Bariatric & Weight-Loss Surgery Abroad

The free planning call connects you with the hospital's bariatric team to discuss the recommended procedure, expected length of stay, dietitian handover, cost, and travel logistics. It is not a formal medical consultation. A paid second opinion connects you with a licensed bariatric surgeon who reviews your BMI, comorbidities, previous weight-loss attempts, and prior surgery, and gives you a structured written medical view on which procedure fits best, what the alternatives are, and what to realistically expect. For anyone unsure which procedure is right or considering a revision, we strongly encourage the second opinion path first.

Most bariatric programmes accept adults with a BMI of 40 and above, or a BMI of 35 to 40 with at least one significant obesity-related condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, severe joint disease). Some patients with a BMI of 30 to 35 and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes may also qualify. Endoscopic gastric balloon has lower BMI thresholds (typically 27 to 35). The planning call will confirm which options apply to your case, and the second opinion path is available if you want a clinical view before deciding.

The best procedure depends on your BMI, comorbidities, reflux, previous surgery, and personal preferences. Gastric sleeve is the most common, with excellent results for BMI 35 to 45. Gastric bypass is stronger for patients with type 2 diabetes, severe reflux, or higher BMI. Mini bypass offers similar benefits with lower complexity. Endoscopic balloon is a non-surgical option for lower BMI or as a bridge. Duodenal switch and SADI-S are reserved for very high BMI or revision. The bariatric team walks through each option in your planning call.

Bariatric surgery carries risk anywhere, but modern laparoscopic techniques have made it one of the safest major abdominal operations. Safety in our network is protected by three layers: every hospital, bariatric surgeon, and dietitian is reviewed and verified by our medical advisory board before joining; partner hospitals meet international laparoscopic surgery and safety standards; and the planning call gives you direct contact with the operating team before you decide. The real risks of medical tourism come from booking through unverified channels, low-volume centres, and packages that hide who is actually operating on you.

It varies with the procedure. Endoscopic balloon is often day-case or overnight, needing two to three days on site. Laparoscopic sleeve or bypass usually needs four to seven days. Mini bypass and revision procedures may need up to eight days. Duodenal switch and SADI-S can need up to ten days before you're cleared to fly. The exact plan is confirmed in your planning call, based on your case and the hospital's protocols.

Recommended for all major bariatric surgery, especially for higher-BMI patients or those with significant comorbidities where post-operative recovery benefits from a companion's support. For endoscopic balloon and straightforward sleeve cases, a companion is helpful but not mandatory. The hospital's coordinator will confirm what's expected for your specific procedure during the planning call.

Long-term follow-up is essential and continues for years, not months. Standard follow-up includes bloods (vitamins, minerals, metabolic panel) at 3, 6, and 12 months, then yearly, plus regular dietitian visits and monitoring for weight-loss trajectory, dumping syndrome (bypass patients), and any nutritional deficiencies. Your discharge summary and vitamin protocol are shared with your GP, endocrinologist, or dietitian at home so this can continue with your local team seamlessly.

Yes, for most bariatric procedures. Sleeve patients typically need multivitamin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and iron. Bypass and duodenal switch patients need the same plus additional fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and more careful protein monitoring. The bariatric team will give you a written vitamin protocol matched to your procedure, and your GP or dietitian at home will monitor your bloods to catch any deficiencies early. Gastric balloon patients don't need long-term supplements because the balloon is temporary.

In many cases, bariatric surgery is partially covered by insurance companies when BMI and medical criteria are met, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes or other obesity-related conditions. Under the EU cross-border healthcare directive (Directive 2011/24/EU), planned procedures within the EU may also be partially reimbursed by your home insurance if you have the appropriate referrals. Türkiye is outside the EU, so the directive does not automatically apply. Always contact your insurance company before you travel to confirm the coverage details and required documentation.

The hospital keeps you on site under monitoring until the bariatric team is confident you're stable enough to travel. Complications during recovery, such as a staple line leak, bleeding, or infection, are managed there, not en route. Bariatric surgery has small but real complication rates regardless of country, and partner hospitals are equipped with laparoscopic re-operation capacity, endoscopy, and ICU support for exactly these situations. If a complication happens after you return home, your GP has the full records and can act quickly, with support from the operating team via our app.

Yes. Revision is one of the treatment paths our network covers. This includes patients with significant weight regain after previous sleeve, bypass, or band, those with band complications who need removal and conversion, and cases with staple-line issues or inadequate initial weight loss. Revision surgery requires careful pre-operative evaluation including upper endoscopy and a review of your previous operative notes. The second opinion path is a good starting point before committing to revision.

Payment is made directly to the hospital, usually by card or bank transfer around the time of the procedure. Some partners accept partial payment on arrival with the remainder after surgery. Your planning call covers payment options and what's included in the quoted price (accommodation, airport transfer, medications, endoscopy, laboratory tests, hospital stay, dietitian consultation, vitamins for the first month) in detail, before you commit to anything.

Every bariatric team and care coordinator in our network works with medical interpreters or bilingual staff. Each hospital profile lists the languages they offer. For bariatric care in particular, being able to discuss diet phases, vitamin protocols, and long-term nutritional monitoring in your own language is essential, so this is one of the things we specifically verify with partners.