Why do some people have hearty appetites and yet are not worried about gaining weight? The answer is “small stomach”! Yes, many people are gifted with a small stomach that prevents them from gaining weight no matter what they eat. Luckily, you can also have a smaller stomach by undergoing a gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy in Turkey.

Recently, the trend of gastric sleeve surgery is gaining ever-increasing popularity in Turkey, thanks to cheap prices and packages offered by Turkish clinics. This has contributed to making Turkey one of the best destinations for those who are looking for having a gastric sleeve abroad.

Gastric sleeve is a safe and effective surgical weight loss method that can help you lose a large amount of weight. It’s very helpful to tackle mild obesity according to a study. Furthermore, patients can have a gastric sleeve as a standalone procedure or as an initial step before undergoing another effective surgery called “gastric bypass”.

What Is a Gastric Sleeve?

What Is Gastric Sleeve

Sleeve gastrectomy, commonly known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) or gastric sleeve surgery, aims at limiting the quantity of food you can eat by removing about 80% of your stomach. Of course, people who have smaller stomachs will eat less food. In addition, the surgery can cause hormonal changes and loss of appetite.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that Turkish surgeons perform regularly. A gastric sleeve can help people lose enough weight, but it may, however, be performed before a gastric bypass, which is another surgery that shortens the path that food takes through the digestive system, preventing some calories from being absorbed.  

Patients with a complicated surgical history or who have other problems that put them at risk in case they undergo bypass surgery may choose to undergo gastric sleeve instead. During gastric sleeve in Turkey, the surgeon divides your stomach vertically to form a long, narrow pouch (or sleeve) and removes a part of your stomach to make it smaller – about the size and shape of a banana.

Gastric Sleeve Pros and Cons

Below are the main advantages and disadvantages of gastric sleeve:

Gastric Sleeve Pros

Removing about 80% of the stomach will not only reduce the capacity for food storage but also decreases the production of hormones that signal hunger. Other benefits of the surgery include:

  • Quick and significant weight loss (up to 70% of excess weight).
  • A shorter procedure time compared to more complex procedures such as gastric bypass.
  • Prevents and improves many obesity-related problems, such as diabetes.
  • A safer option for high-risk patients.
  • Less chance of intestinal obstruction.
  • Doesn’t involve the insertion of foreign bodies like bands or clamps.
  • Likely to cause long-term nutrient deficiencies.

Gastric Sleeve Cons

The gastric sleeve comes with many benefits and pros, but it also carries some potential risks and drawbacks:

  • Irreversible surgery.
  • Can cause or worsen acid reflux (GERD).
  • Produces fewer weight loss results than gastric bypass surgery.
  • Can cause leaks, scars, and other complications.

Techniques of Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

In Turkey, most surgeons perform gastric sleeve laparoscopically to minimize the risks of scars and trauma. In rare cases, however, some Turkish surgeons may choose open surgery. Laparoscopic gastric is also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and remains the “trendy” technique of choice for most surgeons.

The surgery is performed in a hospital while the patient is under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and then uses a thin, elongated tool with a small camera on the end to remove around 80% of the stomach.

The surgery is guided by images displayed on a TV screen in the operating room. The removed section of the stomach is called the fundus, which is the portion that bulges outward. After removing the fundus, the remaining portion of the stomach is shaped into a tube, resembling a banana or the sleeve of a shirt.

With a smaller stomach, individuals will feel full more quickly and eat less. Additionally, the fundus of the stomach is where the hormone ghrelin is primarily secreted. Thus, removing this portion may also help decrease feelings of hunger and aid in weight loss.

Discover: gastric sleeve 10 years later

Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Technique

Interestingly, sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most widely performed obesity surgery in the world today. During the surgery, Turkish surgeons usually use a laparoscope, a tube-like instrument with a light and camera to provide digital footage. The steps of sleeve gastrectomy include the following:

  1. After giving you general anesthesia, your surgeon will make numerous tiny incisions in your belly.
  2. Next, they insert a laparoscope to examine the inside of the abdomen.
  3. Your surgeon will remove a portion of your stomach and make a “sleeve” with various surgical instruments.

