▸ What's included? Bariatric surgery works by permanently changing how the stomach and digestive system process food, reducing how much you can eat and — in some procedures — how much your body absorbs. The most common options are the Gastric Sleeve (a portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, tube-shaped stomach), Gastric Bypass (digestion is rerouted to limit both intake and absorption), and Mini Bypass. For patients who aren't ready for surgery, a gastric balloon — placed endoscopically and removed after 6 months — is a non-surgical option to kick-start weight loss. ▸ Why do patients travel abroad for this? Bariatric surgery in the US is expensive and frequently excluded from insurance coverage. Even with insurance, prior authorisation processes can take months. Abroad, the same laparoscopic procedure at an accredited hospital typically costs $4,000–$8,000 all-in — including pre-op blood work, the hospital stay, anaesthesia, and a structured dietary support programme. Most patients stay 5–7 days post-surgery before flying home. The value, compared to paying out-of-pocket in the US, is difficult to argue with. ▸ What affects the outcome? Surgery changes the anatomy. What you do after is what determines the long-term result. Patients who succeed with bariatric surgery commit to lasting changes in diet, eating habits, and lifestyle — surgery accelerates the process, but it doesn't do it for you. Medical eligibility (typically a BMI of 35+ with at least one obesity-related condition) needs to be confirmed by the surgical team. The surgeon's laparoscopic experience and the hospital's structured follow-up programme also matter — ask what post-op support is offered in the weeks and months after you return home.