Capio Santé (3)
Private Hospital, France

You can imagine how difficult it is if you are not a french speaking person in france. Thanks to the Capio Group Hospitals that they
support expat people with english language. I had an eye surgery in Clinique Saint Louis and i had no poblem to communicate in english
with the doctor and nurses. The staff was very polite and helpful.
 

Reviewer: Username: Atilla Age: 35-44 Location: France Gender: male Operation or treatment: Eye lid surgery

Ratings: Outcome of treatment: Quality of care: Value for money: Patient Communication: Hospital/clinic environment:

 
Read less

From my Experience surgery at Clique de la Sauvegarde was 5***** ****Communication and Follow up – Excellent**** To say just a
couple of words would not be fair on the amount of communication and help I have had from Clinique de la Sauvegarde and I would like to
take this opportunity to thank all of the staff involved in my surgery especially Frédérique Perlier and Isabelle
Lecointre. Hello Everyone, After too many diets and too many pounds gained, I decided to explore Weight Loss Surgery (WLS). I
spent a number of weeks researching the internet and thought that WLS was going to be the only chance of me successfully losing weight
and keeping it off. Originally from the UK and working in France for a year I thought this would mean me returning to the UK, then I
read about Dr Frering and Clique de la Sauvegarde based here in Lyon, I plucked up the courage and arranged an appointment. First
contact. Frédérique contacted me initially from Capio Group and gave me information about the surgical team, the procedures and
the costs. The information was concise and easy to understand ( there was 3 price options depending on whether you wanted travel and
accommodation arranged). The next step was to contact Frédérique and arrange an appointment. Initial Appointment. I went for
my initial consultation in January with Dr Frering (if you are based in the UK, I believe you can do this appointment via telephone and
medical questionnaire) and he explained everything to me, from the types of surgery, my medical background, what type of eater I was and
we decided on a Gastric Band, although he did say that could have also had a bypass, but considering everything we agreed lap band
surgery. The initial consultation is the time to ask questions and Dr Frering put my mind at rest concerning lots of things
–fills (he recommends to have the minimum amount of fills possible), flying (if you have the right amount of fluid in your band
flying should not be problem), babies (over 600 of his patients have gone on the have children), weight gain (a band is for life
– if you eat too much you will gain weight), is the surgery cosmetic (he was adamant that in my case the surgery is a necessity,
he even showed me report that demonstrated that if people had tried and failed numerous diets and stayed over weight for numerous years
- the only option is surgery), he also discussed the surgery with my partner and explained to him what to expect. He then told me to go
away and think about it for a couple of months, I was shocked – WHY??? He said what is 6-8 weeks when I am making decision that
will affect the rest of my life? He said there is no hurry. Dr Frerings manner is very direct, confident and you know that no matter
what question you throw at him he will have heard before. He speaks English very well, but it can be a little confusing in reception
area, I speak a little French so was able to make myself understood and a couple of receptionists speak a little English, but everyone
was very friendly and the lack of language skills on both sides was the cause for laughter. NOTE: If you don’t speak French be
patient because no matter how well the person speaks English, they would prefer to speak French and are speaking English to help
you. Arranging Surgery – March/ April After the initial appointment I took a couple of weeks to consider my options and ask a
couple more questions. Clinique de la Sauvegarde have been really helpful, arranging all of my appointments, responding to all of my
queries and sending supportive emails along the way (all in English). I have had email correspondence with the nutritionist, the head
nurse, the surgeon and the anaesthetists, who have all promptly responded to all of my queries, in a clear and concise manner. I really
think I couldn’t be in safer hands and I booked my surgery date for May. Pre-tests - May, Isabelle, the head nurse arranged
to meet me at reception and take me to all of my appointments, she made sure I gave over my correct details and did not get lost. Not
all staff speak English and they didn’t want me feeling lost or confused (this was a amazing personal touch). The nurses called
Dr Frering several times to check the outcome of my results and to make sure everything was covered. ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND –
this was to check the position and condition of my internal organs. The good news is I don’t need a Pre-op diet. MEETING WITH
ANAESTHETIST – general discuss on previous conditions, any previous operations and experience with anaesthetic. The anaesthetist
although shocked that I could not speak French quickly changed to speaking English although there were a couple of words I could not
understand, so we draw a picture or acted with our hands. TOUR OF OPERATING WARDS - The ward nurse took me through the steps of the
surgery and showed me where I would be recovering. BLOODS - The final stop of the day was for full blood work, about 7 vials. I was
then given a bottle of water, a mini muffin; some iodine to shower in before my surgery. Final discussion on what to expect next week
and I was on my way home. Endoscopy – May (day before surgery) The day before my surgery I went to Clique de la Sauvegarde for
an endoscopy under general anaesthetic, the anaesthetist called the night before to remind me not to eat anything for 8 hours prior to
surgery and to take necessary precautions. The procedure didn’t take very long. I arrived at reception and Isabelle collected me
and took me to the outpatient’s ward, where I filled in a couple of questionnaires and prepared to go down to theatre. The
endoscopy only took 15 minutes followed by an hour’s recovery. The nurse in the ward reassured me in English that everything went
well and before I knew it I was back in the ward preparing to go home and have my last supper. Lap Band Surgery . I was asked to
arrive at the Clinique at 8am, I had to go to the same place as yesterday so knew my way. When I arrived on the ward the nurses were
expecting me and I was asked a couple of final questions, given some medication to ‘settle my nerves’, prepped for surgery
and asked to get ready. As soon as I was dressed in my ‘sexy’ surgical gown I was taken down to the surgical waiting area.
There was a short wait (which obviously felt like an eternity) for the anaesthetist to collect me and then I was taken into the theatre
(a big clean room, with music playing), Dr Frering said a quick hello, a nice nurse told me she would look after me and the next thing I
know I am waking up in the recovery room. After the surgery I spent a couple of hours recovering, firstly in the recovery room and then
in the ward with a friend. The nurses checked on me every 20 minutes and the head nurse popped in to see me to check I was ok. Dr
Frering came around the wards mid afternoon and said that as soon as the anaesthetist had been round I could go home. I had a glass of
water and carton of apple juice and waited. At 5pm I was told I needed to go to see the nutritionist and collect a prescription and then
I could leave. The nutritionist went through what to expect in the following months and gave me his card in case I had any questions,
Dr Frering has left me a couple of prescriptions and I made arrangement for my first fill (July) and nutritionist appointment (Aug). I
then went home. Post Surgery When I got home I sent my partner to go and get my medication and we were shocked at how quickly it had
all happened. In the following days I received a telephone called from Isabelle checking I was recovering and an email from
Frédérique making sure I didn’t have any questions. I didn’t have any questions but I know if I did Clinique de la
Sauvegarde would answer them ASAP. I am now 4 weeks post op, well on my way to a full recovery and looking forward to my first fill. I
hope this review will be helpful to someone thinking about WLS and I highly recommend you consider Capio Group, France, Clinique de la
Sauvegarde in Lyon.
 

