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team that will treat you","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/treatment-abroad-checklist/","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"Have you checked the qualifications of the medical team treating you?","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},{"id":"C4","text":"Check that you understand the possible complications and side effects of the treatment","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/treatment-abroad-checklist/","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"Make sure you understand the possible complications and side effects that could arise from your treatment.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},{"id":"C5","text":"Check that you can ask the team questions about your treatment","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/treatment-abroad-checklist/","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"Have you been able to ask them questions about your treatment?","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1},"red_flags":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"F1","text":"Pressure to make a quick decision is a warning sign before booking treatment abroad","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/treatment-abroad-checklist/","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"pressure to make a quick decision","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},{"id":"F2","text":"An advert or information that guarantees complete success should raise concerns","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/surgery-abroad-cut-out-the-risk/","host":"travelaware.campaign.gov.uk","quote":"Any advert or information that guarantees complete success should raise concerns.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"F3","text":"A price that sounds too good to be true probably is","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/will-economic-uncertainty-drive-more-patients-overseas-for-plastic-surgery-what-to-consider-and-how-to-stretch-your-dollar-back-home","host":"plasticsurgery.org","quote":"If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1},"warning_signs":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"W1","text":"Inability to swallow","urgency":"contact_clinic","general":false,"source":{"url":"https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0515/p813.html","host":"aafp.org","quote":"Patients present with dysphagia, reflux, postprandial vomiting, inability to swallow, and abdominal pain.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},{"id":"W2","text":"Infection at the port site","urgency":"contact_clinic","general":false,"source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17163-lap--band-surgery","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"Infections at the port site can also happen, which may require antibiotics or an additional procedure to correct.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},{"id":"W3","text":"Port pokes through skin after losing weight quickly","urgency":"contact_clinic","general":false,"source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17163-lap--band-surgery","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"If you lose a lot of weight quickly, the port can stick out of your skin, causing tenderness or skin erosion at the site.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1},"take_home":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"T1","text":"Ask for written details of the procedure before you leave the hospital","document":"written procedure details","source":{"url":"https://rcseng.ac.uk/patient-care/cosmetic-surgery/after-surgery/","host":"rcseng.ac.uk","quote":"After your surgery, before you leave the hospital, ask for written information about the procedure you've had.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"T2","text":"Ask for copies of all prescriptions before you leave","document":"prescription copies","source":{"url":"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/699/travelling-abroad-for-treatment","host":"travelhealthpro.org.uk","quote":"Remember to ask for copies of all your treatment records, including prescriptions, scans and x-rays before you leave.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"T3","text":"Home doctor needs the dates for required blood tests and follow-up appointments","document":"written aftercare plan","source":{"url":"https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/about-us/individual-patient-commissioning/ipc-folder/advice-on-accessing-treatment-abroad","host":"sbuhb.nhs.wales","quote":"This should include any medication and doses, as well as any dates that blood tests and follow-up appointments must be carried out.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1},"alternatives":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"A1","text":"You would rather have your stomach made much smaller than banded","name":"Sleeve gastrectomy","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/weight-loss-surgery/how-its-done","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"Around 80% of the stomach is removed to make it much smaller and a sleeve shape.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200},"operation_id":null},{"id":"A2","text":"You would rather have your stomach divided than banded","name":"Gastric bypass","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/weight-loss-surgery/how-its-done","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"Your stomach is divided in 2 using a stomach staple.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200},"operation_id":352}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1},"technique_details":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"laparoscopic-adjustable","name":"Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (pars flaccida technique)","how_it_works":{"text":"A silicone band is placed around the top of the stomach","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/weight-loss-surgery/how-its-done","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"An empty silicone tube (band) is placed around the top of the stomach.