Looking for lasting weight loss? Gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey combines affordability with internationally accredited care. Experience top-tier bariatric surgery and warm hospitality with Carely Clinic.
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure designed to help individuals achieve significant weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach. During the surgery, approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits food intake and reduces hunger by decreasing the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
Are you considering weight loss surgery but concerned about the prohibitive costs in your home country? You’re not alone. Every year, more than 40,000 international patients travel to Turkey for bariatric procedures, with gastric sleeve surgery topping the list. The combination of world-class medical facilities, board-certified surgeons, and costs that are 60-70% lower than Western countries has established Turkey—particularly Istanbul—as the global epicenter for gastric sleeve surgery.
At Carely Clinic Istanbul, we’ve helped thousands of patients transform their lives through gastric sleeve Turkey packages that combine surgical excellence with the healing power of a rejuvenating medical holiday. But is this life-changing procedure right for you? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey.
Gastric sleeve surgery—medically known as sleeve gastrectomy—is a life-changing weight loss procedure that permanently removes approximately 80% of your stomach. This creates a banana-shaped “sleeve” that dramatically reduces the amount of food you can consume while decreasing production of ghrelin, your body’s primary hunger hormone.
Unlike older bariatric procedures, gastric sleeve doesn’t reroute your digestive system or involve foreign objects like bands. Instead, surgeons at our Istanbul facilities use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, making 4-5 tiny incisions to remove the greater curvature of your stomach. This approach preserves the natural path of food, allowing normal digestion and absorption while creating powerful restrictive effects.
The procedure’s 45-90 minute duration belies its transformative impact. Once complete, your new stomach holds approximately 150ml (about the size of a banana), compared to the original 1.5-liter capacity. This significant reduction creates a dual benefit: you feel fuller faster and experience dramatically reduced hunger signals from your body.
What makes gastric sleeve particularly effective is that it addresses obesity on both behavioral and hormonal levels—you physically eat less while simultaneously experiencing reduced hunger urges. This powerful combination explains why gastric sleeve has become the world’s most popular bariatric procedure, accounting for over 60% of all weight loss surgeries performed globally (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity, 2023).
The gastric sleeve journey transforms far more than just your appearance. Our patients typically experience:
“Two years after my gastric sleeve in Istanbul, I’ve maintained an 81kg weight loss. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story—I’ve gone from three diabetes medications to none, I can play with my grandchildren without getting winded, and I’ve rediscovered joy in simple activities like walking through the park. My only regret is not doing this sooner.” —Claire, 47, Edinburgh
These life-changing results explain why we see so many international patients choosing gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey, where they can access world-class medical care at a fraction of Western prices.
Determining whether you’re suitable for sleeve gastrectomy in Turkey requires careful medical assessment. While individual circumstances vary, here’s a general candidacy framework:
| Criteria | Ideal Candidate | May Need Assessment |
Likely Not Suitable |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMI | 35+ with comorbidities or 40+ |
30–34.9 with serious health conditions |
Under 30 |
| Age | 18–65 | 66–70 (case-by-case) | Under 18 or over 70 |
| Previous attempts | Documented failed diet/exercise |
Limited structured weight-loss attempts |
No previous attempts |
| Health conditions | Stable chronic conditions |
Poorly controlled conditions; pre-op optimization needed |
Active cancer, severe heart/lung disease |
| Psychological readiness | Understands lifestyle changes required |
Some concerns about long-term commitment |
Active untreated psychiatric disorders |
| Substance use | No smoking or substance abuse |
Willing to quit smoking before surgery |
Active substance abuse |
Remember, each patient is unique. During your free online consultation, our specialist bariatric team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, current health status, and weight loss goals to determine your suitability for gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey.
The ideal gastric sleeve candidate demonstrates commitment to permanent lifestyle changes and has realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. Our pre-operative psychological assessment helps ensure you’re mentally prepared for this transformative journey.
Even in expert hands, gastric sleeve surgery is not risk-free. Early complications can include bleeding, infection, blood clots (DVT / PE) and a staple-line leak (Carely rate < 0.2 %; global average 1-2 %). Later issues may involve sleeve narrowing (stricture), gall-stone formation, or new-onset reflux (GERD) in about one-third of patients. Because a portion of the stomach is removed, lifelong vitamin-B12, iron, calcium and vitamin-D supplements are essential to prevent deficiencies. We minimise these risks through meticulous leak testing with indocyanine green, strict ERAS protocols, early mobilisation, and 12-month structured follow-up with dietitians and surgeons. Your individual risk profile will be discussed in detail during the pre-operative consultation.
Wondering what to expect when you choose gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey? Here’s a timeline of your medical journey with Carely Clinic Istanbul:
This carefully orchestrated journey combines world-class medical care with Turkish hospitality, creating an experience that’s as comfortable as it is transformative.
