Obesity is one of the greatest health challenges of today and the near future. Changes in lifestyle habits, reduced physical activity, and the availability of high-calorie food have led to these diseases reaching epidemic proportions.
Many national health associations and medical branches have taken on this trend, aiming to contribute to its treatment and prevention. Bariatric surgery has found its role in treatment, showing exceptional results in reducing patients’ body weight.
However, bariatric surgery alone cannot provide a fully effective solution; rather, it requires a multidisciplinary team. In this article, we will explain the 3 main reasons why bariatric surgery is not suitable for implementation as a three-day medical tourism.
Bariatric surgery requires postoperative monitoring.
When someone offers a three-day solution in the form of medical tourism, it excludes the possibility of properly assessing the patient because it is necessary for the medical institution you entrust to follow you every step of the way in treatment.
Treatment begins with biochemical testing, determining appropriate therapy (if necessary), psychological support, and dietary correction by a nutritionist. Only when conservative weight loss methods are exhausted should you consult with a surgeon. A bariatric surgeon must possess the skills of a responsible and high-quality abdominal surgeon who applies their basic knowledge to the highly specialized surgery that is bariatric surgery.
Surgical techniques involve knowledge of manipulating the stomach, esophagus, small intestines, and sometimes the necessity for simultaneous resolution of other problems, such as gallstones or hiatal hernia. An experienced surgeon minimizes the possibility of complications and, with their knowledge of other aspects and diseases of the digestive tract, enables better postoperative results, both in terms of weight loss and improving quality of life and preventing other digestive tract symptoms.
Surgical treatment by bariatric surgery does not only involve the period from entering the operating room to waking up from anesthesia but also requires several days of postoperative monitoring, which will enable early detection and adequate management of potential complications. The surgeon must be with the patient even weeks after the operation to anticipate and timely treat potential postoperative complications.
Bariatric surgery requires personal encounters
Although, understandably, price is significant in making decisions when it comes to everyday purchases, that principle should not be applied when it comes to health.
The cost of a bariatric surgical procedure includes the use of the highest quality suture material and laparoscopic equipment. It is also necessary to involve a multidisciplinary team that will be available for proper preoperative preparation as well as postoperative treatment and early mobilization of the patient by the physiotherapy and physical medicine team.
The ability to contact your surgeon at any time after discharge for any questions or concerns is of paramount importance for the success of the procedure. Communication with the surgeon via email or phone is not always effective because if there is a need for examination, it cannot be done at the facility where the patient was operated.
Bariatric surgery requires responsible treatment
Although today’s trends have led to the expansion of health tourism, serious surgical procedures should not be promoted as a three-day excursion where the patient will be accommodated in a five-star hotel and tour the city where the hospital is located.
Bariatric surgery is a serious surgical branch dealing with patients who often have associated diseases that themselves exceed the offered tourist package. Responsible treatment leads to a reduction in potential postoperative complications, optimal outcomes of surgical treatment, as well as monitoring and support that are often needed for patients with pathological obesity.
Safe and responsible treatment at Atlas General Hospital
Atlas General Hospital is one of the leaders in the field of bariatric surgery and has a comprehensive expert team that will be with you every step of the way in treatment. Let safety be the primary principle in making decisions concerning your health – decisions made based on the cost of the intervention often turn out to be a gamble where your health is at stake.
