, community and many other features. Read more
What sets us apart from other clinics?
The clinic is equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities compliant with all EU standards and requirements. You will be looked after by professional English speaking staff. The wards are fully furnished and equipped with TV, WC and air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is available while staying in the clinic.
Our clinic is one of the biggest surgical centres in the Baltic region. We work with patients from various countries, among which the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, etc.
Despite the size of the clinic we provide our patients with personal care and assistance. The majority of big public hospitals due to high volume of patients do not have enough resources and medical personnel to pay personal attention to each patient. Whereas we are fully focused on providing exceptional care and undivided attention for our patients.
The patients are provided postoperative care at the clinic without any additional fees. Your hospital stay is approximately 2 days. However, the surgeon only discharges a patient when they are in a good health state and ready to leave.
Our clinic works according to the highest standards set by the European Union. This helps to guarantee the quality of medical service.
Our clinic has a Facebook community of more than 5.000 bariatric patients. In this group our past and future patients share their experiences, useful recommendations and transformation photos. You may join the group here.
Once you land in Lithuania, you do not have to worry about any transportation arrangements. You will receive airport pickup/dropoff and all transfers related to your surgery, tests, consultations and followup. Our staff are always only a phone call away.
Our clinic is the only clinic which has developed their own app designed specifically for bariatric patients – Bariatric IQ. The most useful feature of this app is special bariatric diet recommendations based on a particular product, a patient’s gender, time after surgery and other factors. Such a feature has not been replicated by any other bariatric apps in the world. Read more and download the app on your IOS or Android smartphone here.
2-3 hour regular flights operate from all main airports in the UK & Ireland. Lithuania is part of the EU and is closer than you thought. You can find the list of direct flights here. Please note that airlines constantly add new routes, therefore feel free to contact us if you need help choosing the flight that suits you best.
Everyone in our clinic speaks English, including customer service desk, nurses, assistants and the surgeon.
Our clinic operates strictly according to international standards. Therefore, contrary to most of the commercially oriented clinics in the region, we advise patients with lower BMI of non-surgical procedures. Dr Maleckas approves patients after a thorough evaluation of each case.
Bariatric team
Direct flights to Lithuania
Gastric balloon
What is a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon, stomach balloon, or an intragastric balloon, is a medical device which can be temporarily placed into the stomach. The balloon sits in the stomach for up to 1 year and then needs to be removed. It controls the portion size and allows for a steady weight loss. With the gastric balloon, a patient feels full faster and satisfied for a longer time. Additionally, gastric balloon changes hunger hormone balance, and thus, effectively reduces hunger. It is proven that the gastric balloon helps to lose as many as 3 times more weight than with just dieting and exercising. The gastric balloon can only be placed if a proper diet and exercising routine fail to provide the desired weight loss results.
Gastric balloon placement is a favorable option for those who cannot or do not want to undergo other permanent bariatric surgeries, like a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. A patient can expect to lose as much as 30 % of excess body weight. Losing a significant amount of weight can lower the risk of various obesity-related health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes. Note that the gastric balloon only aids in weight loss if the patient actively contributes to the process by following a diet and forming healthy lifestyle habits.
FAQ sessions with our surgeon
Watch full list of interview sessions on our Youtube channel.
How is the procedure performed?
Gastric balloon insertion is a non-surgical procedure performed in an inpatient setting. In total, the procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. A patient is under sedation, and thus, does not experience any major discomfort during the procedure.
- Firstly, a surgeon endoscopically inserts a deflated gastric balloon down the throat and into the stomach. An endoscope is a thin flexible tube with a camera which allows the surgeon to see inside the oesophagus and stomach and safely put it in place.
- After the insertion, the balloon is inflated with sterile saline solution. A filled gastric balloon is approximately the size of a grapefruit.
- The patient is normally hospitalised for a few days for monitoring.
Who is eligible for a gastric balloon?
- who are moderately overweight;
- with BMI (Body Mass Index) of more than 29 but less than 40;
- who are unable to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone;
- who cannot or do not wish to undergo bariatric surgery.
- who are not determined to change their diet and lifestyle habits.
- women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a child within 6 months;
- who have had previous gastrointestinal surgery
- who have experienced gastric bleeding, gastric ulcers, have a hiatal hernia, or anatomical abnormalities of the oesophagus or larynx;
- who cannot be operated endoscopically;
- who are addicted to drugs or other substances.
