Gastric Balloon Abroad: Lithuania
Price in GBP
Price in EUR
Gastric balloon (12 months) packages in our clinic:
- Regular price – 3.190 £
- UK dietitian package – 3.550 £ (recommended)
Detailed pricing explanation in the next tab
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
- 10% discount for plastic surgery later (if needed)
- FREE dietician follow-up for 5 years (regular, not UK based)
- 5-year follow-up with our UK-based specialist dietitian, providing both online and face-to-face consultations after bariatric surgery.
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.
- What is the quality of the dietitian follow-up services? We offer a 5 year follow-up with a specialised UK-based bariatric dietitian.
- 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.
Only we can offer:
One of the most experienced private bariatric clinic teams in Europe. More than 6.000 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
You can find FULL ALBUM of our before /after photos on our Facebook site.*
Refund from NHS & HSE
The clinic helps patients with the documents needed to claim a refund from NHS & HSE for medical treatment abroad. It applies to patients who are insured under the UK and Irish systems and may not get the surgery due to long waiting times.
World-class surgeon
• Our surgeon Almantas Maleckas is a doctor of medical science
• UK General Medical Council (GMC) certified
• He performed over 6.000 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
5-year follow up with UK-based dietitian
Follow-up after the surgery is essential. Nutrition is the most important aspect of follow-up to safely maximize weight loss and prevent weight gain. Therefore, we offer 5-year follow-up with the surgeon and UK based dietician. Deborah is a Registered dietitian and Nutrition Consultant with over 25 years of experience. 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, all analogous to those in Western European clinics. 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 Great Britain, 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 may take up to 4 days. The surgeon only discharges our patients when they are in a good health state and ready to leave. This is contrary to the majority of clinics that tend to discharge patients one day after the surgery or even on surgery day.
Our clinic is flexible date-wise and can usually arrange your surgery on the date convenient for you.
Everyone in our clinic speaks English, including customer service desk, nurses, assistants and the surgeon.
Our clinic is the only clinic in Europe that offers customer service in 8 languages, among which English, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, German, Spanish, Russian, and Lithuanian.
2-3 hour regular flights operate from all main airports in the UK & Ireland. Lithuania is closer than you thought. You can find the list of direct flights here. Please note that airlines constantly add new flights and new destinations, therefore feel free to contact us if you need help choosing the flight that suits you best.
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.
Lithuania has been a part of the EU and NATO since 2004. Lithuania has one of the fastest growing economies in the whole region and the second fastest internet speed in the world. Lithuanian medical schools have trained many medical professionals who are highly appreciated and employed by many foreign hospitals, among which hospitals in the UK.
Bariatric team
COVID-19 situation in Lithuania
Lithuania has one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 cases in Europe. Its rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100.000 residents in the last 14 days is several times lower than UK. You can read the latest COVID-19 updates here.
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
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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