Gastric band in LapObesity International

LapObesity International is a private metabolic and bariatric surgery clinic in Athens, Greece. Founded in 2004, the center focuses solely on surgical weight-loss solutions and metabolic health. A multidisciplinary team handles cases from primary weight loss to complex revision surgery.

Clinical Achievements and Accreditations

The medical team has performed over 5,000 bariatric procedures. The clinic holds IFSO Centre of Excellence status, meeting international benchmarks for safety and quality in bariatric care. Lead specialists hold the following credentials:

• IFSO-EC Certified Surgeon of Excellence – Dr. Dimitris P. Lapatsanis
• Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) – Dr. Athanasios G. Pantelis
• Diplomate of the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care (DESA) – head anesthesiologist

These designations require regular audits of patient outcomes and surgical volumes.

Bariatric and Metabolic Specialties

The clinic offers surgical and non-surgical weight-loss methods based on each patient's medical profile. Surgeons use laparoscopic techniques for most procedures. This minimizes scarring and shortens recovery. The team reports a major complication rate of 1–2% and a mortality rate of 0.1–0.3%.

Surgical Weight-Loss Options

The surgical department performs several metabolic and bariatric procedures:

• Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes a large portion of the stomach to limit food intake.
• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Reroutes the digestive system for weight loss.
• SASI (Single Anastomosis Sleeve–Ileal Bypass): Combines sleeve gastrectomy with an intestinal bypass.
• SADI-S: A bypass technique for patients needing significant metabolic intervention.
• Revision Surgery: Corrective procedures for patients with weight regain after prior operations.

Surgeries typically take 60 to 120 minutes. Hospital stays last 2–3 days.

Endoscopic and Non-Surgical Treatments

Patients who don't qualify for or prefer to avoid surgery have other options. The clinic performs internal treatments through the mouth:

• Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): Uses internal stitches to reduce stomach capacity by two-thirds.
• Gastric Balloon: A temporary device placed in the stomach to create early fullness.
• Gastric Band: An adjustable silicone device placed around the upper stomach.

ESG procedures take 60–120 minutes. Recovery lasts about two weeks.

Safety Protocols and Diagnostic Standards

Treatment starts with a full medical evaluation to match the procedure to each patient's history. The clinic uses AI-powered diagnostic protocols to assist in procedural planning. A clinical dietitian manages nutrition, providing a structured plan for the lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation required after metabolic surgery.

Services for International Patients

The clinic offers structured coordination for patients traveling to Athens. English support is available throughout treatment.

• Free 20-minute online consultations to discuss candidacy and procedure options
• Personalized medical assessments and trip planning for a typical 7–10 day stay
• All-inclusive packages covering pre-operative testing, surgical fees, and nursing care
• Step-by-step post-operative nutrition plans and remote follow-up after returning home

Patients receive a full medical file and long-term follow-up plan before departure.