Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey
What you need to know before you decide
A gastric sleeve makes your stomach smaller, so you feel full on much less food and, for most people, less hungry between meals. It is permanent and works best alongside lasting changes to how you eat and live.
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What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, the operation removes a large portion of the stomach and leaves a narrower, tube-shaped “sleeve”. The smaller stomach helps you feel full after eating less. Changes in gut hormones may also reduce hunger.
Unlike gastric bypass, the procedure does not reroute the intestines. However, it permanently changes the stomach and requires long-term nutritional care.
Important: This guide is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, benefits and risks are assessed by a qualified bariatric surgeon.
Who Is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
A gastric sleeve is usually considered for adults living with severe obesity who haven’t been able to lose weight and keep it off through diet, exercise or medication. It’s often recommended when weight is also affecting your health, for example through type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea or joint pain.
Suitability is never decided on weight alone. Your surgeon looks at your overall health, your medical history, past weight loss attempts and whether you’re ready for the changes to eating and follow-up that come after surgery. Your free assessment is where we find out what suits you.
What Happens During the Operation?
Preparation
When you arrive at the hospital, you will undergo comprehensive pre-operative tests and assessments to ensure you are fully prepared and medically cleared for surgery.
Keyhole surgery
The operation is done through a few small cuts in your abdomen, using a camera and fine instruments.
Forming the sleeve
About 75–80% of the stomach is removed. What remains is a narrow, tube-shaped stomach that holds far less food.
Monitored recovery
Nurses monitor you closely, and you are encouraged to walk and take small sips of water soon after surgery.
PATIENT RESULTS
Bariatric Surgery Before and After
These are Galya Health patients who had weight loss surgery in Istanbul, including gastric sleeve,
gastric bypass and other bariatric procedures.
Individual results may vary. Photos are shared with patient consent.
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Compare optıons
Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass vs Revisional Surgery
A gastric sleeve and a gastric bypass are first operations. Revisional surgery is for people who have already had weight loss surgery.
| Feature | Gastric sleeve | Gastric bypass | Revisional surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it involves | About 75–80% of the stomach removed | Small stomach pouch joined directly to the small intestine, as a Roux-en-Y or a mini (one anastomosis) bypass | A second operation that corrects or converts an earlier weight loss surgery, such as a sleeve to a bypass |
| Surgery | Keyhole surgery | Keyhole surgery | Keyhole surgery |
| Hospital stay | 4 nights | 4 nights | 4 nights |
Not sure which fits you? Our medical team will recommend an option after reviewing your assessment.
COST & PACKAGE
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost in Turkey: What’s Included
We don’t publish a single price, because the right quote depends on you. Your medical history and the treatment you need both affect the final figure.
Your quote is written down in full before you book, so you know exactly what’s covered.
What a typical package includes
- Surgery by an experienced bariatric team
- 4 nights in hospital
- All pre-operative tests and post-operative checks
- VIP airport transfers
- A personal translator throughout your stay
- Consultation with a dietitian
- One companion included
- All meals during your stay: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Lifetime patient support
Flights are usually booked separately, so you can choose the dates and airline that suit you.
WHY GALYA HEALTH
Why Choose Galya Health for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Because your journey deserves more than just surgery.
Expert, experienced medical team
The surgical team we work with performs sleeve gastrectomy week in, week out. In surgery, experience matters.
Fully equipped hospital
Your surgery takes place in a private hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health and fully equipped for weight loss surgery.
One-on-one care and follow-up
Your care is planned around you, with one coordinator looking after you from your first message to your follow-up at home.
Coordinator and translator support
Someone who speaks your language is with you at the hospital and throughout your time in Istanbul.
Lifetime patient support
Our support doesn’t end when you fly home. Your team is there for advice and follow-up for as long as you need it.
Officially authorised
Galya Health is authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health for international health tourism, and licensed as a travel agency.
Free medical assessment
Tell us about your health, goals and expectations. It takes around two minutes and comes with no obligation.
Specialist Review & Personalised Plan
Your medical information is reviewed by our specialist team. If treatment is suitable for you, we’ll prepare a personalised plan including your procedure, hospital stay, accommodation and quotation.
Your Journey in Istanbul
From your pre-operative tests and hospital admission to your treatment and recovery, everything is carefully coordinated for you. Your Galya coordinator is by your side throughout your stay.
Ongoing Support at Home
Our support doesn’t end when you fly home. Your Galya coordinator is always just a message away.
YOUR JOURNEY WITH GALYA
Clear steps.
Personal support.
One dedicated team.
From your first message to your follow-up at home,
one coordinator looks after every step, so you always
know what happens next.
Am I a suitable candidate for a gastric sleeve?
It’s usually considered for adults living with severe obesity who haven’t managed to lose weight through diet, exercise or medication, especially when weight is affecting their health. Your surgeon makes the final decision after reviewing your overall health and medical history in your free assessment.
How much weight will I lose after a gastric sleeve?
Patients are generally expected to lose around 60 to 70% of their excess weight within 12 to 18 months, with the fastest loss usually in the first six months. How much you lose depends on your eating habits, how active you are and how closely you follow the personal guidance your doctor gives you after surgery, so results vary from person to person.
How long is recovery after gastric sleeve surgery?
You stay in hospital for four nights. Over about six weeks your diet moves from liquids to purées, then soft food, then normal textures. Most people with desk jobs are back at work within three to four weeks, light exercise can usually start from week five, and heavier exercise once your surgeon agrees.
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?
Your stay is built around four nights in hospital. Your pre-operative tests, the operation and your early recovery all happen there, and you fly home once your surgeon is happy for you to travel.
Is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey safe?
Weight loss surgery is a major operation wherever it’s done, and like any surgery it carries risks. What makes it safer is a thorough assessment beforehand, an experienced surgical team, a licensed hospital and proper follow-up. Every case is reviewed by a surgeon before a date is confirmed, and your surgeon will talk you through the risks that apply to you.
Is gastric sleeve surgery permanent or reversible?
It’s permanent. The part of the stomach that’s removed can’t be put back. A sleeve can later be converted to a gastric bypass if needed, but that’s a second operation, not a reversal.
Can you regain weight after a gastric sleeve?
Yes, some people regain part of the weight, usually two or more years after surgery. It’s most often linked to grazing, high-calorie drinks and portions slowly getting bigger. Keeping the habits you build in the first year and staying in touch with your team make the biggest difference.
Will I need vitamins after surgery?
Yes, for life. Because you eat much less, most people take a daily multivitamin and often vitamin B12, iron, calcium and vitamin D as well. Regular blood tests show whether anything needs adjusting.
Will I have loose skin after a gastric sleeve?
Some loose skin is common after large weight loss, especially on the tummy, arms and thighs. How much depends on your age, how much weight you lose and your skin’s natural elasticity. Staying active and losing weight steadily can help, and some people choose body contouring surgery once their weight has been stable for at least a year.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Gastric Sleeve FAQs
Questions are part of good decisions. These are the ones we hear most often.
Ready to find out if a gastric sleeve is right for you?
Start with a free medical assessment. It takes about two minutes, and there’s no obligation.
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