As the popularity of medical tourism increases, Turkey has emerged as a leading destination for weight loss surgery due to its location, affordability and availability. However, as with any surgery, there are significant safety concerns and risks that need to be carefully considered. This blog post looks at the safety of weight loss surgery in Turkey, including an examination of the risks and reported deaths in the last few years.
We are aware of six British nationals having died in Turkey in 2023 following medical procedures. Some British nationals have also experienced complications and needed further treatment or surgery following their procedure.
– GOV.UK
Common complications of weight loss surgery
As with all surgical procedures, weight loss surgeries come with inherent risks. Common complications include obstruction, infection, bleeding, and in rare cases, issues related to anaesthesia. Long-term risks may involve nutrient deficiencies, hernias, excess bleeding, or gastric leaks. For more details on complications of weight loss surgery, visit the NHS website.
Other surgical complications can include perforations or obstructions in the stomach or bowel, blood clots, leaks into the bowel, and sepsis. Post-surgery, many patients find it difficult to eat what is typically regarded as a normal amount of food; this is considered normal, and even the key to the success of gastric surgery.
Is weight loss surgery in Turkey safe?
Overview of Turkish hospitals' accreditations
Turkey's healthcare facilities vary, but many are on par with international standards, with many holding the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, which ensures that certain global healthcare quality and safety standards are met. Turkish surgeons are usually well trained, with many having completed part of their training in Europe or North America, bringing a high level of expertise and experience to their practice.
Serious incidents and death reports
While rare, there have been reports of serious complications and even deaths following weight loss surgery in Turkey. Even the most professional surgeries result in complications; so it is important to know that one in 500 bariatric surgeries in Turkey result in death. This underscores the necessity for patients to thoroughly research the facility and surgeon credentials and understand all possible risks before undergoing surgery. For further reading, the BBC has published a number of articles on deaths from weight loss surgery in Turkey:
- Family of weight-loss op victim call for sales ban May 2024
- Obesity op health tourists suffering complications, medics warn February 2024
- Warnings against 'reckless' weight loss surgery abroad March 2023
What if things go wrong in Turkey?
It is incredibly important to know that The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance card (GHIC) are not valid in Turkey. So if you become unwell and the clinic providing your care needs to transfer you to a hospital with more facilities, you may be liable to cover the costs of care, which may run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Make sure that your health insurance and/or service agreement with the clinic providing your care has unlimited cover, including emergency and intensive care. You should also discuss your surgery with your travel insurance company because most will not cover costs for care related to health tourism.
Patient testimonials and case studies
Positive experiences
Many patients from the UK report positive outcomes after their weight loss surgery in Turkey, praising the quality of care, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall cost-effectiveness of the procedure. Success stories often highlight significant weight loss and a substantial improvement in quality of life and health conditions.
Negative experiences
There are accounts from patients who faced complications or were dissatisfied with the results. Some report inadequate post-operative care or difficulty in communicating with medical staff, which sometimes led to delayed responses in managing post-surgical complications. To avoid this, you should always do your research from different sources before considering weight loss surgery in Turkey.
Legal and ethical considerations
Navigating healthcare legally in Turkey
If you are considering surgery abroad you should be aware of the legal aspects of medical care in Turkey. The country has specific laws governing medical malpractice and patient rights, which differ from UK laws. You should understand how these differences might affect your care and any legal recourse you might need to pursue in case of malpractice.
Questions to ask your surgeon
Before proceeding with surgery, it's crucial to ask detailed questions about:
- The surgeon's qualifications and experience
- Detailed procedure risks and benefits
- Post-operative follow-up care and support
- What contingency plans are in place for handling complications, including where intensive care is if required.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list. Further research and due diligence are needed to help you make a more informed decision.
Alternatives to weight loss surgery in Turkey
You should consider all available options before committing to bariatric surgery in Turkey, including dietary counselling, lifestyle changes, and weight loss medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro, which have both been effective in clinical trials.
You can lose 10-26% of your body weight with weight loss injections (depending on the type of medication you receive). Weight loss injections may help you achieve your weight loss goals without the risks associated with surgery.
While Turkey offers a cost-effective solution for weight loss surgery with a high standard of medical care, it is imperative that you thoroughly research and consider all factors, including safety, risks, and legal protections, before deciding.
Consulting with healthcare providers in the UK is crucial to making an informed decision that aligns with your personal health needs and safety expectations.
Providers like Medicspot offer online doctor consultations as well as weight loss programmes, offering patients a trusted, safe alternative to weight loss surgery in Turkey.
About the author
Dr Adam Abbs is an NHS-trained GP with a keen focus on digital health, AI in healthcare and personalised and lifestyle medicine, including weight loss. Dr Abbs is a leader in the innovation of effective, accessible and safe healthcare delivered via remote care. Dr Abbs is an expert medical writer and authored the RCGP-accredited Handbook of Remote Consultations in 2020. GMC Number 7078829 Irish Medical Council 429282