What are the reasons to choose the Czech Republic for weight loss?
The Czech Republic appeals patients to have a weight loss procedure for the following reasons:
Due to the advanced healthcare system and well-arranged medical infrastructure, clinics in the Czech Republic maintain high standards, have international accreditations, and follow strict European medical regulations.
Some hospitals are accredited by reputable organizations such as the "European Center for Excellence for Multidisciplinary Treatment of Obesity" certification and are certified for ISO 9001 quality standards by TÜV SÜD, Germany.
There are highly trained and experienced medical professionals, including surgeons specializing in bariatric procedures. Czech surgeons are internationally trained and are members of renowned medical associations.
Weight loss is more affordable in the Czech Republic than in other European countries, the USA, or the UK. Patients can save significantly without compromising the quality of the operation or pre- and post-operative support.
Czech Republic hospitals offer comprehensive packages covering the surgery itself, pre- and post-operative consultations, hotel stay, and transfer. Thus, the weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic is more convenient for patients worldwide.
The Czech Republic has a positive reputation as a trusted medical tourism destination. It boasts modern medical facilities and affordable treatment plans.
All in all, medical services in the Czech Republic for weight loss combine high medical standards, cost-effectiveness, and a comfortable recovery period, making the country an attractive choice for international patients.
What is the state of weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic?
Since the 80s, bariatric surgery has been performed in the Czech Republic for treating morbid obesity, with vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), gastric band, and laparoscopic gastric bandings being used over the years.
At the same time, other comprehensive approaches to obesity treatment are included, such as establishing a dietary regime, exercising, lifestyle modification, and medication treatment.
The standard of medical care in the Czech Republic is generally high. In fact, the country’s healthcare scheme has been considered one of the best in the EU. Private healthcare tends to be more expensive than public healthcare in the Czech Republic, but some private hospitals might be better equipped to cater to expat patients thanks to a more service-oriented approach.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has shown that 27.3% of adult (aged 18 years and over) women and 28.9% of adult men are living with obesity. The Czech Republic's obesity prevalence is higher than the regional average of 25.3% for women and 24.9% for men.
Pros & cons of weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic
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Advantages of weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic:
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Cost efficiency: bariatric surgery in the Czech Republic is a more budget operation compared to Western Europe and the USA, offering cost-saving medical services.
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High standards of healthcare: The country boasts a well-regulated healthcare system that ensures high-quality medical services.
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Qualified medical providers: Czech surgeons are very skilled who join international trainings.
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Modern facilities: hospitals in the Czech Republic are equipped with advanced technology and offer modern medical services.
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Geographical accessibility: the Czech Republic is located in the center of Europe, making it a perfect destination for medical tourists from surrounding countries.
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All-inclusive packages: clinics offer comprehensive packages that cover the surgery itself, hospital stay, check-ups, and necessary health examinations.
Drawbacks of weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic:
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Limited insurance coverage: some insurance companies don't cover bariatric surgery abroad, so patients are responsible for the full payment.
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Long waiting time: Because of high demand, popular clinics can have longer waiting periods for consultations or surgeries, which can last an average of six weeks.
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Regulatory differences: medical malpractice regulations can differ in the Czech Republic and the patient’s home country. They can have limited rights and options for recourse in case of complications or unsatisfactory results.
What are the prices for weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic?
The cost of weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic varies depending on the type of operation and the clinic you choose. Here are approximate prices for the most popular bariatric surgeries in the Czech Republic:
Comparing the average price rate in the Czech Republic with other countries, we get the following stats:
|
Operation
|
Czech Republic
|
Poland
|
Turkey
|
UK
|
USA
|
|
Gastric sleeve
|
$6,000
|
$6,100
|
$4,500
|
$12,500
|
$20,000
|
|
Gastric bypass
|
$9,000
|
$6,800
|
$4,000
|
$15,000
|
$19,000
|
|
Gastric band
|
$5,000
|
$3,500
|
$4,500
|
$8,000
|
$12,000
|
|
Gastric balloon
|
$2,000
|
$2,500
|
$3,000
|
$5,000
|
$7,500
|
To conclude, the price rate of fat loss operations in the Czech Republic is recognized for its affordability and high standards of medical care. The cost differs significantly from other Western European countries, making the Czech Republic a popular destination for medical tourism in bariatric surgery.
