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Gastric Sleeve in Turkey (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Clinical Lead

Meva Clinic Bariatric Care Team

Meva Clinic · Istanbul

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, IstanbulUK private hospital
Starting price€2,500typically about £8,500–£14,000*
Pre-operative testsincludedoften extra*
Nights in hospitalabout 4typically 1–2*
Transfers and coordinatorincludedn/a
Complication cover6 months, includedvaries
Flightextran/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.

CA

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.

10,000+ bariatric procedures · MoH-certified obesity surgery

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.

1

Access & Anesthesia

Performed under general anesthesia. Minimally invasive laparoscopic incisions (5-12mm) are created to insert the camera and specialized surgical instruments.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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

1

Early Hospital Stay

A short hospital stay in a partner hospital setting for close monitoring, early mobilization, pain management, and clear-liquid introduction.

2

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).

3

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.

4

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.

HighSafety Standard
15+ Years Experience
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Clinical Standards & Safety

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

1

Bariatric Surgery Consultation: A detailed medical history review, lifestyle assessment, and hospital-based surgical planning.

2

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).

3

Anesthesia & General Fitness: Electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and pulmonary function reviews to evaluate general anesthesia tolerance.

4

Gastrointestinal Diagnostics: Upper endoscopy (EGD) where indicated to assess the stomach lining, screen for hiatal hernias, and test for H. pylori.

5

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.

Staple Line Leak

Gastric fluid leakage from the resection line into the abdominal cavity; mitigated by intraoperative leak testing and managed via endoscopic stents or surgical intervention.

Post-Operative Bleeding

Hemorrhage along the stapled edge of the stomach; monitored closely in the hospital and managed surgically or conservatively as required.

Gastric Sleeve Stricture

Narrowing or twisting of the newly formed stomach sleeve due to scar tissue, typically resolved with endoscopic balloon dilation.

Nutritional & Vitamin Deficiencies

Reduced absorption of iron, calcium, folate, and vitamins (B12, D); prevented and managed through lifelong structured daily supplementation.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

New-onset or worsened acid reflux due to anatomical alterations and increased pressure within the narrow stomach sleeve.

