Sleeve Gastrectomy in Turkey

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

With traditional methods (such as a healthy low-calorie diet and regular exercise) failing to achieve weight loss, especially in cases of severe obesity, alternative, more effective methods are usually considered. Here, gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey stands out as an innovative approach that directly and effectively helps reduce body weight to acceptable normal levels.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

Gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey is a surgical method aimed at reducing body weight by removing the majority of the stomach (70-80% of its total size). This results in a feeling of fullness and satiety after consuming a limited amount of food, leading to gradual weight loss. It is worth noting that gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey can be performed either traditionally with an open incision or using laparoscopic surgery.

Am I a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey?

There are various options available for weight loss surgeries and procedures, so a specialist can help determine the most suitable option based on several factors such as the patient’s weight, health condition, and expectations. Generally, gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey is considered one of the best recommended options in the following cases:

• Failure of traditional methods (such as a healthy low-calorie diet and regular exercise) to achieve the desired weight.
• If the Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or higher, provided the candidate does not have any obesity-related medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or arteriosclerosis.
• If the candidate has an obesity-related medical condition but has a BMI between 35 and 40 (note that for a gastric balloon procedure, the BMI should be less than 35).
• Sometimes, gastric sleeve surgery is a necessary preliminary step before undergoing a bypass surgery (another surgical method for weight loss).

Instructions Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Tips and Instructions for Preparing for Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey:

• It is essential to consult with the specialist and understand all details about gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey, including the recovery and healing phase, to ensure that the expected results align with personal goals and expectations.

• To prepare for gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey, a series of tests and examinations should be conducted to assess overall health. These tests include: a complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood glucose level test, bleeding and clotting tests, kidney and liver function tests, abdominal ultrasound, specialized cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram), and an electrocardiogram.

• Smokers should completely stop smoking for 3-4 weeks before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey.

• For those taking blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin, Clexane, or heparin), these should be discontinued 2 weeks before the surgery, after consulting with the treating physician.

Steps of Performing Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

Gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey is performed according to the following steps:

1. The patient is first administered general anesthesia.
2. The surgery is then performed either traditionally with an open abdominal incision or using laparoscopic surgery, which involves 3-6 small abdominal incisions of no more than 2 cm in length.
3. Once the stomach is reached, it is separated from surrounding tissues, and approximately 70-80% of its total size is removed.
4. During this stage, the surgeon may also perform a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) to prevent the formation of gallstones, which are more likely to develop after the surgery and significant weight loss. Gallbladder removal is also recommended for those with existing gallbladder inflammation or stones.

Post-Operative Instructions for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Recovery and Healing Phase After Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey:

• Mobility: Once the effects of general anesthesia wear off, patients should be encouraged to move around rather than lying still in bed. This is to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition.

• Post-Surgery Monitoring: Approximately 12 hours after the surgery, the abdominal area, especially the stomach, should be examined using ultrasound and X-rays. This is to ensure there are no leaks or blockages in the stomach.

• Dietary Guidelines:

  • For the first two weeks following the surgery, the diet should consist solely of liquids.
  • In the subsequent two weeks, pureed or mashed foods can be introduced.
  • Solid foods can be reintroduced after four weeks, meaning that patients can resume normal eating without significant restrictions approximately one month after the surgery.

• Nutritional Supplements: Since the majority of the stomach is removed, the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals significantly decreases, increasing the risk of malnutrition. Therefore, it is essential to take regular dietary supplements under the supervision of a healthcare professional to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Are there any potential risks associated with undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey?

Gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey is generally safe, but certain conditions may lead to temporary side effects that resolve quickly or can be avoided with simple preventive measures. The main potential side effects include:

• Anesthesia Risks: These may include allergic reactions to anesthesia or circulatory issues. Such side effects can be managed by performing the surgery in a well-equipped medical facility capable of addressing these situations effectively if they arise.

• Wound Infection: This may occur if wound hygiene is neglected or if antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by the doctor are not taken. Following the surgeon's post-operative care instructions closely is crucial to prevent infection or inflammation at the wound site.

• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms are common during the first few days after surgery and may occur when starting to eat solid foods. Fortunately, these symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days.

• Anemia and Nutritional Deficiencies: With the removal of most of the stomach, the ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals decreases, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, taking regular dietary supplements under medical supervision is essential to avoid these health issues.

• Dehydration: The reduction in stomach size also limits fluid intake, which can increase the risk of dehydration. It is important to drink water, fluids, and juices regularly, even if not feeling thirsty, to stay hydrated.

Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

Turkey offers advanced techniques for performing gastric sleeve surgery at more affordable prices compared to the European Union and the United States.

Generally, the cost of gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey varies based on several factors, including:

• Type and extent of pre-surgery preparatory procedures.
• Expertise and skill of the medical team performing the surgery.
• Facilities and equipment available at the chosen hospital.
• Method of performing the surgery (traditional incision or laparoscopic).
• Whether a cholecystectomy is performed.
• Whether a bypass surgery is performed.
• Duration of hospital stay.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

Turkey is a preferred destination for international patients seeking gastric sleeve surgery due to its prominent global reputation in this field for the following reasons:

• Expert Medical Professionals: Turkey is home to some of the best doctors and specialists in obesity treatment and gastric sleeve surgeries. These experts possess the experience and skills necessary to handle cases of varying complexity, gained from successfully managing hundreds of cases over the years.

• Advanced Medical Facilities: Turkey boasts numerous hospitals and specialized centers equipped with the latest medical technology and facilities needed for effective and safe surgeries.

• High-Quality Services at Affordable Costs: Turkish hospitals offer medical services that adhere to the highest international standards, often at more economical prices compared to those in Europe and the United States.

• No Waiting Lists: There are no lengthy waiting lists for surgeries, and all required procedures are completed in a short time frame without complications, under the supervision of professionals committed to meeting personal needs and ensuring patient comfort and privacy.

• Adherence to Global Protocols: Turkey follows the latest international treatment and diagnostic protocols, resulting in some of the highest success rates for obesity treatment through gastric sleeve surgery worldwide.