Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve) is one of the most performed surgery methods among the obesity and controlled weight loss programs and bariatric surgery. Majority of the patients who are on search for obesity and weight loss treatments also prefer this method. Here you can find necessary information about getting Sleeve Gastrectomy in Istanbul, Turkey, including the cost, prices, and top best clinics, doctors and surgeons.
About Sleeve Gastrectomy
Obesity poses a risk for many health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, infertility, and more. People with obesity issues need to get closer to their optimal weight. And weight loss in obese adults necessitates a multifaceted approach involving diet, exercise, and medical treatments. Another extension of this multifaceted strategy is weight-loss surgery, such as Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Sleeve gastrectomy aids weight loss after permanently removing roughly 70% – 80% of the patient’s stomach. The most extraordinary candidates for this operation are obese patients with a BMI of 40 or above (severe obesity). The surgery will reduce the desire or feeling to eat, leading to weight loss.
Due to its many benefits, sleeve gastrectomy is widely used and is one of the most effective weight reduction and metabolic procedures. If you, too, are considering undergoing gastrectomy, this article is for you. We’ve rounded up the most important aspects of this surgery, including what it is and why you can consider undergoing it in Turkey; let’s explore more about it.
What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a weight-loss surgery technique. It’s a type of bariatric surgery based on removing approximately 70% – 80% of the stomach, which is a significant portion. The remaining stomach is roughly the size of a banana in shape and volume, like a narrow sleeve. After a sleeve gastrectomy, what happens is that the stomach limits the amount of food consumed. Moreover, hormonal changes also occur; your stomach will release hunger hormones less. All of these changes will contribute to reducing your cravings and maintaining the ideal weight.
Sleeve gastrectomy is performed with a closed method called laparoscopic. It is made of 6 small holes of about half a centimeter. With this laparoscopic surgery method, patients have extremely low postoperative pain, a good cosmetic result and early mobilization.
With sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach is cut with disposable special tools and sewn on at the same time. The thinness of the stomach remaining during the procedure is provided by a tube placed in the stomach.
After the cutting process, approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed. Since the stomach left after the procedure resembles a tube in the shape of a banana, the technique is often called tube stomach.
In order to detect a possible leak from the suture line, the stomach is inflated with a special dye and the suture line is checked.
The primary effect of sleeve gastrectomy is to provide early satiety by taking less food with a small stomach volume. Since a thin stomach remains after the sleeve gastrectomy surgery, a small amount of food causes tension in the stomach wall and a feeling of satiety occurs.
Also since the fundus of the stomach is almost completely removed after this surgery, the hunger hormone level decreases and the feeling of hunger is suppressed. About all patients say that they eat very little after the surgery, and they do not feel hungry.
Typical sleeve gastrectomy surgery generally takes about between 45 to 90 minutes. Oral fluid intake is started after the gastric passage X-ray taken on the next day of the surgery. Fluid intake increases on the 3rd day and the patient is usually discharged on the 3rd day.
Getting liquid foods continues for about 14 days, and than there becomes a gradual transition to soft foods. At the of one month, patients can eat all kind of food. It is advised to spend this period under under the control of a dietitian.
The expected weight loss after the surgery is about 70% of excess weight. While weight loss is fast in the first 6 months, it continues more slowly afterwards. Permanent weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy is around 75-80%.
How is Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Done?
Sleeve gastrectomy is performed laparoscopically, making numerous tiny incisions about 1-2 cm long in the upper abdomen and placing a small, thin surgical tube with a lighted video camera (laparoscope) at the end through these holes. The camera will project the images onto a screen. The surgeon will remove the more curved portion of the stomach, and close the remaining part vertically with stitches, creating a narrow sleeve behind.
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the patient. The patient is discharged from the hospital within a few days. Sleeve gastrectomy is performed under general anesthesia and in a well-equipped hospital.
Laparoscopic surgery has many advantages, such as faster recovery and fewer surgical scars. However, in some cases, open-sleeve gastrectomy surgery may be preferred, too. In open surgery, a relatively large incision is made in the abdomen, and stomach size reduction is performed from this open area. Like in closed surgery, open surgery is performed under general anesthesia; therefore, the patient doesn’t feel or hear anything during the operation.
Why is a Sleeve Gastrectomy Done?