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},"recovery_daily":{"status":"missing","reason":"no_official_source"}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1}}},"techniques":[{"id":"laparoscopic-adjustable","name":"Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (pars flaccida technique)","how_it_works":{"id":"H1","text":"A silicone band is placed around the top of the stomach","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/weight-loss-surgery/how-its-done","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"An empty silicone tube (band) is placed around the top of the stomach.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},"recovery_daily":{"status":"missing","reason":"no_official_source"},"suits_whom":"Adults meeting obesity criteria who are motivated for long-term follow-up and adjustments.","price_from":{"status":"missing","reason":"not_collected"},"recovery":"Usually 0-1 night in hospital and return to light activity within 1-2 weeks."}],"alternatives":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"A1","text":"You would rather have your stomach made much smaller than banded","name":"Sleeve gastrectomy","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/weight-loss-surgery/how-its-done","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"Around 80% of the stomach is removed to make it much smaller and a sleeve shape.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200},"operation_id":null},{"id":"A2","text":"You would rather have your stomach divided than banded","name":"Gastric bypass","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/weight-loss-surgery/how-its-done","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"Your stomach is divided in 2 using a stomach staple.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200},"operation_id":352}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1},"diagnostic":{"status":"not_applicable"},"country":{"why":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"Y1","text":"Republic of Korea runs a medical call center where consultants advise overseas patients in several languages around the clock","specialties":[],"source":{"url":"https://www.khidi.or.kr/board?menuId=MENU00807","host":"khidi.or.kr","quote":"Professional consultants provide advices in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian and Arabic 24 hours daily.","tier":"government","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-11","next_check_at":"2027-05-10","version":1},"travel":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"V1","item":"visa","audience":"uk","volatile":true,"text":"UK travelers can enter Republic of Korea for up to 90 days for short-term business or tourism","source":{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/entry-requirements","host":"gov.uk","quote":"You can enter South Korea for up to 90 days for short-term business or tourism.","tier":"official_travel","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"V2","item":"visa","audience":"us","volatile":true,"text":"US passport holders need a visa for stays in Republic of Korea longer than 90 days and for purposes other than tourism or business, including employment","source":{"url":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthKorea.html","host":"travel.state.gov","quote":"Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.","tier":"official_travel","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":403}},{"id":"V3","item":"passport_validity","audience":"uk","volatile":true,"text":"For a tourist stay of up to 90 days in Republic of Korea, the passport must expire after the date you leave","source":{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/entry-requirements","host":"gov.uk","quote":"To enter South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ after the date you are leaving South Korea.","tier":"official_travel","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"V4","item":"passport_validity","audience":"us","volatile":true,"text":"A valid U.S. passport is required to enter Republic of Korea","source":{"url":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthKorea.html","host":"travel.state.gov","quote":"You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea.","tier":"official_travel","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":403}},{"id":"V5","item":"medicines","audience":"all","volatile":false,"text":"Republic of Korea customs allow small amounts of medication for personal use, if kept in carry-on baggage","source":{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/health","host":"gov.uk","quote":"South Korean customs authorities allow you to bring small amounts of medication for your personal use, if it is kept in carry-on baggage.","tier":"official_travel","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"V6","item":"hospital_payment","audience":"all","volatile":false,"text":"In Republic of Korea, health care providers usually require payment before treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid","source":{"url":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthKorea.html","host":"travel.state.gov","quote":"In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid.","tier":"official_travel","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":403}},{"id":"V7","item":"emergency_number","audience":"all","volatile":false,"text":"In Republic of Korea, call 119 and ask for an ambulance","source":{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/health","host":"gov.uk","quote":"Call 119 and ask for an ambulance.","tier":"official_travel","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-11","next_check_at":"2026-12-11","version":1},"other_countries_with_page":["czech-republic","dominican-republic","egypt","germany","greece","india","israel","italy","lithuania","mexico","poland","romania","spain","thailand","turkey","ukraine","united-arab-emirates","united-kingdom"]},"often_combined_with":{"status":"missing","reason":"not_collected"},"reviews":{"avg_rating":4.52,"count":64,"scope":"clinic","rating_scale":5,"pros":{"status":"missing","reason":"not_collected"},"cons":{"status":"missing","reason":"not_collected"}},"current":{"seo_text":"<p>Gastric band surgery in the Republic of Korea costs between _op_355_price_from_ and _op_355_price_to_ on average. Final pricing depends on clinic specialization, the surgeon’s expertise, and the chosen medical facility tier. In the US, this procedure costs _price_compare_US_average_ on average. Patients can save approximately _price_percent_discount_% by choosing South Korean medical centers. Packages often include preoperative tests, anesthesia, and several days of hospitalization.