This trend indicates clinics with competitive rates that uphold high-quality medical standards. The balance of cost-effectiveness and top-notch care attracts international patients to weight loss surgery.
How to choose a proper clinic/surgeon in the Czech Republic?
When choosing a proper clinic or surgeon in the Czech Republic, a patient should consider these points to get worthy medical care:
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Check the clinic accreditations: identify whether the chosen hospital specializes in the operation you're interested in. Look for accreditations such as JCI (Joint Commission International), which means adherence to international healthcare standards.
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Check surgeon credentials: look for what qualifications, certifications surgeons possess. Know their areas of expertise and patients' feedback.
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Assess additional services, such as communication with medical staff. If you're traveling from abroad, be assured that there won't be any language barrier.
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Mind hospital location: choose a clinic with a convenient location, especially if you need some post-operative check-ups.
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Review medical services cost and insurance coverage availability. Check whether the chosen Czech clinic will accept your country’s health insurance. Also, check what package deals a clinic can offer.
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Consider recommendations of your home country's healthcare provider regarding the trustworthiness of the chosen hospital in the Czech Republic.
Considering these factors, you'll make a well-thought-out decision, ensuring that your needs will be met at a high level.
Who is eligible for weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic?
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Apart from this, other factors are also essential regarding patient selection for weight loss surgery. The general characteristics of ideal candidates for weight loss surgery are as follows.
To get effective and noticeable results when losing weight, a person who can't get rid of fat deposits via proper diet and exercise should consider other ways. Undergoing weight loss surgery is a win-win solution in this case. However, a person should meet the particular requirements for this operation and be over a specific body weight.
Body mass index defines whether a person is eligible for a weight reduction procedure. Patients with a BMI of 40 or more (that is more than 100 kilos overweight) and those with a BMI of 35-40.
Besides proper BMI, a patient can be ideal for weight loss surgery should also meet the following conditions:
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people who fail to achieve proper weight via non-surgical methods;
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people with diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, hypoventilation syndrome, liver issues, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint pain, etc.;
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those who have been obese for over five years;
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have no psychological problems such as depression or eating disorder;
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those who are dedicated, motivated, and willing to adopt sustainable lifestyle changes;
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is between 18 and 65 can qualify for the procedure.
However, there are some contradictions in weight loss surgery that may exclude a person from undergoing the surgery. It's vital to mind these points before making a decision:
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smokers can't undergo this surgery since tobacco delays the healing process;
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people with blood clots are at the risk of blockage after the surgery;
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medical conditions such as kidney stones, chronic pancreatitis, heart problems, or autoimmune diseases.
What are the main cities for weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic?
In the Czech Republic, there are several key hubs of weight loss surgery: Prague, Brno, and Velke Mezirici, which are recognized for their advanced medical facilities and experienced bariatric surgery professionals.
Prague. Being a capital, there are several reputable hospitals offering services for weight loss in Prague:
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Prague Medical Institute (PMI) offers a wide range of procedures, including obesity treatment. Patients receive comprehensive bariatric services, such as gastric sleeve and gastric balloon procedures. The clinic emphasizes personalized care and has a team of experienced surgeons. The institute also offers packages that include surgery, anesthesia, medications, consultations, and dietary plans.
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Iscare Clinic. At Iscare clinic patients can undergo gastric balloon in Prague for obesity treatment. Using intragastric balloons, it allows patients to effectively reduce weight by creating a feeling of fullness and reducing stomach volume. With this non-invasive procedure, patients have experienced a weight reduction of 15-25 kg within 6 months.Brno. The second-largest city, it features one of the main medical entities:
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SurGal Clinic specializes in fat loss surgeries such as gastric bypass in Czech Republic and sleeve gastrectomy. The clinic emphasizes minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques to promote patient recovery.
Velke Mezirici.
