Gastric Sleeve (Gastrectomy) in Turkey: prices of the best clinics in Istanbul

What exactly is the gastric sleeve?

The gastric sleeve, also called sleeve gastrectomy, longitudinal gastrectomy, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive bariatric surgery that works on two fronts at the same time:

• Restrictive: It reduces the stomach volume by approximately 75-80%, turning it into a narrow tube (the "sleeve") with a capacity of about 100-150 ml.
• Hormonal: By removing most of the gastric fundus, it drastically reduces the production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone. The result is earlier and longer-lasting satiety, without requiring sheer willpower.

Unlike gastric bypass or the gastric band, the gastric sleeve does not alter the path of food through the intestine, which simplifies the procedure and reduces certain nutritional risks. However, it is an irreversible intervention that requires a long-term commitment to lifestyle changes.

Are you an ideal candidate for sleeve gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is especially recommended for people who:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40.
• Have a BMI between 35 and 40 associated with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.
• Have not achieved lasting results with diets, exercise, or conventional medical treatments.
• Are motivated to adopt permanent lifestyle changes after surgery.

What are the real benefits of the gastric sleeve?

The results go far beyond the scale. Our patients describe a comprehensive transformation that affects all aspects of their lives:

How does the gastric sleeve process unfold in Turkey?

The complete process takes between four and six weeks, from the first evaluation to medical discharge. It is divided into three phases: preoperative preparation, the surgical intervention, and postoperative weight-loss follow-up.

What happens before the surgery?

Before confirming the date, there are weeks of evaluation that many patients do not anticipate. Blood tests, cardiology assessment, nutritional consultation, and a psychological interview. It is not bureaucracy; it is what allows the protocol to be adapted to you, rather than the other way around. In the days prior, a liquid or low-fat yogurt diet reduces the size of the liver so the surgeon can operate more safely.

How long does the sleeve gastrectomy operation take?

Between two and three hours, under general anesthesia and by laparoscopy, three or four small incisions, no large cuts. The surgeon removes between 75 and 80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow tube. Less space, less hunger, less ghrelin. The hospital stay is three days.

How much weight is lost after the gastric sleeve?

The loss is not linear: the body works in phases. The first months are the most intense; then the pace moderates but does not stop:

• Months 1 to 6: between 3 and 5 kg less per month.
• Months 6 to 18: between 2 and 4 kg per month.
• At one year: between 60 and 70% of excess weight lost.

Not a promise, but based on data documented in clinical studies on sleeve gastrectomy.

Risks and complications: what you should know

Transparency is fundamental in our relationship with patients. As with any major surgical intervention, the gastric sleeve carries risks that you should know and discuss with your surgeon:

• General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, venous thrombosis, or anesthetic complications are common to any procedure under general anesthesia.
• Staple line leak: This is the most specific complication of this surgery. It occurs when the staples or sutures that close the stomach do not seal properly, which can lead to an abdominal infection. Its incidence in specialized centers is low.
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD): Some patients experience an increase in acid reflux after surgery. In most cases, it is controlled with medication, although in patients with severe pre-existing GERD an alternative procedure may need to be considered.
• Food intolerance: Nausea, vomiting, or a feeling of blockage are possible, especially in the first weeks while adapting to the new stomach volume.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Reduced intake can lead to deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium. Therefore, lifelong nutritional supplementation is mandatory.

Remember that each case is unique. The personalized preoperative evaluation we perform is precisely the moment to analyze your individual risk profile in detail and ensure that this intervention is the most appropriate for you.

Gastric sleeve vs. other bariatric procedures

How to know if the gastric sleeve is the best option for you? This comparative table offers a first orientation:

The choice between procedures should always be made together with your bariatric surgeon, taking into account your medical history, your goals, and your personal preferences.

Why have your gastric sleeve with Turquie Santé?

Choosing where to have surgery is one of the most important decisions of your life. Here we explain what sets us apart:

• Certified and selected clinics:  We work exclusively with internationally accredited centers in Istanbul, audited periodically.
• Surgeons with international experience: Our bariatric specialists have performed thousands of interventions and trained at leading European centers.
• 360° support: We coordinate every detail of your stay, from the pre-consultation to postoperative follow-up.
• Real patient reviews: You can consult verified testimonials from people who have already been treated within our clinic network.
• Free, no-obligation estimate: Receive a personalized proposal tailored to your situation within 48 hours.

Request your free online consultation today. A specialized medical coordinator will contact you to answer all your questions and prepare your personalized estimate with no commitment.

Medical sources and scientific references

The information presented on this page is supported by published clinical data and recommendations from international organizations. Not by our own estimates.

• WHO — Obesity and Overweight (Fact Sheet) Global data on obesity prevalence. Source of the statistic "one in eight people worldwide."
• Angrisani L. et al. — IFSO Worldwide Survey 2020-2021.  Obesity Surgery (2024). Confirms that sleeve gastrectomy was the most performed bariatric intervention worldwide in 2020 and 2021.
• ASMBS & IFSO — Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (2022). Joint clinical guidelines that establish current indications and patient profiles for bariatric surgery.
• Lind R. et al. — Long-Term Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy, Obesity Surgery (2023). A multicenter retrospective study of patients with more than 5 years of follow-up after sleeve gastrectomy, with data on weight loss and reintervention rates.
• Sakran N. et al. — Long-Term Reported Outcomes Following Primary Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Obesity Surgery (2023). Retrospective analysis of 578 patients with a mean follow-up of 8.8 years after surgery, documenting weight outcomes and patients' subjective experience.
• Ghanem OM. et al. — Comprehensive Long-Term Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy with Up to 14 Years of Follow-up, Obesity Surgery (2025). Retrospective cohort study of 830 patients with a mean follow-up of nearly 10 years, documenting durability of weight loss and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities.

This page is for informational purposes. It does not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional.