Brits face health risks as medical tourism in Turkey surges
42-year-old Danielle Peebles from the United Kingdom experienced serious health issues following bariatric surgery in Turkey. According to the British website "Metro", the woman struggled with paralysis and neuropathy, which were the result of vitamin deficiencies.
Danielle Peebles decided to undergo bariatric surgery in Turkey because the waiting time for the procedure in the United Kingdom was too long. The procedure cost was £2,995, which was only a fraction of the price she would have had to pay in her home country. Unfortunately, after returning home, she began to experience serious health complications.
After the surgery, Peebles struggled with paralysis from the neck down and burning pain in her feet. The diagnosis indicated neuropathy caused by vitamin deficiency, which forced her to spend five months in the hospital. Thanks to intensive therapy, doctors managed to restore her mobility.
Operations in Turkey becoming more common
According to the portal metro.co.uk, data from the International Society of Aesthetic Surgery indicates that more and more Britons are opting for weight-loss surgeries in Turkey.
About 50,000 people seek help there annually, a significant increase from 10,000 five years ago. The main reason for this decision is the lower cost of surgeries, which can be up to 70% cheaper than in the United Kingdom.
Danielle Peebles noted in an interview with metro.co.uk that the surgery itself was uncomplicated, and the complications only occurred due to her body's reaction. She points out that neuropathy caused by malnutrition is a rare case, which is not often discussed, making many patients unaware of such a risk.
