For UK individuals facing severe obesity, gastric bypass surgery is a life-changing procedure. With long NHS waits and high private costs, Turkey has become a leading destination, offering world-class bariatric care at a fraction of the price. This guide covers the essential information for UK patients considering this transformative journey.
Key Takeaways
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Massive Savings: UK patients can save 60-80% on gastric bypass surgery in Turkey.
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High Success Rate: Patients typically lose 60-80% of their excess body weight and see huge improvements in conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
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All-Inclusive Care: Packages cover the surgery, JCI-accredited hospital stay, hotel, VIP transfers, and long-term dietician support.
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Gastric bypass surgery cost in Turkey: £3,500 – £6,000 (all-inclusive)
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Cost in the UK: £10,000 – £18,000+ (surgery only)
What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass is a keyhole weight-loss surgery that makes the stomach smaller and reroutes the small intestine. This dual approach restricts how much you can eat and reduces the calories your body absorbs.
The procedure, known as a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, involves two steps:
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Creating a Small Pouch: The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch, about the size of an egg, which makes you feel full very quickly.
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Rerouting the Intestine: This new pouch is connected directly to a lower part of the small intestine, causing food to "bypass" the main part of the stomach and the first section of the intestine, thus reducing calorie absorption.
Are You a Good Candidate?
The best candidates are individuals with a BMI of 40+ (or 35+ with obesity-related health issues) who are committed to lifelong lifestyle changes.
You are likely a good candidate if you have tried other weight loss methods without success and are psychologically ready for the permanent changes that follow surgery. A thorough evaluation by the Turkish bariatric team will confirm your suitability.
The Patient Journey from the UK
The process is designed to be seamless for international patients.
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Online Consultation: Your journey starts with a free video consultation with the surgical team.
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Arrival & Tests: You'll be met at the airport by a VIP transfer. The day before surgery, you'll have comprehensive health screenings at the hospital.
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Surgery & Hospital Stay: The laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery takes 2-3 hours. You will recover in the hospital for 2-3 nights.
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Hotel Recovery & Departure: You will recover for another 4-5 days in a comfortable hotel before a final check-up and your flight home. A total stay of 7-10 days is typical.
How to Choose a Safe Clinic and Surgeon
Your safety and success depend on your research. Prioritise quality over the lowest price.
Non-Negotiable Checklist:
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Experienced Bariatric Surgeon: Choose a board-certified surgeon with a high volume of successful gastric bypass procedures.
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JCI-Accredited Hospital: This is the global gold standard for patient safety and ensures the facility meets the same standards as top UK and US hospitals.
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Verifiable UK Patient Reviews: Look for detailed, recent reviews on independent sites like Google and Trustpilot.
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Strong Aftercare Program: Long-term success requires support. Ensure the clinic offers at least 12 months of remote follow-up with a dietician.
Expert Insight: "The surgery is just the first step. It is a tool. True, lifelong success comes from the patient's commitment and our team's dedicated long-term support. We provide our UK patients with a full year of dietician follow-up to guide them through every stage of their new life, ensuring they have the nutritional and psychological support they need to thrive."
The Key to Long-Term Success
The surgery is a tool, not a magic wand. Lifelong commitment is essential.
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Follow the Diet Stages: You will progress from liquids to pureed, soft, and finally solid foods over several weeks.
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Lifelong Nutrition: Your focus must always be on protein first, mindful eating, and staying hydrated between meals.
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Take Your Vitamins: You must take specific bariatric vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life to prevent serious nutritional deficiencies.
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Embrace Exercise: Start with gentle walking and gradually build up to regular physical activity to boost metabolism and maintain muscle mass.
FAQs for UK Patients
How much weight will I lose?
Most patients lose 60-80% of their excess body weight. If you are 10 stone overweight, you could expect to lose 6-8 stone.
Is the surgery reversible?
No. You should consider gastric bypass a permanent procedure.
What about loose skin after weight loss?
Loose skin is common after significant weight loss. Many patients opt for body contouring surgery (like a tummy tuck) 1-2 years later.
What's the difference between a bypass and a sleeve?
A gastric sleeve only restricts food intake by making the stomach smaller. A gastric bypass restricts intake and reduces calorie absorption, often leading to more significant weight loss and better diabetes resolution.
Your Path to a Healthier Life with PlacidWay
Deciding on gastric bypass is a major step. PlacidWay connects you with Turkey's most elite, fully-vetted bariatric surgeons and JCI-accredited hospitals, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care on your transformative journey.
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