Gastric Bypass Surgery in Tunisia

Gastric bypass treatment, termed as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is gaining grounds as a popular procedure for losing excess weight. The procedure essentially helps in reducing the appetite of the candidate by providing an alternative way for managing the consumed food in stomach and intestines. The treatment has showcased high success rates and has helped candidates lose 30% to 38% of the excessive body mass. The loss in weight at such a rate is possible as post-operation, the candidate begins to experience fullness and thus, has reduced urge to eat frequently.

What is Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass is performed on people who are diagnosed with diabetes (Type II), sleep apnea,, hypertension, BMI (Body Mass Index) more than 40, which causes morbid obesity. Gastric bypass treatment divides the stomach into two halves: the upper part (smaller in size), and the lower part referred to as the remnant (comparatively larger in size). Both the parts are the connected to the small intestines after necessary rearrangement. The procedure helps in reducing the amount of absorption of ingested food and thus, prevents the candidates in gaining unnecessary weight, which might otherwise lead to a number of diseases.

Symptoms of patient undergoing Gastric Bypass treatment

Though highly efficient, approximately 85% to 90% candidates undergoing Gastric Bypass Treatment have reported to have experience a minimum of one symptom. In severe cases, hospitalization has also been necessary. Probable symptoms are:

Vomiting and nausea
Peritonitis
Dumping Syndrome, which is very common and is usually characterized by dizziness
Stomal stenosis
Obstruction in bowel
Hernia
Ulcer
Low blood pressure
Malnutrition

Factors Affecting the Cost of Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery cost varies from a minimum of $18,000 to a maximum of $35000. Such a variation is due to several key factors that affect the cost of the procedure. Some of the most important factors are:

Country where the procedure is being performed. This is because major countries often charge greater compared to developing countries due to economic variations.
Extent of procedure involved
Underlying health issues, if any, so as to take necessary preventive measures
Proficiency and experience of surgeons performing the procedure
Healthcare insurance benefits, if availed.

Treatment and Cost

Total Days
In Country

2 No. Travelers

5 Day in Hospital

10 Days Outside Hospital

Treatment cost starts from

USD 6000

Cost Trends Cost Estimate

About the Gastric Bypass

Nowadays, weight management is the biggest problem for people from all age groups. Weight loss surgery options are preferred when alternative means of weight loss such as exercise, diet management, and so on fail to work.

Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, is one of the most popular weight loss surgery options during which the size of the stomach is decreased. The reduced size of the stomach allows for reduced consumption of food by the patient, which in turn, results in gradual weight loss.

Other popular weight loss surgery options include:

Sleeve gastrectomy
Adjustable gastric band
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

Of all the bariatric procedures, gastric bypass is the most preferred options for weight loss because of the greater possibility of positive outcomes. Moreover, there are no major side effects of gastric bypass.

What are the criteria for gastric bypass surgery?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for gastric bypass surgery. People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more and with a history of heart disease, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea are mostly recommended gastric bypass surgery.

How is Gastric Bypass performed?

Gastric bypass surgery is performed in two phases:

Phase I

A small part of the stomach, of about 30 millilitres to 1 ounce in volume, is cut.
This is done to form a gastric pouch, where the food will go after eating once the patient is done with the surgery.

Phase II: Bypass

The upper part of the small intestine is cut in the middle. The lower part of the small intestine, jejunum, is now attached to the gastric pouch.
The upper part of the small intestine is also attached to the jejunum. This facilitates the mixing of stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the stomach pouch and the upper portion of the small intestine with the food. This allows for normal digestion.

Recovery from Gastric Bypass

1-4 days of hospital stay may be required
Pain medications and medicines to prevent blood clots is administered after the surgery
The patient is able to eat normally only after 3 days of the surgery
Special stockings to prevent formation of blood clots in the legs will be advised
The patient should follow diet and exercise as suggested by the physician and the dietitian
There is a significant weight loss in the first month after the surgery, which gradually decreases. To maintain the intensity of weight loss, the patient must follow a strict exercise routine and diet.
The following medical conditions usually improve after gastric bypass surgery:
- Asthma
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obstructive sleep apnea

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health care infrastructure of Tunisia / Why should opt for Tunisia as a destination for your medical treatment?