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Clinic specialization:</strong> Dedicated weight loss centers in Seoul often command higher premiums for high-volume expertise.</li>\n<li><strong>Medical hub locations:</strong> Prices in Seoul and Gangnam are typically 15-20% higher than in regional cities.</li>\n<li><strong>Surgical complexity:</strong> Revision surgeries or cases requiring advanced minimally invasive techniques can increase the total cost.</li>\n<li><strong>Hospital tier:</strong> University hospitals like Asan Medical Center often charge more than specialized private bariatric clinics.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> Choosing a JCI-accredited facility like Gangnam Severance Hospital or Asan Medical Center ensures international safety standards. While these top-tier Seoul hospitals may cost more, they provide access to multidisciplinary teams and advanced technology. Patients often find the best value at centers like Seoul National University Hospital, which is fully digitalized. Major hubs for this procedure include Seoul, Daegu, and Daejeon.</p>","faq":[{"q":"Is gastric banding still a common procedure in Korea?","a":"<p>Gastric banding is no longer a common procedure in South Korea, accounting for only 1.1% to 1.3% of bariatric surgeries. Since 2019, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has become the dominant method, representing over 75% of cases at major Seoul hospitals like Asan Medical Center.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Dominant alternative:</strong> Sleeve gastrectomy is now the primary choice for 75 percent of patients.</li> <li><strong>Insurance impact:</strong> National Health Insurance coverage since 2019 prioritizes more effective metabolic procedures.</li> <li><strong>Clinical shift:</strong> University hospitals now favor Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for superior long-term outcomes.</li> <li><strong>Common complications:</strong> High rates of band erosion and slippage led to a global decline.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> Data from leading facilities like Severance Hospital and Asan Medical Center shows a massive move toward digitalization and robotic-assisted metabolic surgery. While gastric banding costs _op_355_price_from_ to _op_355_price_to_ in Korea, most top-tier surgeons now recommend revisional surgery to convert old bands into sleeves due to historical 50 percent failure rates.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Patients report that surgeons in major Korean hubs no longer recommend bands during consultations. Many who had the procedure before 2015 now seek help for complications like erosion or weight regain.</p>"},{"q":"What are the medical requirements to qualify for gastric band surgery in Korea?","a":"<p>To qualify for gastric banding in South Korea, patients generally need a BMI of 35 or higher. Those with a BMI of 30 plus weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension also qualify. Some clinics may consider metabolic surgery for patients with a BMI of 27.5.</p> <ul> <li><strong>BMI threshold:</strong> Patients with BMI 35+ qualify automatically without requiring additional weight-related health comorbidities.</li> <li><strong>Comorbidity criteria:</strong> Patients with BMI 30+ qualify if they have sleep apnea or high cholesterol.</li> <li><strong>Metabolic qualify:</strong> Patients with BMI 27.5+ and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes may qualify.</li> <li><strong>Clinical evaluation:</strong> Surgeons at JCI-accredited centers like Severance Hospital require basic bloodwork and EKG.</li> <li><strong>Age requirements:</strong> Surgery is typically restricted to adults 18 and older for elective bariatric procedures.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> While many Western countries require documented weight loss attempts before surgery, Korean clinics like Hanyang University Medical Center often skip this step. This streamlined process allows for faster approval. However, many top Seoul surgeons now favor sleeve gastrectomy over gastric banding due to lower long-term revision rates.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Many patients appreciate the lower BMI entry points in Korea compared to the US. They often note that pre-surgery testing is significantly faster and less invasive than in North American protocols.</p>"},{"q":"Does Korean National Health Insurance cover gastric band surgery?","a":"<p>Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) has covered bariatric surgery since 2019, but eligibility for gastric banding is strictly regulated. Coverage typically requires a BMI over 35 kg/m² or a BMI over 30 kg/m² with life-threatening comorbidities like type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea.</p> <ul> <li><strong>BMI threshold:</strong> Patients with BMI over 35 kg/m² qualify for automatic surgical coverage.</li> <li><strong>Comorbidity requirement:</strong> BMI 30–35 kg/m² requires documented hypertension, diabetes, or severe sleep apnea.</li> <li><strong>Partial coverage:</strong> Patients with BMI 27.5–30 kg/m² and uncontrolled diabetes may receive partial reimbursement.</li> <li><strong>Surgical preference:</strong> Many JCI-accredited clinics now prioritize sleeve gastrectomy over bands for better outcomes.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> While technically covered, gastric banding is becoming rarer in Seoul clinics like Asan Medical Center or Severance Hospital. Most top-tier surgeons now favor sleeve gastrectomy because it has a lower revision rate. High-volume centers often suggest the sleeve to ensure smoother NHIS approval and better long-term health results.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Many patients find that 90% of insurance appeals for gastric bands fail, leading them to pay between $7,200 and $11,500. Most now choose sleeve gastrectomy to avoid the high 30–50% revision rates associated with bands.</p>"},{"q":"Which Seoul hospitals or centers specialize in gastric band and revision surgeries?","a":"<p>Seoul features world-class medical centers for gastric band and revision surgeries, including JCI-accredited facilities like Severance Hospital and Asan Medical Center. These institutions specialize in complex laparoscopic revisions and multidisciplinary weight loss care, often serving as the primary choice for international patients seeking high-volume surgical expertise.