Weight loss surgery in Turkey has recently hit the headlines again as the BBC found worrying evidence of treatments resulting in deaths and serious health issues. Through their investigation into the trend, they discovered that seven British patients have died after weight loss surgery in the last three years. While other patients have returned with serious health issues after having a Gastric Sleeve abroad.
Turkey has become an increasingly popular destination for medical tourism in recent years, especially for weight loss surgery. With prices much lower than in Western countries, Turkey offers an affordable option for procedures like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. However, important questions remain about whether weight loss surgery in Turkey is actually safe for patients. In this article, we’ll examine the risks and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
The Rising Popularity of Weight Loss Tourism in Turkey
Medical tourism is booming worldwide, with patients travelling abroad to access everything from dental care to fertility treatments. Turkey is one of the top destinations, especially for weight loss surgery Prices in Turkey can be 50-70% cheaper than in places like the UK, USA and Canada For example, gastric sleeve surgery might cost $15,000 in the US but only $4,000 in Turkey.
With prices so low, it’s no wonder Turkey is attracting large numbers of weight loss tourists. An estimated 15,000 bariatric procedures were performed in Turkey in 2021 alone. Much of this demand comes from Europe, especially the UK. Besides the low prices, Turkey offers attractive package deals covering tourism activities like hotel stays and sightseeing tours along with the surgery.
Understand the Safety Risks of Surgery Abroad
While Turkey offers big savings on weight loss procedures important safety risks need to be considered
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Lower quality facilities/staff – Not all hospitals and clinics in Turkey adhere to stringent safety standards. Some use outdated equipment or have less specialized staff compared to Western countries.
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Lack of credibility – A small percentage of Turkish clinics make misleading claims about their capabilities and surgeon qualifications. Thorough background research is essential.
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Minimal legal recourse – If something goes wrong during or after surgery abroad, seeking legal compensation can be much more difficult than at home.
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Complication management – If complications occur post-surgery,Patients can’t see their original Turkish surgeon for follow-ups. Major problems may require hospitalization back home.
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Communication barriers – Language and cultural barriers can impede clear communication between doctor and patient, heightening risks. Remote consultations don’t allow in-person exams pre-surgery.
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Aftercare uncertainties – Aftercare protocols like diet and supplement regimens may differ from Western standards. Having less information on proper aftercare can jeopardize results.
Factors That Can Help Mitigate the Risks
To make weight loss surgery in Turkey as safe as possible, several key factors are recommended:
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Accredited hospitals/clinics – Only consider Turkish facilities accredited by globally recognized organizations like JCI or TEMOS. These adhere to strict international safety protocols.
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Experienced, credentialed surgeons – Verify your surgeon is certified by reputable bodies like the European Board of Surgery and has ample experience with your specific procedure.
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Pre-op communication – Have detailed email, phone and even in-person consultations with your Turkish surgeon pre-surgery to establish trust and align expectations.
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Post-op follow-up – Your Turkish clinic should provide a detailed aftercare plan, supplements and follow-up consultations via telehealth after you return home.
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Travel with a companion – Having a travel companion provides support if any health issues arise during your stay.
Evaluating the Risks and Benefits
Weight loss surgery in Turkey clearly has major benefits – the procedures cost 50-70% less than in most Western nations. For people struggling to get surgery approved through insurance or public healthcare, this cost savings removes a huge barrier.
However, the risks are also real. Lower surgical quality, safety practices and legal accountability compared to many Western nations persist in some Turkish hospitals. Still, utilizing accredited facilities, experienced surgeons and comprehensive aftercare can help mitigate these hazards.
Every patient needs to carefully weigh the pros and cons before choosing surgery in Turkey or any foreign country. Consulting with both your current doctor and prospective Turkish surgeon provides the insights needed to make this big decision.
Ultimately, the risks are manageable with proper diligence – and for many, the massive savings make weight loss surgery in Turkey well worth considering.