As with all obesity surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy is performed to eliminate the risk of several severe health problems and diseases, including:
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- Sleep apnea
- Heart diseases
How to Get Ready for a Sleeve Gastrectomy
Before the Surgery
- You will need to start engaging in a physical exercise program for a few weeks before the day of surgery.
- You need to give up smoking.
- You will be given a two-week liquid diet with specific instructions regarding which medications to take, etc.
- You will stop eating and drinking 12 hours before the operation, which is usually a routine procedure before surgeries.
- The medications the patient uses regularly can be stopped for a while before the surgery under the physician’s control.
- There’ll be enough time to plan your recovery period.
After the Surgery
In the first 3-6 months following surgery, you’ll have regular check-ups with your doctor, who will closely monitor your healing process. The patient’s general health status, eating habits, and blood values are examined in these controls. As your body slowly adjusts itself to the rapid weight loss alterations, there will be several side effects seen 3-6 days following the surgery, including;
- Body pain
- Tiredness
- Mood shifts
- Hair loss and hair thinning
- Dry skin
- Chill
- Feeling worn out
Are There Any Risks of Sleeve Gastrectomy?
What happens if the weight loss surgery is unsuccessful? Yes, it’s possible to fail to lose enough weight following the gastrectomy surgery or even gain the weight back. It typically occurs when you ignore or fail to follow lifestyle adjustments. Therefore, you must always incorporate physical activity and exercise into your healthy lifestyle and make long-lasting changes to prevent gaining weight back. As in any surgery, there may be short and long-term risks brought by surgery in sleeve gastrectomy, too.
Short-term effects that can be seen after sleeve gastrectomy are as follows:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Anesthesia-related side effects
- Blood clot
- Respiratory problems due to lungs or other organs
- Leakage from the operated area of the stomach
Long-term complications related to sleeve gastrectomy are as follows:
- Obstruction in the gastrointestinal line
- Hernia
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Malnutrition
- Vomiting
Recovery Timeline From the Surgery
Day 1: In the first day following the surgery, you’re expected to spend some time in the recovery room and be given IV fluids. Your abdomen will have a few incisions stitched up, and your discomfort will be mild.
Day 2: You might be pretty thirsty the next day, but you won’t be able to drink anything until a swallow test is done to ensure there isn’t a stomach leak.
Week 1: Following your procedure, when you’re finally home, you’ll go on a sugar-free, balanced, and regular diet with non-carbonated liquids for roughly 7 days. Always drink plenty of water, get as much rest as you require, and call your doctor right away if the discomfort becomes severe.
Week 2/3/4…: You’ll gradually transition to puréed semi-liquid semi-solid foods lasting for 3 weeks. The patient must wait 4 weeks to consume conventional foods to prevent nutrient deficiencies due to stomach size reduction. You’ll need to take a multivitamin twice daily, a calcium supplement once daily, and a vitamin B12 once a month. B12 supplementation should be done intramuscularly in the form of injections.
Who are eligible for gastric sleeve surgery?
Those who are between the ages of 18 and 65, have a body mass index above 35 (who are over 25 kg than their ideal weight) and have not been able to lose weight permanently with diet and exercise programs are the common candidates for sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
In special cases such as diabetes, severe sleep apnea, sleeve gastrectomy surgery can be performed on people with a body mass index of 30-35.
Those who are below 18 years of age can have surgery with pediatric endocrinology controls and approval.
Who cannot undergo gastric sleeve surgery?
Sleeve gastrectomy cannot be performed for those with severe psychological disorders, who have lost their sense of reality, who are addicted to drugs or drugs, who are cancer and with serious hormonal diseases.
Is sleeve gastrectomy risky?
While the risk of sleeve gastrectomy surgery can be a leakage from the stomach incision line into the abdomen, the rate is below 1%. Here the experience of the surgeons, the center and the hospital is the most important determinant.
Bleeding and embolism (blood clotting) are the other risks but these are common risks with all other surgeries. In addition, according to the international medical literature data, the risk of death due to the sleeve gastrectomy surgery has been reported as 0.2%.
Should I need a diet before sleeve gastrectomy?
Doctors mostly advice a 5-day special diet program before sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
Should I stop the drugs before sleeve gastrectomy?
