After embarking on various weight-loss journeys, including NHS weight management, Pinky Jolley knew that something needed to change. At 17st 11lb and a dress size 24, doctors gave her a stark warning.
If she didn't shed the pounds, her life would be at risk. Following nine long months of research, the 46-year-old decided to take serious action.
In November 2022, she headed to Istanbul, Turkey, for a gastric sleeve procedure but the two-hour operation turned her life upside down.
"I chose a professor of bariatrics who'd been practising for over 25 years, but from the moment I woke up from the surgery, I knew something was seriously wrong. They kept telling me to drink more, but I just couldn't get anything down," she tells new.
"Since the operation, I've had sepsis four times, plus a blood clot and a hospital-acquired infection that made me resistant to antibiotics, which was all a struggle.
In July, I had a revision from a gastric sleeve to a gastric bypass that was technically a success, but I still can't eat and I'm being fed via a tube in my stomach now."
But while her experience may be shocking, Pinky isn't alone. According to statistics, the number of visitors going to Turkey solely for surgery has skyrocketed from 701,000 to 1.8m in just four years, with 63% of people surveyed saying they do so because of the bargain prices.
For example, the cost of a breast enlargement in the UK is on average £5,500, whereas in Turkey they are half price, at £2,775. Meanwhile, for liposuction in the UK you'd pay up to £5,000, but travel to Turkey and you'd get the procedure for as little as £1,600. In Pinky's case, she raised £2,100, which covered everything from accommodation to flights and the actual surgery. Had she undergone a gastric sleeve operation privately in the UK, the surgery alone would have cost around £10,000.
Denne historien er fra September 02, 2024-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 02, 2024-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
BLOOMING GORGEOUS
There's a baby boom in Celebland and these mums-to-be have been sharing their pregnancy journeys on social media as they prepare to welcome their bundles of joy
"THE GAMES ARE RIDICULOUS'
It’s time to go with the bro for TV favourites Ryan and Adam Thomas as they host a madcap new Saturday game show
Groom murdered his bride on honeymoon then fled in a kayak
Christe Chen was enjoying a paradise break, but that's where her life would end
Torn Christine "in a dilemma'
Christine McGuinness is unhappy and ready to move out of the house she still shares with ex Paddy McGuinness, but is worried that their three children will find it difficult to cope if they relocate, a source tells new
'I adopted a dog abandoned in a Lidl car park – I now help rehome pups'
Laura Norrey, 40, is helping hundreds of pooches find their forever homes after she adopted a dog left to fend for herself in Bulgaria
Meghan's dad joins backlash
The father and half-brother of the Duchess of Sussex slam her new Netflix show, as an expert gives new an analysis of their family issues
THE PATHWAY TO CLEAR SKIN
Adult acne is not just tricky to tackle, it can lead to depression. Take control by discovering what you can do to ease your suffering
Sam is 'open to date' again
After his break-up with Zara McDermott, a source tells new that Sam Thompson is 'putting himself out there'
Tasha's trip to 'heal' her heart
A source tells new that Tasha Ghouri's solo getaway is just what she needed following her recent break-up with Andrew Le Page
'I have no love life 'm happy on my own'
Chantelle Houghton on being single for many years and how appearing on Celebrity Big Brother changed her life
