Which country is best for weight loss surgery abroad?

If you’ve decided that a gastric band or other weight loss procedure is too expensive in a private UK clinic, or you don’t like the idea of long NHS waiting lists, you’ve probably considered traveling abroad for your operation.

Getting weight loss surgery or a Private Gastric Bypass Surgery abroad can be an excellent choice for many people. The costs are often far lower than at home, and in many countries, the quality of care surpasses that provided by the NHS.

So if you’re seriously considering weight loss surgery abroad, where is the best location to have the procedure?

There are plenty of popular options, but we’d like to present you with our personal recommendation: Latvia. Or, more specifically, Riga, the capital of this Baltic nation.

5 Reasons why Riga is an excellent place for weight loss surgery

Excellent travel connections

While you might not have any initial objections to flying to India or Thailand for a gastric bypass, it’s wise to consider how you’ll be feeling after the procedure is completed. Traveling home on a nine-hour plus flight is pretty uncomfortable at the best of times, let alone if you’re recovering from surgery.

COVID mask restrictions, sweltering heat, and the very real threat of blood clots can make Weight loss surgery in Europe a less daunting proposition.

Riga, the Latvian capital, is only two hours and forty minutes away from London by air. If you decide to travel overland, the city is an excellent transport hub for many major European destinations.

Highly qualified staff

Being a member of the EU, Latvia has to adhere to strict medical regulations. Combine that with highly educated and well-trained health professionals, and weight loss surgery in Latvia looks like a promising option.

A technology hub

Riga, Latvia’s capital, has come a long way since the fall of the USSR. Today, this quaint and historical city is home to many technology companies and startups. It also boasts all of the modern conveniences you’d expect from a European capital.

So what does this have to do with weight loss surgery? Put simply; you can expect your operation to take place in a clean, modern clinic with all of the latest diagnostic imaging apparatus and other technology.

Familiar surroundings

Sure, Riga isn’t culturally similar to Manchester. Still, it’s far less of a shock to the system traveling to a Northern European city than India or Thailand. Riga is a far less intimidating choice for weight loss surgery abroad, with a cool to mild climate and relatively conservative local cuisine.

Easier aftercare

With high-class equipment, excellent facilities and friendly staff, you can be sure that you’ll receive all the support you need after your weight loss surgery abroad. However, Latvia’s relatively short distance to the UK means that should you need to return to the clinic for a follow-up examination, you won’t need to waste huge amounts of money and time on travel. The same definitely can’t be said of India or Thailand.

Bonus reason: Reduced costs

The costs of weight loss surgery aren’t just limited to the operation itself: You’ll need to factor in travel, accommodation, medication and aftercare. Luckily, Latvia has a much lower cost of living than the UK. In addition, you can expect your gastric surgery itself to be around half the cost that you’d typically pay in Britain.

As you can see, Riga, Latvia, is a fantastic destination for weight loss surgery abroad!