Hypertension, diabetes, and depression often accompany obesity. So it is not necessary to stop high blood pressure medications, diabetes medications and depression medications before the surgery. They can be used until the last day of the surgery, as well as with Thyroid medications and asthma medications.
For those who use insulin for diabetes may need to change the insulin dose together with the diet given before the surgery. which are frequently used in the community, should also be taken before surgery.
Anticoagulants such as aspirin and coumadin, and lithium should be discontinued before surgery.
Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy in Turkey, Istanbul
Turkey, one of the primary medical tourism hubs, offers a new weight loss method called Sleeve Gastrectomy. An endoscopic procedure like this is relatively new and frequently preferred by domestic and international patients in Turkey.
Istanbul in Turkey is one of the top choices in the world for obesity, weight loss treatment, bariatric surgery. Majority of the medical tourists visit Istanbul and Turkey for this treatment and surgery from the Middle East, Gulf and European countries.
The surgeons in Turkey are also one of the most popular and well-known ones in the world. You’ll also find world class clinics at very affordable prices.
Top Reasons Why People Choose Turkey for Obesity & Weight Loss Treatments
High-Class Treatment
With cutting-edge technologies, Turkish clinics and hospitals offer patients the most outstanding care before, during, and after the procedure. The procedures are performed in well-equipped facilities with access to emergency care right away. You will receive care from amiable medical professionals, including translators, nurses, and doctors who are there and eager to assist you.
Affordability
Besides providing excellent treatments, Turkey’s bariatric surgery expenses are incredibly reasonable compared to the US or the UK. The cost of bariatric surgeries in Turkey can be significantly reduced while providing patients the same care level as in other nations.
Highly-Skilled Expert Doctors
Turkish bariatric surgery doctors have a deep awareness and understanding of what the patients want, thanks to their frequent interactions with patients visiting them from all around the globe. The highly qualified Turkish surgeons perform more operations in a given period than their peers in the US or the UK, making them gain many hand skills, and they are in high demand.
Wonderful Vacation
Turkey is a fantastic travel destination and one of the top spots for obesity and weight loss treatments. Thanks to its abundant historical monuments, mouthwatering cuisine, and mesmerizing natural beauty, you can have a fun and unforgettable vacation while getting your medical treatment.
How about Sleeve Gastrectomy in Turkey, Istanbul?
If you’ve been thinking about obesity, weight loss treatment or bariatric surgery, you’ve probably shocked with the costs in the EU, UK or US.
However, when you compare the costs and quality of service in the clinics for sleeve gastrectomy in Turkey, Istanbul, you’ll definitely agree that it will be by far the most economical and practical way.
FAQs
How much does gastric sleeve cost in Turkey?
Gastric sleeve surgery typically costs between $3,500 – $4,500 in Turkey. This competitive cost mostly includes 24 months aftercare.
Is Turkey good for gastric sleeve?
Turkey is one of the best places to get gastric sleeve surgery. We can say that Turkey is among the top 5 countries for bariatric surgeries in the world. This is due affordable prices with very good service quality, adequate care, state-of-the-art surgical facilities and well-equipped to handle emergencies, well trained surgeons, and vacation time.
How long do you stay in Turkey for gastric sleeve?
It is mostly sufficient to stay in Turkey, Istanbul for a total of 5-6 days. This duration includes detailed tests before the operation, a stay in the hospital and a one-day hotel stay afterward.
Is a gastric sleeve in Turkey safe?
Yes, it is safe. Turkey has one of the best public healthcare systems and private healthcare sector in the world. There strict regulations that apply to both Turkish citizens and international patients that come to the country for medical treatments to help ensure their safety and prevent any possible harm to the patients and unnecessary surgeries.
What BMI do you need for gastric sleeve in Turkey?
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed on patients between the ages of 18-65 and with Body Mass Index (BMI) above 35.
Why is Turkey the best for sleeve gastrectomy?
The affordable prices with very good service quality, adequate care, state-of-the-art surgical facilities and well-equipped to handle emergencies, well trained surgeons, and vacation time make Turkey one of the best countries for obesity and weight loss treatments in the world.
Also majority of the hospitals, clinics and surgeons are all approved by the international organizations including JCI (Joint Commissions International), JCAOH (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
Where is the best place in Turkey to get sleeve gastrectomy?
