
Clinical Lead
Meva Clinic Bariatric Care Team
Gastric Sleeve in Turkey (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
- from 2,500 €
- ~4 nights in hospital
- no deposit
- English-speaking coordinator
Gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy or stomach reduction surgery, is a laparoscopic bariatric procedure in which a significant part of the stomach is removed. Whether it is indicated, and the final plan, are decided by the specialist surgeon after a clinical assessment.
Meva Clinic Bariatric Care Team
Patient Care Information
Patient Care Information
"Our clinical approach prioritizes patient safety, individualized treatment planning, realistic expectations, and long-term follow-up throughout the international care journey."
About This Procedure
What is gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy or stomach reduction surgery, is a laparoscopic bariatric procedure in which a significant part of the stomach is removed. Whether it is indicated, and the final plan, are decided by the specialist surgeon after a clinical assessment.
Gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul starts with a question only a medical assessment can answer: is a sleeve the right operation for you? Your BMI, obesity-related conditions and reflux history are reviewed first, together with blood tests, an ECG and, where indicated, an upper endoscopy. If reflux is significant, the team may advise considering gastric bypass in Istanbul instead. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is performed under general anaesthesia by an experienced obesity surgeon at a JCI-accredited partner hospital. Plan for about four nights in hospital with 24/7 nursing; you fly home after discharge, once the surgeon clears you (a Bosphorus-view partner hotel can be arranged on request at separate cost); return to work is usually planned after 10–14 days. Once home, 12 months of online nutrition and follow-up support guide every diet stage. Weight loss differs from person to person, and no specific result can be promised. Pricing for Gastric Sleeve surgery starts from €2,500 and includes complications insurance with coverage for 6 months. The final cost is confirmed individually, in writing, after a complete medical evaluation.
How much does a gastric sleeve cost in Turkey compared with the UK?
At Meva Clinic, a gastric sleeve costs from €2,500, with pre-operative tests, about 4 nights in hospital, transfers, an English-speaking coordinator and complication cover included. There is no deposit: you pay at the hospital in the evening, after admission and after you have spoken with the surgeon.
| Meva Clinic, Istanbul | UK private hospital | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | €2,500 | typically about £8,500–£14,000* |
| Pre-operative tests | included | often extra* |
| Nights in hospital | about 4 | typically 1–2* |
| Transfers and coordinator | included | n/a |
| Complication cover | 6 months, included | varies |
| Flight | extra | n/a |
* UK figures are typical published private prices, checked October 2026 (e.g. Ramsay Health Care UK); they vary by hospital.
On the NHS, weight-loss surgery is free, but waiting times are often long. Whichever route you take, the choice should not be made on price alone, but on the surgeon's experience, how many nights you stay under monitoring, and what aftercare you get if a complication appears once you are back home.
Common worries about surgery in Turkey, and what we do differently
Doctors increasingly describe patients who came home with complications after rushed operations at inexperienced clinics, and patients writing reviews say the same things. Here is each concern and how it is handled at Meva Clinic:
- “They operated on me an hour after I landed.” With us you arrive in the evening and rest overnight in hospital; the tests and the operation take place the next day.
- “They did an operation I didn't need.” The surgeon reviews your file free of charge before you travel and recommends the right procedure: sleeve, bypass, balloon or no surgery at all.
- “I only saw the surgeon for a few seconds.” You are operated on by Op. Dr. Cuma A., a general surgeon with more than 10 years of experience in obesity surgery and more than 10,000 bariatric procedures. You talk with him before the operation and can ask all your questions.
- “Nobody could understand me.” An English-speaking patient coordinator is with you at the hospital, at consultations and at discharge.
- “They discharged me too quickly.” You stay about 4 nights in hospital, with round-the-clock nursing. You go home only when the surgeon gives the go-ahead.
- “Once I was home, nobody answered.” You get 1 year of remote medical follow-up on WhatsApp, Zoom or email.
- “I had to pay again at home.” The package includes complication cover of up to €5,000 for 6 months after surgery, including up to €1,500 for care in your home country, according to the policy terms.
- “They asked for money before I arrived.” We do not ask for a deposit. You pay at the hospital, after admission.
Full guide: Is weight-loss surgery in Turkey safe? Risks, complications and warning signs.
How much weight will you lose after a gastric sleeve?
Results are usually measured as the percentage of excess weight lost. The two large randomised clinical trials that followed patients for 5 years show what is realistic:
- SM-BOSS (Switzerland, JAMA 2018): after 5 years, gastric sleeve patients had lost on average 61% of their excess BMI (68% after bypass).
- SLEEVEPASS (Finland, JAMA 2018): after 5 years, 49% excess weight loss after gastric sleeve and 57% after bypass.
Example: a person who is 1.65 m tall and weighs 120 kg carries about 52 kg of excess weight relative to a BMI of 25. Losing 50–60% of that excess means about 26–31 kg kept off in the long term. Most of the weight comes off in the first 12–18 months. The result depends on diet, exercise and check-ups. Some weight regain after 2–3 years is common, and temporary plateaus are normal.
