Gastric Sleeve in Turkey: A Complete Guide for International Patients (2026)
Welcome to our educational guide on gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey. In recent years, Turkey has become a leading global destination for high-quality bariatric surgery, attracting patients from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and beyond. You may be exploring this option and wondering what the process involves, why it’s so popular, and how to ensure you receive the safest, highest quality care.
This page is designed to answer your questions clearly and factually. As a medical team with decades of experience, we believe in empowering patients through education. We provide personalized surgical solutions and are here to help you understand every step of considering weight loss surgery in Turkey.
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Why Is Gastric Sleeve in Turkey a Popular Choice?
The decision to have gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey has become a trusted and common choice for many international patients. This popularity is built on two main pillars: exceptional medical quality and significant cost-effectiveness. Turkey’s leading private hospitals are among the most advanced in the world, many of which are JCI-accredited (Joint Commission International). This is the same accreditation held by top hospitals in the United States, ensuring they meet rigorous international standards for patient safety and quality of care.
These modern facilities are equipped with the latest technology, including robotic and advanced laparoscopic systems, which are essential for performing minimally invasive bariatric surgery. Furthermore, Turkish surgeons, particularly specialists in major cities, are highly-educated, experienced, and often contribute to global medical research. For example, Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe has over 25 years of experience and has contributed to hundreds of academic publications.
When you combine this high level of medical expertise with the cost of gastric sleeve in Turkey—which is often 50-70% lower than in countries like the US or UK—the value is clear. This price difference is not due to lower quality but to the country’s lower cost of living and operational expenses. Patients receive world-class care from a leading surgeon in a state-of-the-art hospital for a fraction of the price they would pay at home.
Is it safe to get a gastric sleeve in Turkey?
Yes, getting a gastric sleeve in Turkey is extremely safe, provided you do your research. The key is to choose a highly experienced, board-certified bariatric surgeon who operates in an internationally accredited (e.g., JCI) hospital. Top-tier Turkish clinics adhere to the highest European and American medical standards.
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The Gastric Sleeve Turkey Process: What to Expect
You might be wondering, “How does it all work? What is the process for an international patient?” We have streamlined the journey for our gastric sleeve Turkey patients to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our expert team provides support from your first enquiry to your long-term recovery back home.
The process generally follows these steps:
- Initial Online Consultation: Your journey begins with a free, no-obligation virtual consultation. You will speak with our patient coordinators and surgeon, who will review your medical history, discuss your weight loss goals, and determine if you are a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery.
- Planning & Arrival: Once you decide to proceed, our team will help you schedule your surgery and coordinate your travel. Most bariatric surgery Turkey packages include airport transfers, hotel accommodation, and all your hospital-related costs. You will typically be asked to arrive in Istanbul 1-2 days before your operation.
- Pre-Operative Tests: Upon arrival at our hospital, you will undergo a comprehensive set of pre-operative tests. This includes blood work, an EKG, chest X-ray, and consultations with specialists (like a cardiologist and anaesthesiologist) to ensure you are in the best possible health for surgery.
- The Surgery: Prof. Dr. Karatepe performs the gastric sleeve surgery using advanced laparoscopic techniques. This minimally invasive “keyhole” method involves 3-5 small incisions, resulting in less pain, minimal scarring, and a much faster recovery.
- Post-Op Hospital Stay: You will recover in the hospital for approximately 2-3 nights. Our dedicated nursing staff will manage your comfort and help you start walking—a key part of your initial recovery.
- Hotel Recovery & Fly-Home: After discharge, you will recover in a comfortable, nearby hotel for another 3-5 days. You will have a final check-up with your surgeon, who will provide your post-op diet plan and clear you to fly home safely.
Our care does not end when you leave Turkey. We provide a comprehensive long-term follow-up plan, including virtual appointments and nutritional support, to guide you through your successful weight loss journey.
How long do I need to stay in Turkey for a gastric sleeve?
In total, you should plan to be in Turkey for about 5 to 9 days. This typically includes 1-2 days for pre-op tests, a 2-3 night hospital stay, and another 3-5 days of recovery in a hotel for your final check-up before you are cleared to fly home.
Free WhatsApp Consultation:
Click Number to chat instantly on WhatsApp:
👉 +90 530 917 30 30
Why Choose Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe for Your Gastric Sleeve in Turkey?
When searching for the best gastric sleeve surgeon in Turkey, we know that expertise, trust, and a proven history of patient safety are the most important factors. Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe is recognized among the top bariatric surgeons in Turkey, bringing a level of experience that sets a high standard for medical excellence.
With over 25 years of specialized experience, Prof. Dr. Karatepe has successfully performed more than 3,000 surgeries. His extensive academic background, with hundreds of publications in national and international medical journals, means his practice is built on the latest evidence-based surgical techniques. This academic leadership ensures you are receiving care that is not only experienced but also at the forefront of medical innovation.
