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Every year, thousands of patients choose to travel internationally for bariatric surgery abroad, seeking a combination of affordability, quality care, and timely access to life-changing weight-loss procedures. With obesity affecting over 650 million adults worldwide according to the World Health Organization, demand for effective surgical solutions continues to rise.
However, prohibitively high costs—often exceeding $20,000–$30,000 in countries like the United States, UK, and Australia—combined with lengthy waiting lists, have made medical tourism an increasingly attractive option. Patients can save 50–70% on treatment costs while receiving care from internationally accredited hospitals and experienced surgeons, making bariatric surgery abroad both a practical and transformative choice.
Navigating healthcare in a foreign country can feel overwhelming, which is why partnering with a trusted medical tourism provider like Flymedi is essential for a safe and seamless experience.
Flymedi's all-inclusive packages are designed to remove the stress and complexity from medical travel. Unlike other services that simply connect you with a clinic, Flymedi offers a comprehensive, personalized experience. Each package includes pre-operative consultations, the surgical procedure, hospital stay, medications, post-operative check-ups, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, and dedicated translation support.
Our medical coordinators are available 24/7 to assist you at every stage of your journey. Additionally, Flymedi offers flexible financing options in multiple countries, allowing you to spread the cost of your bariatric surgery abroad over manageable monthly payments. With Flymedi, you receive not just a procedure, but a complete care experience built around your safety, comfort, and long-term health goals.
Ready to take the next step? Scroll down to explore our top-rated clinics for Bariatric Surgery abroad.
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Making the decision to undergo bariatric surgery is a significant step toward reclaiming your health and well-being. Globally, obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975, with over 650 million adults classified as obese in 2016, according to the World Health Organization. This has led to a surge in demand for effective weight-loss solutions. Consequently, the medical tourism industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with experts predicting a yearly increase of at least 20%.
For many, seeking bariatric surgery abroad has become a practical and highly effective option. It offers a solution to prohibitive costs, long waiting lists, and sometimes limited access to specialized care in their home countries. If you are considering this life-changing journey, this guide will provide you with the essential information you need to navigate your options confidently and make an informed decision about your health.
Choosing to travel for your weight-loss surgery comes with a unique set of advantages that appeal to patients worldwide. Beyond the primary goal of weight loss, you can benefit from a more holistic and positive medical experience.
To give you a clearer picture of the potential savings, here is a general cost comparison for popular bariatric procedures in leading medical tourism destinations. Please note that these are average prices and can vary based on the specific clinic, surgeon, and the complexity of your case.
| Procedure | Turkey | Mexico | Thailand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve | €3,000 - €5,500 ($3,250 - $6,000) | €4,500 - €7,000 ($5,000 - $7,500) | €7,500 - €11,000 ($8,000 - $12,000) |
| Gastric Bypass | €3,500 - €6,500 ($3,800 - $7,000) | €5,500 - €8,500 ($6,000 - $9,200) | €9,500 - €14,000 ($10,200 - $15,000) |
| Gastric Balloon | €2,000 - €4,000 ($2,150 - $4,300) | €3,000 - €5,000 ($3,250 - $5,400) | €4,500 - €6,500 ($5,000 - $7,000) |
Ensuring your safety and the quality of your treatment is paramount. Finding a reputable, accredited hospital for your bariatric surgery abroad requires diligent research.
Several countries have emerged as leading hubs for medical tourism, offering a combination of excellent healthcare, affordability, and attractive travel opportunities.
Turkey is a global leader in medical tourism, particularly for bariatric surgery. It is known for its highly experienced surgeons, JCI-accredited hospitals, and all-inclusive packages that are extremely cost-effective. Cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya offer a blend of rich history and modern medical excellence.
With its proximity to the United States and Canada, Mexico is a popular choice for North American patients. Cities like Tijuana and Cancun have state-of-the-art medical facilities specializing in weight-loss surgery. Surgeons in Mexico are often US-trained and board-certified, offering high-quality care at a fraction of the US cost.
Known as the "Land of Smiles," Thailand combines world-class medical care with renowned hospitality. Hospitals in Bangkok are JCI-accredited and feel more like luxury hotels than medical facilities. While slightly more expensive than Turkey or Mexico, it remains significantly more affordable than Western countries and offers a unique cultural experience.
Colombia has become a rising star in medical tourism, praised for its high-quality healthcare system and skilled surgeons. Cities like Medellin and Bogota offer advanced medical facilities and personalized care at competitive prices, making it an attractive option for patients from around the world.