The entire treatment takes around an hour, and you may need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days to recover. Returning to a regular eating pattern takes roughly 4 weeks for most patients.

Single Incision Gastric Sleeve

Some clinics in Turkey offer a less invasive form of gastric sleeve called single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). the main difference between this technique and the traditional laparoscopic gastric sleeve is that it involves the making of just one incision instead of multiple incisions to provide access to the laparoscopic tools and instruments.

Obviously, making just one incision will result in less scarring and shorter recovery time. This alone has made SILS one of the most demanded procedures. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this surgery. In addition, the surgery requires more effort and precision from the side of the surgeon. Hence, it’s not offered on regular bases for patients.

Candidates for Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

Candidates for Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

Gastric sleeve in Turkey isn’t suitable for everyone. Before a patient is approved for surgery, the surgeons must ensure that they meet certain criteria. In general, gastric sleeve surgery is recommended for morbidly obese adults (people with a BMI of 40 or above). However, many surgeons are considering providing surgery for people with low BMI. In any case, candidates for gastric sleeve should also:

  • Have no health issues that make surgery extremely dangerous.
  • Have a stable psychological state and are ready to adopt significant lifestyle modifications.
  • Be 18 – 65 years old.
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Why Should You Undergo Gastric Sleeve in Turkey?

gastric sleeve turkey package, all inclusive

Sleeve gastrectomy is a weight-loss surgery that is both safe and beneficial for obese patients. In Turkey, surgeons perform gastric sleeve surgery using methods and techniques similar to those used in the United States and the United Kingdom. People prefer to undergo gastric sleeve in Turkey for the following reasons:

Cheap Gastric Sleeve

Compared to clinics in the United States and the United Kingdom, Turkish clinics offer highly affordable and cheap prices for gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries. These cheap prices, however, don’t hint at low-quality or risky practices.

Indeed, it is quite the opposite! The medical sector in Turkey is of incredibly high quality, surpassing other countries in the region. The cheap prices in Turkey originated from a mixture of factors, including intense competition, low taxes, and low wages.

Skilled Surgeons

The achievements of Turkish physicians and surgeons are well-known across the globe. Those who work in plastic surgery and weight loss surgery are usually well-trained to deal with a variety of cases. Besides, they can use different technologies and equipment to get the best results from sleeve gastrectomy.

Most Turkish surgeons perform gastric sleeves laparoscopically, which doesn’t level large scars and only requires a few surgical incisions in the abdomen. If the surgery is not suitable for you, they can suggest other obesity treatments, such as gastric balloons.

Quick & Easy Access

Thankfully, there are no waiting lists or bureaucratic steps in Turkish clinics. Once you arrived in Turkey, you don’t need to wait for too long to receive your treatment, and medical personnel will provide you with a clear, time-saving treatment plan to make your trip much easier and seamless.

This, of course, saves you time and provides you with an opportunity to explore other obesity and plastic treatments. Turkey gastric sleeve is quick but involves follow-up sessions to ensure smoother recovery.

Entertaining Experience

There are hundreds of luxurious, comfortable hotels where you can stay before and after your surgery. Indeed, the combination of tourist experience and health services makes treatment in Turkey a wonderful choice for both patients and their families.

So, you will not just receive a cheap and safe gastric sleeve, but also a great dose of entertainment and joy. For instance, you can try the famous Turkish baths and spas during your gastric sleeve in Turkey.

