Best Countries for Weight Loss Surgery

Last Modified: April 11, 2024  |   Created on: May 15, 2023
Weight Loss

Best countries for weight loss surgery abroad are India Turkey, Egypt and Thailand, one can obtain high-quality services at reasonable costs. The cost of bariatric surgery starts from USD 2300.

Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a medical specialty that includes a variety of procedures designed to treat obesity and conditions that are linked to being overweight.

These procedures are typically only carried out after all other diet and exercise regimen options have been exhausted.

Adjustments to the digestive system, such as shrinking the stomach, are frequently made during weight loss surgeries in order to physically reduce food intake.

As a general rule, gastric surgery encourages weight loss in the ways listed below:

  • Restriction (because the stomach’s capacity is severely constrained, a very small number of calories are consumed)
  • Malabsorption (the shortening or bypassing of a portion of the small intestine, which also has the side effect of low-calorie intake).

Weight loss surgeries are sometimes equated with plastic surgeries or other cosmetic procedures. However, it is important to emphasize that bariatric surgery falls under the category of routine life-saving surgeries and is carried out for medical reasons, not the patient’s whim.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

  • The vertical sleeve gastrectomy, also known as the gastric sleeve, is a procedure that permanently removes up to 80% of the stomach, allowing patients to eat the smallest amount of food at once. 
  • The additional benefit of the procedure is that ghrelin (the hunger hormone) production is decreased or even stopped along with the stomach resection. 
  • Laparoscopic surgery is used to perform gastric sleeve surgery
  • First, the surgeon inserts a camera into the stomach through the mouth. 
  • Next, the stomach is cut into a few small places (tiny dots), through which the long instruments are inserted. 
  • No extensive body incisions are required because the inside of the stomach can be seen on the video screen. 
  • Many experts today assert that it is the best procedure for weight loss.

Gastric Bypass

  • A gastric bypass procedure reduces the size of the stomach and alters how the small intestine and stomach process food. 
  • Following the procedure, some of the small intestine and stomach are not utilised, which prevents all of the calories consumed from being absorbed. 
  • The surgery typically involves two steps: first, the stomach is split into two parts; the small upper part, about the size of a walnut, receives food there, while the large lower part is bypassed by the digestive system. 
  • Next, the small upper part of the stomach is connected to the small intestine, allowing food to pass through the large part of the stomach without being digested. 
  • Laparoscopic surgery reduces the possibility of complications and infections.

Gastric Balloon

  • In actuality, balloon weight loss surgery is a non-surgical process carried out under sedation and local anesthesia. 
  • Once more, laparoscopic surgery is used. Once it is in the proper location, the surgeon inflates the balloon with saline after inserting the camera and balloon into the stomach.
  • There is very little room in the stomach for food because the balloon occupies a significant portion of it. 
  • This procedure’s placement of the balloon is what makes it interesting. 
  • The balloon needs to be removed during a subsequent procedure after 6 or 12 months. However, most of the time, having a balloon inside is sufficient to significantly reduce weight and alter eating patterns.

Gastric Band

  • The upper portion of the stomach is banded with silicone during the gastric band procedure, which reduces stomach size and food intake. 
  • Despite the fact that sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass produces better results, this procedure is now less common than it once was.

The 3 main types of weight loss surgery comparison:

InfoGastric BypassGastric BandGastric Sleeve
Procedure:Different parts of the abdomen and small intestine are involved in the invasive laparoscopic procedure. The digestive system is alteredA minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. A silicone band that is a foreign object is inserted. The small intestine has not changed.Up to 80% of the stomach is removed during a laparoscopic procedure that is moderately invasive. The hormone that causes hunger is diminished (or even gone)
Average hospital stay2-4 days1 day2-3 days
The average time off work3-4 weeks1 week3-4 weeks
Excess weight lossup to 80%up to 80%up to 75%
Operating time60-90 min30-40 min45-60 min
Sickness/side effectsNone to very rareFrequent, if the band is too tightNone to very rare
Quality of lifeInvolved/goodCan be compromised Some types of foods are not tolerated.Very good. Most types of foods are well-tolerated Eating is normal, but portions are restricted
Risks or complicationsChanges to normal digestion – Staple separation or leakage – More follow-up than after sleeve gastrectomy – Gastric stomal ulcerBleeding – Tubing leak – Band Infection – Slippage – Band erosion into the– Staple separation or leakage – Gastric acid reflux (rare)

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Suitability

The best weight loss surgery should only be chosen by a surgeon:

  • Even if patients are very knowledgeable about the safety, potential side effects, and other aspects of bariatric surgery, they are not allowed to request the procedure they believe will be most effective.
  • Before choosing the type of surgery, patients undergo a thorough physical and psychological examination as well as numerous questions about their lifestyle, attempts to lose weight in the past, and any disorders or addictions.
  • Surgeons can only choose the best weight loss surgery after analyzing the results of medical tests and patients’ responses.