Thromboembolic Events

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

Generally, candidates are individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health concerns. All candidates undergo a thorough medical assessment for gastric sleeve, including comprehensive blood tests, cardiovascular checks, and nutritional reviews, to determine if bariatric surgery is appropriate.
Our Istanbul bariatric surgery coordination includes remote medical document review, pre-operative testing (blood panels, cardiology, upper endoscopy), in-person surgeon consultation, a laparoscopic gastric sleeve procedure with an expected hospital stay, airport transfer coordination and an optional partner hotel on request (separate cost) before return-home planning.
Potential risks include staple-line leak, bleeding, stricture (narrowing of the stomach), gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and long-term nutritional deficiencies. These risks are minimized through advanced surgical techniques (like stapling), intraoperative leak verification, and comprehensive post-operative guidance.
The diet progresses from clear liquids (first week) to full liquids (second week), followed by pureed and soft foods (weeks 3-4), before transitioning to small, structured solid meals. Patients must focus on high protein, avoid drinking liquids with meals, and take daily vitamin supplements.
Yes, regular follow-up is critical. Our coordination programs include structured post-operative nutrition guidance. Continued medical checks and annual blood panels are recommended to prevent vitamin deficiencies and support weight maintenance.
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.
Our coordination services assist with private airport transfers, hospital-based surgical care, 12-month post-operative nutrition coaching support and, on request, an optional partner hotel in Istanbul (separate cost).
At Meva Clinic, gastric sleeve surgery starts from €2,500, including 6-month medical complication insurance. According to your confirmed care plan, the package covers the laparoscopic operation under general anaesthesia, about 4 hospital nights with 24/7 nursing, private transfers and 12 months of online nutrition follow-up. Flights are not included; optional: a Bosphorus-view partner hotel can be arranged on request (separate cost). No deposit is required: the final price is confirmed in writing and paid at the hospital after your consultation.
Safety depends on the hospital and the team, not on the country. Check that the operation takes place in an accredited hospital, who the operating surgeon is and how much bariatric experience they have, that you receive a written plan covering tests, stay and price, and how complications and aftercare are handled once you are home. At Meva Clinic, the sleeve is performed by Op. Dr. Cuma A., a bariatric surgeon with more than 10 years' experience and over 10,000 procedures, at an accredited partner hospital.
Death after a sleeve is rare, but the risk is not zero. In published registry data on more than 611,000 patients, mortality within 30 days was 0.07% after sleeve gastrectomy and 0.15% after gastric bypass. A large meta-analysis of randomised trials across bariatric procedures reported 0.08% within 30 days. Risk rises with age, very high BMI, heart or lung disease and complications such as leaks, which is why a full pre-operative assessment always comes first.
Long-term studies show lasting benefit but also real limitations. In a published series of 103 patients followed for more than 10 years, those who kept their sleeve had lost about 50% of their excess weight, but 33% had been converted to another operation, mainly for weight regain or reflux, and 57% had reflux. A meta-analysis found weight regain in about 28% of patients after 7 years or more. The authors recommend a gastroscopy every 5 years after a sleeve.
The team usually checks a full blood count, blood sugar and HbA1c, liver and kidney function, clotting, thyroid hormones and vitamin levels, plus an ECG. Depending on your history, a chest X-ray, a cardiology review or an upper endoscopy may be added to look for reflux, a hiatal hernia or H. pylori. You can send recent results from home for the free online assessment; any missing tests are completed in Istanbul before surgery.
Not always. A sleeve can worsen existing reflux or cause new reflux in some patients. In a published randomised trial comparing the two operations over 5 years, reflux worsened in 31.8% of sleeve patients versus 6.3% after gastric bypass, and resolved in 25.0% versus 60.4%. If your history or endoscopy shows significant reflux or a hiatal hernia, the surgeon may recommend a gastric bypass instead. The final choice is made after your assessment.
Generally, no. Public health insurance in most European countries does not reimburse planned private surgery in Turkey, and because Turkey is outside the EU/EEA, the EU cross-border care rules and the S2 form do not apply. Some private insurers or employer schemes have their own rules, so check directly with your insurer before you travel. At Meva Clinic, the price is set out in writing in advance, with no deposit, and paid at the hospital after your consultation.
Reviews are useful if you read them critically. Look for detailed, dated experiences on independent platforms rather than short comments, and notice how a clinic responds when something went wrong. Then ask your own questions: who operates, in which accredited hospital, what happens if a complication occurs and what follow-up you get at home. At Meva Clinic, your coordinator answers these questions in writing, and the stay, price and aftercare are confirmed in your written plan before you book.
The laparoscopic operation usually takes 1–2 hours, plus preparation and waking up from the anaesthetic. You arrive in the evening and rest overnight in hospital; the next day you have your tests, talk with the surgeon and have the operation.
You get out of bed on the day of surgery. You stay about 4 nights in hospital, then fly home when the surgeon gives the go-ahead. Office work can usually be resumed after 10–14 days, and strenuous exercise after 4–6 weeks, as advised by your doctor.
Eating is reintroduced in stages: for about the first 2 weeks clear liquids and then full liquids, then 2 weeks of puréed food, then soft food, and after about 6–8 weeks a normal diet in small portions with protein at every meal. You receive a written nutrition plan and online follow-up.
Coffee is usually reintroduced after the first 2–4 weeks, in small amounts and without sugar, because it can irritate the stomach and dehydrate you. Fizzy drinks and alcohol are avoided for longer. Follow the guidance in your nutrition plan.
Plateaus lasting a few weeks are normal, especially in the first months. Some weight regain after 2–3 years happens in many patients. If the regain is significant, the cause is investigated (diet, a stretched stomach, reflux), and revision surgery is sometimes discussed.
The operation cannot be reversed, because part of the stomach is removed. Reflux can appear or get worse, you need vitamins and check-ups for life, and the result depends on changing your eating habits. Rarely, complications such as a leak or bleeding can occur, which is why the surgeon's experience and monitoring in hospital matter.
A gastric sleeve is usually the first choice for obesity without significant reflux. A gastric bypass is preferred for severe reflux or type 2 diabetes that is hard to control, and on average leads to slightly greater weight loss. The surgeon recommends the procedure after reviewing your file.
Yes. One companion can stay free of charge in your hospital room, meals included. The companion's flight is not included.
Yes. An English-speaking patient coordinator is with you at the hospital, during your talk with the surgeon and at discharge, and answers you on WhatsApp before and after the operation.
Guidelines usually recommend waiting 12–18 months after surgery, until your weight stabilises. Tell the surgeon if you are planning a pregnancy so you get advice on vitamins and contraception.

Procedure Details

Hospital Stay

4 Nights

Hotel Package

Optional, on request

Return to Work

10-14 Days

Anaesthesia

General

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Medical Disclaimer: The clinical information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or surgical procedure in Turkey.

Airport transfers are included in the confirmed package; partner-hotel stays are optional, on request (separate cost).

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