A type of bariatric procedure that is used to treat obesity-related health issues is Gastric band surgery (Lap-Band). During the gastric-band, surgeons place a silicone band called the Lap-Band around the stomach. Thus, it reduces the capacity of the stomach and the speed at which food passes through it; so, you don’t feel hungry. In Turkey, gastric band has become popular among successful Turkish surgeons due to its safe, adjustable and reversible nature.
If you no longer want to carry extra weight, you could consider having gastric band surgery in Istanbul, Turkey, at a cost-effective price.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) is a micro-invasive slimming surgery that restricts food intake and delivers results in a short time when used for weight loss.
In this method, a silicone band is placed on the upper part of the stomach so that surgeons aim to create a small pouch. When the band is connected to an external port, your doctor can adjust the tightness. In this way, the stomach can hold smaller amounts of food and patients can feel full with 1/3 smaller portions than before.
In fact, the band used for this bariatric surgery is an inflatable, adjustable silicone tube. This medical-grade silicone material is flexible, biocompatible, and carries a low risk of allergic reaction. Its inner component consists of an adjustable silicone balloon. For modulation, the band is connected to a port, typically constructed from titanium-coated medical-grade plastic.
The surgeon places the band around the stomach about 20 mm below the junction of the esophagus and stomach. The medical team leaves the band deflated during surgery, but gradually inflates it after about a month or so with serum injections through the port under your skin. Therefore, the size of the gastric passage can be changed with a simple intervention after surgery. As a result, the upper stomach pouch fills up fast when you eat, making you feel full quickly.
The gastric banding in Istanbul is just as high-quality as it is elsewhere. Here are the steps:
It starts with a thorough evaluation by a medical team to assess your suitability for gastric banding. Once you are considered a suitable candidate, the surgery process begins.
Before the surgery, the medical staff will provide you with a nutrition plan. You will need to follow this for several weeks.
Your gastric band surgery is performed by Turkish bariatric surgeons. Experienced healthcare professionals such as surgeons and nurses take part in your surgery.
If the result is not what you want, the tightness of the band can be modified post-surgery, and if necessary, the procedure can be reversed.
Follow-up appointments continue after surgery. Diet counseling, adjustments to the band if necessary, etc.
The mechanism behind bariatric surgeries is based on portion control and a gradual reduction in caloric intake. Gastric band surgery is a much less invasive weight loss option compared to alternatives like gastric bypass. The LAGB procedure is both reversible and adjustable because the tightness of the band can be modified.
In contrast to permanent alterations such as gastric sleeve, lap-band surgery allows for a less intrusive approach. Surgeons don’t cut or staple the stomach; they preserve its natural anatomy instead.
Whether to use it long-term is up to you. Some patients keep the band in for 10 or even 15 years, while others choose to have it removed due to reasons such as slippage, erosion, or infection.
Pricing
The price range for gastric band surgery in Turkey generally falls between $1,800 and $3,500. That provides a competitive option for those looking to undergo this transformative procedure.
NOTE: These figures represent estimated price ranges of gastric band clinics in Istanbul. So, actual costs can vary based on the clinic, geographical location, and whether a patient needs other procedures.
To put things into perspective, here is a general price range for lap-band surgery in various countries:
It is very important to understand the pricing structure as different medical centers offer various packages. In Istanbul, the total cost covers one or two overnight stays in the hospital, one or two days of accommodation in a luxury hotel, and the services of an interpreter for consultations, consultation days, surgery and post-operative examinations. In most developed countries, on the other hand, only the cost of surgery is specified.
Gastric Band Surgery Cost at Vantage Clinic in Istanbul
Starting From $1800
When choosing Istanbul for gastric band procedure, pay attention to the below situations:
The first criterion for eligibility is Body Mass Index. In general, individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher are considered ideal candidates. However, if obesity-related health conditions are present, those with a BMI between 25 and 40 may also be eligible.
Beyond BMI, you may also be eligible because of the mental or physical impact of obesity. If obesity has led to serious health problems, this can lead to candidacy. In general, the following diseases are reasons for surgery:
Let’s look at how a patient’s weight changes after gastric band surgery.
Our patient is a 34-year-old woman who is overweight (BMI 37.9), which is a classification of obesity called Obesity Class II. She weighs 225 pounds (102 kg) and is 5’4” (164 cm) tall. Even though she tried to lose weight with the help of a nutrition expert for a year, she was unable to keep it off.
After her gastric band procedure, she ate a special diet for the first month. This meant that she only ate liquids at first, and then food that had been mashed up really well. She lost 8.8 pounds (4 kg) in the first month. This early reduction was mostly due to fluid, oedema and glycogen loss. As time went on, she started to feel fuller sooner, which is a common effect of having a gastric band put in.
During the 2nd and 3rd months, she continued to lose weight at an average rate of 3.3 lbs to 6.6 lbs (1.5 to 3 kilograms) per month. She reported feeling satisfied with smaller portions and gradually started eating solid foods.
By the end of the third month, she had lost a total of 19.8 lbs (9 kg).
From month four, she lost even more weight. She lost about 6.5 lbs (3 kg) a month, helped by the best band adjustments and eating better. By the sixth month, her weight had dropped to 185 lbs (84 kg).
