Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a speciality of abdominal surgery. The purpose of the surgical procedures is to reduce the weight of the affected person if there is severe overweight. Here, the doctor reduces the volume of the stomach. Such a procedure not only achieves weight loss, which has a positive aesthetic effect, but also has a positive effect on the entire metabolism. In many cases, this also leads to a reduction in blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics.

When is obesity present?

Obesity refers to a disease that involves being severely overweight. Today, the so-called body mass index (BMI) is used to calculate overweight, normal weight and underweight. The BMI is therefore a value that can be calculated from the height and weight of the person. This means that it can be used in medicine to classify body weight. A healthy normal weight is considered to be a BMI of 20 to 25, whereas obesity only exists from a BMI of 30. Severe obesity is also divided into three different grades:

• Grade I = BMI > 30
• Grade II = BMI > 35
• Grade III = BMI > 40

A long-term increase in body fat increases the risk of comorbidities. These include, above all, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, lipometabolic disorders and also some cancers.

What are the different types of bariatric surgery?

There are many different types of bariatric surgery. Slight differences arise mainly because the technique varies depending on the surgeon and the country where the procedure is performed. Below we present the four most popular weight loss options. Note, however, that the exact details of these procedures may vary slightly depending on your individual circumstances and goals.

Gastric balloon

The gastric balloon is the only non-surgical method. The gastric balloon fills the stomach using its own volume. The balloon itself is usually made of plastic or silicone. The filling level of the stomach can thus be increased even after a small intake of food. After about six months, however, the surgeon usually removes the gastric balloon again.

Since the balloon only stays in the body temporarily, this method is often used when very obese people are preparing for stomach surgery.

Gastric sleeve

In sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon surgically removes a large part of the stomach so that it is reduced in size. In its shape, the stomach resembles a sleeve, hence the term “gastric sleeve”. This reduction in capacity means that smaller portions are sufficient for satiety.

Gastric bypass

This procedure not only reduces the size of the stomach, but also shortens the digestive tract. This means that the surgeon reconstructs the digestive tract so that the ingested food goes from the upper stomach area directly to the lower parts of the intestine. As a result, the body can also absorb fewer calories and nutrients. Thus, especially with this method, there is often a nutrient deficiency that should be supplemented with certain preparations.

Gastric band

Here, the surgeon ties the stomach with a certain band so that it can absorb significantly less food. In this procedure, the doctor places the band around the stomach near the entrance to the stomach, thus narrowing it. As a result, the feeling of satiety sets in after just a small portion.

What is life like after a gastric sleeve?

You should note that you will lose weight quickly in the first few months after the operation. However, your organism is not used to the low calorie intake and must first slowly get used to it. In order to lose weight after the procedure, you should change your diet in the long term. First, your eating habits have to adapt to the size of your stomach, as you will not be able to eat the same amounts after the operation as before.

Especially in the first few weeks after the operation, you should avoid solid food. This means that you should only eat liquid and soft foods. An example would be pureed food. Basically, you should eat smaller portions after a gastric sleeve operation and make sure that you always chew your food well. Try to avoid bad high-fat and high-sugar foods as much as possible, especially to lose weight sustainably.

How much does a bariatric surgery cost?

The cost of the surgery depends on the treatment method. For example, the price of a gastric balloon starts at around £2,500 €. The other methods, on the other hand, are significantly more expensive. The insertion of a gastric band costs between £3,000 and £4,500, depending on the cost of the treatment. The price for a gastric bypass, on the other hand, is around 4,500€.

For whom is a gastric sleeve suitable?

A gastric sleeve in Turkey is an option for severely overweight people for whom conservative weight loss measures have not been successful. Since the gastric sleeve is a serious procedure, it should only be used as a last resort. The only exception is the gastric balloon: This is also suitable for patients who are moderately overweight. It can also be used in advance of a surgical gastric sleeve to lower the initial weight before surgery.

Does the health insurance cover the costs of a gastric sleeve?

The costs for a gastric sleeve are only covered upon application if certain criteria are met. As a rule, the costs are covered if the operation is accompanied by an interdisciplinary therapy concept and all conservative measures have been exhausted without success. In addition, the patient must credibly demonstrate his or her motivation to continue the weight-reducing measures.

For whom is a gastric sleeve suitable?

If you are considering Gastric sleeve in Turkey, make sure you have already made all possible attempts to lose weight. Only when all options have been exhausted can a gastric sleeve be performed. The gastric sleeve is therefore only a last option if all other options have not helped.

Otherwise, an operation can be performed if you suffer from extreme obesity, i.e. a BMI over 40. Even with a BMI over 35, this operation can be performed if secondary diseases are associated with being overweight. Such secondary diseases include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea disorders. In addition, before an operation, concomitant diseases and the ability to undergo surgery must be examined in order to limit possible risks.