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Gastric Plication is an innovative weight-loss surgery primarily aimed at reducing stomach size to limit food intake to about 3 ounces (approximately 70% of your stomach is reduced). This procedure is also known as gastric imbrication or laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP). In Greece, it's performed under a team of experts well-versed in the intricacies of bariatric procedures. Gastric Plication doesn't involve removing any part of the stomach or placing foreign objects, such as gastric bands, in the body. This factor makes it an appealing option for individuals seeking less invasive modes of bariatric surgery.
Before the procedure, patients must undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure their eligibility. This includes assessing body mass index (BMI), existing medical conditions, and previous surgical history. Also, mental health evaluation is part of the pre-procedure protocol in Greece. Gastric Plication typically takes approximately one to two hours and involves a hospital stay of only a few days. Post-surgical follow-ups and dietetic supervision are vital to ensure a stable, safe weight loss journey. These follow-ups also monitor the individual's psychological adaptations post-surgery.
Financial aspects are crucial when considering Gastric Plication surgery in Greece. Costs typically fall within the range of $4,000 to $8,000 and can fluctuate based on elements like the chosen clinic, the surgeon's expertise, and associated costs inclusive of pre-operative examinations, anaesthetic services, hospital accommodation, and aftercare. Patients should also acknowledge potential auxiliary costs, such as travel and lodging expenses associated with the treatment. Potential health insurance coverage should be verified since many providers consider this an elective procedure and may not cover it. Therefore, the importance of a comprehensive dialogue with your healthcare and insurance providers cannot be overstated to ensure you have an accurate financial plan before proceeding.
Gastric Plication is an innovative surgical procedure designed to aid in significant weight loss. This operation entails a minimally invasive technique performed under general anaesthesia. The operation starts with the surgeon making several tiny incisions in the patient's abdomen. The surgeon then introduces a laparoscope complete with a camera and other required surgical instruments via these cuts.
Once inside, the surgeon embarks on the primary objective; folding the larger curve of the stomach inwards and sewing it to secure the reduced size. Unlike other similar weight loss surgeries such as Gastric Bypass or Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Plication is unique as it does not involve the removal of any portion of the stomach or the digestive tract. Post-operation, the patient is typically required to remain in the hospital for the next one to two days for observation and medical care.
Planning your stay in Greece for a Gastric Plication surgery goes beyond the operation and aftercare in the hospital. While the surgery itself demands a stay of approximately one to two days for nursing and monitoring, a complete stay of around a week to ten days should be taken into account.
This time frame gives allowance for preoperative tasks such as consultations and diagnostic tests, the surgery itself, and the immediate recovery period post-surgery. Planning for a follow-up examination after the surgery before leaving Greece is equally vital to ensure recovery is advancing as projected. Nevertheless, the proposed stay might vary based on individual recovery timelines and unforeseen complications.
The process of recovery after a gastric plication procedure can vary widely, depending largely on an individual's overall health, age, and fidelity to post-procedure dietary modifications and physical activity guidelines. Generally speaking, many individuals find that they are able to return to their daily routines within about a week after surgery. That said, a full recovery - which involves complete healing post-surgery - is typically a matter of two to three weeks.
What's critical to understand here is, that the aforementioned recovery timeline majorly pertains to the physical aspect of recuperation after the operation. Adjusting to the subsequent diet-related and lifestyle shifts, which are key to ensuring long-term successful weight loss, might entail a somewhat extended timeframe. In places like Greece, patients have access to dietitians and counsellors who are trained to guide them during this important transition phase. These professionals offer insightful advice on making nutritious food choices, practising portion control, and developing healthy lifestyle habits, all of which are integral to retaining the weight loss achieved from the surgical procedure.
After undergoing gastric plication in Greece, the focus shifts toward comprehensive and meticulous post-procedure care. This care regimen is instrumental in ensuring the success of the procedure and involves significant lifestyle adjustments. Specific elements of this adjustment include adhering to a structured dietary program, incorporating suitable levels of physical activities, and attending scheduled follow-up consultations with healthcare providers.
Post-procedure, dietary modifications usually commence with a liquid diet which is systematically expanded over time to incorporate soft foods and finally reintroduce solid, well-balanced meals. Regularly scheduled physical activity aids not only in enhancing the surgical weight loss results but also boosts overall physical fitness and mental well-being. Periodical check-ups post-procedure are also paramount and help to track the recovery progress, make necessary amendments to the patient's diet, manage any potential complications swiftly and provide continuous psychological support. It's crucial to remember that while gastric plication can jumpstart the weight loss journey, the sustainability of the weight loss largely depends on the individual's commitment to long-term lifestyle changes.
