A O01 Bariatric tourism: Patients perspective

Background The Long NHS waiting time for bariatric surgery and the escalation of this during the COVID-19 pandemic has led many patients to seek private bariatric surgery abroad. It remains difficult to quantify the volume of Bariatric tourism and its outcomes. However, institutions across the UK have seen an increased influx of patients operated abroad. The aim of this study is to assess the outcomes, experience and rationale for their bariatric journey. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had bariatric surgery abroad and presented to a tertiary centre from September 2020 to May 2023. All patients were interviewed to answer a questionnaire regarding their experience abroad; either by telephone or face to face. Data collected included weight, BMI, co-morbidities and post-operative complications. Results Forty-one patients presented with median age of 37 years (20-59), weight 100Kg (68-146) and BMI 38 Kg/m2 (26-65). Of these, 35/41 (85%) patients were admitted with complications (above Clavien Dindo Classification IIIa > 9./35). GP referral for advice accounted for 6/41 (15%). The response rate to the questionnaire was 56% (23/41). The main reasons for bariatric tourism were cost and long NHS waiting time. Overseas centre choice was based on online research in 13/23 (57%), while 10/23 (43%) patients relied on friends recommendations. 10/23 (43%) patients would recommend treatment abroad, of theses 3 patients had CDC >IIIa. Conclusions Even in the event of complications, patients would still recommend going abroad. This might be influenced by the reassurance that complications will be dealt with promptly at the NHS. They will achieve their weight loss quickly and at a fraction of the cost of the private hospitals on the UK.