Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery can transform health for people living with severe obesity, improving or resolving conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea and high blood pressure. Turkey is a major destination for gastric sleeve and bypass surgery because of lower prices and short waiting times. It is also major, life-changing surgery that requires lifelong follow-up, which is the part most often underestimated when it is done abroad.
The main operations
| Operation | How it works | Points to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeve gastrectomy | About three-quarters of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow tube | Irreversible; can worsen reflux in some people |
| Roux-en-Y gastric bypass | A small stomach pouch is connected directly to the small intestine | Strong effect on diabetes; lifelong vitamin supplements essential |
| One-anastomosis (mini) gastric bypass | A simpler bypass with one connection | Effective; risk of bile reflux in some patients |
| Gastric balloon | A temporary balloon placed by endoscopy | Non-surgical, temporary, more modest weight loss |
Who is eligible?
International guidelines generally consider surgery for people with a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more with obesity-related conditions; recent guidance from major societies also considers lower thresholds in some cases, such as poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Eligibility should be confirmed by a medical team, not a sales coordinator. Be cautious of offers to people with a much lower BMI.
Before surgery
- Full medical assessment, blood tests, and often endoscopy and heart/lung checks
- Assessment by a dietitian and, ideally, a psychologist
- A pre-operative liquid diet for 1–2 weeks to shrink the liver
Hospital stay and flying
Patients usually stay 2–4 nights in hospital. Many surgeons recommend remaining in the country for about 5–7 days or more before flying, with blood clot prevention (injections, stockings, walking).
Life after surgery
- A staged diet from liquids to purées to solids over several weeks
- Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements, especially after bypass
- Regular blood tests and follow-up with a bariatric team
- Exercise and support to maintain weight loss
Before booking, find out who will provide your follow-up at home and what it costs.
Typical costs in Turkey
Gastric sleeve packages are commonly quoted at about €3,000–€6,000 and bypass slightly more, depending on hospital and surgeon. Very low prices deserve careful questions about the hospital, surgeon and aftercare.
Risks
Leaks from staple lines, bleeding, blood clots, nutritional deficiencies, reflux, gallstones and, rarely, death. Risks are lower with experienced bariatric surgeons in hospitals that perform these operations regularly.
Questions to ask
- Who is my surgeon, and how many bariatric operations do they perform per year?
- Which operation do you recommend for me, and why?
- What pre-operative tests will I have?
- What follow-up do you provide, and for how long?
See also medical tourism in Turkey.
Frequently asked questions
How much weight will I lose?
Many patients lose a large proportion of their excess weight in the first 1–2 years, but results vary and depend on long-term habits.
Can I have plastic surgery afterwards?
Many people have skin-removal surgery once weight has been stable for 6–12 months.
Is a sleeve reversible?
No. Part of the stomach is removed permanently.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Discuss bariatric surgery with your own doctor. See our medical disclaimer.