The success rate of gastric plication in Greece appears to be promising with a substantial number of patients noticing significant weight loss and a remarkable reduction in obesity-associated health conditions. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that this surgical intervention isn't an absolute cure or quick solution for obesity, but rather an effective tool that when paired with commitment to lifestyle modifications, could lead to enduring weight loss and improved quality of life.
Patients who keep up with suggested diet and exercise regimens, regularly attend follow-ups, and accommodate other relevant lifestyle changes are known to experience significant weight reduction and improvement in their health. However, like with any procedure, there can be instances of less-than-ideal outcomes with certain patients not achieving their weight loss targets or the possibility of weight regain over time.
• Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) – In this extensively studied procedure, a small pouch is crafted out of the stomach's top section and directly linked to the small intestine, effectively bypassing parts of the digestive tract. This dual-action surgery not only curbs food intake but also cuts down on nutrient absorption.
• Gastric Sleeve surgery - Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, this process entails removing around 80% of your stomach. The leftover portion is a narrow, sleeve-like tube. This surgery not only restricts the volume of food intake but also manipulates the production of hunger hormones, often reducing the sensation of hunger.
• Adjustable gastric banding – This less-invasive, reversible option involves placing an inflatable band around the upper section of the stomach. The procedure results in a small pouch being created above the band, while the rest of the stomach remains below it. This physical alteration limits the stomach's capacity to hold food at once, thus helping manage intake.
It's important to understand that while each of these alternatives has its pros, a detailed, transparent discussion with your healthcare provider is the best way to decide which method is most suitable concerning your specific physical condition, weight loss objectives, and lifestyle. Irrespective of the selected procedure, personalised care, continual monitoring, and a strong commitment from the patient's end are critical ingredients for successful outcomes following any weight loss surgery.
Ahead of the gastric plication procedure, patients typically undergo an extensive evaluation to ensure their physical readiness for the procedure as well as preparatory counselling sessions. The purpose of these discussions is to equip patients with a well-rounded understanding of the surgery and its potential impact. In some instances, a pre-surgery diet may be recommended to decrease the size of the liver, facilitating a safer operation and smoother recovery.
Post-surgery, patients can anticipate temporary discomfort, which can be managed effectively with prescriptive medication. There will also be a transition to a highly specific diet, initially commencing with a liquid-only plan and carefully introducing solid foods as the recovery advances. Regular physical activity is also promoted, beginning with, minimal movements and steadily increasing to include moderate exercises. A crucial component of the postoperative period is the comprehensive support provided by a multidisciplinary team. This team, comprising dietitians, physiotherapists, and psychologists, play a vital role in guiding patients through their new lifestyle habits for optimized post-operative outcomes and also assists in addressing any emotional challenges during this transformative journey of significant weight loss.
Maximizing the success of Gastric Plication largely depends on following the guidelines provided by your surgeon. Ensure you communicate clearly about your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns you might have. Your surgeon can then provide you with tailored advice that optimizes the success of the procedure.
Also, taking care of your general well-being can drastically enhance your chances for better results. This means avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, and excessive drinking, and incorporating healthy practices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep quality into your lifestyle. Once again, Gastric Plication is not a one-time solution; aftercare and commitment to a healthier lifestyle are paramount to enjoying long-term benefits.
One of the potential benefits of choosing to undergo gastric plication in Greece is that the procedure is commonly understood in the medical community to be potentially reversible. This attribute is mainly due to the distinctive approach taken during the operation - the stomach is folded onto itself and stitched rather than part of it being removed or rerouted. In theory, these sutures could be removed, thus reversing the surgery.
However, it is of paramount importance to highlight that reversibility does not mean the procedure is void of risk or can be undone as easily as it was done. The reversal is not a common practice and is typically only considered under crucial circumstances such as if the individual experiences severe complications or if the desired weight loss is not achieved. The decision to reverse the procedure is one which must be discussed in-depth with your healthcare provider, balancing the potential risks and benefits. With such crucial decisions, keeping an open channel of communication with your healthcare provider is essential for patient safety and satisfaction.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for gastric plication. In Greece, healthcare professionals typically advise gastric plication for individuals battling severe obesity - those who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 40 or those with a BMI between 35-39.9 accompanied by serious obesity-related health conditions. Thorough medical assessment and interaction with a healthcare consultant is paramount to determine the most suitable weight loss approach tailored to the individual’s specific situation.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Located at the very bottom of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece is a mesmerizing blend of sun-drenched islands and historical marvels. Boasting approximately 2,000 islands, an impressive 170 among them are inhabited and teeming with life. Greece's geographical charm has been nowhere short of a magnet to travelling enthusiasts, pulling in a spectacular count of over 24 million wanderlust-struck visitors each passing year.