Prof. Dr. Karatepe is an expert in Master of advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. These minimally invasive methods are the gold standard for gastric sleeve surgery. For our patients, this expertise translates directly into key benefits:
- Significantly less post-operative pain
- A shorter and more comfortable hospital stay
- Minimal scarring from small incisions
- A faster and easier overall gastric sleeve recovery
Our entire clinic, from our multilingual patient coordinators to our dedicated nursing staff, is here to support you. We provide truly personalized surgical solutions, creating a care plan that is tailored to your specific health needs and goals. We are proud to offer a safe, supportive, and highly professional environment for our international patients seeking weight loss surgery in Turkey.
How to choose the right gastric sleeve surgeon in Turkey?
When choosing your surgeon for a gastric sleeve in Turkey, first verify their credentials. The procedure must be done by a bariatric surgeon—a general surgeon with special fellowship training in weight loss surgery. Look for extensive experience (1,000+ procedures), hospital accreditation (JCI), and a clear, long-term follow-up plan.
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Click Number to chat instantly on WhatsApp:
👉 +90 530 917 30 30
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gastric Sleeve in Turkey
Q: What is gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Gastric sleeve surgery is a weight loss surgery where a surgeon removes about 80% of the stomach. The remaining part is shaped into a small “sleeve,” which restricts food intake and reduces hunger hormones, helping you lose weight effectively.
Q: Why is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey so affordable?
A: The cost of gastric sleeve in Turkey is lower due to the country’s economic factors, including lower costs for medical facility operations and staff salaries, as well as favorable exchange rates. The lower price is not a reflection of lower quality, technology, or surgeon expertise.
Q: How much weight can I lose with a gastric sleeve in Turkey?
A: Patients who receive a gastric sleeve in Turkey can typically expect to lose 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first 12-18 months. Your personal success depends on your long-term commitment to diet and exercise.
Q: What is included in a gastric sleeve Turkey package?
A: While packages vary, a comprehensive gastric sleeve Turkey package from our clinic typically includes the surgeon’s fee, all hospital costs, anaesthesia, pre-op tests, your hospital stay, all medications, airport-hotel-hospital transfers, and hotel accommodation.
Q: What is the recovery like after my surgery in Turkey?
A: Your gastric sleeve recovery begins immediately. You’ll be walking within hours of surgery. You will be on a liquid diet for the first couple of weeks, progressing to soft foods. Most patients return to desk work in 2-3 weeks and feel back to normal within 4-6 weeks.
Q: Is gastric sleeve in Turkey safe for international patients?
A: Yes. Patient safety is our highest priority. As a leading bariatric surgery Turkey clinic, we use internationally accredited hospitals and advanced technology. The risks are the same as having the surgery in any other developed country, and are very low with an experienced surgeon.
Q: How do I prepare for my gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey?
A: Preparation involves a pre-operative diet, typically for 2-4 weeks before you travel. This low-carb, low-fat diet helps shrink your liver, making the laparoscopic surgery safer and technically easier for your surgeon.
Q: Will I have loose skin after my weight loss?
A: Significant weight loss often results in loose skin. The amount depends on your age, genetics, and how much weight you lose. Some patients opt for plastic surgery in Turkey to remove excess skin after their weight has been stable for at least 18 months.
Q: Do I need to take vitamins for life after a gastric sleeve?
A: Yes. Because you will be eating much less, you must take daily vitamin and mineral supplements for life to prevent nutritional deficiencies. This is a crucial, non-negotiable part of your new, healthy lifestyle after bariatric surgery.
Q: How is gastric sleeve different from gastric bypass in Turkey?
A: A gastric sleeve only involves reducing stomach size. A gastric bypass is a more complex weight loss surgery that both reduces stomach size and reroutes the small intestine, changing how you absorb calories. Prof. Dr. Karatepe will advise which is better for you.
Q: Can I fly home safely after gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Yes. Our team will clear you for your flight, usually about 7-9 days after your surgery. We will provide you with compression stockings and instructions to walk around on the plane to prevent blood clots, which is standard procedure.
Q: What is the long-term follow-up like when I return home?
A: Our expert team provides a complete long-term aftercare program. We schedule regular follow-up calls and video consultations to monitor your progress, provide nutritional guidance, and support you in achieving your long-term health goals.
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.
Contact Us Today
Our expert team for gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey is ready to assist you. If you have more questions or would like to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, please reach out to us. We are here to help you take the next step toward a healthier future.
Free WhatsApp Consultation:
Click Number to chat instantly on WhatsApp:
👉 +90 530 917 30 30
How can I book an appointment?
You can contact us directly via phone, WhatsApp, or by filling out the online contact form on our website. Our dedicated international patient coordinators will be happy to schedule your consultation with Prof. Dr. Karatepe.