Best Places for Weight Loss Surgery: Top 6 Countries

Weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, helps people lose excessive weight by making their stomachs smaller. It limits food consumption and reduces the calories and nutrients a stomach can absorb. This operation can ensure substantial weight reduction, with around 80% of excessive weight lost.

Do you want to look great with weight loss surgery but hesitate to know where to go? Patients are heading abroad for fat reduction procedures, looking for affordable services, quality care, customized packages, and excellent success rates.

In the article, we'll outline the current state of the weight loss market, with experienced surgeons in Turkey, comprehensive care in Brazil, and top-notch facilities in European countries and the US. So, you'll have more options than ever to try.

Table of content

Top 6 countries for weight loss surgery

Comparison table of the key bariatric surgery operations by country

What can be included in the weight loss package price?

What factors influence the price of weight loss surgery abroad?

How to choose a suitable country/clinic for weight loss?

What are the easiest and safest operations abroad to lose weight?

FAQ

Key takeaways about weight loss surgery

Top 6 countries for weight loss surgery

With the growing popularity of bariatric surgery, many countries concentrate on providing all-inclusive services for weight reduction for international patients. While the US and UK medicine remains quite costly, other countries prioritize the affordability of bariatric surgery, preserving its quality as well.

According to Bookimed patient reviews and quality-price ratio analysis, the best countries for bariatric surgery are:

• Turkey

Turkey provides a mix of high-quality and affordable bariatric surgery services. Many Turkish hospitals are JCI and ISO-accredited. The Turkish government has invested significantly in the healthcare industry since 2017, making it compatible with top-rated American and European clinics.

In Turkey, patients can save up to 50-70% on surgical procedures. On average, the price for bariatric surgery in Turkey starts from $3.500. While in the UK, costs range between $10,000 and $15,000 in private healthcare clinics.

While adherence to global safety and quality standards, highly trained certified surgeons make Turkey a worthy destination for patients worldwide. Moreover, Turkish hospitals offer all-inclusive packages that cover the operation, pre- and post-operative consultations and tests, hotel stays, and transfers.

• Mexico

Due to its close location to the United States and Canada, affordability of pricing, and experienced bariatric surgeons, Mexico has become a popular destination for weight loss surgery. Hospital de la Familia  provides patients with unique offers for gastric bypass at $6050, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy - $4500, and intragastric balloon - $2850.

Statistics show that as of 2023, around 75% of adults in Mexico have excessive weight. This includes about 37.5% who are overweight and another 37.5% who are obese. The majority has a body mass index (BMI) equal to or larger than 30 kg/m².

That’s why the country is gaining popularity for weight loss procedures, combining high-quality care with affordable prices. Weight loss surgeries in Mexico often cost 50–70% less than in the US, attracting patients without insurance or with limited coverage. The majority of hospitals in Mexico are internationally accredited, ensuring quality and safety standards comparable to those in other countries.

• Spain

The current state of bariatric surgery in Spain is progressing positively, with growing demand to treat obesity and related health issues. There are 16.2% of women and 17.5% of men classified as obese.

The Spanish organization OPEN (Obesity Policy Engagement Network) constantly promotes the obesity care industry, focusing on providing holistic, patient-centered care.

Innovations in the Spanish bariatric surgery market show the increasing demand for minimally invasive techniques, with robotic and laparoscopic approaches frequently used.

In Spain, the price for weight loss procedures can range between approximately $8,300 and $27,000, compared to the US prices that start from $20,000 to $35,000.

• Lithuania

The popularity of weight loss surgery in Lithuania is increasing constantly. The reason is that the obesity rate among adults stands at approximately 29.6% for women and 26.7% for men. These stats show that obesity is becoming one of the key health problems in society. So, due to competitive prices compared to many Western European countries and high-quality healthcare services, Lithuania is a worthy option for weight loss operations.

Lithuanian hospitals provide comprehensive packages, including pre- and post-surgery consultations, the operation itself, and accommodation and transfer. Some clinics can also offer accommodation and transfer. The average price for bariatric surgery usually ranges from $5,000 to $7,000, allowing for savings of up to 70% compared to other European countries.

