Honest answers to the questions patients ask most before choosing gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey.
๐ฐ Cost & Payment
Significantly lower than UK or European private rates. The all-inclusive package covers hospital stay, hotel, VIP transfers, all pre-operative tests, consultations and follow-up. Contact us via WhatsApp for the current package price โ pricing may vary based on medical needs and travel dates.
Payment is accepted in cash only. Due to high bank commission charges applied to international medical payments, card and bank transfer payments are not available for this service. Please plan accordingly when travelling.
No deposit is required. Your surgery date is secured with a confirmed flight ticket and a copy of your passport. You are not financially committed until you arrive.
Flights to and from Istanbul are not included. Patients arrange their own flights. All transfers within Istanbul โ airport, hotel and hospital โ are included in the package.
๐ฆ Package & Inclusions
2 nights hospital stay, 1 night hotel accommodation, VIP airport and hospital transfers, airport meet and greet, full pre-operative tests (blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray), surgeon consultation, anaesthesia consultation, interpreter support, personalised diet plan, post-surgery follow-up and one complimentary guest.
Yes. One night hotel accommodation is included in the package for both the patient and the included companion.
Yes. One companion is included in the package at no additional charge. They will share the hotel accommodation and be included in transfers.
Yes. VIP arrival and departure transfers, plus all hospital and hotel transfers during your stay, are included. You do not need to arrange your own transport in Istanbul.
๐ Suitability & BMI
Gastric sleeve surgery is generally considered for patients with a BMI of 30 or above. Patients with obesity-related health conditions may also be considered at lower BMIs. Final suitability is confirmed through a medical assessment โ send your details for a free evaluation.
Please send your height, weight, age, a brief medical history, current medications, previous surgeries, any chronic conditions or allergies and your preferred travel month. This allows the team to give you a personalised and accurate response.
Yes. Certain conditions โ including uncontrolled psychiatric conditions, severe GERD, active substance dependency and some bleeding disorders โ may affect suitability. All contraindications are assessed individually during the pre-operative medical evaluation.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Hospital Standards
Surgery is performed in a fully equipped hospital with qualified bariatric surgeons, anaesthesia teams and post-operative monitoring. All patients undergo mandatory pre-operative testing. A leak test is performed before discharge. No surgery is without risk โ your surgeon will explain these in detail during the pre-operative consultation.
Full blood tests, ECG (heart trace), chest X-ray, surgeon consultation and anaesthesia evaluation are all completed before surgery. These are mandatory and exist to identify any conditions that could affect surgical safety.
A leak test โ typically a contrast swallow study โ confirms the surgical staple line is intact after surgery. It is performed before oral intake is progressed and before the patient is discharged from hospital.
Yes โ strongly recommended. Arrange comprehensive travel insurance that covers bariatric surgery abroad before travelling. Check that your policy specifically covers elective surgical procedures, as some policies exclude them.
โ๏ธ Travel & Logistics
Most patients plan approximately 3 nights and 4 days. This covers pre-operative tests on arrival, surgery, 2 nights hospital recovery, a hotel night and departure.
Most patients are medically cleared to fly approximately 3โ4 days after surgery. Your surgeon will confirm this at discharge. Stay well hydrated and move gently during the flight to reduce blood clot risk.
UK and Irish passport holders do not currently require a visa for stays under 90 days in Turkey. Always verify current entry requirements via your government's official travel advice before booking.
๐ Recovery & Aftercare
The first 2 weeks focus on rest and fluids. Most desk-based workers return to work around weeks 2โ3. Physical activity increases gradually from week 4โ6. Full recovery and lifestyle adjustment takes several months.
Yes. A personalised diet plan is provided at discharge and follow-up nutrition support continues after you return home via WhatsApp.
Yes, weight regain is possible if dietary and lifestyle guidance is not followed long-term. Gastric sleeve is a tool to support weight loss โ sustained results depend on commitment to lifestyle change.
Yes. The portion of the stomach that is removed cannot be reattached. This is a permanent anatomical change that should be fully understood before making a decision to proceed.
Yes. Long-term vitamin supplementation is important after gastric sleeve surgery. Typical requirements include a multivitamin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and iron (particularly for women). Your diet plan will include guidance on supplementation.
๐ฅ About the Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes under general anaesthesia, performed laparoscopically (keyhole). This may vary depending on individual patient factors.
Yes. Gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically โ using small incisions and a camera โ under general anaesthesia. This approach results in smaller scars and generally faster recovery compared with open surgery.
Some patients experience increased acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery. Patients with significant pre-existing GERD should discuss this with the surgeon as it may affect which procedure is most appropriate for them.
Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact us directly.