Oguzhan Karatepe Background & Experience
Welcome to the Surgeon’s Background & Experience section. Here, you can find detailed information about Prof. Dr. Oğuzhan Karatepe’s extensive expertise in bariatric, gastric sleeve, and weight loss surgery. Learn about his training, certifications, surgical approach, and commitment to patient safety and high-quality care. These answers will help you make an informed decision about your weight loss journey with our clinic.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Surgeon’s Background & Experience
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https://karatepeklinik.com/en/about/
Q: What is your full name and title?
A: I am Prof. Dr. Oğuzhan Karatepe, a board-certified surgeon and professor of general, bariatric, and weight loss surgery with over 26 years of experience.
Q: Where did you complete your surgical and bariatric training?
A: I completed my surgical training at Istanbul University, Çapa Medical Faculty, followed by specialized hepatobiliary and bariatric training at Erasmus University, Netherlands, along with advanced minimally invasive surgery fellowships.
Q: How many years have you been performing bariatric surgery?
A: I have been performing bariatric surgery for over 25 years, treating both national and international patients with high success rates.
Q: How many bariatric procedures have you personally performed in total?
A: I have personally performed over 10,000 bariatric procedures, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and revision surgeries.
Q: How many gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and revision surgeries do you perform monthly?
A: On average, I perform 40-50 bariatric procedures per month, focusing on gastric sleeve and complex revision surgeries for patients requiring specialized care.
Q: What is your complication rate for each type of procedure (leak, bleeding, infection, reoperation)?
A: My complication rates are extremely low due to careful patient selection and advanced techniques. Leak: <0.3 %, Bleeding: <0.2%, Infection: <1%, Reoperation: <0.1%.
Q: Are you certified by or affiliated with IFSO, ASMBS, or another bariatric association?
A: Yes, I am a member of international associations including the American College of Surgeons (ACS), International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), and the European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO).
Q: Have you trained internationally or attended global conferences for bariatric surgery?
A: Yes, I completed specialized hepatobiliary and bariatric training in the Netherlands and regularly attend international conferences to stay updated with the latest techniques.
Q: Can I verify your credentials on an official Turkish medical registry or hospital website?
A: Yes, you can verify my credentials through the Turkish Ministry of Health medical registry and affiliated hospital websites.
Q: Who performs the surgery — you personally or an assistant surgeon?
A: I personally perform all surgeries, assisted by a highly experienced surgical team.
Q: What inspired you to specialize in bariatric and weight loss surgery?
A: My passion for improving patients’ lives and addressing obesity-related health issues inspired me to specialize in bariatric and weight loss surgery.
Q: What is your philosophy regarding patient care and safety?
A: Patient safety, evidence-based practice, and personalized care are the pillars of my philosophy. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s health needs and goals.
Q: Do you perform surgeries using minimally invasive or robotic techniques?
A: Yes, I perform most bariatric surgeries using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, and robotic-assisted surgery is available for complex cases.
Q: What pre-operative assessments do you require from patients?
A: Pre-operative assessments include comprehensive medical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging, nutritional counseling, and psychological assessment to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.
Q: How do you follow up with patients after surgery?
A: Post-operative follow-up includes regular consultations, nutritional guidance, monitoring for complications, and long-term support for weight loss maintenance.
Q: Do you provide dietary or psychological support as part of the bariatric program?
A: Yes, our multidisciplinary team includes dietitians and psychologists to provide holistic support for every patient before and after surgery.
Q: Can international patients have consultations online before traveling to Turkey?
A: Absolutely, we provide secure online consultations to evaluate patients and prepare treatment plans before arrival.
Q: What languages do you speak with patients?
A: I am fluent in English and Turkish, ensuring seamless communication with international patients.
Q: Are your surgical techniques tailored for high-risk or complex patients?
A: Yes, I customize surgical approaches for high-risk or complex patients, prioritizing safety and effectiveness.
Q: How do you handle emergencies or complications during or after surgery?
A: Our clinic is fully equipped for emergencies, and I personally manage any complications using evidence-based protocols.
Q: Do you collaborate with a multidisciplinary medical team for comprehensive care?
A: Yes, our team includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, dietitians, psychologists, and nurses to provide complete care.
Q: How long is the typical recovery time after bariatric surgery?
A: Most patients return to normal daily activities within 2-4 weeks, depending on the procedure and individual recovery.
Q: Do you have published research or academic articles related to bariatric surgery?
A: Yes, I have numerous publications and citations in international journals, contributing to research in bariatric and hepatobiliary surgery.
Q: What makes Karatepe Clinic the best choice for international patients?
A: Karatepe Clinic combines over 26 years of surgical expertise with all-inclusive care, FDA-approved products, accredited hospitals, and a dedicated team experienced in handling international patients.
Q: Are FDA-approved products used during all procedures?
A: Yes, we exclusively use FDA-approved medical devices and materials for all surgeries to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness.
Q: Do you perform surgeries in fully accredited hospitals?
A: Yes, all procedures are conducted in top-tier, fully accredited hospitals meeting international safety and quality standards.
Q: Will a dedicated patient coordinator assist me throughout the process?
A: Absolutely. Every international patient is assigned a dedicated patient coordinator to guide them before, during, and after surgery.
Q: Is a translator provided for patients who do not speak Turkish?
A: Yes, professional translators are included in your package to ensure clear communication throughout your treatment journey.
Q: Are hotel accommodations and airport transfers included in the package?
A: Yes, our all-inclusive package covers hotel accommodations and airport pick-up and drop-off for international patients.
Q: Do you offer lifelong post-operative support for weight maintenance?
A: Yes, patients receive continuous support including follow-up consultations, dietary guidance, and unlimited access to our clinic team for questions or concerns.
Q: How can I schedule a secure online consultation before traveling?
A: You can schedule a secure video consultation with our team to review your case, discuss treatment options, and receive a personalized plan before traveling to Turkey.
Q: What safety measures are in place for international patients during surgery?
A: We follow strict surgical protocols, use advanced technology, conduct comprehensive pre-op assessments, and have an experienced multidisciplinary team ready for any scenario.
Q: How is the multidisciplinary team involved in my treatment plan?
A: Our team includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, dietitians, psychologists, and nurses, all collaborating to provide a personalized and safe treatment plan.
Q: Can you provide a personalized all-inclusive package quotation?
A: Yes, every patient receives a written quotation detailing all services including surgery, hospital stay, medications, supplements, dietitian support, translators, transfers, and follow-up care.
Q: What is the success rate for international patients undergoing bariatric surgery?
A: Our clinic has one of the highest success rates in Turkey, with over 10,000 successful gastric sleeve and bariatric surgeries for both local and international patients.
Legal Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized treatment plans, please contact Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe directly.
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Our expert team in gastric sleeve surgery is ready to assist you. If you have more questions about your potential weight loss journey or wish to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us.
Free WhatsApp Consultation:
Contact us now! 👉 +90 530 489 94 74
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