For your own estimate, use our BMI calculator or send us your height and weight.
Medically reviewed by
Op. Dr. Cuma A.
General Surgeon · Obesity & Metabolic Surgery
Graduate of Istanbul University–Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine and specialist in general surgery. For more than 10 years his practice has focused on obesity and metabolic surgery — sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gastric botox and gastric balloon — with more than 10,000 bariatric procedures performed. Holds the Turkish Ministry of Health–approved obesity surgery certification.
Who is a candidate for a gastric sleeve?
Your BMI is above 35 kg/m² and you want to find out whether bariatric surgery is right for your situation.
Your BMI is between 30 and 34.9 kg/m², you have a metabolic condition, and non-surgical methods have not given you lasting results.
You are looking for a primary procedure that reduces stomach volume and you understand that long-term changes to how you eat are needed.
You understand that eligibility and the choice of procedure are decided individually, after assessment by the medical team.
What the gastric sleeve package in Turkey includes
Free assessment by the surgeon before you travel (WhatsApp video call or email)
Pre-operative tests and investigations at the hospital
Laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia, performed by Op. Dr. Cuma A.
About 4 nights in hospital, with round-the-clock nursing and 3 meals a day
VIP transfer from the airport (IST or SAW) to the hospital and back
English-speaking patient coordinator with you at the hospital
One companion can stay free of charge in your hospital room, meals included
Discharge medication, vitamins, compression stockings and a post-operative check-up
Complication cover for 6 months after surgery, according to the policy terms
Remote medical follow-up for 1 year (WhatsApp, Zoom or email)
Flights are not included. Optional: partner hotel with Bosphorus views, on request (charged separately)
How the operation works, step by step
Laparoscopic removal of ~80% of the stomach.
Access & Anesthesia
Performed under general anesthesia. Minimally invasive laparoscopic incisions (5-12mm) are created to insert the camera and specialized surgical instruments.
Gastric Mobilization
The blood vessels and tissue attachments along the greater curvature of the stomach are carefully mobilized using advanced energy devices from the pylorus to the junction of the esophagus.
Sleeve Resection & Volume Reduction
A calibration tube (bougie, 36F-40F) is inserted to guide the shape. A surgical linear stapler resects a significant portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow, sleeve-like tube to achieve stomach volume reduction.
Leak Verification
The surgical team performs an intraoperative leak test (using dye or air insufflation) to inspect the staple line integrity and verify complete hemostasis.
Closure & Extraction
The resected stomach portion is extracted, laparoscopic port sites are closed using absorbable sutures, and local anesthetic is applied to the incision sites for early pain control.
Gastric sleeve recovery, day by day
Early Hospital Stay
A short hospital stay in a partner hospital setting for close monitoring, early mobilization, pain management, and clear-liquid introduction.
Days 3-5 (Hospital Recovery & Discharge)
Continued recovery under 24/7 hospital nursing until discharge. Progress to full liquids (strained soups, protein shakes) and light walking. Optional: a partner hotel in Istanbul can be arranged on request (separate cost).
Weeks 2-4 (Soft Foods)
Return home with structured coordination support. Transition to pureed and soft foods (eggs, mashed vegetables, fish). Avoid carbonation and drinking liquids with meals.
Months 2-12 (Lifestyle Integration)
Gradual transition to small, structured solid meals focusing on lean proteins. Ongoing support with our post-operative nutrition and dietitian follow-up program.
The Meva Advantage
Minimally invasive laparoscopic technique and nutritional support according to the confirmed care plan.
Risks and safety: what can go wrong and how it is managed
Hospital-based bariatric procedures are coordinated through case-specific partner hospital settings, with structured medical assessment, pre-operative surgeon consultation, in-person anesthesia evaluation, and post-operative nutrition and follow-up planning. Below are the clinical guidelines, safety protocols, and medical reference documentation for this procedure.
Indicated / Suitable For
- Individuals exploring options for a gastric sleeve in Turkey, typically with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher when accompanied by obesity-related comorbidities.
- Candidates who have struggled to achieve sustainable weight reduction through medically supervised diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
- International patients seeking structured travel planning and professional coordination for weight loss surgery in Istanbul.
- Individuals who may be suitable for a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (laparoscopic gastric sleeve) as a primary surgical intervention for weight management, subject to comprehensive medical assessment.
- Patients showing readiness and commitment to long-term post-operative nutrition guidance, lifestyle changes, and clinical follow-up planning.
Contraindications / Not Suitable
- Untreated psychiatric conditions or active substance dependence that could compromise adherence to long-term post-operative guidelines.
- Portal hypertension with gastric varices, untreated coagulopathy, or advanced cardiopulmonary disease that increases general anesthesia risks.
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding, severe untreated esophagitis, or Barrett's esophagus where an alternative bariatric procedure may be clinically preferred.
- Pregnancy, or planning to conceive within 12 to 18 months following surgery during the rapid weight loss phase.