Candidates best suited for weight loss surgery

To be eligible for the procedure, a candidate for weight loss surgery must meet a number of requirements. In general, the requirements for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band surgery are very similar.

Surgeons and insurance companies adhere to some general rules regarding weight loss eligibility.

The standards comprise:

  • A BMI of 40 or higher is indicative of surgery.
  • Patients must have tried to lose weight regularly (through dieting and exercise) for at least two years and have battled obesity for at least four to five years.
  • Patients are sufficiently motivated.
  • Patients don’t smoke.
  • Patients are eager to cooperate with the surgeon, psychologist, and dietician and agree to the aftercare program and diet.
  • Patients are between the ages of 18 and 65.
  • Most young patients can lose the extra weight with the assistance and support of their parents, a dietician, a psychologist (or even better, a psychiatrist), as well as a bariatric surgeon. If not, parents should conduct research to find out which hospitals offer pediatric weight loss surgery.
  • For instance, class 1 obesity (BMI 30-35) might be treated with a gastric balloon, while class 2 obesity (BMI 35-40) might be treated with a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.
  • Patients who have a BMI under 40 but also have certain diseases associated with obesity, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart problems, or liver disorders, may also be candidates for weight loss surgery.
  • People with a BMI of 40 to 50 are considered morbidly obese, which means that weight loss surgery would likely save their lives and that they need to lose weight as soon as possible with the assistance of surgery.
  • Finally, there are patients with BMIs over 50, but surgery is typically not an option for them due to their health issues.
  • These patients are frequently advised to reduce their weight before surgery in order to reduce the risk of death during the procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare

  • Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1-3 days following weight loss surgery
  • If there are any complications, the stay will undoubtedly be longer.
  • Additionally, patients who undergo a laparoscopic procedure are permitted to leave the hospital sooner than those who undergo a traditional procedure.

Advantages of Weight-Loss Surgery Abroad

A patient who decides to have weight loss surgery must be extremely motivated and disciplined.

Even though performing such a procedure abroad is more difficult, there are so many benefits that it is undoubtedly worthwhile to think about.

The benefits of having weight loss surgery abroad are listed below:

  • Cost effective-primary motivation for seeking medical care abroad is the cost factor.
  • Bariatric surgeons abroad are skilled and offer a variety of procedures.
    No matter what nation you choose for your weight loss
  • surgery, we all routinely check the surgeon. Finding skilled weight loss surgeons is essential for a successful operation.
  • Bariatric clinics in other countries are equipped and accredited.
  • Any bariatric surgery clinic that provides its services to patients from other countries must adhere to the highest standards of medical care.
  • The most recent tools and technology are being used by the bariatric specialist. ensuring excellent outcomes and a higher success rate for your treatment.

How can Lyfboat assist you getting Weight Loss Surgery Abroad?

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Lyfboat is a free advisory platform; we do not charge any fees from patients. In fact, we negotiate the price that Indian hospitals offer. In some cases we are able to reduce the cost by negotiating upto 20% of what Hospitals generally offer. We advise the best treatment from the top hospital/surgeon at best price.

The top-most countries to consider bariatric surgery abroad

1. India

  • Most people who are extremely obese and seeking an affordable weight loss surgery option choose bariatric surgery in India. Indian hospitals provide excellent medical care and services, which is one of the main reasons why many medical tourists from other nations travel there for weight loss surgery.
  • A number of surgical procedures that are part of the specialty of bariatric surgery aid in significant weight loss over a few months. Each type of surgery employs a completely different technique and operates according to a different mechanism.
  • The price of Gastric Ballooning starts from 3000-4000 USD, Gastric Band starts from USD 6500, Gastric Bypass starts from USD 3500, Sleeve Gasterectomy – 3500 USD, Adjustable Gastric Band – 6500 USD, Duodenal Switch – 9000 USD
  • Some of the most popular weight loss procedures in India include biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. These bariatric surgeries can also occasionally be modified in a number of ways to best meet the needs of the patient.
  • The best hospitals in India for bariatric surgery are spread across a number of convenient locations for both prospective and current patients. These hospitals have the most cutting-edge life support system and laparoscopy technique, as well as all the other modern technology required to perform a successful bariatric surgery.
  • Each year, a large number of foreign patients undergo bariatric surgery at India’s best hospitals in order to lose a significant amount of weight. In addition to significantly reducing weight, these procedures also control or treat the co-morbidities of obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
  • In India, particularly in large cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, weight loss surgery has recently become very popular. Every hospital in the nation that performs this surgery has a dedicated and well-established bariatrics department that attends to the needs of patients who are seeking to lose weight and improve their quality of life.