• South Korea

Due to its advanced technologies, South Korean medical entities are among the best institutions with the latest bariatric surgery equipment. Expert-level surgeons perform minimally invasive operations, facilitating fast recovery and mitigating post-operative complications.

According to the World Population Review, liposuction is among the most popular types of plastic surgery in Korea, alongside rhinoplasty (nose job) and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).

Bariatric surgery in South Korea has grown significantly and transformed over the past two decades. The annual number of surgeries has increased greatly, with adjustable gastric band (AGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy becoming more common.

For instance, between 2019 and 2022, the NHIS recorded 9,080 bariatric surgeries, with gastric sleeve being the most commonly performed.

Considering that South Korean society is obsessed with healthy lifestyle, fitness, and wellness, it promotes a health-oriented environment for those who want to get rid of fat deposits. So, it'll be easier for patients to switch to a healthy lifestyle.

The minimal price for weight loss surgery in South Korea is around $8,000, while in the USA and Canada, it can range from $15,000 to $25,000.

• Brazil

Brazil is another world leader in bariatric surgery. Because 25% of adults are obese, weight loss procedures in Brazil are highly popular in society, especially among women (67.2%). Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed in 79.3% and 95.5% by laparoscopy.

Due to Brazil's public health system (SUS), bariatric surgery meets specific criteria, making it accessible to more people worldwide and much more affordable than in European countries.

For international patients, bariatric surgery in Brazil is often more affordable than in countries like the U.S. or Europe. The average cost for a weight loss operation in Brazil starts from $5,000, while in Western countries, for example, France, the average price is $10,000.

Comparison table of the key bariatric surgery operations by country

Country	Gastric sleeve	Gastric band	Gastric bypass
Turkey	$3,000 - $5,000	$3,500 - $4,500	$4,000 - $6,000
Mexico	$4,000 - $4,800	$4,000 - $5,000	$5,500 - $6,800
Spain	$8,000 - $10,000	$8,500 - $10,500	$9,000 - $12,000
Lithuania	$5,000 - $6,000	$5,500 - $6,500	$6,000 - $7,500
South Korea	$7,500 - $10,000	$9,000 - $11,000	$10,000 - $13,000
Brazil	$5,500 - $7,000	$6,500 - $7,500	$7,500 - $9,000

📝 Note: the final costs can vary as we get the price list from our partners for you to guarantee information precision.

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What can be included in the weight loss package price?

Comprehensive high-quality weight reduction assistance should consist of services to achieve considerable results without sufficient difficulties. It should involve 24/7 guidance from healthcare providers and specific weight loss programs, including exercise and diet regimes, to maintain proper conditions after the surgery.

Each treatment plan should be customized to patients considering their health condition and main requirements.

The price of medical packages for weight loss procedures can vary depending on the operation type, surgeon's qualification, country you choose to undergo surgery in, pre- and post-surgery care, including tests and consultations, and choice of hospital.

So, let's outline a full list of services that can be included in weight loss surgery. We broke it down into the following components:

🏥 Medical procedures:

• Pre-op consultations and assessments, including lab tests and BMI analysis.

• Weight loss operation itself (e.g., gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy).

• Operating room and anesthesia charges.

• Post-op care includes doctor's monitoring, nurse care, and follow-up health examination.

🏨Accommodation (hospital stay):

• Post-surgery stay in a hospital room for the necessary number of nights.

• Hotel stay before or after hospital discharge for recovery.

🩺 Additional medical help:

• Consultations with healthcare providers (nutritionists, psychologists).

• Consultations on physical therapy sessions.

• Prescribing medications and supplements required for the recovery period.

🚗Transportation:

• Airport-hotel-clinic transfers (regular or VIP options).

⭐Extra services:

• Language assistance.

• 24/7 support online.

• Post-op follow-up appointments.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's guidance on lifestyle and nutrition:

• Building up a personalized dietary plan tailored to considering patient's needs.

• Consultations on lifestyle changes to maintain sustained weight loss.

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Comparing Turkish and American services included in the weight loss surgery package, the price for the operation package in Turkey ranges between $3,500 and $7,000. It includes all the above-mentioned points making the country attractive due to its affordable price list.