Reviewer: Username: katie Age: 25-34 Location: UK Gender: female Operation or treatment: lap band surgery

Ratings: Outcome of treatment: Quality of care: Value for money: Patient Communication: Hospital/clinic environment:

 
Read less

I had a gastric bypass surgery in Capio Group in France (Lyon) a few weeks ago. The surgeon spoke good English, as well as the local
coordinator at the hospital. They really took care of me from the beginning til the end of my stay. I was afraid of the anaesthesia but
since I had filled out the anaesthesia questionnaire ahead the anaesthetist visit was securing and easy to understand too. I was also
given detailed information on my stay which helped me feel more confortable prior to the surgery. Surgery went well - after 3 days I was
transferred to a nice hotel where I rested a few extra days. I was happy that I could stay there with my wife to support me! The hotel
proposed to provide me with special liquid food, adapted to post surgery period. I was able to have a lot of tips on post surgery diet
from the nutritionist, which helped me go through this adjusting period. Except for a one-hour delay on the trip back home everything
went fine and if I were to do it again, I would. Indeed it is a significant surgery and I wanted to go to an experienced team - which I
found there. Last but not least - the team is still there when I have questions - and it is a very good feeling!
 

Reviewer: Username: Anon Age: 35-44 Location: UK Gender: male Operation or treatment: gastric bypass surgery

Ratings: Outcome of treatment: Quality of care: Value for money: Patient Communication: Hospital/clinic environment:

 
Read less