2. Egypt

  • More than 5 million Egyptians struggle with severe obesity. This explains why more than 30,000 weight loss surgeries are performed each year in the nation. This indicates that surgery is performed to treat obesity in less than 1% of patients.
  • However, as a result of this enormous volume of procedures, Egypt is now qualified to host the best weight loss operations with the highest standards of quality and success anywhere in the world. Many patients from the Middle East and the Arab World travel to Egypt for weight loss procedures, where they receive the best care and the most advanced surgical techniques.
  • The most difficult and intricate weight loss surgeries can now be performed in Egypt by doctors. With quite impressive results, they were able to perform surgeries on patients who weighed more than 400 kilograms.
  • With their incredibly innovative patient-centric care approach, hospitals have aimed to provide top-notch medical care to everyone.
  • The price of Gastric Ballooning starts from 2300 USD, Gastric Bypass starts from USD 4200, Sleeve Gasterectomy – 3600 USD.
  • The price of weight loss surgery depends on a number of additional factors. The type of hospital the patient chooses for their weight loss surgery as well as the city they choose to live in are the two main determinants of the overall cost of the procedure.
  • There is no waiting time due to well-organized and regulated medical tourism.

3. Turkey

  • The most sought-after location for people looking for inexpensive weight loss surgery is Turkey.
  • Turkey is a popular medical tourism destination. More than 10 million foreign patients visited Turkish hospitals in 2018, contributing to the country’s record-breaking annual revenue of more than $100 billion.
  • Weight loss surgery in Turkey is the third most popular procedure (behind dental work and hair transplants). The main justifications for traveling to Turkey for bariatric surgery are:
  • Extremely affordable prices
  • The price of Gastric Ballooning starts from 2300-3500 USD, Gastric Bypass starts from USD 4,000, Sleeve Gasterectomy – 3500 USD.
  • The many licensed health facilities
  • The exceptionally high caliber of services
  • Providing the clinics with the newest technology on the market, individualized patient care, and customized procedures
  • Historically and culturally very rich heritage.
  • All medical services in Turkey are governed and controlled by the Ministry of Health, and the majority of clinics, medical facilities, and hospitals have JCI accreditation.
  • At least once a year, but typically twice a year, the hospitals are audited.
  • The surgeon may be disqualified or removed from the surgeon’s list if they violate the regulated rules.
  • The cost of surgery in Turkey is between €2950 and €4750. However, some factors—such as the clinics’ locations, the surgeons’ backgrounds, the methods they employ, and the nature of the procedure—increase the cost of medical care.

4. Thailand

  • Weight loss through bariatric surgery in Thailand is guaranteed, secure, and affordable. Over 3500 weight loss surgeries in Thailand are performed annually by highly skilled international doctors.
  • Thailand is a well-known and prominent medical tourism destination for cost-effective and high-quality healthcare. Patients receive treatment at Thailand’s top hospitals that adhere to international standards which has built up credibility over the years.
  • They have doctors and other medical experts who have extensive theoretical and practical experience. The best board-certified bariatric surgeons, nurses, and staff can be found in Thailand. In some of Thailand’s and Bangkok’s finest JCI-accredited hospitals, the surgeons perform weight loss surgeries with excellence and a high success rate.
  • The country’s growing medical tourism industry is greatly influenced by its appeal as a travel destination. The best medical care is always sought after by visitors to Thailand.
  • The attractiveness of Thai hospitals draws patients from all over the country for a variety of reasons, including easy access to modern facilities, the opportunity to combine vacation and relaxation with treatment, and the simplicity of obtaining a visa.
  • The diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative services provided in Thailand are on par with those provided by the best medical facilities worldwide.
  • Even after deducting the costs of travel, lodging, and food, the average cost of bariatric surgery in Thailand starts at USD 7500.
  • The price of medical packages in Thailand can vary depending on a number of variables, including the kind of treatment, the procedure used, the hospital’s location in the country, the doctor’s qualifications, and many others. Numerous patients from around the world choose to travel to Thailand for medical care for this reason, which is frequently the main one.
Dr. Surbhi Suden

Verified By Dr. Surbhi Suden

Dr. Surbhi Suden is one of the founders of Lyfboat and a doctor with a renowned name in the Medical tourism industry. She has been working with international patients since 2008 and is a deeply committed professional with a long term vision of transforming the current healthcare scenarios.

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Dr. Surbhi Suden

Verified By Dr. Surbhi Suden

Dr. Surbhi Suden is one of the founders of Lyfboat and a doctor with a renowned name in the Medical tourism industry. She has been working with international patients since 2008 and is a deeply committed professional with a long term vision of transforming the current healthcare scenarios.
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