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This content was last updated on December 22, 2025, to reflect the latest prices, trends, and patient data in global bariatric surgery. All information has been reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and current relevance.
10 Best and Cheapest Countries for Weight Loss Surgery
The best and cheapest countries for weight loss surgery become a serious consideration when the decision for weight loss surgery becomes clear. Many people in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other high-income countries face serious obstacles when trying to access bariatric surgery. These include long waiting lists, limited public healthcare coverage, or private prices that reach $20,000 or more. For people who are ready to make a change, waiting years is not a realistic or safe option.
Medical travel for bariatric surgery is no longer a fringe concept. It is a growing, structured, and patient-driven process that offers faster treatment, transparent costs, and access to experienced surgeons abroad. In 2024, the global medical tourism market was valued between $41 billion and $82 billion, and is expected to surpass $92 billion in 2025, according to leading industry analysts. Within this rapidly expanding market, bariatric surgery ranks as the third most sought-after treatment category, following cosmetic and dental procedures.
This guide walks you through the 10 best and cheapest countries for bariatric surgery, based on real-world patient journeys, clinical standards, and practical travel considerations.
Which Are the Best and Cheapest Countries for Bariatric Surgery?
The best and cheapest countries for bariatric surgery are:
- Turkey
- India
- Lithuania
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Poland
- Latvia
- Azerbaijan
- Austria
- Israel
Turkey
Turkey consistently ranks at the top for medical tourists seeking weight loss surgery. The country's private hospitals are modern, fully equipped, and staffed with experienced bariatric surgeons trained in Europe or North America. Most of these professionals specialize in high-volume procedures, which improves safety and consistency.
A complete gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey costs between $2,800 and $4,500, including consultation, hospital stay, hotel, airport transfers, and aftercare. Packages are structured, and communication is smooth thanks to multilingual coordinators.
Patient satisfaction is notably high. Over 75% of international patients treated in Turkey say they would recommend their clinic to others. Travel is easy from the UK, Germany, and the Middle East, and medical visa procedures are generally straightforward.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is an emerging destination for people looking for affordable bariatric surgery close to Eastern Europe or Central Asia. The healthcare system is improving rapidly, especially in Baku, where private hospitals offer laparoscopic weight loss procedures at competitive rates.
In Azerbaijan, Bariatric surgery packages cost between $2,500 and $3,800 and include basic accommodation, hospital stay, and patient coordination. Clinics often assign a personal assistant for every international patient.
The medical teams in Baku are frequently trained abroad, and surgeries are done using updated equipment. Short travel distances and simple visa processes make Azerbaijan a practical option for nearby countries.
Hungary
Hungary is well-known in Europe for affordable private healthcare. It is a particularly strong option for those who want EU-level regulation without Western European prices. Clinics in Budapest and other major cities follow structured screening and aftercare plans.
The average cost of gastric sleeve surgery in Hungary is between $4,500 and $5,800. Clinics include diagnostic tests, psychological evaluation, and post-op nutrition planning in the package.
Surgeons here take a conservative approach and operate only on well-prepared patients. This helps reduce complication risks and improves long-term results. Travel to Hungary is easy, and most clinics are within 30 minutes of international airports.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic is one of the top choices for gastric sleeve and bypass surgery in Europe. Prague and Brno offer private hospitals with high clinical standards and modern technology. Prices are significantly lower than in neighboring Germany or Austria.
In Czech Republic, bariatric packages range from $4,000 to $6,000 and typically include lab work, pre-op evaluation, and hotel accommodation. Clinics use advanced laparoscopic systems that allow faster recovery and smaller incisions.
Patients are screened carefully, including endocrine evaluations, before being approved for surgery. The system is built for outcomes, not just access, and most patients report smooth coordination and positive results.
Lithuania
Lithuania offers low-cost bariatric surgery in facilities that specialize in medical tourism. Vilnius and Kaunas are home to several modern clinics that provide gastric sleeve procedures at a fraction of Western European prices.
Weight loss surgery prices in Lithuania start from $3,200 and include accommodation, interpreter support, and local transportation. Some clinics also provide digital monitoring systems that allow your vitals to be tracked after you return home.
Enhanced recovery protocols help reduce hospital stays. Most patients are discharged within 48 hours and begin mobility exercises the same day. Lithuania’s compact cities and efficient infrastructure make every step of the medical trip easier.
Poland
Poland is a leading choice for bariatric surgery in the European Union. Patients from Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia travel to cities like Kraków and Warsaw for structured, affordable care.
The cost for gastric sleeve surgery in Poland starts at $4,000, which often includes dietitian support, airport transfer, and follow-up appointments. Clinics follow strict hygiene standards and perform most procedures laparoscopically.
