When you start researching gastric sleeve surgery, one of the first big questions that comes up is whether to stay in the UK or travel abroad. It’s a decision we wrestled with for a long time. In the end, we chose to go abroad — and while it was a huge step, it ended up being the right one for us.
That said, surgery abroad isn’t some glamorous medical holiday. It’s a very real, very intense experience. And now, with 18 months of hindsight, we wanted to share what it was genuinely like.
It Really Does Feel Like a Conveyor Belt – And That’s Not Always a Bad Thing
The first thing we noticed is just how fast everything moves.
People go in.
People come out.
Beds are turned over.
Teams reset and move on to the next patient.
It absolutely feels like a conveyor belt — one in, one out, constantly.
But here’s the important part:
It never felt careless.
It never felt unsafe.
And it definitely never felt unprofessional.
It’s just efficient. That’s the best way to describe it.
These teams perform gastric sleeve surgeries day in, day out. They know the rhythm. They know the routine. Every nurse, every surgeon, every assistant knows exactly what they’re doing, and that workflow creates a calm, structured sense of order.
We never once felt like we weren’t being looked after.
Professional, Structured, and Surprisingly Reassuring
Before we went, we were worried we’d feel lost or confused — especially with the language barrier. But the communication was excellent.
From the moment you arrive, you’re walked through everything:
- what’s happening next
- who you’ll see
- when you’re going down for surgery
- when you’ll be moved rooms
- what’s normal to feel
- what to expect after waking up
There’s no point where you’re sitting there thinking, “What’s going on?”
You’re always in the loop, always updated, and always surrounded by staff who know exactly what they’re doing.
Even when James had complications and needed emergency surgery the next day, the team reacted instantly. There was no hesitation — just immediate assessments, testing, decision-making, and action. It was handled as smoothly and confidently as we could ever have hoped for.
The Environment: Orderly, Busy, But Safe
Hospitals abroad can feel different simply because their systems run differently. Things move fast. Staff are constantly on the go. You hear trolleys moving, doors opening, nurses talking in another language, machines beeping — and the pace never really stops.
But busy doesn’t mean chaotic.
Everything feels:
- organised
- routine
- predictable
- efficient
And at no point did we feel unsafe or overlooked.
Efficiency Doesn’t Mean Cold
Yes, the process is efficient, but that doesn’t mean the care is cold. The staff were always:
- polite
- kind
- helpful
- quick to respond
- reassuring when needed
You won’t get long emotional chats at the bedside, but you’ll get fast, professional medical care — and that’s exactly what you want when undergoing surgery.
Would We Go Abroad Again? Absolutely
Travelling abroad for surgery is a big decision, and it’s natural to worry about the unknown. But based on our personal experience:
Professional.
Organised.
Safe.
Clear.
Efficient.
Reassuring.
Even with the complication James had, we don’t regret it at all. The team abroad handled everything quickly and confidently, and we always felt like we were in capable hands.
For anyone considering the abroad route:
do your research, choose a reputable clinic, and go in with realistic expectations. For us, it was the right choice.Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This post is based on our personal experience and is intended for general information only. It should not be taken as medical advice. Every journey is different, and it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances before making any medical decisions.