The package can cost from $15,000 to $30,000 in the USA. It covers the surgery itself, but other additional expenses including pre- and post-op, accommodation, or transfer, are for the extra price.

The price will differ if any additional check-ups, operations, imaging, referrals to other healthcare providers, and extra consumables used will be needed during the operation period.

What factors influence the price of weight loss surgery abroad?

No matter what destination you choose for weight loss surgery, common factors influence the price of the surgery package.

• Type of operation

Gastric sleeve surgeries tend to be cheaper than more complex procedures like gastric bypass or duodenal switch. Because it's the most popular and standard operation many prefer to undergo. Each country has its own popular type of operation, which can influence local pricing.

For example, Turkey offers affordable rates for gastric sleeves starting from $3,000. Lithuania offers slightly more expensive prices, starting from $5,000. The USA is known for high costs, often starting from $15,000.

• Surgeon’s expertise

Healthcare providers with extensive experience and high ratings often cost more, especially in countries with well-developed medical tourism. Turkey and Spain can provide services from top surgeons with international certifications. Bariatric surgeons in Lithuania are also highly skilled, members of the IFSO, and adhere to international protocols for patient safety and surgery efficacy.

• Hospital facilities and technologies

The price can grow significantly because of the usage of modern technology and comprehensive clinic facilities. Turkey is known for implementing high-end technologies, providing patients with best services, namely accommodation.

Lithuania’s medical institutions focus on service efficiency, while Spain provides clients with more luxurious hotels. What about the USA? It has one of the highest price rates in the world for clinic facilities because of the strict regulations of medical services.

• Additional perks in the package

Besides the Weight loss surgery itself, the packages can include doctors' consultations, check-ups, hotel stays, meals, transfers, etc. Turkey is among the countries with all-inclusive packages. Spain offers decent accommodation but at higher prices. Lithuania typically includes a basic package with all main care elements. What about the USA, you won't find a great diversity of packages for clinical services, just separate ones with split costs. So, the general prices are higher.

• Healthcare regulations and standards

It's a fact that countries with strict regulations in the medical area tend to set higher prices due to compliance and certification costs. For instance, the Turkish medical industry complies to the regulations of The Turkish Ministry of Health, international organizations like Joint Commission International(JCI), and the Health Quality Standards in Turkey (SKS) guidelines. This enables maintaining a balance between attractive prices and high-quality of services. 

At the time, the healthcare system in the USA operates under the regulations of numerous state and federal entities, like the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (PSQIA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), etc. This results in the highest prices for medical services worldwide.

How to choose a suitable country/clinic for weight loss?

• Check hospital rating and accreditation

It's better to select a hospital with a high rating and qualified surgeons with extensive experience in bariatric surgery. A medical entity should be recognized by well-known medical organizations and trusted local institutions. Also, pay attention to what patients say about the specific clinic and doctor.

• Analyze prices and package inclusions

Choose several countries you prefer and assess the price rate and packages available there. Check what options are already included in the package and which points should be paid additionally.

• Medical facilities and standards

Find out what equipment and technologies are applied in the clinic and how do they manage patients' safety. Prefer clinics providing minimally invasive or robot-assisted surgeries for better and shorter recovery with fewer risks.

• Language assistance

Get to know whether the clinic provides translation services to guarantee smooth communication between a patient and healthcare providers.

• After-op consultation

You'd better choose clinics with follow-up consultations available and access to dietitians and psychologists after the surgery. Remote monitoring is another useful option that enables remote check-ins and online support.

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What are the easiest and safest operations abroad to lose weight?

Every patient wants to undergo an operation with maximum effectiveness, easy recovery, and few complications. We selected several variants of the most 'easy' surgeries for losing weight.

Gastric sleeve

It's a type of weight loss surgery involving removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving it tube-like and sleeve-shaped and about 15% of its original size. This operation limits food intake and suppresses hunger signals. Recovery lasts for 2-3 weeks, with the possibility of returning to work in 1-2 weeks.

Most patients see first results after a month, with weight loss continuing for 12 months, or sometimes longer. Although, the patient does need to make some long-term dietary changes to see the best results. 

