From Brisbane to Turkey: A Medical Journey Abroad
How One Woman Transformed Her Health and Saved Thousands with Surgery Overseas
Change your mindset and you can change your life! Have you ever thought about going overseas to get medical treatment?
So far, I've had eye surgery, numerous dental check-ups, crowns, root canals, more physiotherapy than you could imagine, hospitalisation, and loads more.
But perhaps my positive medical experiences are the exceptions rather than the rule? Well, with this in mind, I reached out to a good friend who recently left Brisbane and ventured to Turkey to have a surgical procedure there. Her experience was eye-opening for her, and she’s made some significant savings. I thought I'd share her experiences with you so that it might expand your thinking in relation to medical treatment overseas.
But before we do that. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or trained medical person. This article is not a recommendation for any particular clinics or procedures. If you have any medical needs please consult a qualified medical practitioner before undergoing and form of surgical procedure.
Righto, let’s get into the interview.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m “Molly,” I live in Brisbane, originally from New Zealand. I’m 38 years old, a mother of three, and I work in commercial real estate.
What procedure were you looking at getting?
I wanted to have a weight-loss procedure done. After all of my research I was adamant that I wanted the gastric sleeve as opposed to the gastric bypass.
Why didn't you have the Gastric Sleeve procedure done in Australia?
Quite simple really—the cost. I was researching the procedure here in Australia, and the cost ranges from $21,000 to $25,000 AUD. That wasn’t an option for me, but I needed to do something, so I had to look for other options.
What made you choose Turkey?
First off, I knew a few people who had gone to Turkey to get weight-loss surgery (Gastric Sleeve). They had really good experiences, so I decided that Turkey was going to be the place for me. I had also heard about Mexico being a good place to have the procedure, but I had already decided that Turkey was the spot. Additionally, there were online support groups with people wanting the same surgery who were going or who had already been to Turkey to have their surgery, so that was a great resource. I was able to ask questions and get insights from previous Turkey patients.
How did you choose a clinic to do the surgery?
Part of the support group (Facebook group/WhatsApp) involved people sharing their testimonials and recommendations. I reached out to a couple of clinics that had been recommended. I found the details for a clinic called Apera. Their contact person, Laura, answered all my questions in a really timely manner, and we did a few FaceTime calls as well. Overall, I was just impressed with their reviews and their professional communication. I bombarded her with questions, and she was just so thorough and efficient. Her English was great, and that made me feel relaxed about the whole thing.
What was the single most deciding factor that made you think, “Boom, this is the clinic for me?”
To be honest, it was the fact that Laura, the contact person from Apera, actually got on the phone and called me. We had FaceTime, voice calls, and messages. It felt really personal, and I just felt at ease.
What did your itinerary look like?
I locked in the surgery by paying a deposit—this was sent via email. I sent them the confirmation of my flights, and they built the entire itinerary around my schedule. The whole surgery was fashioned around me.
We arrived on the 4th of March, and my surgery was the next day. Laura organised everything. They arranged my pick-up from the airport in a luxurious van, and then took me to the clinic for paperwork. Then I was taken back to the hotel. Bags were taken to my room for me and I didn’t need to lift a finger.
The next day, I was taken to the Apera hospital, where I was given my room. From there, I had lots of tests—X-rays, ECGs, and blood tests. It felt like clockwork for them because this is what they do day in and day out. Very professional. All the tests were done by lunchtime, and I was in surgery by 1 pm or 1:30 pm.
That’s how efficient the process was. It was great. They took care of it all—you just turn up, and then they do everything else. The only point where I felt anxious was when I was heading downstairs to the surgery, but that’s just a natural response.
What were your first impressions when you arrived in Turkey and at the clinic?
Obviously, it’s different compared to Australia or New Zealand because it’s a developing country. I was shocked by the number of smokers and the traffic, but the people were amazing. The service and food were bloody good. The hotel was amazing—5-star, clean, and the service was great. Can’t fault it. To be honest, my only regret was that I didn’t spend more time there. I could have gone a few days earlier and had time to explore.
When I arrived at the clinic, they were very welcoming. It was a beautiful hospital. I also had a translator who was with me the entire time in the hospital, which was great. She actually came to the hotel before going to the clinic to do a meet-and-greet so that I felt comfortable with her by the time we arrived at the clinic. I felt that the hospital was pristine and actually better than hospitals in Australia. That’s quite comforting when you're all the way on the other side of the world.
Apera Clinic Room, Istanbul
Leaving from the airport afterward was overwhelming too because there were just so many people. I thought Australia had some busy airports, but they are nothing compared to Turkey. I would do it again in a heartbeat though.
What was the hardest part of the whole process?
For me, the hardest part was the post-op diet. Transitioning from having a life that’s centered around food to a liquid diet initially and not physically eating normal food. But after that, it’s fine. No complications with the surgery, and I recovered really quickly. I have already had a lot of people ask me about it, and I just tell them about my experience. I would absolutely do it again, and I feel that even the aftercare in Turkey was so good compared to anything I would have got here in Australia.
What would you say to anyone looking to head overseas to get medical/cosmetic treatment?
Do your research. Especially in Turkey, there are just so many clinics providing these procedures. Just check the reviews, Facebook groups and just ask questions. Research the procedures so you can put your own mind at ease. Again, I couldn’t recommend it more highly. Go and do it. Take a support person—it really does help a lot. Makes your life even easier.
Post Op Molly Update
Also, as of today, Molly is 4 weeks post surgery and is down 14kgs! This is healthy after the operation. She has to have a few blood tests as per her plan and take some daily vitamins now, but besides that she says she feels amazing and that she’s living a whole new life.
Conclusion
We often assume local options are our only choices, but the world is full of alternatives. Stepping beyond your comfort zone can open doors to opportunities you never knew existed.
Medical tourism offers world-class care at a fraction of the cost—often in 5-star facilities with personalised service. Every day, people save thousands simply by looking beyond their borders.
The system at home isn’t always built for you—it’s built for profit and regulations. But you’re not rooted in place like a bloody tree. You’re a dynamic, strategic thinker who sees opportunity where others see limits. If treatment feels out of reach, ask yourself: What’s really stopping you? The solution might be waiting just beyond the horizon.
Cheers
Andy
Medellin, Colombia
Gautape from a boat who’s first mate was 10 month old golden retriever!
Can you do a comparison of medical procedures in Thailand, Malaysia and Turkey etc?