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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To have weight loss surgery abroad?

16 replies

Bippitybopityboo · 07/04/2022 12:37

The nhs waiting list is over 2 year's in my area.
I cant afford 10k in uk but can afford 4k in Turkey.

Before i get any comments i promise you this is my very last resort.

I'd just like any opinions/ advice/ experience of weight loss surgery abroad or more specifically turkey.

Some of my family say i am being unfair its not safe etc. So aibu?

OP posts:

MatildaTheCat · 07/04/2022 12:45

Discuss with your GP? I hear your desperation but going abroad is a huge step and very unlikely to be as safe as the U.K. and certainly any follow up problems and care will be difficult.

Isn’t the aftercare a massive part of the process?

motherofcatsandbears · 07/04/2022 12:59

I’m considering WLS, but I’ve heard so many horror stories about infection, botched operations and bad treatment.
They are sold as 5* but I would really think hard.
In my investigations, I’ve seen several UK clinics that offer interest free credit and an initial deposit - that’s my choice when I’ve got some cash together.
Don’t feel judged when you mention WLS - I’ve discussed this with my GP as I am one of those people who simply cannot lose weight, no matter what I do. I exercise, eat sensibly and don’t drink but I only have to think about food and I put three pounds on!
Good luck with your journey xx

FelicityBennett · 07/04/2022 13:34

I would think very hard before going abroad.
I completely understand how hard it is currently in the uk and feel for you
Weight loss surgery abroad you don’t know the qualifications of your surgeon, you don’t know the quality of materials used and if you require prolonged admission post surgery or prolonged ICU this can be expensive.

There is no follow up from these companies. I know of 2 people have this operation privately one in the uk and one in turkey and there is no comparison. The uk one has had follow up from the surgeon and a dietitian and nutritionist attached to the company, she has had blood test vitamins tailored to her and has been started on b 12 before any deficiency
The one from turkey got nothing apart from advice to have a blood test. I appreciate a significant difference in costs but could never recommend the turkey route . I feel this patient has just been dumped back in the uk and is at risk if develops complications as this surgery is not run of the mill.

Lime37 · 07/04/2022 13:53

I had wls in Leeds with tonic. Knowing what I know now I would of 100% went abroad they tend to do more tests. But reserch is so important. My friend booked turkey and I had heard bad things of where she booked as I am on so many wls groups. I recomend a couple of options and she was so happy with her care x

Murdoch1949 · 08/04/2022 06:42

Have the surgery in the UK. Far too risky abroad.

Lochjeda · 08/04/2022 06:46

I had a gastric sleeve in Turkey in January. Im so happy I did. People say oh you can't trust hospitals abroad etc but the hospital, cleanliness, staff, aftercare were all exemplary on comparison to any NHS tratement I have had. PM me if you want any more info.

Porcupineintherough · 08/04/2022 06:50

I'm considering it too OP and have heard hood things wrt Turkey. I think that careful research is the way forward.

Lochjeda · 08/04/2022 06:52

Id completely ignore the advise of anyone on here who hasn't had surgery they don't really have a clue and are spewing out stereotypical nonsense. As the person above who went to Tonic said, the Turkey aftercare is far better than the UK in general. Also, the tests before are far more in depth and the care you get immediately after and for the length of time in hospital exceeds that of the UK. You get one day in hospital here, then are punted out. You just need to do really thorough research if going abroad and read reviews and join support groups first.

Lochjeda · 08/04/2022 07:00

And also its completely untrue you don't really know the qualifications of the surgeon. My surgeon is a teaching professor also and he hasn't had one leak. If you google wls turkey stories vs UK, you find ALOT more issues with ones from the UK. Join up to "the friendliest gastric sleeve/bypass group uk" on fb. You will be able to get a wealth of info and advice about various UK and abroad treatment options. You can also join as a guest member anonymously. The key is to research like mad to find what suit's you best. There is also the option of signing up to Vitality private health care for a year and then they will pay I think its 75 or 85% of your surgery costs at a UK clinic after a year.

passport123 · 08/04/2022 07:01

For bariatric surgery to be a success you need two years of MDT followup and you won't get this on the NHS if you have surgery abroad, so you need to factor UK cost of this into your budget.

Tangelablue · 08/04/2022 07:07

Have you tried weight loss injections? I have heard people are seeing really good results with them.

TildaRae · 08/04/2022 07:11

I had a gastric sleeve in Turkey 2 1/2 years ago. Lost 8 stone and have maintained it. Best thing I ever done. The pre op tests are much more thorough then here.

Sinuhe · 08/04/2022 07:17

The simple fact of no adequate follow-up care due to distance would put me off.
Can you speak to your GP about other options?
Or look for a uk company that will give you a small loan?

berryconfused · 08/04/2022 07:18

I had my surgery 6 weeks ago in the UK. I know it's pricey but I absolutely cannot fault their care.
I had to go back a few weeks ago for too ups of medication etc, which was great and so easy to do. My concern would be the lack of contact and aftercare with your team in turkey once you're back home.

I've also heard of many botched jobs being done in turkey. Taking too much or too little stomach away.. leaking staple-lines causing people to be tube fed for months on end.. and infected wounds.

I know the price is high here, but it's so worth it, being on home soil and having your team on hand to help.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions, I'm happy to help!

berryconfused · 08/04/2022 07:19

Sorry I forgot to add.. I was able to split my cost of surgery across monthly payments of around £200. Much more manageable.. and ive got complete peace of mind! X

Angrymum22 · 08/04/2022 11:29

A few extra blood tests pre surgery do not indicate good surgery. It’s the long term follow up that isn’t available with health tourism that is so concerning.
I have seen a lot of patients who have gone down the health tourism route ( different area of health care) but they are given no follow up treatment and fully expect the NHS to support them when things go wrong. They are often surprised to learn that the NHS does not fund foreign cock ups and end up having to pay out all over again.

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