Gastric sleeve is one of the safest and most reliable weight-loss surgeries, as most patients have no complications during or after the procedure.

Gastric band

During this operation, an adjustable band is placed around the upper stomach to create a small pouch, limiting food intake and promoting a feeling of fullness sooner. This operation is usually done laparoscopically, meaning small incisions are made in the abdomen. It involves short recovery, so patients return to normal life in 1-2 weeks. A big plus of this operation is that it doesn't change the digestive tract.

Gastric balloon

How does it work? A temporary balloon is placed in the stomach through the mouth, filling space to reduce hunger and limit food intake. The recovery period is extremely short, just 1-2 days. A benefit of this surgery is it's non-surgical and reversible.

Each operation has unique features, potential risks, and a recovery period. So, it’s important to consult a bariatric surgeon to find the best option for you based on your specific health goals and needs.

Gastric bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a malabsorptive bariatric operation, meaning it works on nutrients your body can break down and turn into energy. It involves scalping a small pouch out of the stomach and connecting it to a small intestine, ‘bypassing’ the rest of the stomach.

Breaking down fat and sugar will be harder, meaning you’ll absorb fewer calories from the food. Gastric bypass also has a restrictive role and will make you fuller quicker, but this effect is secondary.

This surgery is the most complicated and time-consuming. Because of the lower nutritional intake, you’ll depend on multivitamins and mineral pills for life, as it's much harder to get the recommended daily intake from food alone.

FAQ

What country is best for weight loss surgery?

Turkey is considered the leading destination for medical tourism, particularly for bariatric surgery. The number of weight loss operations has increased to 40 thousand surgeries annually. It offers high-quality bariatric services at competitive prices.

It has several big hubs, like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya, known for world-class hospitals and skilled bariatric surgeons who perform various weight loss procedures with excellent outcomes. These cities offer outstanding medical facilities and qualified surgeons at competitive prices.

For example, the Hisar Hospital Intercontinental is recognized as one of the most qualified and specialized obesity surgery clinics in Turkey. Memorial Şişli Hospital and Anadolu Medical Center are renowned for their excellent bariatric services.

Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea are among the top four countries in terms of weight reduction.

Which country has the cheapest bariatric surgery?

Turkey is believed to be the country with the lowest prices for weight loss operations. It offers beneficial prices for those looking for weight reduction surgery abroad. The country is famous for advanced clinics that perform weight loss operations successfully on hundreds of thousands of international patients each year. And the prices are 70-75% cheaper than in other countries.

What is the safest, most successful weight loss surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the safest weight loss operations. It's performed laparoscopically, so you’ll have just small incisions and a quicker healing process than with other surgeries. You can expect to lose around 60% of your excess weight in 2 years.

Gastric banding is another minimally invasive and second-safest weight loss operation. Your stomach or intestines aren't surgically sectioned; you just have a small scar that will heal faster.

Which country is best for gastric bypass surgery?

Due to its complexity, it's better to choose countries offering advanced healthcare facilities, the latest medical technology, and thorough research. So, the best option is Turkey. Many Turkish hospitals are JCI-accredited, preserving international standards for safety and quality. Additionally, they provide all-inclusive packages for international patients. The affordability of gastric bypass procedures in these countries is combined with high standards of medical care, making them attractive destinations for tourists worldwide.

Another possible option is Mexico: despite its proximity to the USA, it offers competitive prices, saving 40–60% on the operations. Its popular destinations like Tijuana and Cancun are known for decent bariatric procedures, with flexible weight loss packages, including follow-up visits and coordination with U.S.-based support groups.

Why is gastric sleeve so cheap in Turkey?

The cost of a gastric sleeve in Turkey is relatively cheaper than in European countries due to a highly competitive healthcare market, lower cost of living, and lower operating costs. However, Turkey preserves the high quality of medical services and the high qualification of bariatric surgeons.

Who are the top bariatric surgeons in the world?

Top weight loss surgeons include specialists from Turkey, Mexico, and Spain. Top-notch surgeons perform the most complicated surgical procedures, ensuring maximum treatment results for patients. They also perform surgery according to international standards, guaranteeing the highest levels of safety.