Comprehensive Packages

One of the most important reasons that make Turkey a preferred destination for those who seek gastric sleeves is the Amazing and comprehensive packages offered by clinics. These packages cover everything you need, including language interpretation, accommodation, medical consultations, follow-up sessions, etc. Here at International Clinics, for instance, patients can pick from multiple packages that suit all their ambitions and expectations.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

The number of benefits that you will gain if you choose to undergo sleeve gastrectomy is simply enormous, especially if you choose Turkey as a location for this surgery. The country is the preferred destination for those who seek the cheapest gastric sleeve abroad. The benefits include the following:

  • Reduce your overall weight by more than 50% within a short period.
  • Avoid unnecessary manipulation or alteration in stomach function, which commonly happens in the case of gastric bypass.
  • Avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies that usually result from other forms of obesity surgery.
  • Get the opportunity to undergo Roux-En-Y gastric bypass later on, if you desire.
  • Suppress your appetite significantly because the top section of the stomach will be removed.
  • Spare yourself the risk of insertion of any foreign bodies that might block your intestines.
  • Avoid the risk of wound infection and pain and get faster recovery as hospital stays are shorter.
  • Get a slim waist without having to go on a strict diet or rigorous exercise.
  • Relieve annoying acid reflexes and avoid stomach ulcers.
  • Get the chance to explore other cheap obesity treatments in Turkey.
  • Enjoy world-class hospitality during your stay in the country.
  • Enjoy the traveling experience and feel like a celebrity!

Gastric Sleeve in Turkey: Istanbul, Antalya, or Izmir?

Gastric Sleeve in Istanbul, antalya

When deciding to undergo gastric sleeve in Turkey, you may become confused about which city you want to stay during the process. Of course, this depends on the hospital or clinic that you’re going to choose.

Most patients prefer to undergo the gastric sleeve in Istanbul since the city is closer to Europe and hosts incredible tourist activities and attractions. Fortunately, international Clinics is located in Istanbul and offers gastric sleeves for international patients.

However, others may choose to go to Antalya or Izmir to receive their treatment. Having a gastric sleeve in Antalya isn’t bad at all. The same thing applies to Izmir. These cities have their own share of beauty and attractions too. Indeed, many famous celebrities and even politicians chose to get a gastric sleeve in Antalya.

Success Rate of Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

The gastric sleeve procedure is known to be a highly effective and successful procedure, with success rates estimated to be between 80-90%. Due to these positive rates, gastric sleeve surgeries have become increasingly popular in recent times, especially in Turkey. Apparently, experienced and highly skilled Turkish surgeons guarantee success and actual results.

laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was proven safe and highly effective as a stand-alone procedure in a study published in 2017. On average, patients can expect to lose around 60-70% of their excess weight within the first year following the procedure. Additionally, many obesity-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and high cholesterol tend to improve or even resolve after the surgery.

However, not all patients face success or get the results they were expecting before surgery. Some people may opt to undergo revisional surgery, especially those who have experienced complications or inadequate weight loss. The revisional surgery could involve a “re-sleeve” procedure or a complete revision to gastric bypass.

Gastric Sleeve in Turkey Reviews

It’s hard to find authentic reviews that tell true success stories of gastric sleeve in Turkey due to the spread of fake and paid reviews on the internet. However, according to many reviews aggregated by Google, the majority of reviews concerning people who underwent the surgery in Turkey speak positively about their experiences.

Many people who wrote these reviews recommend others to visit Turkey to undergo gastric sleeve as well as other kinds of bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and Bariclip. They are usually get amazed by the affordable, high-quality services that they receive in the country. Below are some reviews left by people who underwent gastric sleeve and other bariatric procedures in International Clinics in Turkey:

Gastric Sleeve in Turkey Reviews
Review of Gastric Sleeve in Turkey
Review gastric sleeve

Best Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

To get the best gastric sleeve in Turkey, you need to carefully pick the right clinic or surgeon, besides other things below:

  • The best clinic: For most international patients, the obvious choice that guarantees the best gastric sleeve is International Clinics in Istanbul. These clinics have provided gastric sleeve and gastric bypass to thousands of international patients. Hence, it’s not surprising to see hundreds of positive reviews that imply positive impressions about the kind of services in these clinics.
  • The best surgeon: Gastric sleeve can go wrong and do more harm than good if an inexperienced surgeon performs it. Thankfully, there are many renowned surgeons in Turkey who used to perform the procedure on international patients and yield great results.  
  • The right package: Choosing the right package allows you to save more cash and get extra services. Put simply, a good package can save you a lot of time and effort during your stay in the country. Packages are usually designed to provide the best value for money.
  • The right time: You must consult a qualified surgeon to provide you with information about the best time at which you can have a gastric sleeve. Some patients may need to do certain pre-operative preparations to be perfectly eligible to receive the treatment.  

