Obesity Surgery Complications and Malpractice in Turkey

Legal Guidance for UK Residents After Bariatric Surgery in Turkey

If you travelled from the UK to Turkey for obesity or weight-loss surgery and are now facing unexpected complications, inadequate follow-up care, or negligence, you are not alone. Thousands of UK residents choose Turkey every year for affordable medical treatments — but when something goes wrong abroad, patients often struggle to find help. Our legal team is here to protect your rights and help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Why UK Patients Choose Bariatric Surgery in Turkey

Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for weight-loss surgery due to lower costs, shorter waiting times, and “all-inclusive” packages that combine surgery, hotel, and transfers. Procedures such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric banding are often marketed at a fraction of UK prices. However, the reality is that some clinics do not maintain the same safety or follow-up standards expected in the UK. When this happens, patients can suffer severe complications — and sometimes lifelong consequences.

Common Complications After Obesity Surgery in Turkey

While many patients recover successfully, bariatric surgery carries risks. The most frequent complications include:

• Gastric or intestinal leak after sleeve or bypass surgery
• Severe infection, bleeding, or internal organ injury
• Nutritional deficiencies and long-term malnutrition
• Internal hernia or bowel obstruction
• Gastric band slippage, erosion, or failure
• Excessive reflux, chronic pain, or poor wound healing
• Insufficient weight loss or weight regain

When such problems are caused or worsened by poor surgical standards, lack of communication, or negligent aftercare, patients may have a valid malpractice claim under Turkish law.

When Does a Complication Become Medical Negligence?

Not every complication means malpractice. However, a claim may exist if your surgeon or clinic failed to meet the expected standard of care. Malpractice may include:

• Failure to properly inform you about surgical risks and alternatives before the operation
• Performing surgery on a patient who was not a suitable candidate
• Technical errors during the operation or the use of poor-quality materials
• Inadequate post-operative follow-up or early discharge without proper monitoring
• Delays in diagnosing or treating life-threatening complications
• Language barriers or lack of English documentation during the consent process

In these situations, your clinic or surgeon may be legally responsible for your physical, emotional, and financial damages.

Your Legal Rights as a UK Resident

Even if the surgery took place in Turkey, you still have the right to pursue a medical negligence claim. Our firm assists UK residents in cross-border malpractice cases involving Turkish clinics and hospitals. We work with experienced Turkish legal partners to ensure your rights are fully represented in both jurisdictions.

We Can Help You:

• Review your medical records and determine if negligence occurred
• Communicate with Turkish clinics and gather necessary evidence
• Translate and verify all consent and surgery documents
• Obtain independent medical opinions in the UK
• Claim compensation for additional surgeries, ongoing care, pain, and suffering
• Negotiate or litigate your case with the responsible party in Turkey

We handle each case with sensitivity and expertise, ensuring that language, location, or distance never become obstacles in your search for justice.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Suffered a Complication

1. Gather all your documents, including the consent form, operative report, discharge papers, and follow-up emails or messages.
2. Visit your GP or a bariatric specialist in the UK to record your condition and receive medical advice.
3. Contact our malpractice team for a free case evaluation — the earlier we review your case, the stronger your position will be.
4. Do not communicate directly with the clinic without legal guidance.
5. Keep all communication records and evidence of extra medical expenses.

Possible Compensation

If negligence is proven, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Additional medical or surgical costs in the UK or Turkey
• Loss of earnings and financial hardship
• Physical pain, emotional distress, or long-term disability
• Future care, rehabilitation, and psychological support

Why Choose Our Legal Team

• We specialise in international medical negligence cases involving Turkish clinics and UK residents.
• We provide bilingual support — English and Turkish — to remove communication barriers.
• We work transparently, keeping you informed at every stage.
• We operate on a No Win, No Fee basis for most cases, reducing financial risk for our clients.

Our mission is simple: to give you confidence, clarity, and the legal support you need to recover both physically and financially.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a claim if I had my surgery several years ago?
Yes, but time limits apply. The sooner you start the process, the easier it is to collect evidence and build a strong case.

What if my consent form was in Turkish?
If you were not fully informed in a language you understand, this can strengthen your malpractice claim.

What if the clinic has closed or changed name?
Our legal partners in Turkey can trace ownership and locate responsible parties for compensation.

Do I need to travel back to Turkey for court?
Usually not. We represent you through our network of local Turkish lawyers, allowing you to stay in the UK while your case proceeds.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you believe your obesity surgery in Turkey was mishandled or if you are still suffering complications, contact our malpractice experts today. We will review your case free of charge, explain your rights, and guide you through the process of claiming compensation with professionalism and empathy.

Get the justice you deserve — start your free consultation today.