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  • The real story here, for me, isn't that Turkish doctors are getting lackadaisical. It's that British citizens are being forced to use medical tourism for the procedure in the first place when the benefits are huge, not just for the patient but for relieving the burden on the healthcare system in the long-term. If we can change the culture of how we approach food to lead to a much healthier country, our medical system can dedicate more energy to other ailments.

    • If we can change the culture of how we approach food to lead to a much healthier country, our medical system can dedicate more energy to other ailments.

      I agree with this 100%. the epidemic of NCD (non-communicable chronic diseases) are mostly rooted in diet, and chemical exposures (on food). The US spends $1 billion per day on T2D diabetes, and there are almost 1 billion humans on earth right now with diagnosed T2D.

      Societies relationship with food isn't working, and it needs to improve. (we can happily debate about what optimal would look like, but whatever that is, we as a society are not doing it)

      procedure in the first place when the benefits are huge, not just for the patient but for relieving the burden on the healthcare system in the long-term.

      I'm on the fence with this statement, I think there are circumstances where bariatric surgery makes sense (hell, I even considered it) - but I think it should way down the treatment option list rather then the first option (or second with the slgt2 and glp1 being first). Metabolic health needs to change in the western world, giving people more lifestyle support in breaking their addictions to unhealthy food and encouraging them to stay on track.

      The current model of 15m of medical oversight every year isn't working.

      Quite frankly I think many medical providers have fucking given up on diet and lifestyle interventions because 'they dont work', and 'people wont do them'. The blaming the patient mindset is a trap where the more drastic interventions thrive.

      • we can happily debate about what optimal would look like, but whatever that is, we as a society are not doing it

        One of the things is actually tackling it. So foods we know lead to health issues or that even aren't proven to be healthy should cost more than organic foods and healthy foods. Also seeds that destroy soil or don't grow back naturally should cost more. We need self-sustainable diets for the land and population.

        but I think it should way down the treatment option list rather then the first option

        Yes, it should be down the list, but the people that are going to Turkey aren't going as the first option. Personally, I think semaglutide is better than the surgery and should be the go-to, but getting patients there is the problem. Patients shouldn't feel they have no other choice.

        Quite frankly I think many medical providers have fucking given up on diet and lifestyle interventions because 'they dont work', and 'people wont do them'. The blaming the patient mindset is a trap where the more drastic interventions thrive.

        Most medical professionals don't care. Most patients need care and supervision and doctors don't have the time or interest to provide that.

  • Surgeries have real risks, I think that can be lost on people who are only looking at the positive outcome.

    Weight loss surgeries are pernicious especially because the patient needs to adapt to a healthy maintenance diet after the surgery so they get enough nutrition (The nature of the surgery diminishes the amount of nutrition they can get from food)... Which is exactly what they needed in the first place to avoid surgery.

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