TRAVELLING ABROAD FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY
Author: Daniel Harris
Bariatric surgery is very popular and many people are seeing it is a realistic solution to morbid obesity when traditional dieting has failed. Operations such as gastric bands and the gastric bypass have been shown to be highly effective in the battle against obesity. There are a plethora of surgeons and companies now offering bariatric surgery and for many people the questions are where should I go and why should I go? As well as UK based surgeons, a variety of companies are now offering surgery abroad. This can be in the EU but some are even promoting surgery as far away as India, the Philippines and Russia. Many of the companies offering bariatric surgery abroad make promises of reduced costs, aftercare services, clinical expertise, and less chance of hospital acquired infections as advantages of having surgery outside the UK. For potential patients these are very attractive claims, however how true are they? Toni Russo, Streamline Surgical bariatric nurse consultant believes that in many cases the companies making these promises will not live up to them: There are many nonsensical claims made on some websites. They are often run by people with no bariatric knowledge whatsoever. Aftercare services can be in some cases little more than an email address answered by a secretary, not the dedicated care that a bariatric patient should receive. The draw for many patients to travel abroad for surgery is the price, however in many cases the prices quoted dont take into consideration hotels, flights, taxis and meals for the patients companion since few will travel alone. Of course its important to also remember that costs fluctuate according to exchange rates. Some companies have no understanding of bariatric surgery and give out incorrect advice such as pregnant women needing gastric bands removing. For me one of the most worrying things is the impressions that many of these companies give of bariatric surgery being a quick fix. Many of these companies do not acknowledge the behavioural changes that are needed and the commitment from the patient to work with their surgery for the rest of their lives. TV presenter and journalist Anne Diamond was very honest about her experience in Belgium and subsequent need for revision surgery in the UK. Her gastric band was placed too high during surgery which is a technique common with some European surgeons as they say it reduces the chance of band slippage which is a known complication of gastric band surgery. Pat, 60, travelled to France for a gastric band she describes her experience: The service was pretty good but no-one but the surgeon spoke English. The worst bit was the fact that there were no curtains between the beds and I was expected to undress in front of other patients and a visitor. When I complained the surgeon said that English people were prudish! It was very humiliating. I have also found aftercare an issue. Not having direct access to a support team in the UK has meant that my aftercare hasnt been as good as I imagine it would have been should I have stayed in the UK. Although there are some benefits to having surgery abroad, people really shouldnt underestimate the importance of a good aftercare team.About the Author:
At Streamline Surgical we offer a group of bariatric specialists for gastric band and bypass surgery providing the best care for our patients. The most common obesity surgery is gastric band and bypass done by our experienced bariatric surgeons. Amarnath Yatra: Amarnath Yatra a Rewarding Experience Nainital Travel Guide Famed Amarnath Yatra Significance Of Amarnath Yatra The Holy Cave Of Amarnath Rajasthan Tour On Trip To India Car Hire in Rajasthan – Travel in a Smart Way Sightseeing Tour Of Rajasthan Cities Sri Mariamman Temple The Hand Of A Benign God Travel to Koh Samui: Car Hire Nice Is A Perfect Way To Explore O2 Media’s Designing Spaces Holiday Spaces Welcomes Kikkoman International Back to the Show!