It is never easy to make one’s mind up about bariatric surgery and it is even more difficult to choose a hospital, and a surgeon, to conduct the procedure.
It is probably the most important decision to make and you will need to approach it very seriously.
Luckily, we live in the twenty-first century and have the whole world in front of us! You can choose any procedure, any hospital or a particular doctor you like. This choice is not limited by your country of residence. So the first question is whether you want to choose a local or a foreign surgeon.
The main advantage of having a local doctor lies in the fact that you will always be able to have an appointment if any questions arise. It is more convenient to have the surgery in a hospital nearby. On the other hand, the UK suffers greatly from the imperfections of the medical healthcare system, which results in long queues and waiting lists, high costs and problems with insurance.
If you decide to have surgery abroad, you may face some difficulties, which you need to solve in advance. You should contact the clinic and ask them about the accommodation, transfers and so on. Most clinics offer comfortable wards with all conveniences, so you won’t need to rent an apartment.
Bariatric surgery abroad can be an option for those, who are looking for qualified help for relatively low costs. Every year many people travel abroad to have surgical procedures.
When you have limited your search to a couple of options, we encourage you to make an appointment with the doctors to assess their suitability.
Pay attention to the following details:
– Work experience and ethic. It includes not only the number of weight-loss operations he or she has performed, but also the support after the procedure. Weight loss is a difficult journey and your doctor should help you all the way along. Ask if he offers meetings, online conferences and so on. It is important to be sure that he or she will give you assistance throughout the process of recovery;
– Types of surgery. Of course, it is difficult to find a surgeon, who performs all types of operations. Make sure that the doctor operates in the field that is most suitable for you. It can be alarming if the surgeon can only conduct one type of bariatric surgery.
– Complications, risks and recommendations. Don’t hesitate to ask the doctor about his complication rates. They should be close to the rates, which are officially accepted in that particular country. You can also ask him to recommend the type of surgery to suit your needs: he or she should explain all the pros and cons without forcing you to choose a certain operation.
All these tips will help you choose the right hospital and surgeon, so you will be totally calm and relaxed on the day of surgery. Don’t be shy about asking questions and consult a couple of doctors before making your mind up.