Weight loss surgery in Turkey – the key findings
Speaking on the latest findings, Streamline’s Director and Expert Bariatric Surgeon, Guy Slater said, “My Streamline colleagues and I have looked after significant numbers of patients who have suffered complications after surgery aboard, in our NHS practices.
“My opinion has always been that all surgeons have complications and that for every poor outcome after surgery in Turkey, there must be many patients who have had very good outcomes. Until now, we haven’t been able to guess complication rates or compare them to UK complication rates, but seven deaths in three years does concern me.
“Looking at the circumstances of the deaths that have occurred, with the surgical insight that comes from being an experienced surgeon, it is likely that they have all occurred from shock, secondary to unrecognised bleeding or sepsis from leaks that haven’t been identified early and managed appropriately. These are avoidable causes of death. Complications like these, that can result in death happen from time to time in the UK too, but the data would suggest that they’re usually recognised early and managed appropriately, preventing death. We’re lucky in the UK to have the NHS safety net, if you suffer a complication from surgery, even privately, the safety net is there for you and unlike abroad the cost of your emergency care isn’t an issue.
Unlike in the UK there are no records of the number of people who have travelled to Turkey for weight loss surgery.
Weight loss surgery in Turkey – mortality, complications and cost
Discussing the UK process Mr Slater adds, “in the UK, bariatric surgeons have to enter all of their outcome data, both NHS and private into a National database. This outcome data is emailed to all UK bariatric surgeons each week.
“There has been one reported death in the UK, in the last year, from a total of circa 5000 patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, a mortality rate of 1 in 5000. High-risk, high BMI patients aren’t suitable for surgery abroad, travelling abroad is only really an option for the easiest, most straight procedures. It is likely this death was as a result of a high-risk case.
“If we use the UK’s 2022 mortality rate for weight loss surgery, to equal the low mortality rate, 35,000 patients would need to have had surgery successfully in Turkey in the last three years. It is possible to have that many patients travelling to Turkey, however I would be very surprised if that was the case.
“I understand how difficult life with severe obesity is after 20 years in the industry and I would never be critical of a patient who chooses to travel to Turkey for surgery.
“Unfortunately, in the UK, we just can’t compete with the low-cost of surgery aboard. The cost of the disposable instruments we use in the UK is more, than the cost of the whole package aboard; to deliver at that price clinics must be using cheaper products or re-using single use disposable equipment.
Ever thought why prices in Turkey for weight loss surgery are so cheap?
FAQ
Has the gastric sleeve gone wrong in Turkey?
Why is weight loss surgery so cheap in Turkey?
Which hospital is best for weight loss in Turkey?
Can you lose weight through gastric bypass surgery in Turkey?
Who has more than 35 BMI. In Turkey, the pursuit of weight loss through surgery includes three main types of gastric bypass procedures. The Roux-en-Y is a technique that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine.
Is tummy tuck surgery safe?
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a major surgery that involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the underlying muscles. It can be a safe procedure, but it is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before deciding if it is right for you. Here are some of the risks of tummy tuck surgery: Infection: Infection is a risk with any surgery, but it is more common with tummy tuck surgery than with some other procedures. Bleeding: Bleeding can occur during any surgery, but it is more common with tummy tuck surgery than with some other procedures. Seroma: Seroma is a collection of fluid under the skin that can occur after surgery. It is more common with tummy tuck surgery than with some other procedures. Numbness or tingling: Numbness or tingling in the abdomen or groin area can occur after tummy tuck surgery. It is usually temporary, but it can be permanent in some cases. Scarring: Scarring is a common side effect of tummy tuck surgery. The scars are usually permanent, but they can fade over time.
How much weight can you lose after gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey?
After gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey, the majority of patients lose approximately 60-70% of their excess weight at the end of the first year. Most patients can lose more weight due to lifestyle changes.
How many people have died from weight loss surgery in Turkey?
There are no records of the number of people who have travelled to Turkey for this kind of treatment. But the BBC has learned that seven Britons have died after having weight loss surgery there since 2019. Turkey teeth: Are cut-price reality TV teeth worth it? One of those was 25-year-old Joe Thornley.