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Pros and cons of traveling to have bariatric surgery

Why travelling for bariatric surgery may – or may not – be your best option

Medical tourism - travelling to another country to get medical care - has been gaining in popularity. If you are considering weight loss surgery outside your nation's borders, it's important to be aware of both sides of the story.

We'll cover some key issues here.

Before you check the status of your passport, check out these pros and cons of having bariatric surgery abroad. This list is not exhaustive, but it will give you some food for thought.

On the plus side . . .
  • It might be more affordable.
    The prices for bariatric surgery in some destinations are twice as low as in others. That’s because staff salaries and the costs of maintaining clinics are relatively low.
  • The medical staff can have a lot of experience.
    Because these facilities often treat many patients, the personnel can be highly experienced. Europe, especially, has many weight loss clinics specifically dedicated to foreign patients.    
  • The clinic may offer more types of procedures than your local public health system. 
    Not every public facility has the ability or economy to offer a wide palette of bariatric procedures. Clinics tailored to foreign clientele may have a broader range of options as part of their business model.

On the minus side . . .
  • Your options to gather first-hand impressions are limited. 
    You probably won’t be able to visit the clinic and meet your team before surgery. However, an online meeting can be acceptable.   
  • Aftercare is essential – but more challenging. 
    Travelling to a different country every few weeks for essential aftercare activities is not practical for most people. Patients need to make sure online consultations are available and that any long distance solutions adequately address their needs. 
  • What if you have complications? 
    Will you need to go to a public hospital in a foreign country? Would/could you seek medical care at home? What about costs? It’s important to find out what practical, professional arrangements are in place if you happen to encounter problems. 
  • Healthcare standards might not be the same.
    Obviously, healthcare services are not regulated the same way in every country. Nor are standards necessarily the same as at home. That can apply to both providers and the consumables used in the surgical procedure.  

Regardless of your initial impulses, it’s important to thoroughly research the topic before you make any decisions.

Disclaimer

Information contained herein is not medical advice and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. 
Discuss indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events and any further information with your health care professional.