Treatment Overview
Sleeve Gastrectomy for BMI 30–35 in Korea is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure designed for patients with moderate obesity who may also have obesity-related comorbidities. The surgery involves reducing the stomach to a narrow sleeve, limiting food intake, and promoting early satiety. Hormonal changes post-surgery also enhance metabolism and reduce appetite, providing effective long-term weight management.
Korean hospitals perform this surgery using advanced laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques. Patients benefit from comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, including nutritional counseling and multidisciplinary follow-up, making it an ideal option for medical tourists seeking safe and effective weight loss.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary purpose is to achieve sustained weight loss and improve metabolic health in patients with moderate obesity.
Key benefits include:
- Significant and gradual weight reduction
- Improvement in obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia
- Hormonal effects that promote satiety and reduce appetite
- Minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions and faster recovery
- Enhanced energy, mobility, and overall quality of life
- Long-term improvement in metabolic and cardiovascular health
- High success rates for weight management when combined with lifestyle modifications
Ideal Candidates
This procedure is suitable for patients who:
- Have a BMI between 30 and 35, often with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension
- Have not achieved sufficient results through diet, exercise, or medical therapy
- Are medically fit for surgery and committed to post-operative dietary and lifestyle changes
- Seek a minimally invasive, effective method for long-term weight management
Korean hospitals provide multidisciplinary care including bariatric surgeons, dietitians, and endocrinologists to ensure optimal outcomes.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although generally safe, potential risks include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Staple line leaks
- Gastroesophageal reflux or stomach irritation
- Nutritional deficiencies if post-operative guidelines are not followed
- Rare complications such as blood clots or anesthesia-related issues
Structured pre-operative assessment and post-operative care in Korea help minimize these risks.
Techniques & Technology Used
Korean hospitals employ advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques for sleeve gastrectomy, using:
- High-definition laparoscopic cameras for precise visualization
- Advanced stapling devices for safe and consistent stomach reduction
- Pre- and post-operative nutritional assessment and monitoring
- Multidisciplinary team support including surgeons, dietitians, and endocrinologists
Pre-operative preparation includes lab tests, imaging, and nutritional counseling. Post-operative care emphasizes diet progression, supplementation, and lifestyle guidance.
Treatment Process in Korea
- Consultation & Assessment: Review of medical history, BMI, comorbidities, and overall health.
- Pre-Operative Preparation: Nutritional counseling, lab tests, and lifestyle guidance.
- Surgery: Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy, typically lasting 1–2 hours.
- Hospital Stay: Usually 2–4 days for monitoring, pain management, and early mobilization.
- Postoperative Care: Follow-up visits to monitor weight, metabolic health, nutrient intake, and lifestyle adherence. International patients are provided assistance with travel and care coordination.
Recovery & After-Care
Recovery involves:
- Mild post-operative discomfort managed with medications
- Gradual progression from liquids to solid foods over a few weeks
- Return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks
- Regular monitoring of weight, nutritional status, and metabolic health
- Long-term guidance on diet, exercise, and lifestyle to maintain weight loss
Structured follow-up ensures optimal recovery and sustainable outcomes.
Results & Longevity
Patients can expect:
- Gradual but significant weight loss over 6–12 months
- Improvement or resolution of obesity-related comorbidities
- Hormonal benefits that reduce appetite and promote satiety
- Enhanced energy, mobility, and overall quality of life
- Long-term maintenance of weight and metabolic health with adherence to post-operative care
Results vary depending on individual health, compliance, and follow-up engagement.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is a leading destination for bariatric surgery due to its expertise in minimally invasive procedures, advanced technology, and highly skilled surgeons.
Medical tourists benefit from transparent pricing, multilingual support, short waiting times, and comprehensive pre- and post-operative care. Korea’s focus on safety, innovation, and multidisciplinary programs makes it ideal for patients with BMI 30–35 seeking effective weight management solutions.
Cost Range
The cost of sleeve gastrectomy for BMI 30–35 in Korea typically ranges from USD 7,000 to USD 12,000, depending on hospital, surgeon experience, and care package.
Korean hospitals provide high-quality bariatric surgery with full pre- and post-operative support for international patients.
Popular Clinics in Korea
Leading centers performing this procedure include:
- Seoul National University Hospital Bariatric Center
- Samsung Medical Center Obesity Clinic
- Asan Medical Center Bariatric Surgery Department
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Bariatric Program
These clinics offer advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, multidisciplinary care, and dedicated international patient support.