She also said she could see improvements in her physical and metabolic health.
During the second year, she carried on losing weight steadily, and by the end had reached 152 lbs (69 kg). By this point, her eating habits had changed a lot, which helped her achieve long-term results.
To make a decision between bariatric surgery procedures, you need to be aware of their characteristics. Here are other weight loss surgeries except gastric banding.
Gastric banding surgery is less invasive than gastric bypass because in gastric bypass 90% of the stomach is disabled. Banding simply consists of placing an adjustable band around the stomach and restricts food intake without changing the digestive system.
In general, it leads to a controlled and gradual weight loss. On average, you will lose about 50-55% of your excess weight over time. You may suffer from hair loss in the first months of the surgery as a result of rapid weight loss. You can find solutions such as healthy nutrition, supplements, and if you fail, you can consider hair transplantation options.
As long as you pay attention to these three things, you can enjoy gastric band surgery in Istanbul:
Studies have shown that LAGB helps to relieve conditions associated with obesity. Although it is a type of surgery with few risks and complications, you may experience problems after gastric band surgery:
You can set diet after gastric band surgery in Istanbul up for success by paying attention to these:
By following a good diet plan and not neglecting exercise, you can continue to lose weight and stay in shape after gastric banding.
After undergoing gastric band surgery, attentive postoperative care is essential for optimal recovery, weight loss and overall health. Here are some tips to guide you after surgery:
In Istanbul gastric band procedure takes 60 to 90 minutes; it is considered a quick surgical intervention when compared with alternatives, which take more than 3 hours. Patients undergoing gastric band surgery in Istanbul are treated as outpatients. Therefore, they can return home on the same day if they prefer. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, so it is pain-free.
In gastric band surgery in Istanbul, the surgeon places a silicone band around the stomach about 20 mm below the junction of the esophagus and stomach. The inner surface of the band is longitudinally an inflatable balloon, similar to a bicycle tire. This balloon is connected through a thin tube to a port placed under the skin. The medical team leaves the band deflated during surgery, but gradually inflates it after about 1 month with serum injections through the port under the skin. In this way, the size of the gastric passage can be changed with a simple intervention after surgery.
On average, you can lose about 50% of the excess weight within a year, and if you follow your surgeon’s recommendations for healthy eating and exercise, you can reach your ideal BMI range in a year or so.
You can rest at home within 1 to 3 days after surgery, and return to your daily activities after about 1 month.
It is a safe operation with few complications compared to most bariatric operations. Studies revealed that 13% of patients who did not take proper postoperative care had band slippage. In about 1% of patients, the band was removed as a result of complications. [1]
This depends on the insurance companies. In general, it is not considered an elective procedure and is not covered.
After gastric band surgery, consume:
Because you’re eating less, your body may not be getting enough of some crucial vitamins and minerals. Your clinic can prescribe these supplements:
Do not drink alcohol before your recovery is complete. It can irritate your stomach and is high in calories.
Gastric bypass is a difficult procedure that changes the anatomy of the digestive system. Therefore, it may not be possible to reverse it with a gastric band surgery.
Gastric band surgery, like any medical procedure, can have side effects. Common side effects:
Other potential side effects may include:
There may be variations in individual responses, so follow-up with healthcare professionals and following post-surgical guidelines are crucial for monitoring and managing potential side effects after gastric band surgery in Istanbul. [3]
Most clinics will tell you that 48 hours is sufficient, but at Vantage Clinic we prioritise the Pressure Safety Protocol. Even though the surgery is low-key (laparoscopic), the main worry isn’t the cuts, but the residual surgical gas (CO2) linked to cabin pressure and the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
We recommend waiting 3 to 4 days before a long-haul flight. During this time:
Among the things to do after gastric banding surgery in Istanbul, you can find the following suggestions:
Prioritize variety: You can use an elliptical machine, lift weights slowly, row at a steady pace or jog lightly.
Seek Medical Attention: If any unusual symptoms arise, consult with healthcare professionals promptly.
When deciding on surgery, there are reasons that drive each person to make this decision. Some don’t like their appearance, some want to get rid of serious weight-related disorders… You can get a general idea while reading the sources on the internet, but the best way is to get information directly from the experts. Contact us for a free consultation. Let us introduce you to our experienced bariatric surgeons and dieticians. Don’t postpone your transformation tomorrow. We can evaluate your medical history and design a plan that is right for you. Our dedicated team of experts is ready 24/7 to offer free consultation and answer your questions about gastric band surgery.
Sources
Owers, C., Ackroyd, R. A Study Examining the Complications Associated with Gastric Banding. OBES SURG 23, 56–59 (2013).
Lanthaler, M., Aigner, F., Kinzl, J. et al. Long-Term Results and Complications Following Adjustable Gastric Banding. OBES SURG 20, 1078–1085 (2010).
Kodner C, Hartman DR. Complications of Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery for Obesity. American Family Physician. 2014;89(10):813-818. Click to view
Article Reviewed By: Dr. Jyothi Shenoy V
See doctor’s bio
MBBS, MD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MRCOG(UK)
23 Years Experience Overall
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