Question:
Has anyone heard of ppl going to Russia for surgery

I was told by a friend that it can be done in Russia with some of the best dr's in the world for around 3k!? Anyone have any info on this and if so please let me know!    — Snowflake48342 (posted on August 11, 2003)

August 10, 2003
I havent heard this one. Given their countries condition I would be concerned. Theres more to this than a low price. Places like Mexico are known for high quality care. Be sure you have aftercare arranged, as its as important as the actual surgery.
   — bob-haller

August 11, 2003
No, I can't imagine Russian doctors having the skills or equipment for this. The cost and effort of the additional travel can't be worth it either. As for best doctors in the world...its simply unheard of.
   — bethybb

August 11, 2003
Cheapest is not necessarily the best. How would you check the surgeon's credentials? Add in the cost of airfare, lodging/food etc, and its not so cheap. I agree that from what I have seen on 60 Minutes and other news shows, the Russian health care system is not in the best shape. For something this important, I would not try to cut corners. Also, keep in mind that aftercare is of utmost importance during the first year post-op. With surgeons overseas, that would not be possible.
   — Cindy R.

August 11, 2003
i watched a TV program about going to other counties for surgeries russia was one of them but it was not wls. the conditions of the hospitals were awful, there was basiclly no aftercare at all. there is no way i would ever go someplace like that for something as life threatening as wls. no way, period! even if it is cheaper, how much is a life worth to a person?
   — janetc00

August 11, 2003
I know someone who lives in Russia, and HE thinks their hospitals suck.....LOL Beware!
   — Saxbyd

August 11, 2003
I used to work for a doctor who studied and practiced in Russia, When she came here...she had to go back to school for three years to be able to practice here, because her education was so poor. She also stated many times that the hospitals were in very bad condition,flithy,infested with bugs and rats, and had very high staph infection rates. Of all the places to have surgery for a lower cost.....Russia should not be an option. I know how hard it is to wait and save.....but at least you'd be safe.
   — jennap

August 11, 2003
Consider this.......even if you go out of the country to have the surgery, you may have difficulty finding a local surgeon to do your follow up. Of course, I know people go to Mexico as that's not so far away but going as far as Russia seems to have so many drawbacks. As the previous posters have stated - the conditions there are far less than desireable. In addition, if you had complications once you got home, you might encounter some resistance finding a bariatric surgeon to treat you. This is simply because they are not familiar with the care you received or the particular way the procedure was performed. Even though I like the idea of keeping American dollars in America I never discourage people from going to Mexico. I've been there and seen the facilities and they are small but clean and well run and I appreciate the need for a good deal financially. However, I'd have to say "please reconsider going to Russia for the sake of your health". Best wishes to you in this journey.
   — ronascott

August 11, 2003
I have been to Russia twice, my husband is Russian. I even visited the birthing hospital. The doctors in Russia are VERY well trained for sure if they became doctors during Soviet times. Despite this I would not recommend someone going there for this surgery. I do know that in Moscow and St. Petersburg they have American hospitals but I don't imagine going to those would be much cheaper than having it done here in the US or Mexico.
   — Genn2973