Belgian Surgery Experience
Some patients like the idea of a 'mini city break' before surgery. However, some patients want to
have surgery in the most cost effective way and as you save over £1000 by having surgery in Belgium,
it is worth looking at as a serious option.
All of your aftercare will be carried out in any of our clinical venues in the UK or Ireland.
Roeselare is a Belgian city and municipality in the Flemish province of West Flanders.
The municipality comprises in the city of Roeselare proper and the towns of Beveren, Oekene
and Rumbeke.
The name of the city is derived from two Germanic words meaning "Reed" and "Open space",
i.e A marsh in a forest glade.
Roeslare's minor seminary is famous for having hosted the famous Flemish poets Guido Gezelle,
Albrecht Rodenbach and missionary Jesuit Cosntant Lievens.
The city is also home to the Rodenbach brewery.
Tourist attractions include: The National Cycling musuem, Rodenbacj brewery, Rodenbach castle,
the war cemetary and the Chapel of Banneux.
Your hotel stay in Roeselare is included in the surgery package price. The price also includes a
companion's stay, if required.
The hotel is called Hostellerie Vifwegen and is approximately 10 minutes by car from the hospital.
You will stay at the hotel for one night prior to surgery.
If you are having a Gastric Band you will not return to the hotel, as you are fit to return home after
being discharged from the hospital the day after surgery.
If you are having a Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy then you are likely to return to the hotel for the
third night after surgery (after 2 nights in hospital ), depending on how your recover after surgery.
For more information about the hotel visit www.vijfwegen.be.
Our Partner in Belgium works with us very closely to ensure all of the arrangements are made on behalf of
WLS Group to ensure your journey is as stress free as possible.
Once we have confirmed your operation date with you, Chris Deprez, our Belgian Care Co-Ordinator
will contact you approximately 7 days before you are due to travel.
Chris will give you some more information about the logistics of your surgery and will be on call for you
during your time in Belgium. He will ask you for your travel details to enable him to organise for one of his
drivers to collect you from the Eurostar or airport and take you to the hotel, the day before surgery.
He will ask you what room type you prefer and whether you are bringing someone with you to ensure the appropriate accommodation is booked for you, as included in the price.
Chris will arrange to meet you or make contact with you when you arrive at the hotel (if he is unable to meet you) to ensure you are aware of all the arrangements for the next few days.
Normally Chris would always visit our patients in the hotel the night before surgery and he confirms on email
to you whether he will be able to do this or not. Dependent on what time you arrive, he will call you when you arrive in Belgium to advise what time he will visit you. If you are arriving late he will call you only and not visit.
As a general rule he will visit you also after the operation prior to you starting the journey home.
When you receive your itinerary via email, Chris will give you his number and therefore if you encounter any problems when you arrive in Belgium you can call him immediately.
He will also arrange for his driver to pick you up the day of surgery and transfer you to the hospital where the surgeon will be waiting to greet you in reception.
Chris will then arrange for his drivers to collect you from the hospital after surgery and take you back to the Eurostar or airport for your onward journey home.
Please be mindful that it can be cold in the Eurostar station and therefore it is advised that warm clothing is
worn during the winter months.
We have worked with Chris now for many years and have a wonderful working relationship as he knows how very important the WLS Group patient ‘journey’ is.