Best Doctor for Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

It’s hard to determine the best doctor for gastric sleeve in Turkey, but according to reviews and recommendations, prof. dr. Servet Rüştü Karahan is the best surgeon in the country for bariatric procedures. As expected, dr. Karahan works in International Clinics in Istanbul. He has been providing gastric sleeve and gastric bypass to patients from Europe, North America, and Asia.

Another prominent name worth mentioning is the associate professor. dr. Gökmen Öztürk, who also works in International Clinics in Istanbul. Dr. Öztürk is well-known for his manners and dedication, especially when dealing with international patients and foreigners.

Gastric Sleeve Diet

Gastric Sleeve Diet

To make the procedure safer and lower the risk of complications, you must start your pre-op diet for a gastric sleeve before surgery and follow a post-op diet in the weeks that follow the surgery.

  • Before surgery: Dietitians usually recommend people reduce their intake of carbs and focus more on consuming protein-rich foods before surgery. They also recommend patients drink more water and avoid unhealthy fats.
  • After surgery: Dietitians pay great attention to the patient’s diet after gastric sleeve. They usually recommend patients stick to clear liquids in the first week following the surgery. In the second week, you can add thicker liquids, such as Greek yogurt and protein shakes. In the following weeks, you can start gradually eating soft foods, like eggs and fish, and then transition to eating solid foods after the fourth week, but you need to be mindful of the portion size.

Celebrities Who Underwent Gastric Sleeve

Gastric sleeve was the preferred choice of many celebrities and influencers to shed extra pounds and spare themselves the risks of diseases related to obesity. Many of these celebrities chose Turkey for the surgery. Below are some celebrities who allegedly underwent gastric sleeve:

  • Mariah Carey
  • Randy Jackson
  • Rosie O’Donnell
  • June Shannon
  • Gabourey Sidibe
  • Lisa Lampanelli

Gastric Sleeve in Turkey Before and After

The outcome of gastric sleeve surgery can differ from person to person; however, many patients notice a considerable drop in weight in the aftermath of the surgery. They no longer find it challenging to try new clothes that fit comfortably or to feel content with their physical appearance.

They also observe a substantial decrease in their overall body measurements and an enhancement in the shape of their body. Below are some before and after gastric sleeve pictures for well-known influencers who underwent the surgery at International Clinics in Turkey:

Gastric Sleeve in Turkey Before and After
Gastric Sleeve in Turkey Before and After image

Risks of Gastric Sleeve

Understandably, the major risk of the gastric sleeve comes from the fact that you will lose a large portion of your stomach permanently. This makes gastric sleeve a procedure that requires determination and solid decisions to prevent frustration and regret. Moreover, this surgery carries potential short-term and long-term risks, which involve the following:

  • Short-term risks: These include things like infections, blood clots, bleeding from the surgical site, allergic reactions to anesthesia, respiratory issues, and stomach leaks.
  • Long-term risks: Many of the long-term risks and issues are related to malnutrition, which results from consuming fewer nutrients than before. However, the risks also include hernias, scars, chronic vomiting, gingival blockage, gastroesophageal reflux, and hypoglycemia.

Cost of Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

gastric bypass turkey price

In Turkey, you certainly can get the cheapest sleeve gastrectomy. On average, Turkish clinics charge around 3500 US dollars for this surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy cost in Turkey is incredibly cheaper than in other countries.

