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Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Istanbul - Whole Process

Many people struggle with weight-centric problems at some point; so, seeking effective solutions just like ‘gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul.In the past, people were trying many shocking nonsurgical methods including cigarette diet, chewing diet, and vinegar diet. Thanks to advancements in medicine and technology have revealed that they are not only ineffective but also unhealthy for one’s body. That’s why we’ll inform you about one of the most effective surgical weight loss methods: gastric sleeve surgery. [1]

Published by: Vantage Editors
Vantage editors consist of expert writers in the healthcare field, and our articles are reviewed and approved by our medical doctors.
Updated: February 5, 2026
Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Istanbul

What Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Mean?

One type of weight loss surgery known as gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of the stomach to facilitate weight loss. As a prevalent bariatric procedure, it focuses on changing the capacity of the stomach rather than the digestive process unlike its alternatives. Surgeons who used to perform gastric band surgery now only perform gastric sleeve.

In this technique, Turkish surgeons carefully remove a portion of a patient’s stomach, leaving behind a sleeve-shaped tube. This not only restricts the amount of food one can consume at a time but also reduces the feeling of hunger. Mostly, people ask questions like, “How much weight can I lose in a month with a gastric sleeve?”. On average, one can lose around 8 to 16 pounds per month, equivalent to 3 to 7 kg. Up to 70% of your excess weight can be lost within the first year after a gastric sleeve procedure in Istanbul, but personal factors may change this percentage slightly.

This is a permanent alteration, as the reshaped stomach retains its form once the procedure is completed. So, remaning stomach is very small than previous one. Sleeve gastrectomy aids patients with morbid obesity in achieving substantial weight loss and calorie restriction. This reduction in appetite and cravings may also deter the impulses that lead to weight regain.

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Process of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Istanbul

In Istanbul Turkey, surgeons perform gastric sleeve surgery using a highly advanced method called keyhole surgery. It’s a type of laparoscopic surgery made specifically for sleeve gastrectomy. The other names of it are;

  • laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)
  • laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG). 

 

Here are the main steps of gastric sleeve procedure in Istanbul – Turkey:

Your surgeon will first do tests to assess whether you are ready.

An anesthesiologist administers an anesthesia injection to you before the surgery.

Your surgeon or their team will come in and make small incisions in the abdomen. 

Your surgeon removes part of your stomach to create a sleeve.

Your surgeon or their assistants will close the remaining stomach with staples or sutures.

They wake you up and the healing process begins. They usually ask you to stay in the hospital overnight.

Instructions for ongoing support and follow-up appointments are shared with you. They will then see you off. If you have long flights, ask your surgeon or team if you can use blood thinners to prevent possible complications.

Who would prefer Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is ideal for patients with

  • a very high body mass index (above 40),
  • 35 BMI but with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and high cholesterol,
  • excess weight of exogenous origin (hormonal disorders),
  • have tried nonsurgical methods such as diet and exercise to lose weight but have failed,
  • are willing to accept lifestyle changes after surgery.

A patient with one of these characteristics may be a suitable candidate for this bariatric surgery.

Things to Know Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The success of the surgery depends on careful consideration before the operation. You can take a look at the details below:

Before surgery, your surgeon will advise you to follow a pre-op gastric sleeve diet for three weeks to prepare for the procedure. You need to consume a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet to reduce the size of your liver, which makes the procedure more efficient and safe. Here are the content of it:

  • High-protein foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, tofu or poultry
  • Broccoli, peppers, cucumbers or leafy greens…
  • Seeds, nuts, avocados as health fats
  • Plenty of water 

 

It’s common for patients to stay hungry before any surgical operation. That’s why your surgeon will recommend transitioning to a clear liquid diet in the final days before the surgery. You need to do this because the procedure requires an empty stomach. To minimize potential complications, avoid solid foods.

Personal factors such as medication intake can affect the outcome and process of the surgery. You should inform your surgical team in advance, especially about any current medications you are taking.

You may consider taking the items below:

  • Your ID
  • Cash for the surgery fee upfront
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Personal hygiene items (e.g., toothbrush)
  • Prescription medications

As a bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul, Turkey promotes weight loss by reducing the amount of food as well as the size of the stomach. Moreover, it affects hormonal signaling. Your body absorbs fewer nutrients and calories. Your appetite may decrease due to changes in hunger signals to your brain. When combined with a balanced lifestyle, it helps facilitate healthy and significant weight loss in patients with obesity. 