At Flymedi, we work with a trusted network of accredited clinics offering Bariatric surgery abroad. Each clinic is carefully selected for its quality, patient satisfaction, and expertise. You can explore all available destinations and compare top-rated clinics directly on Flymedi to find the one that best fits your needs
Bariatric surgery is not a suitable option for everyone. You are generally considered an ideal candidate if you meet the following criteria:
When making your final decision, focus on these key factors to ensure a safe and successful experience:
While visa requirements vary by country, you will generally need to prepare the following documents for a medical visa application:
Always check the specific requirements on the official embassy or consulate website of your chosen country well in advance of your travel dates.
At Flymedi, we understand that managing the cost of treatment is a key concern. We are committed to making high-quality healthcare accessible and offer flexible financing options to help you spread the cost of your bariatric surgery abroad over manageable monthly installments.
Our payment plans are designed to help you focus on your health without financial strain.
| Country | Maximum Financing Amount |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | up to £50,000 |
| Germany | up to €50,000 |
| New Zealand | up to NZD 75,000 |
| Australia | up to AUD 75,000 |
| Canada | up to CAD 100,000 |
| United States | up to USD 100,000 |
| Romania, France, Spain, Italy | up to €1,500 (max 3 months) |
Financing is also available in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and other European countries, with limits varying. Interest rates are calculated individually based on your credit score.
Reputable clinics offer all-inclusive packages, but it is wise to clarify what is covered. Potential extra costs could include:
Our financing process is straightforward. Once you have chosen your clinic and received a treatment plan, you can apply for a payment plan through our platform. The application typically requires proof of income and a credit check. If approved, the funds are arranged directly for your treatment, and you will make regular monthly payments over an agreed-upon term, which can be up to 72 months (6 years). This allows you to proceed with your surgery immediately while managing the cost over time.
The gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) is often considered one of the safest procedures because it is less complex than a gastric bypass and does not involve rerouting the intestines, which reduces the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Weight loss varies by procedure and individual. On average, patients lose 60-70% of their excess body weight with a gastric sleeve and 70-80% with a gastric bypass within the first 12-18 months.
Yes, it is very safe, provided you choose an internationally accredited hospital and a highly experienced, board-certified surgeon. Thorough research is key to ensuring your safety.
You will typically stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. Most patients can return to office work and light activities within 2-4 weeks. Full recovery and resuming strenuous activities may take 4-6 weeks.
Significant weight loss often results in excess or loose skin. The severity depends on factors like your age, genetics, and how much weight you lose. Some patients opt for body contouring surgery later to address this.
Yes. However, it is strongly recommended that you wait at least 12-18 months after surgery before trying to conceive. This allows your body weight to stabilize and ensures you and your baby receive adequate nutrition.
Your diet will change permanently. Initially, you will follow a liquid diet, gradually progressing to pureed, soft, and then solid foods. Long-term, you will need to eat small, nutrient-dense meals and avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods.
Most packages require a stay of 7-10 days. This includes pre-operative consultations, the hospital stay, and initial post-operative check-ups before you are cleared to fly home.
A typical all-inclusive package includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, hospital stay, medications during hospitalization, airport transfers, hotel accommodation, and a translator.
The lower cost in Turkey is due to the country's lower cost of living, competitive currency exchange rates, and government support for the medical tourism sector. It is not a reflection of lower quality.
The "best" method depends on your individual health profile and goals. Gastric bypass often leads to slightly more weight loss and is more effective for resolving type 2 diabetes, while the gastric sleeve is a simpler procedure with fewer long-term nutritional risks.
Your surgeon will help you make this decision based on your BMI, existing health conditions (especially acid reflux and diabetes), and personal preferences.
The surgery permanently alters your stomach, but long-term success depends on your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Weight regain is possible if you do not adhere to the recommended dietary and exercise guidelines.
You will likely be required to follow a special low-calorie, high-protein diet for a few weeks before surgery to shrink your liver. You must also stop smoking and avoid certain medications like aspirin.
It is generally not recommended to combine bariatric surgery with other major cosmetic procedures. Your body needs to focus on healing from the weight-loss surgery. Body contouring procedures can be performed 12-18 months later.
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. It is a common tool used to determine eligibility for bariatric surgery.
During an online consultation, you will speak with a medical consultant or the surgeon. You will discuss your medical history, weight loss goals, and ask any questions you have. It is an opportunity to ensure the clinic is the right fit for you.
Reputable clinics provide post-operative support and can be contacted for advice. It is also essential to have a local doctor who is aware of your surgery and can provide immediate care if needed.
