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Laparoscopic surgery

Gastric Bypass

A small stomach pouch is created and connected directly to the small intestine, so food bypasses most of the stomach and the first part of the intestine. It is often the strongest option for type 2 diabetes and acid reflux.

Operating theatre at Jūrmala Hospital
2–3 hoperation time
5small keyhole incisions
3–4 nightsin hospital
~7 daystotal trip
All-inclusive price

Gastric Bypass

€5,890 from
incl. hospital stay, hotel & all transfers
BMI 40+or 35+ with conditions
3–4 nightsin hospital
40–70%of excess weight lost*
~7 daystotal trip
  • Surgeon & anaesthetist consultations
  • Pre-op tests & hospital care
  • Post-op diet plan
  • 12 months of remote check-ins
Check if I qualify in 2 min → Start my medical questionnaire

Free · no obligation · personal reply within 24 hours
€500 deposit secures your date · rest paid in Latvia

Is it right for you?

The surgeon makes the final decision after reviewing your questionnaire and seeing you in person.

A good fit if

  • Your BMI is 40+, or 35+ with a weight-related condition
  • You have type 2 diabetes
  • You suffer from acid reflux or heartburn
  • You have had a gastric sleeve or band that did not work
  • You are ready to take vitamins for life

Probably not for you if

  • You are pregnant or planning pregnancy within 12–18 months
  • You smoke and cannot stop (it raises the risk of ulcers)
  • You need regular anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen
  • You have an untreated eating disorder or alcohol dependency
  • You cannot take vitamin supplements for life

How it works

What actually happens, in plain words.

Keyhole surgery

Five small incisions in the abdomen. A camera and thin instruments are used instead of one large cut.

A small pouch

The top of the stomach is made into a pouch about the size of an egg. The rest of the stomach stays in place but no longer receives food.

A new route

The pouch is connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing the first part where many calories are absorbed.

Hormone effect

Gut hormones change quickly after a bypass, which is why blood sugar often improves within days.

Your days in Latvia

A typical 7-day trip. Your coordinator confirms your exact schedule.

Day 1

Arrival in Riga

We meet you at the airport and drive you to the hospital or your hotel. Your coordinator checks in with you that evening.

Day 2

Tests and your operation

Blood tests, surgeon and anaesthetist consultations, then surgery. It is done by keyhole surgery under general anaesthesia.

Days 3–5

Recovery in hospital

3–4 nights on the ward. You are walking the same day, and the team checks you are drinking well and pain is under control.

Day 6

Hotel

Discharge with your written diet plan and medication. A calm day at the hotel in Jūrmala, by the sea.

Day 7

Fly home

Transfer to the airport. Your 12 months of remote check-ins start now.

Check if I qualify in 2 min →Free · no obligation · personal reply within 24 hours

Eating and recovery

Your dietitian gives you a written plan for every phase.

Before

About 2 weeks

A low-calorie pre-op diet set by your dietitian. It shrinks the liver and makes surgery safer.

Weeks 1–2

Liquids

Water, broths and protein shakes in small sips throughout the day.

Weeks 3–6

Purée, then soft

Puréed food, then soft food such as eggs, fish and cottage cheese. Protein first.

Week 7+

Normal, small meals

Regular healthy food in small portions, plus daily vitamins. Remote check-ins for 12 months.

Realistic results

Many people with type 2 diabetes need less medication, or none, after a gastric bypass. Reflux usually improves too. Your own doctor should review your medication after surgery.

40–70%of excess weight lost*
12–18months to reach most of the result
Daysuntil blood sugar often starts to improve

The honest risks

Every medical procedure has risks. Here they are, without the small print.

Common and usually short-lived

  • Pain and tiredness in the first 1–2 weeks
  • Dumping syndrome: sweating, dizziness or diarrhoea after sugary or fatty food
  • Hair thinning in months 3–6 (temporary)
  • Lifelong need for vitamins and blood tests

Rare but serious

  • A leak at a join (about 1 in 100)
  • Bleeding or blood clots
  • Ulcers at the join, mostly in smokers or with painkillers like ibuprofen
  • Internal hernia, which can cause sudden tummy pain months or years later

A bypass needs lifelong vitamin supplements and yearly blood tests. All risks are explained by the surgeon before you give consent.

One price, everything included

€5,890 from, with no hidden fees. You pay a €500 deposit to secure your date and the rest in Latvia when you sign your treatment agreement.

Surgeon consultation
Anaesthetist consultation
Pre-op blood tests & checks
The operation & anaesthesia
3–4 nights in hospital
Hotel in Jūrmala
All transfers in Latvia
Post-op diet plan
12 months of remote check-ins
English-speaking coordinator
WhatsApp support
Medication on discharge

Not included: flights, personal spending and long-term vitamin supplements.

Your team at Jūrmala Hospital

Experienced specialists you can look up. More about the clinics →

Dr. Egons LiepiņšHead of Surgery · bariatric & laparoscopic surgeon at Jūrmala Hospital since 1996
Guna BīlandeDietitian · nutrition before and after bariatric surgery

From a patient

NS
Nevy S.Norway · Gastric Bypass (daughter)

“Our daughter had a gastric bypass and has now lost 80 kg. Fantastic doctors, and someone to pick you up and drop you off. Properly looked after in every way. Travelling to Riga and Jūrmala is nothing to worry about. Highly recommended!”

★★★★★Facebook · translated from Norwegian

Questions people ask

Bypass or sleeve: which is better?

Both work well. A bypass is usually preferred with type 2 diabetes or reflux; a sleeve is simpler and keeps nutrient absorption closer to normal. The surgeon recommends one after your consultation.

Is a gastric bypass reversible?

Technically it can be reversed, but it is a major operation. Plan for it as a permanent change.

What is dumping syndrome?

Sugary or very fatty food passes into the intestine too fast, causing sweating, a racing heart, dizziness or diarrhoea. Most people learn to avoid it quickly, and many find it helps them stay on track.

Will I need vitamins for life?

Yes: a daily multivitamin plus vitamin B12, iron, calcium and vitamin D, with a blood test every year.

When can I fly home?

Most people fly home about 4–5 days after surgery, once the surgeon has discharged them. We plan a 7-day trip to keep it comfortable.

Can I claim the cost back?

In some EU/EEA countries and Norway the state may reimburse part or all of the cost. See the country guide →

Find out if you qualify. It takes 2 minutes.

Answer a few questions and your coordinator replies personally within 24 hours. Free, and no obligation.

Check if I qualify →

*Typical results reported by our partner clinics. Individual results depend on health, adherence to diet and lifestyle. Suitability is always decided by the treating specialist.

Free eligibility check