Gastric bypass is a trending weight loss surgery because it's becoming more common, affordable, and accessible in medical tourism destinations.
The treatment is costly in countries like the UK, the US, and Europe. And in the UK, some patients need to register on a waiting list or may not be eligible for the surgery. These factors play a role when deciding to have gastric bypass surgery abroad.
The procedure is more affordable abroad
The cost of health care in the US, UK, and Australia has been rising for the past few years. Gastric bypass surgery costs 40% - 50% less abroad.
You can access more treatment options
Traveling abroad to treat obesity will open other possibilities or introduce a better, more effective treatment.
Highly skilled and experienced surgeons
The surgeons are highly experienced with years of practice. Their clinics are accredited by renowned institutions like Joint Commission International JCI or International Organization for Standardization ISO.
Treatment that's worth your money
Finding a specialist abroad will be more cost-effective for you than visiting an amateur doctor in your local country.
You get access to superior patient care services
Most doctors usually see their patients once a month. So, an average doctor spends fewer than seven minutes with a patient. Ultimately, this means that patients don't experience good patient care services from their doctors.
On the other hand, you can expect to be treated with care and respect when you go for bariatric surgery abroad. Bariatric surgeons in famous tourist hospitals take time to talk to patients.
Have a clear expectation of the results: understand the procedure plan you need. Visit your local doctor and check what treatment best suits your case.
Prepare a list of questions for your doctor: prepare a list of questions to ensure you receive quality treatment. Common questions to ask - do they provide a translator? Do they have patients' testimonials? Is the clinic registered with the national association?
Create a shortlist of possible clinics abroad: research the clinic you're planning to visit overseas. Most reputable clinics will have an official website, and you can examine the doctor's expertise, reviews, and credentials.
Check the local regulation: It is essential to know how dental treatment is regulated in your chosen country. This will help you identify reputable clinics registered with the governing body or national association. It will also tell you about your rights.
You qualify for a gastric bypass if you have a BMI higher than 40. But if the patient has a medical condition like type 2 diabetes or arterial hypertension, a BMI of 30 - 35 is considered within the acceptable range.
Some of the factors that affect the cost are the location of the clinics, the surgeon's experience, and the technique used.
Country | Estimated Cost |
UK |
€4500 - €8500 |
US |
€14,000 - €23,000 |
Turkey | €3550 - €3750 |
Australia |
€16,000 - €18,000 *Without Insurance |
Learn more about Gastric Bypass Surgery in Turkey by comparing costs and reviewing the clinics and doctors.
You will need 1 trip abroad to complete the whole procedure and follow up with your local doctor.
The patient is required to stay 4 nights in the hospital.
Gastric bypass surgery will take between 2 to 4 hours.
The patient should stop smoking at least 3 weeks before undergoing surgery, as smoking can increase the risk of complications and endanger the healing process. The patient also should stop the intake of vitamin E, blood thinners such as aspirin and ibuprofen at least 2 weeks before surgery.
The patient is first administered general anesthesia before the procedure can begin, making it painless.
Gastric bypass surgery can be divided into two main parts:
In the first part, the surgeon will create the smaller upper stomach and the larger lower stomach by using staples, effectively dividing them into two. The top section of the stomach (called the pouch) is where the food patients eat will go and help them feel “full” with very little effective food intake. This will help the patient eat less and lose weight.
The upper stomach can hold about 1 ounce (oz) or 28 grams (g) of food before it goes into the small intestine.
The second step is the bypass. The surgeon will connect the small intestine to the smaller upper stomach. The ultimate goal of the surgery is to help the patient’s body will absorb fewer calories.
There are two main techniques that can be applied during gastric bypass surgery:
There are a few advantages of the laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery technique, as it is a minimally invasive procedure:
In both cases, the surgery lasts anywhere between 2 and 4 hours, and the gastric bypass surgery recovery time may begin.
Most of the patients stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days and may return to normal activities in 3 to 5 weeks.
Many patients report a satisfaction rate of 96%.
Patients can expect to lose anywhere between 4 to 9 kilograms every month after the procedure. On average, gastric bypass weight loss is around 60% of the patient’s extra weight – this results in a healthier lifestyle with reduced risk from comorbidities.
If the patients follow the aftercare and dieting instructions carefully, they can reach their best outcome and maintain it more easily.
Is There A Gastric Bypass Alternative?
Yes, there are many types of bariatric surgery, including lap band surgery and gastric sleeve surgery as alternative treatments to gastric bypass procedures.
Gastric Bypass Vs. Gastric Sleeve – What Is the Difference?
In gastric sleeve surgery, a large part of the stomach is surgically removed and the surgeon gives the new stomach the appearance of a "sleeve."
Gastric Bypass Vs. Lap Band – What Is the Difference?
Gastric lap band surgery uses a band to divide the stomach into two portions. In this procedure, the stomach is not stapled or changed in any way - the lap band creates a blockage in the upper stomach, helping the patient eat less.