Post-Surgery Life Internationally

[kat2536 1]

So, I am graduating this May with my bachelor's and applying to law schools for this coming school year (2024-2025). One thing I had considered is going to a law school in another country (and staying there after for work), but I will be having my bypass surgery this April and I am unsure what bariatric care is like in the various countries (in Europe). The majority of information I keep finding is about where to go for the surgery, but I am curious about if I have any post-op complications (since I will be less than a year out when I would go to school) and the choices for bariatric Vitamins and Meal Replacements. What experiences have any of you had while abroad with dietary and medical needs being a bariatric patient? I am also considering applying for the dual degree programs with the American law schools I am applying at and law schools in UK/France/Italy/Spain that I would apply for while in my first year, so either way I would like to know.

[ChunkCat 732]

I thought about this a lot when considering surgery. I talked to my surgeon about it and he said as long as I ultimately live in a city where there is at least 1 surgeon trained in my particular surgery (the DS), he'd feel comfortable doing the surgery. Fortunately I knew where I'd be moving in the next few years (New Zealand) so I can ensure that will be the case. I also tend to travel to major cities instead of obscure, out of the way areas.

But my surgery is rather rare, so it does limit my options some. You however are getting the bypass. This is a very common surgery the world over. We have members here from all over Europe (and other places) and they don't seem to be lacking in care. Though their post op diets can be pretty entertaining! LOL If you were looking to go to a rural area like a small village in Africa, then I'd have reservations. But these surgeries are commonly done in the UK, France, Italy, and Spain. I don't think you'll have an issue getting care in any major city in these places. Again, I can't really account for rural areas, but I have met people in the UK, France, and Italy that have had WLS and while their options for shakes and Vitamins may be a bit more limited than in the US (usually due to the artificial sweeteners allowed in that country) but they didn't seem to me like they were struggling to get care.

I'd scout out a few bariatric centers in the areas you are considering and see if they offer your surgery. When you pick a place you could consider emailing to ask what their aftercare looks like for a client that may be coming to that area post-op and in need of follow-up care. Then have a look at the travel medical insurance policy you are considering and check to see what (if anything) it says about bariatric care. Keep in mind the medical complex in other countries is structured differently. Some places (like the UK and NZ) rely very heavily on GPs to coordinate care and specialists, even moreso than in the US, so they may ultimately be the ones monitoring things like labs, and then refer you out if you need more specialized care.

[Arabesque 7,417]

As @ChunkCat said you should be fine in any city which is likely where you’ll be while studying. These surgeries are performed just about everywhere these days. Find a good general practitioner (PCP) & then they should be able to refer you if you need/want. The PCP will be able to request & monitor your blood work & ensure you’re not missing out on any thing or your levels aren’t dropping too low or getting too high. They could refer you to a good dietician as well.

Actual follow ups with your surgeon differ. I saw mine for the first few months & then his colleague took over & I still see her almost 5 years later. I saw him again two years later when he took my fall out though. Some never see their surgeon again unless there is an issue or a concern.

You don’t need special bariatric food or Vitamins after surgery. Just good, healthy, nutrient dense food the more natural & low processed the better. Some surgeons recommend specific brands for the pre & post surgery liquid stages but generally any high Protein Shake (pre made or powder) will work. (My cynical side says they likely have a marketing deal with that shake company.) I only had shakes for 2 weeks post surgery & I bought Atkins cause it was easily accessible at my grocery store - lol! Just check the sugar content (real & artificial) & Protein content & calories. Same with vitamins, look for quality brands & check how much of each Vitamin they contain so you’re not double dosing. Your blood work will help inform what vitamin supplements you actually need.

All the best.

Edited February 7, 2024 by Arabesque