Top Five Countries for Weight Loss Surgery

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Weight loss surgery is a surgical procedure operated to accelerate the weight loss process and eliminate health problems associated with excess weight in individuals for whom traditional weight loss methods are ineffective.

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, helps to improve the quality of life and eliminate health problems of people who have struggled with weight loss for many years with the correct method and application.

Weight loss surgery is applied to get a valid and effective result in individuals who cannot lose weight with diet and various exercises, have a low chance of permanent weight loss, or have different diseases. In order to decide on a medical intervention, a person must be over a certain weight. Therefore, body mass index is calculated. Body mass index is obtained by dividing your body weight (kg) by the square of your height (m). Apart from this, other factors are also essential in terms of patient selection for weight loss surgery. General characteristics of ideal candidates for weight loss surgery are as follows:

• Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (more than 100 kilos overweight)
• People with a BMI between 35 and 40 and diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, hypoventilation syndrome, fatty liver, sleep apnea, depression, sexual dysfunction
• Those who cannot achieve healthy weight loss despite long-term weight loss efforts (diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy, etc.) to lose weight through non-surgical methods
• Individuals who do not use active substances such as drugs or alcohol and can make informed decisions
• Individuals who do not have psychological problems such as major depression or eating disorders
• Although there is no exact age limit, patients are generally between 18-65 due to the increased potential risks after the surgical procedure
• Determined people who are willing to make lifelong changes in their lifestyle

Invest in your health, invest in a brighter future. Our comprehensive medical programs deliver real results, while you indulge in the beauty and serenity of our destination.

Invest in your health, invest in a brighter future. Our comprehensive medical programs deliver real results, while you indulge in the beauty and serenity of our destination.

Various weight loss surgery techniques depend on health status, age, and other factors. Each of them varies according to the specific procedure used and possible complications. Taking into account the wishes of the patient and the state of health, with the help of a physician, the process that gives the best result in the long term may be preferred. To briefly explain the different weight loss surgeries;

Sleeve Gastrectomy is the most common weight loss surgery. During this surgery, small holes are drilled in the abdomen, and approximately three-quarters (80%) of the stomach is removed. Therefore, the operation is irreversible. The remaining stomach resembles a banana in terms of volume and shape. In this procedure, the part of the person’s stomach that produces most of the ghrelin (hunger) hormone, which affects metabolism and appetite, is removed, helping patients reach the ideal weight after the surgical procedure. 

Sleeve Gastrectomy is a low-risk, simple, and safe operation to promote weight loss. This surgery does not affect your intestines. Therefore, you are less likely to experience nutritional deficiencies as against other surgeries. After this surgery, you can have a second surgery if necessary (approximately 12-18 months later). However, for this to happen, you must first lose weight and improve your health. In addition, the possibility of heartburn (reflux) or worsening of existing heartburn in people after surgery should be taken into consideration.

 

In the world, Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) is one of the procedures commonly performed to lose weight. In this surgery, a part of the stomach is cut and connected directly to the small intestine. Since the stomach volume decreases, even a little amount of food allows you to achieve a feeling of fullness. Thus, the amount of calories the person consumes daily is restricted, and the absorption of eaten nutrients is aimed to be reduced. This process takes approximately 2- 4 hours. 

This surgery offers an effective solution for many Type 2 diabetic patients. It also has a high success rate for long-term weight loss. However, this requires a strict diet after the operation. It may create a lifelong need for vitamins and nutritional supplements. It should also be taken into consideration that symptoms such as fatigue and nausea may occur after eating due to dumping syndrome (the small intestine is quickly filled with undigested food from the stomach).

 

Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band) is the process of placing inflatable silicone bands around the stomach opening, which are fixed to the upper side to form a small pouch. This tape is attached to a small device placed under the skin to tighten it after surgery. Generally, approximately 4-6 weeks after the surgery, the surgeon injects saline solution into the device and tightens it for the first time. This does not require any anesthesia procedure. After that, you will need to go for an examination several times to adjust the band gap and reach the ideal frequency. If it becomes clear during your surgeon’s check-ups that the band is causing problems or not helping you lose weight, it can be removed. So, it is an adjustable and reversible process.

This procedure leads to slower and less effective weight loss compared to other operations. It also requires regular adjustment and monitoring. In addition, slipping of the band may cause some complications in the stomach over time. It may even beggar another surgery. 

