Is it worth choosing Thailand for weight loss surgery?
Thailand is still a developing country that follows the best Western standards. The quality of the health and medical care system almost equals the standards of the European countries.
Bariatric surgery in Thailand became an effective, safe, and affordable way to lose excessive weight by reducing and restricting the size of the digestive system. Thus, Thailand became one of the world’s leading medical tourism destinations.
Since the 1990s, the country has increased investments in the industry, with high-quality advanced facilities that attract thousands of patients worldwide. It started with hundreds of small but well-established hospitals, which have now been converted into internationally recognized clinics.
Thailand boasts more than 40 accredited medical entities, including those receiving the Joint Commission International accreditation. This means that weight loss clinics in Thailand follow the gold standard in healthcare provision.
The low cost of living means that patients can save around 50% compared to prices abroad. Besides low prices, patients will benefit from high standards of medical services, i.e., surgeons' profound expertise in patient care, and receive maximum comfort by using medical facilities.
So, these things made Thailand a competitive world hub of weight loss operations thanks to:
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Affordable prices that are five times lower than the American and European offers.
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Implementing the latest technologies and advanced treatment methods.
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Having a base of professional surgeons with international certificates.
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Providing comprehensive packages with numerous medical services.
What are the prices for weight loss surgery in Thailand?
Weight loss surgery in Thailand cost can vary depending on the type of procedure, the clinic, and the level of care provided. Here are the price ranges for weight loss surgeries in Thailand:
|
Gastric Sleeve |
Gastric Bypass |
Gastric Banding |
Duodenal Switch |
Gastric Balloon |
Mini-Gastric Bypass |
|
$4,500 - $7,000 |
$7,000 - $10,000 |
$3,500 - $6,000 |
$8,000 - $12,000 |
$2,500 - $4,500 |
$6,000 - $8,000 |
Some medical services may require additional costs, i.e., consultation fees and post-operative care. However, in most cases, these options are included in the package, but some clinics, private dominantly, may charge extra for follow-up visits or services like dietary support.
Turkey, Mexico, Lithuania, and Poland are among the most popular countries for bariatric surgery that can compete with Thailand.
Let’s observe the average price rate for the common weight loss operations in these countries:
|
|
Gastric Sleeve |
Gastric Bypass |
Gastric Banding |
Duodenal Switch |
Gastric Balloon |
Mini-Gastric Bypass |
|
Turkey |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
$3,500 - $4,500 |
$8,000 - $10,000 |
$1,500 - $4,500 |
$3,000 - $6,000 |
|
Mexico |
$4,000 - $4,800 |
$5,500 - $6,800 |
$4,000 - $5,000 |
$6,700 - $7,200 |
$2,800 - $4,500 |
$5,600 |
|
Lithuania |
$5,000 - $6,000 |
$6,000 - $7,500 |
$5,500 - $6,500 |
$6,000 |
$3,400 - $3,900 |
$6,700 |
|
Poland |
$7,800 |
$5,000 - $6,000 |
$4,000 |
$7,000 |
$2,600 |
$5,000 - $6,000 |
What is included in the weight loss package?
Generally, the average price of Gastric bypass surgery in Thailand is $10,000, while the package including pre- and post-op consultations and examinations can cost $12,000. So, you can receive more services for almost the same price with the help of the Bookimed platform. The packages here can be more beneficial than paying for each service separately.
The all-inclusive weight loss package includes services to achieve considerable results with maximum patient comfort. It generally involves 24/7 support from doctors, building specific weight loss programs, including exercise and diet regimes, and maintaining proper conditions after the surgery. Each package can be customized to a patient's health condition and needs.
The price of medical packages for weight loss procedures varies depending on numerous aspects, starting from the type of surgery to post-operative evaluations, including tests and consultations.
What are the benefits of having weight loss surgery in Thailand?
Undergoing weight loss surgery in Thailand has benefits that attract more and more patients worldwide. These options make the country among those with the most affordable and competitive weight loss services in the market:
Cost-friendly services
The price of medical services in Thailand is affordable and budget-saving, attracting many international patients. Moreover, it doesn't compromise the quality. The price is almost equal in Turkey and Mexico, so it expands the geography of bariatric surgery.