Istanbul is a leading global destination, obesity, weight loss and bariatric surgery center in Europe and Asia for its World renowned plastic surgeons, world class hospitals with high class and technology, excellent service with very reasonable prices, as well as quality hotels, accommodation, easy transportation and tourism opportunities. Thanks to its excellent location between Europe and Asia.
Ankara, Antalya and Izmir comes next for the best bariatric surgery options in Turkey.
Who are eligible for sleeve gastrectomy?
In weight-loss procedures, surgical methods aren’t usually used in the first place. It’s recommended for those with severe obesity who have done everything to lose weight with diet and exercise programs but left without success. For sleeve gastrectomy, the physical indicators of the patients should be as follows:
- Body mass index (BMI) is 40, and above (extreme obesity)
- BMI is between 35-40 (obesity), and the patient has type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
- BMI is between 30-34; the patient may still be eligible for weight-loss surgery if they have serious health problems.
If your doctor decides you’re eligible for gastrectomy after performing several tests, you’d need to prepare for the surgery. Let’s read on to understand how the Before/After the gastrectomy period will be.
Who are the best sleeve gastrectomy doctors in Turkey?
Best sleeve gastrectomy doctors in Turkey, Istanbul are;
- Dr. Ceyhun Aydogan – Istanbul
- Dr. Mehmet Toprak – Istanbul
- Prof. Dr. Cemal Kara – Izmir
- Prof. Dr. Ender Ozer – Istanbul
- Dr. Babek Tabandeh – Istanbul
- Dr. Toygar Toydemir – Istanbul
- Dr. Yahya Ozel - Istanbul
What the Clinics Offer?
Majority of the clinics offer a very well planned trip with guide and consultant, including;
- Your detailed treatment plan in Istanbul with all the logistics,
- A comprehensive discussion with costs to your desired outcome,
- Your accommodation plan that best suits your needs,
- Pick-up from the airport to your hotel and the clinic, and vice-versa,
- Your lifetime follow-up and aftercare service
Top Clinics & Surgeons for Sleeve Gastrectomy in Turkey, Istanbul
If you are into the top rated surgeons and clinics for your obesity and weight loss treatment, or bariatric surgery needs, here is our pick of the top clinics and surgeons in for sleeve gastrectomy in Turkey, Istanbul. We are Istanbul insiders and here we only suggest the proven and top rated ones with the patients’ comments.
Op.Dr. Mehmet is a popular general and plastic surgeon providing high quality obesity and weight loss treatments and operations for his patients worldwide (VM Medical Park Maltepe Hastanesi, Maltepe, Istanbul, 
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cemal Kara is a popular general surgeon specialist providing high level and quality obesity and weight loss treatments at his private center in Izmir (Yeni Mahalle Park Yasam Evleri, B1 Blok, No:1V, Cigli, Izmir, 
Op. Dr. Nurettin Kapucu is a general surgery doctor providing high quality services in the field of obesity and weight loss treatment in Istanbul. He is in contact with Privacy Estetik Clinic (Tesvikiye Terrace Fulya Residence Center 1, D:77, Sisli, Istanbul, 
Forever Clinica Aesthetic Center (Bestelsiz, 101. Sk No:107, Avrasya Hospital, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, 
New Look Guide (
Dr. Babek Tabandeh, who is number 1 in Robotic Surgery as he can perform bariatric surgeries laparoscopically, joined the American Association of Surgeons in 2015 and took his place in the International Federation of Surgery Obesity (IFSO) in 2017. Dr. Babek Tabandeh is also a lecturer at the best universities in Turkey. New Look Guide Clinic is happy to be with the patients who want to benefit from Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Mini Bypass and Gastric Balloon services together with their doctor.
Prof. Dr. Toygar Toydemir leads the obesity and weight loss treatments at his private center in Istanbul (Mim Kemal Oke Cad. No:11/2, Nisantasi, Istanbul, 
Op. Dr. Yahya Ozel (1966) is one of the most popular plastic surgeons in the field of obesity and weight loss treatment in Istanbul and Turkey. He serves his patients and performs his operations at the Istanbul Private Medical Park Pendik Hospital, one of the high quality A+ private hospitals in the city.
