Everything You Need to Know About Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

  Medically reviewed & verified by: Prof. Dr. Halil Alis

Written by: ClinicAdvisor

Have you tried all means to lose weight by following a strict diet and exercising, but you were not able to lose the desired weight?!

Don't worry!! You're not alone, since many people struggle with their inability to control their appetite and find it difficult to resist food. 

Therefore, many of them resort to weight loss surgeries, such as gastric sleeve. This procedure aims to reduce the size of the stomach and its ability to hold large amounts of food.

In recent years, gastric sleeve in Turkey has become very popular. It has become one of the leading countries in this field, thanks to the amazing results obtained by patients. 

Turkey has a selection of surgeons and doctors who specialize in bariatric surgeries, whether surgical or non-surgical. And they follow the latest techniques through the use of the endoscope, which ensures a quick recovery and does not cause much pain after the operation.

So what is gastric sleeve surgery and who is the best candidate? 

In this article, we will cover all these details and answer all your questions.

What is a Gastric Sleeve?

Gastric sleeve, aka “sleeve gastrectomy” is one of the effective means of losing weight. Almost 75-80% of the stomach is removed in order to reduce its size. 

This process aims to reduce food intake and makes people feel full faster. During the operation, the part responsible for releasing the hunger hormone "ghrelin", which promotes appetite, is removed.

When the size of the stomach is reduced, it becomes like a banana or a sleeve, hence the name of the operation "gastric sleeve".

Why is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Performed?

Some find it very difficult to lose weight through natural methods such as following a healthy and balanced diet or through exercise. Therefore, these people resort to gastric sleeve operations, which help them to control their appetite and thus facilitate weight loss.

Who is Eligible for a Gastric Sleeve in Turkey?

Gastric sleeve can be performed for those who have the following conditions:

1. When the BMI is 40 or more.

2. When the BMI is between 35-40 for people with health problems related to obesity such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure.

3. Those who have the determination to stick to a balanced diet after the operation and will maintain their physical fitness.

Calculate your BMI

Table to Understand Body Mass Index

How is a Gastric Sleeve in Turkey Performed?

What distinguishes the gastric sleeve in Turkey is that it is performed using a laparoscope, and this is known as “closed surgery”. The operation is done under general anesthesia, where about 5 small incisions are made in the abdominal wall.

The size of the large two incisions, range between 12 to 15 millimeters, through which the camera is inserted and the removed part of the stomach is extracted. 

The rest of the incisions do not exceed 5 millimeters, and surgical tools are inserted through them. 

The surgeon completes the operation by observing the monitor connected to the camera and removes approximately 75-80% of the stomach longitudinally using a tool called a stapler.

The operation takes about two hours and patients stay in the hospital for a day or two under observation in case of any complications. Thus, patients have to stay in Turkey for at least a week to follow up with the doctor.

How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Help in Losing Weight?

Sleeve gastrectomy helps people lose weight by:

# First: Reducing the amount of food that the stomach can hold. The new stomach has a much smaller volume than the normal stomach. It helps significantly in reducing the amount of food (and thus calories) that can be consumed.

# Second: the effect of surgery on the hunger hormone ghrelin, which positively suppresses hunger, reduces appetite and improves blood sugar.

Types of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

There are three types of gastric sleeve surgeries in Turkey, but the most requested is the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Below we will learn about the different types and techniques of gastric sleeve:

Surgical sleeve gastrectomy: 

In this procedure, a large incision is made to remove the skin and reveal the inner tissues of the abdomen. And then the stomach is reduced as described above.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: 

In this process, 5 incisions are made on the abdominal wall without opening or revealing the tissues and does not require suturing. Then the surgical tools and the camera are inserted through the incisions and the operation is completed.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy through one incision: 

In this method, several incisions are not required, but one incision is made in the navel, where surgical tools and a camera are inserted.

What is the Suitable Age to Do a Gastric Sleeve in Turkey?

Scientific references say that there is no upper or lower age limit for the sleeve gastrectomy. Those who are 60 or even 70 years old can do it as long as they are in good health so that the operation does not cause them any risks.

As for children, some surgeons prefer to perform it for those over the age of 12. Due to their ability to understand the nature of the operation and what is expected of it.

In short, the minimum or maximum age requirements for the a gastric sleeve procedure may vary depending on the surgeon's assessment of the condition and the person's health and psychological readiness for the procedure.

Before the Gastric Sleeve Operation

Before undergoing any operation, there are some things that must be done to ensure that the process runs smoothly. 

These include some preparations and necessary examinations before the operation. There are also some things that should be avoided before the operation to achieve the best results.

Preparing For Gastric Sleeve Surgery

In order to prepare for the gastric sleeve operation, there are things that must be followed, such as diet. And things that must be avoided, such as some daily habits. 

Below we will talk about these details:

Diet Before Gastric Sleeve

Proper diet before a gastric sleeve is one of the important things that ensure the success of the operation.

# 3-4 Weeks Before the Operation:

To prepare for the gastric sleeve operation, your doctor will give you a diet to follow 3 to 4 weeks before the operation. This diet relies mainly on lean proteins, vegetables and low-calorie fluids. During this period, you should avoid carbohydrates, such as sweets, potatoes and pasta.

# Two days before the operation:

You should drink only liquids. This may include a sugar-free protein shake, as well as broth, water, and decaffeinated coffee or tea. You should not drink anything containing caffeine or fizzy drinks.