- Unwillingness or inability to commit to daily nutritional supplementation, progressive diet stages, and regular clinical monitoring.
Pre-Operative Evaluation & Diagnostic Checks
Bariatric Surgery Consultation: A detailed medical history review, lifestyle assessment, and hospital-based surgical planning.
Pre-Operative Laboratory Profile: Comprehensive blood tests (complete blood count, metabolic panel, liver and kidney function, thyroid profile, HbA1c, lipid panel, and baseline vitamin screenings).
Anesthesia & General Fitness: Electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and pulmonary function reviews to evaluate general anesthesia tolerance.
Gastrointestinal Diagnostics: Upper endoscopy (EGD) where indicated to assess the stomach lining, screen for hiatal hernias, and test for H. pylori.
Multidisciplinary Assessment: Clearances and evaluations from cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology, and anesthesiology before final surgical approval is granted.
Potential Risks & Complications
In compliance with transparent clinical reporting, Meva Clinic ensures patients are fully informed of the physiological risks associated with surgical procedures through accredited partner-hospital safety protocols where clinically appropriate.
Gastric fluid leakage from the resection line into the abdominal cavity; mitigated by intraoperative leak testing and managed via endoscopic stents or surgical intervention.
Hemorrhage along the stapled edge of the stomach; monitored closely in the hospital and managed surgically or conservatively as required.
Narrowing or twisting of the newly formed stomach sleeve due to scar tissue, typically resolved with endoscopic balloon dilation.
Reduced absorption of iron, calcium, folate, and vitamins (B12, D); prevented and managed through lifelong structured daily supplementation.
New-onset or worsened acid reflux due to anatomical alterations and increased pressure within the narrow stomach sleeve.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism; mitigated via sequential compression devices, early post-operative mobilization, and anticoagulant therapy.
Realistic Expectations & Outcomes
Weight-loss outcomes vary by patient and depend on medical suitability, nutrition, follow-up, and long-term lifestyle change. No specific amount of weight loss or health outcome can be guaranteed.
Revision & Follow-Up Policy
In cases of insufficient weight loss, severe reflux, or structural complications, a comprehensive diagnostic workup is performed. Revisional procedures (such as conversion to a gastric bypass) may be considered after multidisciplinary bariatric board review and personalized evaluation. For 12 months after your treatment you can also send photos to the medical team whenever you wish and receive their feedback, and your questions are answered remotely.
Authoritative Medical References & Studies
- [1]American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO): Joint Consensus Statement on Indications for Bariatric Surgery (2022).View Study
- [2]National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults.View Source
- [3]The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: 'Long-term metabolic and weight-loss outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass' (By-Band-Sleeve Trial, 2025).View Study
- [4]Peterli R, et al. Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Weight Loss in Patients With Morbid Obesity: The SM-BOSS Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018;319(3):255-265.View Study
- [5]Salminen P, et al. Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Weight Loss at 5 Years Among Patients With Morbid Obesity: The SLEEVEPASS Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018;319(3):241-254.View Study
Medical Disclaimer: The medical information on this page is for educational purposes only. Final eligibility, treatment planning, and surgical decisions are made exclusively after clinical assessment, blood tests, and face-to-face evaluations by the bariatric team.
Gastric sleeve in Turkey: frequently asked questions
Related Treatments
Gastric Bypass in Turkey (Roux-en-Y)
A bariatric and metabolic surgery option for eligible patients with severe obesity, including some patients with type 2 diabetes, after a multidisciplinary medical assessment.
Gastric Balloon (Allurion)
Non-surgical weight-loss support: a swallowable balloon capsule that creates a feeling of fullness for about 16 weeks, then passes naturally. No anaesthesia or endoscopy.
Gastric Botox Injection
A non-surgical endoscopic procedure that temporarily slows stomach emptying and supports appetite control in eligible patients, as part of a nutrition plan.
Bariatric Revision Surgery
A second, carefully planned operation for patients whose gastric sleeve, gastric band or gastric bypass has led to reflux, weight regain, insufficient weight loss or a mechanical problem, decided after a review of the first surgery and current tests.
Medical Insights & Blog
How Much Does Weight-Loss Surgery Cost in Turkey in 2026? Prices, Inclusions and What Affects the Cost
A clear guide to the cost of bariatric surgery in Istanbul in 2026: starting prices, what the package includes, what you pay separately and how to compare offers safely.
Romania – Istanbul Travel Guide for Bariatric Surgery
Everything to know before travelling from Romania to Istanbul for bariatric surgery: documents, flights, money, packing, how long to stay and how to fly home safely.
Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Surgery: When Bariatric Surgery Can Help
What international guidelines and randomized trials say about bariatric surgery for type 2 diabetes, who may qualify, the limits of remission and which tests to prepare.
Procedure Details
Hospital Stay
4 Nights
Hotel Package
Optional, on request
Return to Work
10-14 Days
Anaesthesia
General
Clinical Outcomes
Real results from our patients. Witness the transformational outcomes achieved by our expert medical team.


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