The gastric ring system allows to reduce weight loss in severely obese patients. It consists in placing a ring – as a sort of collar - around the upper part of the stomach, forming a small gastric pouch to limit the amount of food intake.

Position around the stomach and the size of the gastric pouch thus created are controlled during the intervention by a special system. The ring area is connected to a small catheter porte implanted under the skin.

The diameter of the ring is adjusted via a port through the catheter porte, according to weight loss achieved throughout the post-operative follow up.

These internal materials used are well tolerated by the human body and have been tested for reliability ang longevity.

Indications :

The gastric ring is designed for patients suffering from severe obesity :

•  aged 18 years and over, 
•  with a BMI* > to 35 with complications or > 40 without complications
•  with no other therapeutic option
•  who have made efforts to lose their excess weight through not surgical methods ( various diets, cures...) in vain
•  Body Mass Index

Counter indications : 

•  severe cardio-pulmonary problems, or various organic affections, 
•  haemorrhage risk due to intestinal or oesophageal varices,
•   congenital anomalies of the oesogastroduodenal tract( stenosis ...)
•  alcoholism or toxicomania
•   known or suspected allergy to silicone type material
•  emotionally unstable individuals for whom any gastric surgery would be inappropriate.

Advantages :

The coelioscopy technique : 

•  requires a 1 to 3 days hospital stay, reduces surgical trauma/ pains, in particular laparotomy-associated morbidity ot the obese individual
•  is fully reversible which is fundamental to the patient
•  physical activity can be resumed from the first post-operative week, favouring upkeep of the muscular mass along fat loss
•  does not entail scar healing as no gastric stitching is required
•  the patient is allowed to eat any kind of meals, in small amounts
•  weight loss is progressive and durable.

Nutritional advice to the patient during the follow up period (3 months) 

•  Mixed food for a period of 15 days is necessary to allow adjustment to the new stomach size
•  The patient feels full very quickly and hunger sensation decreases
•  Laparoscopic technique ( without opening ) does not require large incisions, is less painful with shorter recovery time and less post-operative complications.

Complications :

Like any other form of surgery, the procedure is risk-inherent and can result in complications and lead to further intervention, with possible removal of the ring or its replacement.

Though unfrequent, these complications need to be enumerated : 

•  ring displacement
•  ring or site infection
•  stenosis or obstruction
•  haemorrhage
•  hydraulic system leaking
•  ineffectiveness.

Current improvements of operative techniques considerably reduce the occurence of these complications.

Conclusion :

Surgical treatment of obesity requires a highly experienced and skilled laparoscopic surgery team with ability to ensure comprehensive care and rigorous selection of candidate patients, in order to lower risks and ensure follow up in an adapted facility.

The surgery : The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually lasts an average 60 minutes.

Your stay in Tunisia : totals 7 days. The surgery is carried out on an inpatient short stay basis (48hours). Upon being released, you may opt to remain in the clinic or move to stay at one of our partner hotels.

After the surgery : medical follow up is essential. It is ensured by your medical practitioner with whom we keep in constant contact.

Weight loss is an average 3 – 5 kg per month. The ring will be tightened if the loss is insufficient or slowed down.

Weight loss also greatly depends on appropriate eating habits .

Ensuring the patient is emotionally well prepared before the intervention is essential.

Surgery costs : 4000 euros.