In the United Kingdom, for instance, the cost of sleeve gastrectomy is around 10000 to 12500 US dollars. Meanwhile, in the United States, the average cost of gastric sleeve surgery is 9400 US dollars. This makes Turkey the most affordable option on the map. The low cost in Turkey is commonly attributed to the low cost of living and the devaluation of the Turkish currency.

Nevertheless, if you’ve been unable to lose weight via diet and exercise and have obesity-related medical issues, such as sleep apnea or heart problems, some health insurance companies may pay all or a portion of the cost of gastric sleeve surgery.

Final Thought

Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most popular obesity surgeries in the world. People choose to undergo gastric sleeve in Turkey due to the low-cost and organized, high-quality services in the country.

Mostly, Turkish surgeons choose to perform gastric sleeves by using a laparoscope, which is a more convenient and less risky technique. Here at International Clinics, surgeons and medical personnel have successfully performed gastric sleeves for hundreds of international patients.

Thanks to our staggering quality and state-of-art technologies, the level of patient satisfaction at our clinics has reached an all-time high and made us the best hospital in Turkey for gastric sleeves. You can contact us directly by using the Contact Us buttons and forms shown on our website.

Gastric Sleeve in Turkey clinic

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Gastric Sleeve Better Than Gastric Bypass?

A gastric sleeve is nearly as successful as a gastric bypass, but at the end of the day, both surgeries remain related to one another. Indeed, gastric sleeve surgery is the first part of two-stage gastric bypass surgery, which is more invasive and only recommended for morbidly obese people.
The sleeve gastrectomy doesn’t require a gastrointestinal anastomosis or an intestinal bypass. Therefore, it is less complex and invasive than gastric bypass surgery.

Is Gastric Sleeve Better Than Gastric Band?

Probably yes. Sleeve gastrectomy is far more successful than the gastric band since it does not involve the use of any foreign body. Also, the gastric band produces certain long-term concerns that the gastric sleeve avoids.

How Much Weight I Will Lose After Gastric Sleeve?

Patients often lose 60-70% of their excess weight after gastric sleeve. Long-term weight loss after 5-10 years is estimated to be around 50-60%, according to studies. Many studies have also demonstrated that sleeve gastrectomy is quite effective at treating diabetes, high blood pressure, and other obesity-related medical problems.

What Entails Recovery After Gastric Sleeve?

Recovery after gastric sleeve is short and quick. You will be able to walk the day after the surgery. However, your doctor may prescribe pain medications for you to relieve any pain you may feel around the incisions during the first days.

Is Gastric Sleeve a New Fad?

Certainly no. Surgeons started performing sleeve gastrectomy in the late 1980s and 1990s. The world is just starting to witness increased demand for this surgery as more people come forward and express their satisfaction with the results they get from the surgery.

Where Is the Best Place in Turkey to Get a Gastric Sleeve?

Istanbul is the most preferred and reportedly safest place to get a gastric sleeve in Turkey. International Clinics remains the most preferred provider of gastric sleeve and gastric bypass in Turkey according to reviews and testimonials from international patients.

Is It Safe to Have Gastric Sleeve in Turkey?

Having a gastric sleeve in Turkey is safe because most Turkish clinics are regulated and monitored by a strict code of conduct. Thousands of people from all around the world visit Turkey every year to have the surgery in the country because they feel they will be in safe hands.

What Should I Know About Turkey?

Be sure to bring sunscreen cream if you want to visit Turkey in the summer and enjoy the amazing beaches! The country has moderate weather conditions, but the weather turns hot in the summer. In the winter, you can expect to see snow covering most cities.
The country is home to many tourist attractions and beautiful scenery! Turkish people are so friendly and welcoming. They use the Turkish lira as currency and, of course, speak Turkish. International Clinics are highly trusted by international patients who seek safe and smooth treatment trips. Give us a call once you arrived in Turkey!

Read more: Gastric Bypass Surgery in Turkey