Gastric bypass abroad

In this article, the Experts Medical team did its best to give the most informative answers to questions that arise from patients who decide to undergo gastric bypass surgery abroad. We understood the essence of the operation itself, examined its pros and cons, separately focused on the cost and touched upon such an important point as organizing treatment in foreign clinics.

This is a popular type of bariatric surgery aimed at reducing weight in patients who are unable to do so through diet and exercise. Unlike sleeve gastroplasty, the essence of which is to mechanically reduce the volume of the stomach, bypass surgery affects the process of absorption of nutrients.

In overseas gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch about the size of an egg by separating the top of the stomach from the rest of the stomach with surgical staples. It is connected to the small intestine. The remaining part of the stomach, which no longer receives food but which continues to produce gastric juice, and the duodenum are sutured to the small intestine a little lower.

Thus, food is mixed with gastric juice in the lower intestine, which significantly reduces the absorption of calories and nutrients. That is, the weight loss effect is achieved in two ways – restrictive (reducing the volume of the stomach) and malabsorptive (excluding most of the stomach and part of the intestine from the digestive process). This is what accounts for the high effectiveness of gastric bypass for weight loss.

Gastric bypass surgery shows impressive long-term results. Patients who undergo this procedure lose on average 60% to 80% of excess weight. Maximum weight loss is usually observed during the first 18-24 months after surgery. The effectiveness of bariatric intervention is confirmed by the fact that most patients manage to maintain their weight loss results for many years.

If we talk about the effectiveness of gastric bypass abroad, then in foreign clinics it is higher than in the post-Soviet countries. This is due to three main factors:

• Firstly, bariatric surgeries began to be performed abroad much earlier. Therefore, foreign surgeons were able to gain the necessary experience.
• Secondly, clinics in countries such as the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, and Turkey have modern equipment that allows gastric bypass surgery abroad to be performed more effectively and safely.
• Third, foreign medical centers often offer a comprehensive weight loss program that begins before surgery and continues after surgery. Therefore, patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery abroad can count on a more stable long-term result.

Today, bariatric surgery is very accessible in Turkey. In recent years, this country has become a center receiving international patients in various fields of medicine, including surgical treatment of obesity. Therefore, it is advisable to outline the pricing policy of this country. In Turkey, gastric bypass surgery will cost from €4000.

If we compare the cost of gastric bypass surgery abroad in other countries, then on average it will be 1.8–2 times higher. That is, in the USA, Great Britain and European countries the price for such an operation will start from €8,000. The same applies to other bariatric interventions. For example, if sleeve gastroplasty in Turkey costs from €2000-2500, then in Germany or Spain its price starts from €4000-5000.

Thus, Turkey is currently one of the most attractive destinations for gastric bypass surgery abroad. Write or call us, and a certified coordinator of Experts Medical will help you choose a suitable clinic and will organize treatment.

Let’s first look at the benefits of gastric bypass in general, because this operation really does have a significant positive effect on health. So, the main advantages of the procedure include:

• Effective weight loss (one year after surgery, patients generally lose up to 80% of excess body weight).
• Long-term results (studies show that most patients manage to maintain the achieved effect for 10-14 years after gastric bypass surgery).
• Possibility of restoring fertility in women who suffered from infertility caused by hormonal changes due to obesity.
• Improvement in back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.

If we talk about the advantages of performing gastric bypass surgery abroad, they include:

• extensive experience of foreign surgeons;
• access to modern technologies;
• comfortable hospitalization conditions;
• careful follow-up care;
• an integrated approach to the treatment of obesity and postoperative rehabilitation;
• the opportunity to combine treatment with rest.

An additional benefit is the cost of gastric bypass surgery abroad in countries such as Turkey. Here the operation can be performed efficiently and inexpensively.

Gastric bypass is a very effective bariatric intervention that has a positive impact on health. However, it also has certain disadvantages that should be taken into account by patients who decide to undergo gastric bypass surgery abroad.

• Since the duodenum is excluded from the digestion process, iron and calcium are less absorbed, which can lead to the development of iron deficiency anemia. This problem is solved by prescribing a special diet and vitamin supplements.
• Some patients experience dumping syndrome, in which food is dumped very quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. This state is accompanied by weakness, dizziness, tinnitus, hand tremors, and nausea. It usually occurs when eating sweets or eating too much food. Modern techniques that surgeons use when performing gastric bypass surgery abroad make it possible to reduce the likelihood of dumping syndrome to a minimum.
• Sometimes the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced if the stomach pouch becomes stretched. In this case, much depends on how the patient follows nutritional recommendations.

Even when taking these points into account, doctors agree that the benefits of gastric bypass for severe obesity outweigh the possible disadvantages of the operation.

After gastric bypass surgery, significant changes occur in the functioning of the stomach and the digestion process. During the operation, the doctor forms a small gastric pouch, the volume of which does not exceed 30-40 ml. This significantly limits the amount of food the patient can eat. In addition, the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, the hunger hormone, is excluded from the digestion process. In addition, by turning off part of the intestines, the process of nutrient absorption changes.

Doctors performing gastric bypass surgery abroad inform patients in detail about how the procedure will take place, what health consequences it has, and what risks are associated.

The weight loss process usually begins quickly and can be quite significant. In the first months after surgery, patients lose weight most actively. Typically, the most weight loss occurs in the first 6-12 months. During this period, 30% to 40% of the original weight may be lost.

The rate of weight loss depends on many factors, including the patient’s initial body weight, level of physical activity, adherence to dietary recommendations and overall health. After the first year, the rate of weight loss usually slows and the weight stabilizes.

Yes, weight gain after gastric bypass surgery is possible. Approximately 50% of patients regain some of the weight they lost within five years after surgery. Most often, they recover slightly, by about 5% of lost body weight. However, there are also cases of returning to the previous weight. Fortunately, they happen very rarely. Mostly, people who gain weight are those who do not follow dietary recommendations and continue to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Doctors who perform gastric bypass surgery abroad often offer patients long-term post-op monitoring to help them adjust to new eating habits, which reduces the risk of weight gain after surgery.

The choice between gastrectomy and bypass surgery depends on several factors, including the patient’s medical history, current health status, and specific weight loss goals.

Sleeve resection is most often recommended for patients who need to significantly reduce the amount of food they can eat but do not have complex metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This surgery is suitable for those who are able to strictly follow dietary recommendations and are ready for gradual but sustainable weight loss.

Gastric bypass surgery is recommended for people with a higher baseline body mass index (BMI) and underlying metabolic disorders. With this surgery, you can achieve faster weight loss results and an improved metabolic profile.

It is important to consult with a qualified bariatric surgeon who can help you determine which surgery is best based on your current health, personal preferences, and weight loss goals. Write or call us and we will arrange a consultation with an experienced specialist who will help you make the right decision.

To do this, you need to fill out the feedback form, or call the phone number posted on the site. A certified medical coordinator will clarify your medical situation and wishes in detail. After that, he will select several medical programs from the best bariatric surgeons in the world and help you make an informed decision on choosing a doctor and clinic. At the same stage, we will calculate for you the preliminary cost of gastric bypass surgery abroad.

Additionally, the Experts Medical team will take care of all organizational issues. We will sign you up for a preliminary consultation with a doctor, book a flight ticket and hotel room, take care of the transfer, and provide an interpreter. The coordinating doctor will support you at every stage of treatment, helping you resolve all issues that arise.

Start your journey to your dream figure and active life with Experts Medical. We will work through your treatment plan down to the smallest detail so you can focus entirely on your health.