Greece turns out to be a preferred hotspot for a particular category of globe-trotters. Travelers come from the farthest stretches of the world seeking its array of top-tier beaches to soak up the sun, the warm ocean for an invigorating dip, the array of ancient relics for their history fix, and to immerse into an engaging culture. The universal allure of Greece, seemingly, never ceases to captivate the hearts of explorers worldwide.
The upward shift in Greece's status as a medical tourism hub has been quite noticeable in recent years. Medical tourists are being increasingly drawn to the country, a relative newcomer in the industry, due to a myriad of reasons. One of the core attractions is its health care system, which holds a high rank on the global scale. However, in spite of boasting of world-class standards, the medical services in Greece are pleasantly affordable. In fact, it flaunts some of the most pocket-friendly medical care prices across Europe and even globally.
The medical services that Greece provides run a comprehensive gamut. Cosmetic surgery and fertility treatments are particularly sought-after medical services, favoured by numerous medical tourists. Orthopedics also sees a consistent flow of patients, along with cardiac care procedures. The well-established oral and dental sector in Greece is another popular draw for people wanting to combine their medical treatments with a relaxing vacation. The availability of such diverse, high quality, yet affordable healthcare options certainly puts Greece on the map as a promising medical tourism destination.
The captivating city of Athens, the crown jewel of Greece, presents a dazzling blend of antiquated splendor, enchanting landscapes, and a vibrant modern core. The capital prides itself in harboring an unparalleled assortment of Greek ruins and antiques. Prime among them is the Acropolis, an iconic ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop. The Greek Agora, a central public space in ancient Greek city-states, adds an extra charm to Athens’ archaeological grandeur.
On the other hand, the striking island of Santorini stands as another touristic magnet in Greece. Admired far and wide, it carries the reputation of being the most breathtaking island in the country. The enormous allure of Santorini with its distinctive architecture, caldera views, and famous sunsets, keeps it perennially embedded in the bucket lists of travelers worldwide. From the captivating capital of Athens to the charming Santorini, Greece exhibits alluring facets that are truly hard to resist.
It is best known for its unique landscape and cliff-top towns. While Santorini is the most spectacular, Mykonos is the most glamorous. It is noted for its classy seafood restaurants and boutique hotels. Some of the most famous attractions in Mykonos, besides its beaches, are Paraportiani and Little Venice.
Set on the Mediterranean, Greece experiences a climate that is typically balmy and sun-soaked throughout the year with a cycle of four distinct seasons. Summers, spanning June to August, bring about warm and agreeable temperatures. This peak season draws in a large number of tourists, making it an ideal time to take a dive into the azure seas.
As September ushers in the fall season, the weather across Greece turns cooler but largely stays clear. On the flip side, winters starting from December to February reveal a different picture. Coastal cities remain warm but the country's northern regions experience significantly lower temperatures, occasionally even witnessing snowfall.
As March marks the arrival of spring, the weather begins to warm up again, though evenings can retain a cool nip in the air. Each season has its unique charm and adds to the overall allure of Greece.
Athens International Airport holds the distinction of being the largest and busiest hub for international air travel in Greece. This is typically the point of arrival and departure for a majority of international tourists exploring Greece. The extensive network of this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, connecting many global cities like Dubai, London, Moscow, and New York to the heart of Greece.
Among affordable means of transport, the ferry services stand out, particularly for travelling among the islands. They run on a frequent basis, with services especially ramped up during the sun-soaked summer months. For land travel, buses come across as largely comfortable and hassle-free, although the network is somewhat limited.
For intra-city travel within major Greek metropolises, the extensive network of buses and trolleybuses prove to be reliable options. Particularly in Athens, the capital city, the metro and tram systems offer additional efficient and cost-effective ways to explore the local attractions. Additionally, taxis, which are conveniently available quite everywhere, turn out to be extremely pocket-friendly. Whether hopping between islands or navigating city streets, Greece offers a range of transportation options to suit the needs and budgets of different travelers.
Greece is part of the Schengen Area, which means that citizens of most countries can travel to Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Greece:
Citizens of all other countries need to obtain a visa to visit Greece.
You can apply for a Greek tourist visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa application process can vary depending on the country where you are applying, but there are some general requirements that all applicants must meet, such as having a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of financial means.