Everything You Need to Know About the Risks of Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey

Deciding to undergo weight loss surgery in Turkey, with promises of low costs and access to skilled surgeons, can be very tempting. But have you ever considered the hidden side of the story? This article is not here to scare you but to provide a realistic view so you can make the best decision for your health with full awareness of the risks of weight loss surgery in Turkey.

Why Has Turkey Become So Popular for Weight Loss Surgery?

Before addressing the concerns, it makes sense to understand why Turkey has become the top destination for many people seeking bariatric surgery. The reasons behind this popularity are clear and understandable, and knowing them helps us get a complete picture.

Significantly Lower Surgery Costs in Turkey

There is no doubt that the most important factor is the final cost of the weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgeries like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass in Turkey sometimes cost half or even less than similar procedures in Europe, the USA, or Canada. This price difference is so significant that even after including flight and accommodation expenses, it still seems economically worthwhile.

Also read this: How Much Is the Cost of Gastric Sleeve in Turkey?

Skilled Surgeons and Modern Hospitals Attract You

Turkey’s popularity is not only because of the low prices. The country has invested heavily in the health tourism industry in recent years. However, this shiny and perfect image doesn’t tell the whole story and shouldn’t make you overlook the risks of weight loss surgery in Turkey. The presence of skilled surgeons and modern hospitals does not eliminate the inherent risks of this medical journey.

Some Risks Are Universal and Not Specific to Turkey!

First of all, we must accept that any major surgery, whether performed in London or Istanbul, carries potential risks. These are dangers related to the surgical process itself. However, managing these complications in a foreign country can be part of the challenges and the risks of weight loss surgery in Turkey:

• Infection at the incision sites
• Bleeding or blood clots (embolism)
• Unexpected reactions to anesthesia
• Leakage from the staple line of the stomach

These are standard surgical risks. A good bariatric surgeon anywhere in the world must fully explain these to you.

What Are the Specific Risks of Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey? (A Look at the Most Important Ones)

Now, we reach the more crucial part. These are issues specifically connected to traveling to another country for surgery and form the core of the risks of weight loss surgery in Turkey:

Language Barriers May Cause Communication Challenges

Imagine having undergone a major surgery but being unable to explain your needs properly to nurses or doctors. This is one of the biggest sources of stress and one of the less-discussed risks of weight loss surgery in Turkey. Although translators are available, they are not always with you, and a small misunderstanding can cause serious problems.

Not All Hospitals and Clinics Have the Same Quality

Unfortunately, alongside excellent medical centers, there are clinics and intermediaries whose sole aim is profit. Entrusting the entire process to an agent without researching the hospital and main surgeon can be a big risk. Choosing an unreliable center can ruin all the positive aspects of your trip and leave you facing serious problems.

Post-Operative Care in a Foreign Country Is Different

As you know, surgery is not just about the operation room. The first few days after discharge, when you stay at a hotel, are even more sensitive than the surgery itself. What if you face problems while in the hotel?

Also, rushing to return home and taking an early flight can greatly increase the risk of blood clots. Poor management of the recovery period is therefore another important part of the risks of weight loss surgery in Turkey.

Long-Term Follow-Ups Might Be Easily Neglected

This may be the biggest drawback of having surgery abroad. Weight loss surgery requires regular and long-term follow-up. Improper follow-up is possibly the most critical missing link and one of the serious risks of weight loss surgery in Turkey. When your surgeon is thousands of kilometers away, follow-ups become difficult, which can lead to serious complications like malnutrition or weight regain in the long run.

Also read this: Everything About Online Follow-Up After Weight Loss Surgery

The Table Below Helps You Better Understand These Differences:

Aspect	Treatment in Your Home Country	Treatment in Turkey (as a Tourist)
Communication with Staff	Direct and in native language	Often through intermediaries, language challenges possible
Initial Recovery Period	At home with family support	At a hotel, away from family support
Access to Doctor	Easy and quick at any time	Limited to working hours and requires coordination
Long-term Follow-Up	Simple and routine process	Difficult, remote, and sometimes impossible

How Can You Minimize the Risks of Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey?

The goal of presenting these points is not to scare you. The key to success in weight loss surgery is smart management of these risks. You must actively research and take control of the process to safely benefit from this journey:

Choose Your Surgeon and Hospital Carefully

Don’t just rely on an attractive Instagram page. Ask for the full name of the surgeon and hospital and research them independently. Checking international hospital accreditations (like JCI) and having a video consultation with the surgeon before traveling is essential. Active research is the main key to managing the risks of weight loss surgery in Turkey.

Have a Precise Plan for Your Recovery Period in Turkey

Don’t rush to return home and definitely bring a caring companion with you. Before traveling, save all essential contact numbers of your medical team. Careful planning for the recovery period is a vital part of reducing the risks of weight loss surgery in Turkey and should not be taken lightly.

Plan for Follow-Ups After Returning Home

Be sure to discuss this with your surgical team in Turkey. Ask about their protocol for foreign patient follow-ups. The smartest approach is to find a doctor or nutrition specialist in your hometown before traveling and keep them informed so you can continue follow-up care with their supervision after your return.

Also read this: How Long Is the Length of Stay After Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey?

Final Notes to Keep in Mind…

Ultimately, awareness of the risks of weight loss surgery in Turkey is the first and most important step toward a successful experience. Don’t be fooled by extremely low prices, and remember that your health leaves no room for unnecessary risks. With sufficient research and smart choices, this trip can be the best decision of your life.

If you want to undergo weight loss surgery in Turkey completely safely, you can contact us right now. Unlike other centers operated by intermediary teams, you can be sure that all steps are performed by Dr. Anbara’s team. This means you will be in direct contact with Dr. Anbara.

Frequently Asked Questions