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Asan Medical Center:</strong> Largest multidisciplinary center handling complex robotic and laparoscopic metabolic revisions.</li> <li><strong>Severance Hospital:</strong> First JCI-accredited facility in Korea offering integrated bariatric care and removals.</li> <li><strong>Seoul National University:</strong> State-led facility utilizing advanced digital tracking for long-term weight management.</li> <li><strong>Ewha Womans University:</strong> Specialized center focusing on minimally invasive techniques to minimize visible scarring.</li> <li><strong>Chung-Ang University Hospital:</strong> Recognized institution explicitly offering weight loss surgery to international patients.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> While private clinics like Seoul Slim are popular for initial placements, data shows a trend toward university hospitals for revisions. Centers like Asan and Severance handle the highest surgical volumes, which correlates with better outcomes for complex band-to-sleeve conversions. Choosing a multidisciplinary hospital ensures access to dedicated nutritionists and exercise therapists essential for long-term success.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Many patients find Korean surgical technology for band removals unmatched. They often recommend pre-arranging private translators at larger university hospitals to navigate the detailed bureaucracy and long pre-operative insurance checks.</p>"},{"q":"How long is the hospital stay and full recovery after gastric band placement?","a":"<p>Gastric band placement in the Republic of Korea typically requires a hospital stay of 1 day or less. Full physical recovery usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, though most patients resume desk work within 7 to 10 days following this minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Hospital stay:</strong> Most patients receive discharge within 24 hours or after a single overnight observation stay.</li> <li><strong>Initial recovery:</strong> Return to light activities and office work generally occurs within 1 to 2 weeks.</li> <li><strong>Dietary stages:</strong> Patients follow a strict liquid diet for 1 week before introducing soft, pureed foods.</li> <li><strong>Physical activity:</strong> Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted until the 6-week mark.</li> <li><strong>Travel safety:</strong> International patients should wait 3 to 5 days before flying to minimize pressure-related discomfort.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> While US protocols often transition to solids faster, top Seoul clinics like Severance Hospital or SNUH often maintain a stricter 6-week liquid-to-soft food progression. This conservative approach, combined with JCI-accredited safety standards, helps ensure the stomach heals perfectly around the band before the first adjustment.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Many patients report temporary shoulder or neck pain from laparoscopic gas during the first week. They emphasize that while physical healing is fast, the 2-month band adjustment phase requires frequent clinic visits.</p>"},{"q":"Can the gastric band be removed or converted to another procedure in Korea?","a":"<p>Specialized bariatric centers in Korea frequently perform gastric band removal and conversion to sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. Surgeons utilize minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques to address complications like slippage or weight regain, offering both single-stage and two-stage revisional procedures in Seoul-based JCI-accredited hospitals.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Conversion options:</strong> Transitioning to gastric sleeve or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is common for long-term weight management.</li> <li><strong>Surgical approach:</strong> Surgeons perform 1-step removals for weight regain or 2-step procedures for severe complications.</li> <li><strong>Hospital stay:</strong> Most patients require 1–2 nights of hospitalization for monitoring following the laparoscopic revision.</li> <li><strong>Typical costs:</strong> Procedure prices in Korea range from _op_355_price_from_ to _op_355_price_to_ for these services.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bookimed Expert Insight:</strong> While many seek out large institutions like Asan Medical Center for its massive patient volume, smaller specialized university centers in Seoul often provide more focused bariatric multidisciplinary teams. These teams excel at converting Swedish adjustable bands, which are common in Korea, into gastric sleeves with documented success in achieving 50–70 lbs of additional weight loss post-revision.</p> <p><strong>Patient Consensus:</strong> Patients emphasize the importance of sharing recent imaging with Korean surgeons before arrival to confirm the band's condition. Many report smooth recoveries and appreciate the efficient, same-day surgical planning typically found in major Seoul facilities.</p>"}],"h2":[{"text":"Quel est le Coût pour votre Anneau gastrique en République de Corée ?","kind":"content"},{"text":"Vos avantages et garanties avec Bookimed","kind":"content"},{"text":"Votre coordinateur médical personnel","kind":"content"},{"text":"Découvrez les Meilleures Cliniques pour Votre Anneau gastrique en République de Corée : 10 Options Vérifiées et Prix","kind":"content"},{"text":"Aperçu d’anneau gastrique en République de Corée","kind":"content"},{"text":"Obtenez une évaluation médicale pour Anneau gastrique en République de Corée : Choisissez le meilleur spécialiste dans le domaine","kind":"content"},{"text":"Avis sur Bookimed : Découvrez l'Expérience des Patients","kind":"content"},{"text":"Partager ce contenu","kind":"content"},{"text":"Histoires vidéo des patients de Bookimed","kind":"content"},{"text":"FAQ d’anneau gastrique en République de Corée","kind":"content"},{"text":"Obtenez une consultation gratuite","kind":"content"}]},"placeholders":{"price_from":"{{price_from}}","clinics_count":"{{clinics_count}}","cities_count":"{{cities_count}}","savings_pct":"{{savings_pct}}","data_date":"{{data_date}}"},"legal":{"restricted_markets":{"status":"missing","reason":"not_collected"}},"conflicts":[]}