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS), also known as mixed surgery, has two separate procedures. First, a significant part of the stomach is removed like Sleeve Gastrectomy. In the second stage, the small intestine is divided into two parts, and the upper part is removed. Thus, food bypasses a large part of the small intestine, reducing the amount of nutrients absorbed. In other words, digestive fluids mix with food as it enters the large intestine from the stomach. This operation promotes more grand weight loss than gastric bypass and is more complex. Although it is not yet as common as other surgeries, its popularity is increasing daily.    

This type of surgery can solve health problems, especially obesity-related, by allowing faster and more weight loss as against the other three surgeries described above. However, it is a complex and risky operation. In addition, the risk of causing nutritional deficiencies such as minerals, vitamins and proteins is highest after the procedure. For this reason, it is not a procedure frequently performed by surgeons. It can only be performed on patients with severe obesity and health problems.

The amount of weight lost after weight loss surgery varies from person to person depending on many factors. These depend on age, gender, body composition, nutritional behavior, and physical activity. The type of transaction chosen also has an impact.

In Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery, weight is lost quickly in the first three months. At the end of the first year, patients lose 40-80% of their weight. Usually, after 18- 24 months, weight loss stops. However, the desired weight loss is observed until this period. After the second year, although not often, patients who do not adapt to the new lifestyle and maintain it may gain weight again, although they do not return to their previous weight. This rate varies between 3-10%.

With Gastric Bypass surgery, there is usually rapid weight loss in the first year. Patients then continue to lose weight at a slower rate. Patients lose approximately 60-70% of their body weight over time.

Weight loss occurs more slowly as a result of Gastric Band (Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band) surgery, and the patient’s weight loss is highly affected by how well they comply with post-operative diet and lifestyle changes. Approximately 30-40% of body weight is lost thanks to this surgery.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) is considered one of the most effective and aggressive weight loss surgeries that results in patients losing a large percentage (70%) of their body weight within the first two years after surgery.

 

Weight loss surgery is just a tool to help you lose weight. Therefore, you need to follow a healthy diet and increase your physical activity. Keep reading Top 5 Countries for Weight Loss Surgery to get the best results.

Weight loss surgery is just a tool to help you lose weight. Afterwards, you need to follow a healthy diet and increase your physical activity.

Gaining weight after weight loss surgery depends on three main reasons: inadequate or untechnical surgery, inadequate metabolic response, and inappropriate nutrition and living habits of the patient. Therefore, there is a possibility that a small portion of patients (2-3%) will return to their previous weight. 

Among these reasons, the most common is metabolic response deficiency. The most essential factor in the successful performance of weight loss surgery is the hormones secreted from the intestines and other organs. If the surgeon does not apply a method that is strong enough to meet the patient’s needs, the patient will not be able to provide an adequate metabolic response. To prevent this, factors such as the patient’s body mass index, the length of time he has lived at the obesity limit, whether he has diabetes or not, and if gastric bypass surgery has been performed, small intestine length and absorption functions should be taken into consideration to obtain an effective result. Therefore, the surgeon must appoint the necessary examinations and determine the appropriate method.

Apart from this, failure to change the patient’s lifestyle and eating habits prevents an effective result from being obtained. For this reason, if the patient uses alcohol, he should quit, avoid consuming fast food, take adequate vitamin and protein supplements, and be careful not to eat low calorie food or overeat in the initial phase. He should also start exercising.

Apart from this, failure to change the patient’s lifestyle and eating habits prevents obtaining an effective result. For this reason, if the patient uses alcohol, he should quit, avoid consuming fast food, take adequate vitamin and protein supplements, and be careful not to eat low-calorie food or overeat in the initial phase. He should also start exercising.   

Weight loss surgeries have many benefits for both obesity and other general health conditions. These can be listed as follows:

• Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: Fat tissue accumulated in the body in obesity increases insulin resistance and increases blood sugar levels. Reducing body weight contributes to controlling type 2 diabetes.
• Heart Diseases and Hypertension: Overweight or obese people are prone to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart diseases. Weight loss surgeries improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of possible heart diseases.
• Sleep Apnea and Breathing Problems: Losing weight through weight loss surgery improves sleep quality and reduces sleep apnea symptoms. This prevents irregular breathing that may occur during sleep due to sleep apnea.
• Joint Pain: Pain caused by excess weight in joints such as knees, hips, and ankles decreases with the decrease in body weight. It may even disappear entirely.
• Fertility: Individuals who struggle with infertility due to excess weight can increase their chances of getting pregnant thanks to weight loss surgery.
• Health Costs: Weight loss surgery helps reduce health problems and associated medical expenses over time.
• Mobility: Reducing body weight through weight loss surgery makes daily activities easier.
• Life Span: Excess weight leads to health deterioration and shortening of life expectancy in the future. Weight loss surgeries improve quality of life and prolong life.
• Self-confidence: Weight loss surgery increases the individual’s self-confidence by enabling them to have a healthy and aesthetic appearance. Thus, the individual takes a more active role in social life. Family and friend relationships become vigorous. Additionally, the person’s body perception improves. Also, psychological problems such as depression and anxiety are solved.

Weight loss surgery is generally an effective and safe treatment for obesity and related health problems. However, since it is a surgical procedure, it has some risks and potential side effects. These may vary depending on the patient’s general health, the type of surgery and the surgeon’s experience. Some short and long-term complications of weight loss surgery are:

• Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after the operation. However, bleeding that appears in reddish or black stools can be severe. In this case, contact your doctor or go to an emergency room immediately.
• Infection: Sometimes after surgery, the wound may become infected for up to 3 weeks while healing. Symptoms include pain, redness, warmth, or discharge (pus) around the wound. The infection is cured with antibiotics, but if it is more advanced, surgeon intervention is required.
• Anesthesia: Although such rare, some complications may occur due to anesthesia.
• Blood clots: Blood clots can occur in the lower leg (Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) and lung (Pulmonary embolism (PE)). Although blood clots in the lungs can be life-threatening, the chance of them occurring is increasingly low (less than 1%). Furthermore, blood clot formation can be prevented with blood thinners and frequent activity.
• Dumping syndrome: This syndrome, which causes symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea after eating, occurs when high sugar foods are consumed after weight loss surgery.
• Changes in the gut: It is common to experience constipation after weight loss surgery. Be careful not to consume fibrous foods that can cause congestion. If you cannot resolve the situation on your own, you can consult your doctor on how to deal with it.
• Stenosis and obstructions: Some complications may occur in the digestive system after weight loss surgery. Although there is a little chance, the food may leak into your stomach. Or, the stomach or small intestine may become narrowed and blocked due to decreased blood flow to the area after surgery.
• Gallstones: Rapid weight loss after weight loss surgery may lead to gallstone formation. However, these are usually harmless. Very few patients need their gallbladder removed after surgery.
• Excess skin: Rapid weight loss can cause loose skin, leaving folds around the abdomen, breasts or hips. Plastic surgery may be required to remove them.
• Revision surgery: Sometimes, another surgery may be needed to optimize weight loss results or to eliminate complications.
• Nutrient deficiencies: There is a risk of malnutrition as weight loss surgery makes absorption in the intestines difficult. Therefore, it can lead to inadequacies in essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, postoperative patients should take nutritional supplements throughout their lives. Otherwise, they may constantly feel tired or lack energy and experience shortness of breath.

Thailand

Thailand is known as a medical tourism destination in terms of weight loss surgery due to its advanced services, qualified healthcare personnel and affordable prices. Additionally, hospitals in Thailand attract patients from all over the world for many reasons, such as easy access to modern facilities, the ability to combine relaxation and holiday with treatment, and the ease of obtaining a visa.

Experienced Surgeons: Thai surgeons are known for their expertise and qualifications in the field of weight loss surgery. Many have international training and certification and provide patients with world-class medical care.

Quality Healthcare: Thailand has a developed healthcare system as it has modern facilities and highly trained medical personnel. Many hospitals in the country have international accreditation. Thus, it aims to provide positive results of the treatment by providing patients with comprehensive and safe care.

Affordability: Although operations performed in Thailand vary depending on the surgeon’s expertise, the chosen healthcare facility and the procedure, they are more affordable than many Western countries. Therefore, it is in a financially valuable position for those looking for appropriate and quality treatment. Operation fees in Thailand start from approximately $5,000.

Short Waiting Time: Patient waiting times tend to be shorter in Thailand. Thus, patients can access treatment quickly. This is very important for people with serious health problems.

Medical Tourism Infrastructure: Thailand has made a major investment, including international transportation and accommodation, to develop its medical tourism infrastructure. This step provides convenience for patients coming from abroad.