However, for high-impact sports & activities that involve significant strain on the abdomen, such as heavy weightlifting or contact sports, should be wait until you heal to avoid potential complications. Please, consult with your healthcare provider if you are planning to turn heavy exercises.

Things to Know After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Before and after of gastric sleeve, there are a dozen rules you should pay attention to. After gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul, depending on whether you will continue your care at home or in hospital, your considerations will vary.

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Awareness of Changes After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

You should adapt to changes in eating habits after surgery. With a smaller stomach, you should prioritize smaller, nutrient-dense meals to ensure adequate nutrition and sustained energy levels. Consider the mental health effects of eating and support your treatment with psychological support if necessary. Ask your bariatric surgery clinic, they can refer you to a psychological counseling center.

After you are all done with gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul Turkey, you should consume foods gradually to see if you have tolerance to certain foods. You should start with foods that contain plenty of liquids, move to light solid foods such as yogurt, and then get used to solid foods with vegetable purees. Some people may have difficulty digesting high-fat or high-sugar foods, which may cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, research shows that food tolerance decreases after surgery. [2]

One common occurrence after gastric sleeve surgery is called dumping syndrome, which may include symptoms such as 

  • nausea, 
  • sweating, 
  • abdominal pain. 

Minimizing sugar intake can help prevent these symptoms.

You may experience temporary hair shedding due to fast weight loss. If you are uncomfortable with the progression of this condition, you may consider having a hair transplant in Istanbul. You can contact us to have hair transplantation with gastric sleeve surgery at our clinic.

  1. You can return to work immediately! There is less post operative care time compared to alternative surgical procedures.
  2. You can benefit from the long-term results of gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul. 
  3. It does not require a large incision or involve rerouting the intestinal tract like gastric bypass. 
  4. You will feel full because it affects the “hunger hormone”. 
  5. You will see a reduction in high blood pressure and weight-related conditions. It is obvious that gastric sleeve reduces the risk of many obesity-related or non-obesity-related conditions. Here are some of them:
  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Stroke and heart attack
  • Cancer
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Gout
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  1. There will be no foreign object in your body. For example, the Lap-Band has a silicone gastric band around the stomach to limit the amount of food you can eat at one time.
changes after gastric sleeve surgery

Multiple Benefits Besides Weight Loss

This procedure is commonly preferred by laparoscopic surgeons involved in bariatric surgery due to its superior success in achieving weight loss for patients suffering from obesity. Here are other benefits of gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul:

  1. You can return to work immediately! There is less post operative care time compared to alternative surgical procedures.
  2. You can benefit from the long-term results of gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul. 
  3. It does not require a large incision or involve rerouting the intestinal tract like gastric bypass. 
  4. You will feel full because it affects the “hunger hormone”. 
  5. You will see a reduction in high blood pressure and weight-related conditions. It is obvious that gastric sleeve reduces the risk of many obesity-related or non-obesity-related conditions. Here are some of them:
  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Stroke and heart attack
  • Cancer
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Gout
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

     6. There will be no foreign object in your body. For example, the Lap-Band has a silicone gastric band around the stomach to limit the amount of food you can eat at one time.

Do not forget that..

“It Requires Commitment and Hard Work”

Anyone with weight problems can have gastric sleeve treatment in Istanbul. However, the success of the surgery depends on changes in your lifestyle. In order to maximize the benefits of the procedure, you should exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and avoid unhealthy foods.

Find Your Ideal Gastric Sleeve Surgeon in Turkey

Turkey has gained popularity as a medical tourism destination for providing the best price/performance ratio in general. This is also true for gastric sleeve surgery. The country offers competitive pricing without compromising on the quality, care, or medical technology used.

Find Your Ideal Gastric Sleeve Surgeon in Turkey

1. Credentials and Experience: Look for a surgeon who is obviously board-certified and specializes in bariatric surgery. Check their experience in performing gastric sleeve procedures and reviews from previous patients. Not a bad one to also check their LinkedIn profile to see their national and international accreditations.

2. Clinic Accreditation: Choose a hospital or clinic with international accreditation and modern facilities to ensure a safe and comfortable surgical experience. It is important that the clinic serves an international patient portfolio and is experienced in dealing with folks from all around the world.