Travel logistics are simple. Direct flights connect Poland to major European cities, and English-speaking staff are available in most clinics. Legal protections under EU law add another layer of security for international patients.
Austria
Austria offers a different value: personalized care for patients with more complex needs. Although prices are higher, the level of psychological screening and long-term support sets Austria apart. Weight loss surgery costs in Austira range from $5,500 to $7,000.
Clinics in Vienna and Salzburg often require pre-surgery sessions with certified psychologists. This helps patients prepare mentally and avoid post-op relapse. Surgeons are specialized in revisional and high-risk procedures.
Austria’s hospitals operate under EU rules and maintain excellent safety records. The country is ideal for patients who want additional layers of preparation and a calm recovery setting.
Latvia
Latvia is one of the most efficient destinations for weight loss surgery in Northern Europe. Riga has clinics that serve international patients with structured treatment and fast scheduling.
Weight loss surgery costs in Latvia start around $3,200, including transport, hotel, and bilingual coordination. Patients are usually discharged within three days and receive digital follow-up instructions.
One of Latvia’s strengths is post-op mobility. Patients are encouraged to move within hours after surgery, which reduces complication risks. Clinics also offer access to dietitians and support coaches online.
Israel
Israel stands out in this list as a premium destination for patients seeking advanced or complex bariatric surgery. It is especially recommended for patients with comorbidities or previous failed procedures.
Weight loss surgery costs in Israel range from $6,500 to $9,000, but patients receive a high level of customization. Clinics use 3D surgical mapping and detailed metabolic analysis to design the procedure. This reduces surgical risk and improves precision.
Hospitals like Sheba and Assuta are internationally recognized. Visa processing is simple for medical travel, and many hospitals offer on-campus recovery housing and personal care assistants.
India
India is the cheapest country for bariatric surgery, but this does not mean lower standards. Leading hospitals in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore follow global protocols and offer packages that cover everything.
Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries in India cost between $2,000 and $3,000, including translator, hotel, meals, and airport transfer. Surgeons are high-volume specialists, and many have trained in the UK or US.
Patients benefit from extremely low living costs, which offsets travel expenses. Follow-up is often managed via apps or WhatsApp, giving patients easy access to their care team even after returning home.
How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost by Country?
Weight loss surgery costs vary based on country, city, clinic, and service scope. Below are average prices for a complete gastric sleeve surgery package:
- India: from $2,000 $3,000
- Turkey: from $2,800 - $4,500
- Azerbaijan: from $2,500 - $3,800
- Lithuania: from $3,200 - $4,000
- Latvia: from $3,200 - $4,000
- Hungary: from $4,500 - $5,800
- Czech Republic: from $4,000 - $6,000
- Poland: from $4,000 - $6,000
- Austria: from $5,500 - $7,000
- Israel: from $6,500 - $9,000
Among medical tourists, sleeve gastrectomy is the most common procedure, making up nearly 57% of all bariatric surgeries, followed by gastric bypass. Package prices typically cover surgery, accommodation, airport transfers, translator services, and follow-up care.
Why Do Patients Choose Bariatric Surgery Abroad?
Patients choose bariatric surgery abroad to access affordable, faster, and safer treatment than in their home countries. In countries like the United Kingdom or USA, the wait time for bariatric surgery under public healthcare systems such as the NHS can stretch from two to six years. In comparison, patients in Turkey or Mexico can access surgery within one to two weeks.
Clinics abroad are structured for medical tourists. They offer quick scheduling, full-package pricing, and all-in-one services that reduce the complexity of planning surgery. Instead of coordinating multiple providers, patients deal with one point of contact.
While global outcomes are positive, patients must remain cautious. Reports from the UK’s NHS suggest that 30-40% of patients who undergo surgery abroad at unaccredited clinics return with complications requiring revision. The most common issues include gastric leaks and malnutrition. These risks highlight the importance of choosing internationally accredited, high-volume providers with proven protocols.
How A-Medical Can Help With Weight Loss Surgery Abroad
A-Medical simplifies the entire process of planning weight loss surgery abroad. Instead of searching for clinics, comparing offers, and hoping the clinic is reliable, patients get curated options that meet verified medical standards.
The team at A-Medical works directly with clinics in Turkey, Lithuania, Hungary, and other key locations. Each partner is checked for surgeon credentials, hygiene standards, and patient reviews. A-Medical handles everything from flights to hotel to post-op care.
Patients speak directly with the medical team, not just an agent. Every part of the process is transparent. With A-Medical, the experience is not only more affordable, but also more secure and supported.