Bear in mind that physical examination, as well as a thorough evaluation of the medical history, is needed to clarify one‘s eligibility for a gastric balloon insertion.
Recovery after gastric balloon insertion
Right after gastric balloon insertion, you are likely to experience discomfort and nausea for a few days. These symptoms disappear as your digestive tract gets used to the gastric balloon. Although it is possible to return to work after a few days following the gastric balloon fitting, we recommend you take at least a week to rest and recover. Do not forget to exercise gently (e.g. walking every day for 15-30 minutes).
Once recovered and feeling comfortable with the balloon, you will receive constant support and care from our medical team, including an experienced surgeon, dietician, and psychologist. The main purpose of the support program which lasts up to 5 years is to keep you motivated, help you learn a healthy way of living, and maintain the new habits in the future.
Having to adapt to a new lifestyle is not only physically demanding but also mentally challenging. It is common to experience a wide range of feelings, like frustration, excitement, or sadness, which are associated with weight loss. It is highly important to have on-going emotional support either from experts (e.g. psychologist) or family members. Also, try to stay away from people who are not supportive of your weight loss journey and lean on those who encourage you.
Possible risks of the procedure
As for every surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with an endoscopically guided gastric balloon insertion, medications used for sedation, and a patient’s tolerance for a foreign object in the stomach. Several complications are:
- complete or partial bowel blockage;
- insufficient weight loss;
- discomfort or abdominal pain;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- gastroesophageal reflux;
- infection;
- digestive tract injury;
- balloon deflation.
Fortunately, our clinic has a highly experienced medical team and surgeons who do their best to keep complication risk to a minimum. We can ensure that you will receive professional patient care before, during, and after your gastric balloon insertion.
How will my diet look like with a gastric balloon?
You may have your first sip of water as soon as 6 hours after the procedure. The first three days you will be able to consume only liquids. Over the next two weeks, the diet transitions from liquid-only to semi-liquid with gradual reintroduction of solids. Transition time depends mainly on your body’s ability to adjust and tolerate the gastric balloon.
The main principles of a new diet are to aim for small portions of highly nutritious meals. You should eat 3-4 meals a day, not exceeding 1200 kcal a day. It is crucial to eat slowly and chew your food well. You can reduce your portions by simply using smaller plates (e.g. side plates). Since the portions are very small, make sure to eat the food that is enjoyable, aesthetic, and healthy. You may also keep a food diary to help you record your weight loss journey. High-calorie snacks (chocolate, ice-cream, fast food) should be avoided as they do not reduce hunger and only add unnecessary calories. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, like a piece of fruit, a boiled egg, or carrot sticks and hummus. If you feel nauseous, try to move around, as it helps the food to move from your stomach into the gut. Bear in mind that the balloon can make you feel bloated even if you have lost some weight.
As for liquids, attempt to drink at least 8 glasses of fluids every day as fluids keep you hydrated and prevent constipation. You should sip slowly approximately 30-45 minutes after your meal. Liquids clean the balloon from food residues, and thus, prevent burping. Avoid drinking during the meal as doing so can lead to discomfort or even vomiting. Strictly avoid carbonated drinks and eliminate high-calorie drinks, caffeinated drinks (caffeine is an appetite stimulant), milkshakes, alcohol, and juices. Instead, opt for decaffeinated drinks, herbal teas, broth, and unsweetened natural fruit juices.
Removing the gastric balloon. How to prepare?
The gastric balloon needs to be removed no later than 1 year following the insertion because of increased risk of balloon deterioration and damage after this point. It takes about 20-30 minutes to remove the balloon. Firstly, the patient is mildly sedated. Then a doctor drains the saline and deflates the balloon so that it can be pulled out through the mouth.
Before the gastric balloon removal procedure, you will have to take heartburn medication which reduces gastric reflux that can occur after a gastric balloon is removed. Since your stomach must be empty for the removal, you should not consume any solid foods (you can have frequent sips of low-calorie drinks) for 48 hours before the scheduled procedure.
Our clinic
Self-catered accommodation with medical care
Personal assistance in Lithuania
We will advise you on travel arrangements including flights to and from Lithuania. We will take care of airport pick up and drop off and arrange a pleasant stay in a comfortable hotel at a convenient location. We will be there for you 24/7 if needed.
*Please note that each case is individual and the results may vary.
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