If compared with other countries, i.e., the UK, where the cost is almost two times higher. The price for a gastric sleeve in Thailand is $7,000 maximum, while it costs around $12,400 in the UK.
Top-class medical facilities
Thai hospitals are internationally accredited by organizations like the Joint Commission International (JCI), ISO, and well-known bariatric associations, ensuring world-class medical care. Most clinics are equipped with advanced technology and boast skilled bariatric surgeons.
Experts in weight loss surgery
Highly trained and experienced bariatric surgeons with international certifications and expertise in the latest weight loss approaches, such as laparoscopic techniques, are available. Many are members of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesityand Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand (RCST).
All-inclusive packages
Most packages include all the necessary services: consultations, tests, diagnostics, medications, follow-up visits, doctors’ counseling, and guidance throughout the entire weight loss journey to support long-term weight management.
No long lists for surgery
Unlike European countries with long waiting lists for operations, Thailand enables patients to schedule the surgery on time, reducing possible delays for those ready to undergo surgery.
Possibility to find personalized solutions
Thai weight loss hospitals offer a variety of procedures tailored to individual needs, crafting personalized treatment and recovery plans to promote better surgery results.
What are the main cities to undergo weight loss surgery in Thailand
Having primarily aimed to undertake medical, cosmetic, or dental procedures, more and more patients have found Thailand an attractive country for such operations at budget-friendly prices. So, the Thai medical area, particularly bariatric surgery, became very competitive, not just on a regional level but also globally.
The top destinations in Thailand for weight loss operations are the capital, Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya.
Comparison table of the average prices for weight loss surgeries by city:
|
|
Sleeve Gastrectomy |
Gastric Bypass |
Gastric Banding |
Duodenal Switch |
|
Bangkok |
$4,500-$6,500 |
$6,500-$12,000 |
around $6,500 |
around $8,500 |
|
Phuket |
$14,800 |
$13,500 |
$12,500 |
$6,700-$7,000 |
|
Pattaya |
$5,500-$6,500 |
around $16,000 |
around $14,000 |
is not performed here |
Bangkok
The Thai capital is a major medical tourism hub, offering a wide range of world-class hospitals specializing in weight loss surgery. Among the most outstanding clinics are:
Bumrungrad International Hospital:
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is one of the best medical solutions for weight loss in Thailand;
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doctors carry out laparoscopic gastric sleeve, bypass, and bandaging as the best treatment methods for weight loss surgery;
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is recognized as the top 10 best hospitals and the top 30 most technologically advanced clinics globally.
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specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery and obesity bariatric surgery;
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is one of the top plastic surgery clinics in Thailand and the Asia Pacific region;
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is ISO and Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited;
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features top-notch facilities with advanced technology and a staff of highly skilled professionals.
Pattaya
Another popular direction among tourists, weight loss in Pattaya has many hospitals that are recognized for their high-quality services and patient recognition:
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is one of 30 hospitals run by Bangkok Dusit Medical Services and Bangkok Hospital Group;
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follows the Joint Commission International (JCI) standards;
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got the TEMOS International Healthcare Accreditation;
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is one of the best hospitals in Thailand to provide services for many foreign patients.
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is included in the top 10 list of Best Medical Services by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Phuket
A popular tourist attraction, the option of weight loss in Phuket offers several reputable hospitals that perform bariatric surgeries:
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is a leading health and wellness destination in Asia;
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is a member of the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PLC (BDMS), the largest hospital network in the Asia-Pacific region;
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medical services and treatment are confirmed by Joint Commission International, the International Organization for Standardization, the Institute of Hospital Quality Improvement and Accreditation.
What is the most popular weight loss surgery in Thailand?
Gastric band and gastric bypass are two of the most common procedures in Thailand. They restrict food consumption and nutrient absorption, thus resulting in significant weight loss over a short period of time.
|
Feature |
Gastric banding |
Gastric sleeve |
Duodenal Switch |
Gastric Balloon |
Gastric bypass |
|
Rate of weight reduction |
Up to 50% |
Up to 60-70% |
Up to 70-80% |
Up to 20-30% |
Up to 70-80% |
|
How it works |
Reduces the stomach size; Restricts food intake |
Reduces the stomach size, making it banana-shaped; Removes hunger hormone |
Reduces the stomach to a tube-like structure; Rerouting a small intestine bypassing a great portion of the intestine; Reduces the food intake |
Places a balloon into the stomach, reducing the feeling of hunger and lowering food intake |
Reduces the stomach size to a small pouch; Reroutes the small intestine, reducing meal and nutrient absorption |
|
Price |
$5,000 - $8,000 |
$9,000 - $12,500 |
$7,000 - $12,000 |
$3,000 - $7,000 |
$8,000 - $15,000 |
What is the success rate of weight loss surgery in Thailand?
The obesity rate is rising in Thailand: the research showed the ratio of overweight and obese people reaching almost 48%, compared to around 35% in 2016. Thailand is among the top three countries with the highest rate of obese people in Asia, falling behind Malaysia. While Bangkok has the highest obesity rate among males (38.8%) and females (49.4%).
It needs to be noted that the prevalence of obesity among adultswas indicated mostly in people of the age groups of 40-49 and 50-59.
Bariatric surgery in Thailand displayed an overall high success rate, with patients losing between 30% to 55% of excess weight in the first six months after the operation. Around 95% of patients in Thailand were satisfied with the outcomes after weight loss surgery.
Such positive results were achieved due to the high expertise level of Thailand's bariatric surgeons, advanced medical facilities, and all-inclusive patient care. The success rate of weight loss in Thailand varies depending on the procedure, the chosen hospital, and the patient's health state:
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Gastric Bypass — the success rate for gastric bypass is around 80-90% of significant weight loss and long-lasting outcomes;
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Gastric Sleeve — gastric sleeve has a success rate of around 70-80%;
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Gastric Banding — this procedure has a slightly lower success rate of 50-60%.
Overall, the success rate depends on such factors as the patient's desire to change their lifestyle, proper post-operative check-ups, and following a healthy diet and exercising.
What requirements should I meet to have weight loss surgery in Thailand?
To be eligible for weight loss in Thailand, patients need to meet the following criteria:
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Have a BMI (body mass index) of ≥ 40 kg/m² that Indicates severe obesity, or of ≥ 35 kg/m² with obesity-related health conditions (2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea).
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Failed previous experience to lose weight with the help of diet or exercising.
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Having done particular health state check-ups to get ready for surgery.
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Consult a specialist regarding mental health, knowing you’re ready to change your lifestyle.
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Be at the age of 18-65 years old.
Nevertheless, we highly recommend you visit your healthcare provider, who will help you assess your eligibility for weight loss.
How can Bookimed benefit you in arranging weight loss in Thailand?
💚 Professional support. A great team of medical assistants will help you find the perfect solution to fight excessive weight choosing a proper surgery by considering your needs and doctors' assessments.
💚 Personalized approach. Bookimed gives each patient customized recommendations, ensuring rapid and smooth results after weight loss surgery.
💚 Unique offers. We provide patients with the best package options and detailed information on weight loss surgery from partner clinics.
💚 24/7 help. Bookimed medical coordinators will accompany you through the whole weight loss journey. At a time, we'll choose an appropriate hospital for the surgery, considering available offers and post-op treatment.
💚 Free services. No additional cost is needed if you contact Bookimed directly.
References
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Obesity in Thailand and its economic cost estimation. ADBI Working Paper Series, Asian Development Bank Institute, No.703, March 2017.
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Slow Progress of Bariatric Surgery in Thailand: Surgeons' Opinions. Asian Journal of Surgery, Volume 32, Issue 4, October 2009, pp. 205-215.
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Boonsub Sakboonyarat, Chanyut Pornpongsawad, Tanatip Sangkool. Trends, prevalence and associated factors of obesity among adults in a rural community in Thailand: serial cross-sectional surveys, 2012 and 2018. BMC Public Health volume 20, Article number: 850 (2020).