Gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive obesity surgery (weight loss surgery) that reduces the size of the stomach, meaning it holds less food. In the gastric sleeve procedure, our surgeon permanently removes 60-80% of the stomach. As a result, a small, tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana remains. Therefore, you will consume much less food compared to before the surgery and significantly reduce your appetite.
In Turkey, patients typically lose 60-80% of their excess weight after gastric sleeve surgery (50% in the first 6 months, and up to 80% after 2 years). The procedure is a minimally invasive surgery performed under general anesthesia using laparoscopy.
Obese patients who are unable to lose weight or who suffer from conditions like insulin resistance and joint problems due to excess weight are ideal candidates for gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey. Ten years ago, this procedure was mainly used as a first step in very high-risk patients before gastric bypass surgery to reduce their weight for a safer bypass.
However, subsequent observations and studies have shown that most patients do not need a second operation and can achieve sufficient and permanent weight loss with this surgery alone. Similarly, patients with diabetes and hypertension have found it effective, and its use has become increasingly common. It is now the most popular surgery in the fight against obesity.
In Turkey, if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 35, you are eligible for this procedure. If your BMI is between 32 and 35 and you have serious comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea, you may still be considered. However, the best candidates for this procedure are those with a BMI over 40.
Before deciding on this surgery, consult our surgeon and discuss your overall health. Our medical consultants will review your medical records and photos to help you choose the most suitable type of weight loss surgery.
The most significant advantage of gastric sleeve surgery is that it is a highly effective obesity treatment and provides satisfying results. Studies have shown that this procedure is effective in combating chronic diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes and hypertension.
Over a five-year period, an analysis of laparoscopic gastric sleeve results as a primary procedure for morbid obesity showed that 77% of patients experienced remission of diabetes, and 72.8% achieved complete resolution of arterial hypertension. Other benefits of the gastric sleeve include:
In addition to reducing the size of the stomach, it also causes hormonal changes that reduce appetite.
Unlike gastric bypass, the sleeve does not alter the normal function of the stomach, meaning it preserves the anatomy of the digestive system.
We prefer the laparoscopic method for the surgery, making it incredibly painless.
Your recovery process will be faster, and you can stand up on the same day of the operation.
Since your appetite is significantly reduced, your weight loss process will not be complicated. (However, after the surgery, patients must avoid high-calorie foods and follow a healthy diet to prevent weight regain.)
Endoscopic tests for the stomach and intestines will be possible in the future.
For the first one or two weeks after sleeve gastrectomy, you will be on a liquid diet.
Our surgical team will provide you with a diet plan for the following weeks.
You will gradually move from liquid foods to purees, soft foods, and normal foods.
Each meal should be small.
Do not transition to normal food too quickly, as this may cause pain and vomiting.
After your stomach heals, you should change your eating habits. It will be best to eat small meals for your smaller stomach.
People who undergo weight loss surgery in Turkey may have difficulty getting enough vitamins and minerals due to consuming less food and absorbing fewer nutrients.
You may need to take a daily multivitamin, vitamin D, and calcium.
After the surgery, you will need regular blood tests every few months to ensure that you do not have low iron levels (anemia), high blood sugar, low calcium, or low vitamin D.
After losing weight, you may regain some of the weight you lost. To prevent this, make sure you eat healthily and exercise regularly.
Consultation and Preparation
Before the surgery, you will discuss your suitability for the procedure with our specialist. The specialist will also require physical and blood tests. Our surgeon may perform CT scans or an endoscopy of your stomach. In the days leading up to the surgery, our specialist will ask you to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood-thinning medications.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia helps you undergo the procedure painlessly and comfortably. You will decide with our specialist on the most comfortable type of anesthesia. Typically, you will receive general anesthesia for this procedure, so you will not experience any pain or discomfort during the operation.
Surgery
Our surgeon will use a laparoscope for the procedure. The doctor will make several small incisions in your upper abdomen. Through these incisions, the doctor will insert a laparoscope and small surgical instruments.
Outcome
Our specialist will then pass a tube from your mouth to your stomach. The surgeon will use a laparoscopic instrument to divide your stomach, leaving a narrow vertical portion. This section is removed through an incision in the abdomen. Finally, our professional will check for leaks in the sleeve using a dye test or upper endoscopy and conclude the procedure.
Gastric sleeve prices in Turkey vary entirely depending on many factors. Location, surgeon's experience, hospital or clinic, techniques, materials, anesthesia, and many other factors affect gastric sleeve prices in Turkey.
However, gastric sleeve prices in Turkey are quite affordable compared to many other countries worldwide. This is due to the exchange rate difference and high demand.
The results of gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey are quite successful. In the first year after the procedure, you will lose an average of 60-70% of your excess weight, and in the following years, this rate will continue to be somewhat lower.
You will see the final results 2-3 years after the procedure. Under normal conditions, this weight will remain stable throughout your life.