One of the primary reasons patients choose gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey is the remarkable cost difference compared to Western countries. This price gap exists without compromising on quality, thanks to Turkey’s lower operating costs, government incentives for medical tourism, and favorable exchange rates.
| Country | Average Gastric Sleeve Cost (2025) |
Savings vs. Home Country |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Carely Clinic) | €3 000 | Baseline |
| United Kingdom | €15 200 | 74 % savings |
| United States | €19 500 | 80 % savings |
| Germany | €11 300 | 65 % savings |
| Canada | €17 400 | 77 % savings |
| Australia | €16 800 | 76 % savings |
These dramatic savings explain why so many international patients choose Turkey for their gastric sleeve surgery, despite the added travel costs. But what exactly does the Turkish price include?
This transparent pricing structure eliminates unexpected costs, allowing you to budget confidently for your life-changing medical journey to Istanbul for gastric sleeve surgery.
Turkey’s emergence as the world leader in bariatric surgery isn’t accidental—it’s the result of strategic investment, medical excellence, and geographical advantage. Here’s why over 1.2 million medical tourists chose Turkey in 2024:
These factors have transformed Turkey from a medical tourism contender to the undisputed global leader for gastric sleeve surgery, attracting patients from over 70 countries annually seeking affordable excellence.
Absolutely. Turkey’s top bariatric centers maintain complication rates comparable to or lower than Western facilities. At Carely Clinic, our leak rate is just 0.2% (compared to the 1-2% international average), and our overall complication rate is approximately 3%—well below global standards. This exceptional safety profile stems from our surgeons’ high case volume, specialized focus, and the comprehensive pre-operative assessment all patients undergo. Additionally, we maintain international emergency protocols and partnerships with leading medical evacuation services for the rare cases requiring extended care.
When researching gastric sleeve Turkey options, you’ll discover dozens of providers competing for your attention. What distinguishes Carely Clinic in this crowded landscape?
Experience
Expertise
Authoritativeness
Trust
Our patient-centered approach extends beyond technical excellence—we understand the emotional journey of bariatric surgery. From your first inquiry to your final follow-up, our dedicated team offers compassionate support, clear communication, and individualized care that addresses your unique needs and concerns.
When you choose Carely Clinic for your gastric sleeve in Turkey, you’re not just selecting a surgery provider; you’re joining an extended family committed to your long-term success.
Content created by Carely Clinic’s Medical Communications Department based on the latest bariatric-medicine research and clinical outcomes.
Reviewed by Assoc. Prof. Dr Gökmen Öztürk, FACS – May 2025
Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional.
Is more than just weight loss — it’s a new life. With world-class surgeons, personalized care, and affordable packages, Carely Clinic empowers patients to achieve lasting transformation.
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Most patients lose approximately 65-75% of their excess weight within 12-18 months following gastric sleeve surgery. Our clinic's patients achieve an average of 72% excess weight loss at the one-year mark (Öztürk et al., 2023). Individual results vary based on initial BMI, adherence to dietary guidelines, exercise habits, and genetic factors. The most dramatic weight loss typically occurs in the first 6 months, with continued steady progress until 12-18 months post-surgery, when weight typically stabilizes.
While most international insurance policies don't directly cover planned procedures abroad, we've seen increasing flexibility in this area. Approximately 15% of our international patients receive partial reimbursement from their insurance providers. We provide comprehensive medical documentation that meets international standards for potential submission to your insurance company. Additionally, many patients successfully claim the expense as a medical tax deduction in their home countries. Our financial counselors can guide you through the process specific to your country of residence.
We recommend a minimum 7-day stay in Turkey: 1 day for pre-operative assessment, 3 days in the hospital, and 3 days of hotel recovery before flying home. Some patients choose to extend their stay to 10-14 days, allowing for a more relaxed recovery and the opportunity to experience Turkey's cultural attractions. The mandatory minimum is 5 days, though this accelerated timeline is only recommended for patients with significant time constraints and excellent overall health.
While gastric sleeve preserves normal digestion and absorption (unlike gastric bypass), you'll still need lifelong nutritional supplementation to prevent deficiencies. Most commonly, patients require vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D supplements. About 30% of patients develop some degree of vitamin deficiency within 5 years if not following proper supplementation protocols (Journal of Nutritional Science, 2022). Our program includes quarterly blood monitoring during the first year and comprehensive nutritional guidance to prevent these issues. With proper supplementation, serious nutritional problems are extremely rare after sleeve gastrectomy.
Some weight regain (typically 5-15% of lost weight) occurs in approximately 20-30% of patients within 3-5 years after surgery. This usually results from gradual stomach stretching due to poor eating habits, rather than surgical failure. Our program includes proactive intervention at the first signs of weight regain, focusing on dietary recalibration, psychological support, and lifestyle modification. In rare cases where significant weight returns despite these efforts, revision procedures like re-sleeve or conversion to bypass may be considered. However, our 5-year data shows that 85% of compliant patients maintain at least 60% of their excess weight loss long-term.
Most patients rate their discomfort as 4-6 on a 10-point scale during the first 48 hours, describing it as "moderate pressure and soreness" rather than sharp pain. By day 3-4, this typically subsides to 2-3/10. Our pain management protocol uses a multimodal approach, combining non-narcotic analgesics with advanced techniques that minimize narcotic requirements. The laparoscopic approach means no large incisions, significantly reducing post-operative pain compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients report being surprised by how manageable recovery is, with many requiring only over-the-counter pain relief by the time they leave the hospital.
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