Bariatric Surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, can be an expensive procedure to self finance in the Uk private medical sector. A growing number of financially sensitive British overweight patients are seeking cheaper surgery overseas. The most popular destination in continental Europe is Belgium where the price of one of the most sought after procedure, the gastric band, can be as low as £3,200. The starting cost of a gastric band in the UK private sector is £5,000.
According to one of the latest BBC articles, the NHS is receiving a growing numbers of weight loss surgery patients returning from overseas who are in need of immediate and emergency care. The main reason the NHS needs to pick up the bill is due to the lack of aftercare offered back in the UK.
Every surgery carries risks and complications, weight loss surgery is no exception and may in some cases carry more risks due to the increased health conditions of overweight patients. The experience of the surgeon and the screening of patients may decrease the chances of a complication but as proven by the growing NHS' A&E visits, they can happen at any time.
A consultant bariatric surgeon based at the Cromwell Hospital in London has quoted to a BBC journalist: "Surgery abroad can be cheaper but may be because aftercare is not included." Dr. Ahmed further quoted that he has treated some patients immediately after their return back home. ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20936612 )
One of the main complications of a gastric band is with the band itself such as slippage or leaking. If for example, the band shifts in position it can completely restrict the intake of food and fluids which if left unattended can be life threatening.
It is important for patients to understand the need of aftercare and access to their surgeon post surgery. Patient choosing overseas medical care may need to take into consideration the extra time needed to heal after the surgery and paying for extra accommodations If complications arise after the healing process has taken place, overseas patients may also need to consider putting extra funds aside in case of emergency travel.
Not every patient heals in the same time scale and thus complications can happen at various times and stages. Unfortunately in some cases, the short term financial gain for overseas patients may in the long term cost them more than they had bargained for.
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