Hospitals in Tunisia are developing and trying to meet the international standards of healthcare. Although there is a basic set up in most of the hospitals for treatment in Tunisia, one can still expect scope for improvement. The Ministry of Health, along with the Government of Tunisia is making effective changes for the healthcare sector. The private hospitals in Tunisia are also undergoing a robust change to provide effective healthcare and treatment in Tunisia.

Like most other countries, hospitals in Tunisia have a private and public healthcare system. Hospitals in Tunisia include three levels of care: primary, with a network of 81 clinics and 2091 basic health centers; secondary, with 109 district hospitals; and tertiary, with 33 regional hospitals and 24 modern CHUs, according to MoS figures.

What are the conditions of the hospitals in Tunisia? Are they JCI certified? What is the quality of the support staff in the hospitals?

The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a global leader in health care accreditation. JCI accreditation is considered a gold standard in worldwide health care. It provides the most skilled and experienced healthcare professionals in the medical industry, as evaluators of the rigorous international standards in healthcare quality and patient safety.
In Tunisia, there are no JCI accredited hospitals but 4 private hospitals are certified ISO and OHSAS (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series).

Are the doctors/surgeons in Tunisia of the best quality?

The hospitals in Tunisia have seen a constant change in terms of development and technology. Most doctors that are trained in the country understand the needs and requirements of people and are able to diagnose and treat them well. There are various surgeons that fly in from other countries as well to treat patients. This was brought about due to the economic reforms and various expats residing there. The varying levels of health organizations provide reasonable means of treatment for any patient. There are also trained paramedical and emergency service staff in this country.

What is the process for obtaining a medical visa in Tunisia?

Patients who wish to visit Tunisia for medical purposes must contact the Embassy of Tunisia in their home country. One is required to have a valid passport. Those applicants must submit their visa application forms in person together with the following documents:

A duly completed application form with one picture (within a white background).
Original biometric passport and one copy. Passports should have a validity of at least one year from the date of your visa application submission.
Medical certificate stating the type of illness and the treatment to be carried out. This document has to be in English or Spanish language.
Letter from the hospital in Tunisia stating the appointment date and whether the treatment expenses have been already paid in full.
Proof of financial means which enable the applicant to meet life needs while in Tunisia (salary certificate if working, bank statement for the last six months, property deeds, commercial license, other sorts of income).
Travel insurance.
Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, etc)
Applicants are advised that ALL PASSPORTS HAVE TO REMAIN at the Embassy premises while the visa application is under process (between 10 and 15 days), and therefore cannot be retrieved unless very special and urgent circumstances might arise.
The Embassy has the right to require from the applicant any document that it may deem relevant in order to resolve the visa file.

What support services does MediGence provide in Tunisia?

MediGence enables you to plan and manage your medical decisions better. These are some of our services offered:

Expert Opinion
We help you seek an Expert Opinion on your diagnosis and treatment from an experienced team of doctors at MediGence and specialists from a reputable hospital.
Hospital Recommendation
We recommend a hospital or a healthcare institution that is best suited for you, based on your ailment and its criticality.
360-degree Hospital Review
We give you a transparent and holistic view of the hospital and its infrastructure, accreditation, facilities, and expertise to give you confidence.
Doctor Validation and Communication
We share a comprehensive profile of the treating doctor and also arrange a call to clear queries regarding treatment if needed.
Options to Choose From
Based on your choice of destination and other preferences, we provide you multiple options with respect to hospitals and doctors to choose from.
24X7 Patient Care Support
A dedicated patient case manager stays in constant touch with you to help you at every step of the decision-making process and resolve queries that you may have.
Transparent Treatment Cost and Other Expenses
We give a clear and accurate indication of the total cost of treatment including treatment, stay, meals, and other expenses.
Visa Assistance
We provide and help prepare documentation for visa approval and coordinate with the embassy to expedite the visa process.
Accommodation Arrangements
We propose to you a choice of accommodation based on your preference such as long stay, short stay, or luxury properties.

Which are the best cities in Tunisia for medical treatment?

Tunis is the largest country and capital of Tunisia. This country is located in the northern region of Africa and is the best city for treatment in Tunisia.