Credential Verification Steps
Begin by verifying your surgeon's fundamental credentials: board certification in general surgery from their country's medical board, specialized training in bariatric/metabolic surgery (fellowship or equivalent), and active membership in IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity). These credentials can typically be verified through the surgeon's hospital website, national medical board registries, and the IFSO member directory. JCI-accredited institutions like American Hospital Istanbul publicly list their surgeons' qualifications and certifications.
- Board certification in general surgery (country-specific medical board)
- Specialized bariatric surgery fellowship or equivalent advanced training
- IFSO membership (verify at ifso.com/member-directory)
- Hospital staff privileges at a JCI or equivalent accredited facility
- Active medical license in good standing (check national medical board)
- Published research or conference presentations in bariatric surgery
Evaluating Surgical Experience
Volume matters in bariatric surgery. Studies consistently show that surgeons who perform 100+ bariatric procedures annually have significantly lower complication rates than those performing fewer cases. The ideal international bariatric surgeon has completed at least 500 total bariatric procedures, performs 150+ cases per year, has experience with your specific procedure type, and can provide outcome data for their personal case series. Surgeons at institutions like Koç University Hospital routinely exceed these volume benchmarks.
Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon directly about their case numbers. Reputable surgeons are proud of their volume and outcomes. If a surgeon is evasive about their experience or unable to provide specific numbers, consider this a significant red flag.
Understanding Complication Data
Request complication rate data for the specific procedure you are considering. Benchmark rates for experienced surgeons: staple line leak 0.5-1.5% (sleeve), overall major complications 2-4%, 30-day readmission rate under 5%, and mortality under 0.1%. If a surgeon claims zero complications, this is likely inaccurate — either they have insufficient volume or are not tracking outcomes properly.
Essential Consultation Questions
- How many bariatric procedures have you performed in total?
- How many do you perform per month/year?
- What is your personal complication rate for the specific procedure I need?
- What is your leak rate and how do you manage leaks if they occur?
- What aftercare and follow-up protocol do you use for international patients?
- Can you share before-and-after results from patients similar to me?
- What hospital accreditations does your facility hold?
- Will you be personally available for 48 hours post-surgery in case of emergency?
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of the following warning signs: surgeons who are not willing to do a video consultation before you commit, clinics that pressure you to book quickly with limited-time discounts, surgeons who claim zero complication rates, facilities that lack any accreditation, clinics where you cannot speak directly with the operating surgeon, extremely low prices that seem too good to be true, and no structured post-operative follow-up program.
How to Evaluate Patient Reviews
Look for patient reviews on multiple independent platforms: Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Bariatric Pal forum, Reddit r/wls, and Facebook bariatric surgery groups. Focus on reviews from patients who had the same procedure you are considering. Pay particular attention to negative reviews — how the clinic responded to complaints and complications is more revealing than positive reviews alone. Be skeptical of clinics with only 5-star reviews or reviews that appear templated.
Making Your Final Decision
Your final decision should balance several factors: surgeon experience and credentials (most important), hospital accreditation, patient reviews and outcomes, all-inclusive package comprehensiveness, aftercare program quality, and cost. The cheapest option is rarely the best, but neither is the most expensive. Look for the surgeon who combines verified high volume, transparent outcomes, and a comprehensive care program — hospitals like Liv Hospital Istanbul exemplify this balanced approach.
I consulted with 5 surgeons across 3 countries before choosing my surgeon in Turkey. He was the only one who spent 40 minutes on our video call asking about my medical history, explained every possible complication honestly, and shared his personal leak rate data. That thoroughness gave me complete confidence.
Steven B., New Jersey — Gastric Bypass in Istanbul
Connect with verified, experienced bariatric surgeons at accredited international hospitals.
Find Verified SurgeonsFrequently Asked Questions
How many procedures should my surgeon have performed?
At minimum, look for 500 total bariatric procedures and 100+ per year. The best international bariatric surgeons have performed 3,000-10,000+ procedures with published outcome data.
Should I choose the surgeon or the hospital first?
Focus on the surgeon first. An excellent surgeon at a good hospital is better than an average surgeon at a famous hospital. However, the hospital should have at minimum ISO or JCI accreditation and an ICU.
How do I verify credentials for foreign surgeons?
Check the IFSO member directory, the country's medical board website, and the hospital's credentialing page. Request copies of board certifications and fellowship training certificates during your consultation.
What if something goes wrong and I am abroad?
Choose a surgeon and hospital with 24/7 emergency support, an on-site ICU, and a clear complication management protocol. The best clinics also provide post-discharge emergency contact numbers and coordinate with local physicians if issues arise after you return home.
Is a video consultation really necessary?
Yes. A video consultation is essential for evaluating the surgeon's communication skills, asking detailed questions about their experience, and ensuring they have thoroughly reviewed your medical history. Reputable surgeons offer free or low-cost pre-operative video consultations.
How do I know if reviews are genuine?
Look for detailed, specific reviews that mention the surgeon by name, describe the procedure experience, and include timeline details. Reviews across multiple independent platforms (Google, Trustpilot, forums) are more reliable than testimonials on the clinic's own website.