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The Robotic Surgery Center in St.Zdislava Hospital performs more than 1500 gastric sleeve operations with the help of the Da Vince robotic system. This minimally invasive approach results in shorter recovery times and fewer complications. The hospital performs over 50 robotic gastric sleeve procedures annually, making it a leading center for such surgeries in the Czech Republic.
What is the best weight loss surgery type in the Czech Republic?
According to the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) survey, gastric sleeve surgery is among the most commonly performed and effective weight loss procedures in the Czech Republic (55.4%). It’s an effective and relatively straightforward surgical approach that is suitable for people with limited eating abilities in case of plication failure. This surgery aims to remove Ghrelin, a hunger hormone.
Adjustable gastric banding is also available. Swedish banding is used for the procedure, ensuring safety and preventing long term diseases caused by extra weight. The research showed that the complication rate decreased to 0.9% and one complication (6.6%) was connected with the adjustable band.
Another option is the gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y), with an increasing popularity of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB).
Gastric balloon is used to help people with class 1 obesity and above fill their stomach earlier and limit hunger. The main aim of the gastric balloon is to prevent diseases caused by overweight.
Since 2020s there's atrend in patients' preferences, towards less invasive treatment, even though it can show moderate effectivity, rather than choosing highly invasive, more risky treatment, regardless its expected higher efficacy.
Is it safe to undergo weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic?
The level of medical services in the Czech Republic is so high that residents of the country do not need the help of doctors abroad. What about the most distinctive weight loss surgery clinics in the Czech Republic, the St. Zdislava Clinic is one of the largest centers in Europe that specializes in robotic and complex orthopedic surgery.
The hospital leads in the number of robotic operations in the Czech Republic. Every year, more than 1,000 interventions are performed at the St. Zdislava Hospital using the Da Vinci robot. Of these, around 350 operations are for stomach reduction. Among the most popular directions is bariatric surgery.
The cost of operations in the clinic is lower than in hospitals in Germany and Spain with a similar quality of service. The clinic provides patients with comprehensive services: meeting at the airport, diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitation, ward accommodation, individual meals. There are no additional costs after arrival.
How can Bookimed help in choosing proper weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic?
Bookimed is for fair & direct pricing. We don't add additional charges for weight loss surgery. The final cost comes from the hospital official price list directly.
We're responsible for providing patients with safe medical services. That's why we cooperate with trusted medical entities of high international standards in the industry. While bariatric surgeons possess medical licenses ensuring their expertise.
We guarantee 24/7 online support for free. Our personal medical coordinators support you along the whole weight reduction journey, resolving any problem.
Reference list:
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M Fried, M Peskova, M Kasalicky. History and technical aspects of bariatric surgery in the Czech Republic. Obesity Surgery. 1997 Oct; 7(5):429-31.
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Martin Fried, Karin Doležalová. Overview of developments in bariatric surgery in the Czech Republic and worldwide and new trends in bariatric-metabolic surgery. Casopis Lekaru Ceskych. 2020 Summer;159(3-4): 141-143.
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Czechia. The burden of malnutrition at a glance. Country Nutrition Profiles. Source: https://globalnutritionreport.org/resources/nutrition-profiles/europe/eastern-europe/czechia/#:~:text=27.3%25%20of%20adult%20.
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The Czech Republic has the third highest obesity rate in Europe. Source: https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/as-covid-rages-high-czech-obesity-rates-are-a-concern
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IFSO Worldwide Survey 2020–2021: Current Trends for Bariatric and Metabolic Procedures. Volume 34, pages 1075–1085, (2024).
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Luigi Angrisani, Antonella Santonicola, Paola Iovino. Bariatric Surgery Survey 2018: Similarities and Disparities Among the 5 IFSO Chapters. Obesity Surgery. 2021 May;31(5): 1937-1948.
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Fried, M.; Pesková, M.; Kasalický, M. Bariatric surgery at First Surgical Department in Prague--Czech Republic--history and some technical aspects of the procedures. Sbornik Lekarsky 99(3): 291-295.
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Fried, M.; Doležalová, K. Overview of developments in bariatric surgery in the Czech Republic and worldwide and new trends in bariatric-metabolic surgery. Casopis Lekaru Ceskych 159(3-4): 141-143, 2020.