Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is the most commonly performed weight loss operation in the world. The operation is carried out laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthetic and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. During the operation, around 75 to 80% of your stomach is removed, leaving a small, tube-shaped stomach. This change significantly limits the amount of food you can eat.

Gastric sleeve surgery also changes the production of some hunger hormones, which reduces your appetite, helps you feel full sooner and, in some cases, improves obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea.

Most patients lose around 60 to 70% of their excess weight within 12 to 18 months, depending on their lifestyle changes, eating habits and physical activity. If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey, contact us today and request your free consultation to take the first step towards a healthier, more confident life.

The most important benefit of gastric sleeve surgery is lasting weight loss. Weight lost through diet and exercise alone is often regained, while weight loss after surgery can be maintained for many years when healthy habits are kept up.

Alongside the weight loss, your general health improves noticeably. In a significant number of patients with type 2 diabetes, blood sugar comes under control and the need for medication is reduced or disappears completely. High blood pressure and sleep apnoea ease, and the risk of heart disease falls. With less strain on your joints, you feel relief from back and knee pain.

These changes carry over into your daily life. Your energy increases, and everyday activities such as climbing stairs, going for a walk or spending time with your children become easier. Many patients say their confidence grows with the change in their appearance, and they feel more comfortable in social situations.

Like any surgical procedure, gastric sleeve surgery carries certain risks. Understanding these risks clearly is important for making an informed decision.

Serious complications from the operation are rare. These include bleeding, infection, a leak along the staple line and blood clots. With an experienced surgical team and close patient monitoring, these risks are very low. Risks related to general anaesthesia are also assessed separately before surgery.

Some side effects can occur after the operation. Some patients may develop heartburn or acid reflux, or existing reflux symptoms may get worse. Rapid weight loss can lead to temporary hair loss, tiredness and gallstones. In the long term, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can develop, and these are monitored with regular check-ups.

These risks can vary depending on factors such as your age, Body Mass Index (BMI), medical history and existing health conditions. Your surgeon discusses the main risks with you during your consultation.

After the operation, you stay in hospital for 3 nights. During this time, nurses and your surgeon closely monitor your recovery.

Recovery starts within the first hours. You can get up and walk 4 to 6 hours after the operation. Feeling tired in the first few days is normal. You may also have a mild sore throat for a few days, caused by the breathing tube used during anaesthesia.

Pain after the operation is usually mild and mostly comes from the gas used in your abdomen during surgery. Regular walking reduces this pain, supports your circulation and speeds up your recovery. You are also given regular pain relief.

Most patients return to their daily routine a few days after discharge. If you work in an office, you can usually return to work after 1 week. For physically demanding jobs, ask your surgeon about the right time to return. Avoid heavy lifting in the first few weeks. You can start light exercise 1 month after the operation. Full recovery usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.

The day after your operation, you start taking fluids in hospital. You can drink fluids such as water, apple juice and clear soups. Before you are discharged, your dietitian gives you a detailed diet plan and answers all your questions.

Your diet progresses in stages. In the first weeks, you have only smooth liquids. You then move on to pureed foods. The next stage is soft foods that can easily be mashed with a fork. Finally, you return to regular foods. The length of each stage depends on how quickly you recover.

During this process, you build new eating habits. Eating slowly with small portions, chewing each bite well and stopping when you feel full are all important. Drinking with meals is not recommended, so leave around 30 minutes between eating and drinking.

Weight loss is rapid, especially in the first months. A protein-rich diet during this period can reduce muscle loss and keep loose skin to a minimum, but it must be supported with physical activity. Stay away from fizzy drinks and alcohol, as they can stretch your stomach. In the long term, a healthy and balanced diet is the key to maintaining your weight loss.

The gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are the two most commonly performed operations in weight loss surgery.

• Gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive procedure. Your stomach is made smaller, and your digestive system is not changed.
• Gastric bypass is both a restrictive and a malabsorptive procedure. Your stomach is made smaller, and at the same time the way your digestive system works is changed. The mini gastric bypass and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are the most commonly performed types.

With a gastric bypass, your body absorbs fewer nutrients, so you take in fewer calories from the food you eat. As a result, weight loss is faster and greater than with a gastric sleeve. However, this also leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, so lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements are needed.

Which Operation Is Right for You?

• Acid reflux: If you have a confirmed diagnosis of acid reflux (GORD), gastric sleeve surgery is usually not recommended. In this case, gastric bypass is the more suitable option.
• Diabetes: Both operations are effective in treating type 2 diabetes. However, if your diabetes is severe or your blood sugar cannot be controlled with medication, gastric bypass can give better results.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): You need a BMI of 30 or above for gastric sleeve surgery, and 35 or above for gastric bypass.

Which operation is right for you depends on your personal situation, medical history and goals.