If you were me, would you go to Turkey for weight loss surgery?

[Lordofthebutterfloofs]

I know two people who have done this very recently and they are so happy with their outcome.

21 stone
36years old

Never had an op of any kind.

Sick of trying to diet

Very very tempted but rather terrified of the whole thing

Don't be silly! People expect their mess to be cleared up by the NHS...
😊

What a pathetic line of reasoning

Bit of a moot point now, wouldn't you say? Turkey's been hit by a massive earthquake.

I know someone who went to Turkey for the surgery. Parents begged them to have it in UK and offered to pay the extra but they were adamant they were going to Turkey.

Had some complications on return to UK and ended up in hospital.

The biggest issue is that they thought the surgery was a magic wand that would fix everything. they didn’t want to change their diet at all and didn’t but could eat only small amounts, so basically ate junk instead of nutritious food and as a result has hair loss, bad skin etc as their body is clearly so under nourished. Over time they seem to have been able to stretch their stomach again so can eat more and more over time and although not a big as they were previously they are still obese and getting bigger as time goes on.

I think if you’re considering surgery to need to have worked on your diet before you even think about booking it. You really need to have a good diet in place as the small amounts you will eat going forward need to be balanced and nutritious. Please remember it’s not a quick fix.

Sick of trying to diet

won't you just end up putting all the weight back on then? You will need to change your lifestyle.

I’ve sent you a pm op

I have lived in Turkey and no way would I do this.

I recently saw something about an non-invasion procedure with a gastric-balloon that you swallow and then it is inflated. That's all I know...

I'd really recommend saxanda or Ozempic - really really works!

You talk about ‘obsessive research’ and being heavier suggests you struggle with impulse control. Have you considered your weight might be down to something such as ADHD. I have ADHD and when I’m not on stimulants I eat endlessly. Obtaining a diagnosis is far cheaper and less riskier than weight loss surgery.

No, I talk about NOT doing obsessive research. I don't have adhd

Pathetic?really? Interesting you should think that because that’s PRECISELY why my gp supported me

I have the greatest sympathy for you because I this must be so difficult and exhausting but don't do cut price surgery , especially not abroad.

Not wanting to teach you to suck eggs but have you had hypnotherapy? Really interesting ama on it recently and I'm sure the op would be happy to recommend a practitioner.

I know, but didn't bother to reply. My sister in law died early fifties. Morbid Obesity which led to diabetes, one by one her organs were affected. She had respite at the hospice. She died by degrees. Surgery would have been a lifesaver for her.

So no it's not a pathetic line of reasoning when you've buried a loved one who never lived a full life

Do some of the PPs really think a 36 year old woman has got to 21 stone can just “eat more protein, exercise more” and that will be effective for her to close half her body weight? I’m sorry but that is just ignorant. The OP is probably ignoring your suggestions because she has tried and failed at dieting/healthy eating etc in the past, as have millions of others, which is why obesity is a worldwide problem. It’s just not that easy for some people; if it’s that easy for you then that’s great but don’t assume it is for others. Obesity is very complex.

This article has good information on why gastric surgery not only saves obese people’s lives but is also cost effective for the NHS. OP it also contains info on NHS eligibility. warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/knowledgecentre/health/public-health/weightlosssurgery/

OP I don’t blame you at all for considering surgery but I would start with your GP and don’t go to Turkey.

I got back two weeks ago. It's bloody hard going that's for sure, but I'm looking forward to a new life where I don't have to bounce from one diet to another. I've had therapy, yes. I've tried saxenda yes. I didn't fancy the 6 year NHS waiting list, but I did do a full year of research and thinking.

The truth is at your weight, you are vanishingly unlikely to lose and then keep off the weight. Something like 1 in 5000 people do and that's why sleeve or bypass is the nhs gold standard for obesity.

In case of emergency, yes I'll rely on the NHS. Just as I would for any other issue. I'll also ask the NHS to perform my regular bloodtests, which they would do were I to have the surgery on the NHS. I'll pay privately for B12 jabs, and I paid privately to have a GP check my stitches and give me a basic once over.

I chose a hospital with an ICU and a surgeon with excellent credentials. It's not for the faint of heart, and if I had the money I would have done it in the UK but I wanted a chance to make a fast improvement to my life and health.

This. They are heavily regulated and highly respected

There will of course be good and bad practitioners but you'll get that in the UK too

NO

I would say go for it. It's a life changing surgery. Saxenda or any other medicine is not the same. I've tried both and many other things.. Do your research, even after surgery You need to eat healthy, otherwise can gain weight. Stomach can stretch over time but never like it was before.

I can't finish the food at restaurants. I've had friends have this surgery older than you, no issues. I had it much younger though, it's laparoscopic and benefits outweigh the risks.

I would spend 2K more to get it in the same city where you live. I got a personal loan back when I had it.

Having seen how high your BMI is I’d definitely see what you can access on the NHS and ask about waiting lists for surgery.
Even if you go private for the operation you’d get medical and psychological support in the meantime which will make the surgery safer and more likely to be more successful. You might have a much shorter wait than others have on the NHS given how close your BMI is to 50 (depends on your area of course).

^This

Was about to post similar having seen some of the shamefully bullying and ignorant comments.

I have lived in Turkey for 9 years and have had two children here. Like anywhere else you have a wide spectrum of healthcare professionals and facilities form world class and outstanding to really really shoddy. I have been absolutely thrilled with my healthcare (Acibadem) to the point I actually have eected ot stay in Turkey to conceive and birth my second child after having such a positive experience with the first.

I had a very very difficult pregnancy and the healthcare I received was phenomenal. In return, when I was admitted into an NHS hospital for an emergency back in October it took 7.5 hours for me just to see a doctor.

So do you research (which I know you will), take the time and you will be fine. Just like anywhere else.

I was just about to say this!

My GP is exactly the same, he would have referred me on the NHS but I know the waiting lists are long. Im going private and he is really pleased for me and supportive and talked about the long term outcomes for me but also how much less I will need from the NHS (not in a mercenary way!)

Good for you @bellac11 and it’s nothing mercenary, just means you’re healthier 🙂

I would be a bit worried, OP, just because I hear a lot of bad stories about various surgeries going wrong. If it were me I would want it done in the UK either by the NHS (ideally) or near to an NHS hospital.

It must be horrible to be so overweight though and living that day in, day out.

You said you haven't tried drugs - I really recommend Orlistat/ Fat binders. I think that would be a great place to start before you go down the surgery route. It's very major and could affect your health (in a negative way) for the rest of your life. The ideal is that you could make some progress on your own first.

Also, I don't know if you've had any emotional support with it? Sometimes a life coach, counsellor or personal trainer can make such a big different (through eprsonal experience!)

I recommend spending your £3000 on 6 months of counselling and/ or personal training, and then see how you feel.