3. Communication and Support: Effective communication is vital during the entire process, from pre-surgery consultations to post-operative care. Finding a surgeon and/or a clinic where your concerns are addressed is crucial for comprehensive support. Ask if the clinic can provide you with an interpreter in your language.

What Affects The Cost Of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Although we focus on the destination and arbitrage advantage above, there are several other reasons that influence the cost of gastric sleeve surgery. 

Let’s explore:

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Inclusions in the Package:

The components included in your package can vary among healthcare providers. Some packages may include additional services such as accommodation, transportation, and aftercare, which can influence the overall cost. Try to find great clinics that offer an all-inclusive package and that can give you a no-surprise, fixed price. They do exist!

doctor-experience

Surgeon's Expertise and Education:

The expertise and experience of the surgeon performing gastric sleeve surgery play a crucial role in determining the cost. Surgeons who graduated from top a medical school with a successful track record usually also attend international medical events regularly and are highly likely to charge top fees.

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Geographical Location:

The cost of living and healthcare infrastructure in different parts of the world can significantly impact the price of gastric sleeve surgery. In countries with higher living costs and advanced medical facilities, the procedure costs a small fortune as opposed to the Phillippines and Turkey, where the same results can be achieved.

clinic-reliability

Clinic Reputation and Facilities:

Gastric sleeve surgery costs may be significantly higher in clinics with cutting-edge equipment and a solid reputation for medical quality. These clinics frequently offer first-rate medical treatment as well as skilled and internationally recognized surgeons, which may stretch the entire cost.

FAQs about Weight loss surgery in Istanbul

No. Typically the providers categorize gastric sleeve as an elective procedure, so they don’t cover it under the standard health insurance plan. 

You must be physically comfortable before you can get behind the wheel. On average, this takes 1-2 weeks. After gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul, you can drive in as short as 14 days. 

After gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul, you will lose a lot of weight, which may lead to sagging skin. To solve this problem, you can combine your operation with a body contouring procedure in Istanbul. Additionally, you can combine the operation with dental services. Some dental services, such as teeth whitening, require less time and preparation, making it easy to combine with other surgical treatments.

Yes, Istanbul is quite a safe country for gastric sleeve surgery as long as you choose a clinic with international accreditation, positive patient reviews, and qualified medical professionals. You can consider checking before and after gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul shots from the website of our clinic.

Many surgeons are against performing gastric sleeve surgery on patients below the age of 18. In some specific cases, the minimum age may be set even higher, such as 22, because the patient still needs to wait until fully matured physically and emotionally.

Yes, you can. The hospital or clinic keeps medical records. Therefore, you can request your medical records from the health care provider where you had your surgery. 

Dos and Don'ts after Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is not a process that ends after surgery. There are many things you should and shouldn’t do to stay within the ideal BMI range.

  • Follow postoperative guidelines.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Maintain a balanced diet
  • Take prescribed medications.
  • Engage in light physical activity.
  • Attend follow-up appointments.
  • Avoid overeating, especially junk foods
  • Limit sugary and high-fat foods
  • Refrain from carbonated beverages e.g. cola
  • Skip snacking between meals
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking
  • Don’t neglect protein intake
dos donts after gastric sleeve surgery

Sources

  1. Health.com, B. L. R. (n.d.). Diets through history: The good, the bad and the scary. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/08/health/diets-through-history/index.html
  2. Kvehaugen AS, Farup PG. Changes in gastrointestinal symptoms and food tolerance 6 months following weight loss surgery: associations with dietary changes, weight loss and the surgical procedure. BMC Obes. 2018 Dec 3;5:29. doi: 10.1186/s40608-018-0206-4. PMID: 30524734; PMCID: PMC6276242. 
  3. ‌Kheirvari M, Dadkhah Nikroo N, Jaafarinejad H, Farsimadan M, Eshghjoo S, Hosseini S, Anbara T. The advantages and disadvantages of sleeve gastrectomy; clinical laboratory to bedside review. Heliyon. 2020 Feb 29;6(2):e03496. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03496. PMID: 32154399; PMCID: PMC7052082.

🌸 Medical Review & Disclaimer

This content has been reviewed for accuracy by our medical team. However, the information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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