Should I get weight loss surgery in Turkey?
Bariatric Tourism: Risks, Benefits, and Why the UK Offers a Safer Option
The popularity of bariatric tourism—traveling abroad for weight loss surgery—has surged in recent years, particularly to destinations like Turkey. Quick access to procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric bands are enticing. However, while this option may seem like a cost-effective and fast solution to managing obesity, it comes with significant risks. Furthermore, weight loss surgery is not a standalone solution; successful long-term results depend on holistic preparation and post-surgery care, which are often more comprehensive in the UK.
The Appeal of Bariatric Tourism
1. Lower Costs
Countries like Turkey offer weight loss surgeries at a fraction of the cost compared to private UK clinics. Prices can be as low as £3,000, including accommodation and travel, while private surgery in the UK often exceeds £10,000.
2. Quick Turnaround Times
Patients may find themselves on long waiting lists in the UK if they are seeking surgery through the NHS. Weight loss surgery abroad promises quicker access, sometimes within weeks.
3. All-Inclusive Packages
Many clinics abroad provide enticing packages that include surgery, accommodation, airport transfers, and even sightseeing tours.
The Risks of Weight Loss Surgery Abroad
Despite the tempting advantages, bariatric tourism is fraught with dangers, many of which stem from inadequate pre- and post-operative care.
1. Limited Pre-Surgery Preparation
Successful bariatric surgery requires careful psychological preparation**. Patients must learn how their diet, mindset, and lifestyle will need to change permanently. In many cases, clinics abroad lack this essential preparation, which can lead to complications or poor outcomes.
2. Post-Surgery Complications
While the initial surgery may go smoothly, many patients experience complications such as infections, blood clots, or leaks in the digestive system after returning home. Accessing follow-up care abroad can be logistically and financially challenging.
3. Lack of Psychological Support
Conditions like binge eating disorder or emotional eating cannot be resolved by surgery alone. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery without addressing the root causes of their eating habits often struggle to maintain weight loss. Clinics abroad may not screen for these issues, leaving patients unprepared for the mental challenges of post-surgical life.
4. Irreversible Changes
Bariatric surgery permanently alters your digestive system, fundamentally changing how and what you can eat. Without proper preparation and support, patients risk failing to adapt, leading to nutritional deficiencies or weight regain.
The UK (NHS) Approach to Bariatric Surgery: A Holistic Path to Success
The UK, particularly through the NHS, offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss surgery, prioritising long-term success and patient safety.
1. Nutritional Preparation
Before undergoing surgery, patients in the UK receive extensive support to prepare for life after bariatric surgery. This includes understanding portion control, nutrient absorption, and dietary restrictions and support to optimise diet, lifestyle, and body composition prior to surgery.
2. Psychological Support
The NHS emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues, such as binge eating or emotional eating, before surgery. Psychological evaluations and therapy ensure that patients develop healthier coping mechanisms and avoid using food as an emotional crutch post-surgery. Surgery will not take away the urge to comfort with food and this often causes weight regain.
3. Multidisciplinary Care
UK patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and primary care providers. This team works collaboratively to ensure that surgery is both safe and effective.
4. Post-Surgery Support
Unlike many clinics abroad, the NHS and private UK clinics offer robust follow-up care, including regular check-ups, dietary monitoring, and access to support groups. This ongoing support helps patients navigate challenges and maintain weight loss.
Why Surgery Alone is Not Enough for Sustained Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, but it is not a cure-all for obesity. Without addressing the underlying causes of weight gain and developing healthy habits, people are at risk of regaining the weight they lose. Common pitfalls include:
Failing to adapt to new eating patterns: Bariatric surgery reduces stomach size, but it doesn’t eliminate cravings or unhealthy eating habits.
Weight loss surgery does not take away the urge to comfort emotions with food: People who struggle with binge eating or emotional eating are likely to continue to turn to food for comfort, even after surgery.
Nutritional deficiencies: Without proper guidance, patients may not consume enough protein, vitamins, or minerals, leading to health complications like hair loss and frequent infections.
Making an Informed Decision: Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
Before undergoing bariatric surgery—whether at home or abroad—it’s crucial to consider the following:
Have you addressed emotional eating? Therapy or counseling can help tackle the emotional triggers that drive overeating.
Are you prepared for permanent changes? Post-surgery, you’ll need to commit to smaller portion sizes, slower eating, regular eating, and avoiding certain foods and beverages forever.
Can you access reliable follow-up care? Choosing the NHS or a provider with robust aftercare options is vital for long-term success and for your health.
The Bottom Line: Prioritising Safety and Long-Term Success
While bariatric tourism may seem appealing due to its affordability and speed, it often comes at the expense of safety and thorough preparation. The UK’s approach, especially through the NHS, provides a safer and more sustainable pathway by focusing on holistic care that includes both the mind and body.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, take the time to research your options and choose a path that prioritises your health, safety, and long-term success.
FAQs
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery (also known as weight loss surgery or metabolic surgery) includes procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, designed to help individuals lose weight by reducing stomach size or altering the metabolism and digestive process.Why is psychological preparation important before bariatric surgery?
Psychological preparation addresses emotional eating habits and ensures people are mentally ready and able to cope with for the permanent lifestyle changes surgery requires.What are the risks of bariatric surgery abroad?
Risks include inadequate preparation, post-operative complications, and lack of follow-up care, all of which can jeopardise long-term health and success of the surgery. Flying in an aeroplane after surgery is also risky.Does the NHS cover bariatric / weight loss surgery?
Yes, the NHS provides bariatric surgery for eligible patients, often accompanied by nutritional and psychological support.Can I regain weight after bariatric surgery?
Yes, without adopting healthy eating and lifestyle habits and addressing emotional eating, weight regain is possible even after surgery.
What to do now if you are having weight loss surgery abroad:
Book an appointment with a RESET Registered Dietitian or a registered Dietitian who specialises in weight management to ensure you know how to manage your nutrition pre and post-operation.
Familiarise yourself with the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society Guidance for GP management of post bariatric surgery patients
Ensure you are aware that you will require lifelong nutritional supplementation and monitoring and be ready to communicate this with your GP.
Ensure your dental health is adequate - you will need to chew food very thoroughly post-surgery. If you need dental treatment, try to arrange this prior to surgery.
Ensure you understand how to consume a texture modified diet after surgery and have a blender - practice before you need to do this for the first time
Ensure you are aware and understand that the NHS weight management services are unlikely to provide routine follow up or monitoring for you.
The NHS will not remove any loose skin that occurs as a result of rapid weight loss.
