Considering Gastric Sleeve Surgery Abroad? Here’s How Turkey, Mexico & Other Popular Countries Compare

Travelling abroad for a gastric sleeve can feel like a big decision, and it is. But when you compare cost, quality, surgeon experience and travel logistics, some countries consistently stand out. In this article, we’ll look at the top destinations for gastric sleeve surgery and explain why Turkey may be a very reasonable option.

Why Some Countries Are Chosen for Gastric Sleeve

• Cost-effectiveness: In countries like Turkey, Mexico and Thailand, gastric sleeve procedures often cost 50–70% less than in the US, UK or Canada. 

• Shorter waiting time: Many countries reduce the waiting list or allow scheduling faster than some public health systems. 

• Good facilities + experienced surgeons: Accredited hospitals and internationally trained specialists are available in many medical tourism hubs. 

• International patient-friendly packages: Many clinics offer packages that include accommodation, transfers, and aftercare. 

• Travel & logistics: For example, Mexico is great for North American patients; Turkey is more accessible for Europe, the UK and New Zealand. 

Top Destinations for Gastric Sleeve

1. Turkey

Turkey is one of the leading destinations in the world thanks to its medical tourism infrastructure and highly experienced bariatric surgeons.

Why patients choose Turkey:

• JCI-accredited hospitals

• Experienced, high-volume surgeons

• All-inclusive packages (hotel + hospital + transfers)

• English-speaking medical staff

• Strong follow-up systems (WhatsApp support, dietitians)

• Attractive for UK, Europe, Australia & NZ due to flight connections

• Affordable compared to US/UK/NZ prices

2. Mexico 

Mexico is extremely popular among US and Canadian patients because of proximity and cost.

Pros:

• Very affordable

• Close to North America

• Many experienced surgeons

Cons:

• Quality varies widely between clinics

• Safety concerns in some regions

• Reports of unexpected charges or border issues from patients

• Aftercare is often limited

3. Thailand 

Known for medical tourism and luxury hospitals.

Pros:

• High-quality hospitals

• Holiday-like environment

• Smooth logistics

Cons:

• Higher overall cost than Turkey and Mexico

• Long-distance travel for many patients

• Not as specialized in bariatrics as Turkey

4. Other Options 

• India – affordable but mixed quality

• Spain – EU standards, more expensive

• Colombia – increasing popularity

• Australia – not significantly cheaper than NZ

Why Turkey Is a Reasonable (and Fast-Growing) Choice

• High level hospitals and many bariatric specialists trained internationally. 

• Cost-effective packages: You may find a gastric sleeve in Turkey for a fraction of the cost compared to the UK or US. 

• For patients coming from Europe, UK, Australia or New Zealand the travel time and logistics are often easier.

• Plus: Turkey offers an attractive combination of medical care and tourism (if you wish to stay a little longer).

Important Factors to Check

• Surgeon credentials and clinic accreditation (look for JCI, ISO, board certifications). 

• What’s included in the package (hospital stay, hotel, transfers, follow-up).

• Language support, after-care, and complication rates.

• Travel risks post surgery (e.g., long flights) and how the clinic manages them.

• As many sources highlight, the lowest cost is not always best — safety and surgeon experience are vital.  

Real Patient Experiences: Why Some Patients Chose Turkey After Comparing Countries

1. Sammie’s Experience (New Zealand)

One of our New Zealand patients, Sammie, shared her personal research journey as she decided where to have her gastric sleeve surgery. Her experience is a powerful example of how real stories shape decision-making:

**“I looked into Thailand and Mexico. After speaking with others — and knowing people who actually went to Mexico — I heard some very worrying experiences.

One person in their group was held ‘hostage’ at the border, and another group was forced to pay extra money unexpectedly.

My parents also heard horror stories about Mexico and begged me not to choose Mexico or Thailand.

After a few days of conversations with Newme, I didn’t get good vibes from the other options I spoke to.”**

She also considered Australia:

“I looked into Australia too, but it was only 2000 NZD cheaper than doing it in New Zealand.

After paying for flights and accommodation, it wouldn’t have been cheaper at all.”

Sammie’s perspective highlights an important point:

Sometimes a location looks cheaper or popular on the surface, but when safety, hidden costs, aftercare, or real patient experiences are taken into account, the picture can change drastically.

For her, Turkey became the most reasonable, safe and trustworthy option.

2. Melissa’s Experience (New Zealand)

Melissa also shared her personal journey while comparing countries for gastric sleeve surgery. She originally had Thailand in mind — not for surgery, but as a travel destination — until she started hearing real patient stories:

“Wow Sammie… I thought about Thailand because it’s a place I had always wanted to visit, but I also heard a couple of stories of botched surgeries.

To be honest, I hadn’t seriously thought about surgery until things started popping up on my social media. That’s when I began sending out enquiries.”

But what shaped her final decision wasn’t price or location — it was the way she felt treated:

“By far, you guys were the most warm and inviting.

And once I got added to the groups, it was really all over — my decision was made.”

Melissa’s experience highlights the importance of trust, communication, and emotional comfort when choosing a country for gastric sleeve surgery.

For her, Turkey felt safer, more welcoming and more supportive than the other countries she considered.

Conclusion

Choosing where to have your gastric sleeve abroad is about finding the right fit — not just the cheapest price. Turkey, Mexico and Thailand all offer strong options, but each has unique considerations. If you’re still exploring, we’re here to help you weigh your choices.

Whenever you’re ready, we’ll walk through the process together, step-by-step. 😊

Sources / References

1. https://www.docternist.com/medical-tourism-for-gastric-sleeve-a-life-changing-journey-abroad

2. https://medicaltourismresourceguide.com/best-weight-loss-surgery-destinations

3. https://www.medicaltourism.com/articles/what-are-the-best-countries-for-gastric-sleeve-surgery

4. https://www.flymedi.com/bariatric-surgery/gastric-sleeve

5. https://www.magazine.medicaltourism.com/article/best-countries-in-the-world-for-sleeve-gastrectomy

6. https://medgol.com/top-countries-gastric-sleeve-surgery

7. https://universalmedicaltravel.com/best-countries-for-weight-loss-surgery-in-the-world

8. https://www.letsmedi.com/gastric-sleeve-abroad

9. https://karatepeklinik.com/en/gastric-sleeve-mexico-vs-turkey

10. https://gastricsleeveturkey.net/gastric-sleeve-turkey-vs-mexico-comparison

💬 Ready to Learn the Facts About Gastric Sleeve?

Schedule a call with Selin, our gastric sleeve expert, to explore your options, costs, and packages in Turkey.

✅ Your transformation starts here.

Real Stories: Life-Changing Transformations from New Zealand & Australia

Sarah, 38, Christchurch, New Zealand

"Before my gastric sleeve surgery with &New Me, I struggled with obesity-related health issues. Now, I’ve lost 40 kg, and my diabetes is under control. I finally feel like myself again."

Michael, 45, Sydney, Australia

"I hesitated for years, but &New Me gave me confidence. I lost 50 kg post-surgery, and my energy levels have skyrocketed!"