 

Czech Republic:

Thanks to its affordable healthcare system and experienced medical staff, the Czech Republic has become a popular destination for weight loss surgeries.

Experienced Surgeons: Many of the Czech surgeons specializing in weight loss surgery have international training and certifications. Thus, they guarantee patients high-quality medical care.

Quality Healthcare: The Czech Republic has an advanced health system in line with European standards, with qualified health personnel and modern facilities. Czech healthcare providers offer patients effective and safe care, with planning that includes travel arrangements and accommodation.

Affordability: One of the main reasons to consider weight loss surgery in the Czech Republic is that it is quite affordable compared to many Western countries. For this reason, it appears as a cost-effective option for those seeking treatment.

Weight loss surgeries in the Czech Republic start from 5615 dollars. Although this price varies depending on the type of surgery, the chosen clinic, the surgeon, and the equipment to be used, it is approximately 60 percent cheaper compared to European countries with developed healthcare systems.

Multilingual Staff: To provide a quality service to international patients, many medical facilities in the Czech Republic employ multilingual staff who can communicate in languages other than English. In this way, clear and effective communication is established between patients and medical personnel during the treatment process.

 

Poland:

Poland is known to many people as a suitable location for weight loss surgery due to its well-established healthcare system and its recently increasing reputation in medical tourism.

Experienced Surgeons: Many Polish surgeons have international training and certification to provide a high standard of care and are respected for their expertise.

Quality Healthcare: Poland has a quality healthcare system. Thanks to its advanced healthcare services, it offers patients an effective and safe care environment.

European Standards: Poland provides patients with a sense of confidence by complying with European Union healthcare standards and regulations regarding the safety of procedures.

Affordability: Weight loss surgeries performed in Poland are more affordable than many Western countries. Therefore, it is an economically viable option. Weight loss surgery in Poland starts from $7000 on average. However, this price may vary depending on clinic, doctor and procedure you choose.

 

Lithuania:

Lithuania has become famous for weight loss surgeries in recent years due to affordability, quality and availability of healthcare.

Experienced Surgeons: Lithuanian surgeons are known for their expertise in weight loss surgery with their international training and certifications.

Quality Healthcare: Lithuania is equipped to perform weight loss surgeries with modern facilities and well-equipped medical personnel to ensure that patients receive quality care.

Affordability: One of the most important reasons to have weight loss surgery in Lithuania is cost. For people looking for affordable treatment, Lithuania is an attractive option. Weight loss surgery prices in Lithuania vary depending on the type of surgery, the chosen clinic and the doctor, and start from $6,000.

Short Waiting Times: Lithuania is in an advantageous position in terms of patients being able to plan their surgeries faster, thanks to short waiting times.

Multilingual Staff: Many medical facilities in Lithuania have medical staff who can communicate in English and other languages to provide quality service to patients from abroad.

Turkey is the most popular destination for those looking for cheap weight loss surgery and is a popular health tourism destination. In 2018, more than 10 million foreign patients received treatment in Turkish hospitals, contributing to the country’s annual income. It is a global center for medical tourism because weight loss surgery is third most popular operation performed in Turkey after dentistry and hair transplantation. The main reasons to choose Turkey for weight loss surgery are:

• Turkey has a comprehensive network of licensed hospitals and clinics, each with its own area of expertise. Among them, there are many places where you can find a reputable weight loss doctor who offers weight loss surgery and has experience that rivals other countries.
• Most importantly, the cost of weight loss surgery in Turkey is cheaply. This means that you can receive quality treatment at a much cheaper price.
• The major advantage of weight loss surgery in Turkey is that you benefit from the additional options offered by the country’s best clinics. These options include offers that benefit international patients, such as discounted accommodation in 5-star hotels and interpreter support.
• All medical services in Turkey are managed by the Ministry of Health. Also, the hospitals are generally inspected twice a year. Additionally, if the surgeon violates the rules, he or she may be disqualified and removed from the list.
• The fact that Turkey has a very rich historical and cultural structure also helps incoming patients to meet their holiday needs.

Top 5 Countries for Weight Loss Surgery cost depends on several factors. You can find out how much it will cost from our cost calculator.

This article has provided a detailed overview of weight loss surgery, eligibility criteria, different types of surgery, benefits, risks, and the top 5 countries for weight loss surgery.