Weight-loss surgery abroad: How it works step by step

Many patients have chosen to have weight-loss surgery abroad in the last few years. There are a few different reasons for this: the main driver for an increase in popularity of weight-loss surgery abroad is cost.

Travelling to get a procedure done abroad can be very convenient compared to the US or the UK. Most of our patients prefer to visit us to cut costs but also to avoid waiting lists in their home country. At KCM Clinic, we can welcome you also on a short notice. Moreover, our package offers are especially catered to international patients, and they include not only the treatment but also hospital stay and ground transfers. Contact us anytime to learn more!

What is weight-loss surgery?

Weight-loss surgery, often referred to as bariatric surgery, comprises a series of surgical and non-surgical procedures to aid weight loss and treat obesity. These procedures are often life changing and have helped many patients take back control over their body and health.

Bariatric procedures include: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, gastric balloon, and gastric bypass.

If you’re planning to get one of these procedures, you might wonder what a trip abroad would involve. We understand that the prospect of having surgery abroad might be daunting, but rest assured that a team of experienced professionals will take care of you from start to finish.

Weight-loss surgery abroad step by step

We have outlined below how your weight-loss journey abroad would look like.

Step 1. Consultation with KCM coordinators

The first step involves a phone consultation with our coordinators. This will help us understand what you’re looking for and make a first assessment whether weight-loss surgery is right for you. Our coordinators will ask a few questions about your current health, they will give you an overview of what the procedures entail, and what you can expect if you choose to travel to Poland to have treatment.

Step 2. Understanding if you’re eligible for weight-loss surgery

Generally speaking, weight-loss surgery is recommended to patients whose Body Mass index (BMI) is 40 (or higher), or 35 with obesity-related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or hypertension. There are bariatric procedures that are suitable for patients whose BMI is lower, i.e. endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. In order to understand if you are eligible for weight-loss surgery and what treatment specifically best suits your needs, our coordinators will send you this bariatric form to fill out. This way, we can get a more complete overview of your current health and medical records.

Step 3. Confirmation

Once we have all the information we need, we might get back to you to discuss different scenarios. Our specialists will advise you on the bariatric procedure that best works in your case, and give you an overview of how the procedure works. Once the procedure is confirmed, we will schedule your surgery day and send you a pre-op list of recommendations for you to follow. Patients are usually advised to avoid solid foods for a few days before the procedure to prepare the stomach.

Step 4. Travel to clinic

We will welcome you to Poland and KCM Clinic the day before your surgery. One of our drivers will pick you up from Wroclaw airport or train station and take you to the clinic. Depending on the procedure you undergo, you’ll spend a few days with us before driving you back to the airport. We’ll make sure that your stay runs seamlessly.

Step 5. Weight-loss procedure

The day of your surgery has come! Procedures are usually carried out in the morning and you will spend from 1 to 3 days at our clinic, depending on what weight-loss procedure you underwent.

Step 6. Post-op stay at KCM

You will wake up shortly after the procedure has finished and we will monitor your recovery closely. Common side effects at this stage include discomfort in your stomach and nausea. Nothing to worry about, this is completely normal and these side effects should subside in the next few days.

Step 7. KCM’s support group

Talking to someone who’s going through the same journey as you and having professional support can be of great help. This is why we encourage all our patients to meet with our psychology and dietary support group while they are at our clinic. They are available every week in English, German, and Polish. Before being discharged, we will give you a list of post-op guidelines including a diet plan, exercise routines, and recommendations for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. We strongly recommend that you follow them carefully as they make up a fundamental part of your recovery and successful treatment.

Step 8. Travel back home

You will have a final post-op checkup before being discharged from KCM Clinic. Your driver will take you back to the airport or train station and you can travel back home.

Step 9. Follow-up on your recovery

We want to make sure that everything runs smoothly. That’s why we will keep tabs on your progress for the following three years. Our Weight Loss Surgery Poland Facebook group has proven to be extremely helpful for all our patients, and we invite you to join as well! You can share your story, your weight loss progress, and hear from fellow patients how their journey is going.

Weight-loss surgery at KCM Clinic

Weight-loss surgery has improved the lives of many patients. Witnessing the life-changing outcomes that these procedures can bring about is our greatest reward.

If you are interested in learning more about bariatric surgery at KCM or would like to have a first consultation with us, contact us anytime. You can also have a look at our package prices here.