JEDDAH: Saudis are traveling to Jordan in large numbers to treat obesity through available technology, such as gastric bypass and gastric banding.

Dr. Zuhair Abu Faris, president of the Jordan Hospital Association, said Qataris underwent this treatment in the past, but now Saudis have replaced Qataris as the No. 1 segment in medical tourism.

He said that Gulf citizens come to Jordan for treatment because of the relatively low costs, in addition to professional health care.

Dr. Fawzi Al-Hammouri of the Private Hospitals Association in Jordan estimated the number of Saudis who come to Jordan every year for treatment at 250,000. He added that patients who undergo gastric bypass come from 63 countries with the majority of them coming from the Gulf.

This surgical treatment is the last resort for patients who suffer from obesity. Just like any other surgery, this procedure has its complications.