In this way, the percentage of fat around the liver will be reduced before the operation, and the surgeon and medical staff will be able to perform the operation smoothly.

# 1 Day Before the Operation:

As for the day before the operation, you should refrain from eating and drinking for 8 to 12 hours before the operation. Your doctor will tell you the exact time before the operation.

Smoking Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery

You should stop smoking one or two months before the gastric sleeve. The reason for this is due to the effect of smoking on the course of the operation. 

Smoking causes ulcers and increases the risk of ulcer complications such as bleeding, stomach blockage, and a hole in the new stomach pouch. Smoking can also narrow the entrance to the new stomach pouch, causing severe pain.

In addition, it is known that smoking causes constriction in the blood vessels, which reduces blood flow and reduces the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. Thus, these causes lead to slow healing and a delayed recovery period. It has also been shown that smoking increases the risk of blood clots.

Tests Required Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

Before performing a gastric sleeve in Turkey, there are several tests that the doctor requests from the patient to ensure that he/she is suitable for the operation. And that they’re free of some health problems that may conflict with the operation. Among those examinations are the following:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Urinalysis
• X-rays of the gallbladder
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram
• Pulmonary function test
• Echocardiography
• Assessment of the digestive system
• Heart disease assessment
• Psychological evaluation

Things to Avoid Before Gastric Sleeve

• Stop using aspirin or any kind of blood thinners one week before the operation.
• Inform your doctor of any drugs you are using.
• Stop using herbal supplements a week before the operation.
• Stop soft drinks and caffeinated drinks 3-4 weeks before the operation.
• Quit drinking alcoholic beverages 3 weeks before the operation.

Pros and Cons of Gastric Sleeve

Gastric sleeve operation primarily helps in losing weight. But besides that, it has benefits that are reflected in improving some health problems associated with being overweight. Among those diseases that can be improved by the sleeve gastrectomy are:

• Heart diseases.
• Hypertension.
• High levels of fat.
• Sleep Apnea.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Brain attack.
• Relief of joint pain.
• Improving fertility.

Gastric Sleeve Side Effects

Surgical operations are not without some harms. When we talk about the harms of gastric sleeves or the possible side effects they can be summarized as follows:

• The possibility of leakage from the stomach.
• Sagging skin due to rapid weight loss.
• Acid Reflux.
• Diarrhea.
• Feeling sick and vomiting.
• Hernia.
• The possibility of bleeding.
• Infections.
• Stretching of the stomach if a balanced diet is not followed.
• Gallstones.
• Pulmonary embolism.

Expectations After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Doing the operation does not mean that you will lose weight unless you follow some instructions and change your lifestyle. Gastric sleeve requires changes in diet and maintaining physical fitness through exercise.

Nutrition After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

 In the table below you will find a complete nutritional program for the first month after the operation:

Exercising After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Doing the surgery and following a certain diet is not enough, as you must maintain physical fitness and make it a habit in your new lifestyle. 

You can start light sports such as walking a week after the operation. As for strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting, they are not recommended before one month passes.

Make sure to follow up with your doctor before doing any physical activity during the first period after the gastric sleeve operation. And remember that a healthy diet and exercise should become part of your regular routine for to have long-term results.

Things to Avoid After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

After the completion of the operation, you should avoid some things so as not to negatively affect the results. Among those prohibitions are:

• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol for a month or more. The longer the period, the better.
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for the first 3-4 weeks after the operation.
• Avoid taking hot showers for the first 3 weeks. You can take a normal shower with moderately warm water.

Results of Gastric Sleeve in Turkey 

Individuals planning to get the operation done wonder about the ideal period during which the results of gastric sleeve will appear. 

In order to understand the stages of weight loss and when results are obtained, we have clarified this through the following infographic, which shows the time period after the sleeve gastrectomy operation and the weight lost during this period: 

Weight Loss Timeline After Gastric Sleeve

 

Excess weight is the difference between the weight before the operation and the weight that the person aims to reach. For example, if your current weight is 90 kg and the weight you aspire to reach is 60 kg, then your excess weight is 30 kg.

Prices of Gastric Sleeve Operations in Turkey

The cost of gastric sleeve in Turkey ranges between $4000 to $7000. The price varies according to the surgeon’s years of experience, the services included in the package, the technology used and of course the city where it will be performed.

Gastric Sleeve Alternatives in Turkey

There are many bariatric surgeries in Turkey and it is not limited to gastric sleeve only. Here are some alternatives if the patient is not suitable for a gastric sleeve:

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass aims to reduce the size of the stomach and change the way the stomach and small intestine absorb food, which facilitates the process of losing weight. Gastric bypass surgery is done by dividing the stomach into two parts: the small upper part, which is known as the “stomach pouch,” and the lower part, which is larger.

The upper part is then attached to a portion of the small intestine, thus making the food pass from the new gastric pouch directly to the intestine.

Gastric Band

Gastric band is a common type of weight loss procedure for the treatment of obesity. It involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, dividing the stomach into two parts with a 2.50 cm port in between. This means that a person cannot eat as much food and feel full faster.

Gastric Botox 

Gastric Botox is another method that is less painful and does not require hospitalization. It is done under local anesthesia by inserting an endoscope from the mouth into the stomach and injecting Botox in certain places. 

It takes about 15 minutes and when the person wakes up from the anesthesia, they do not feel any pain.

Gastric Botox is suitable for people with a BMI of more than 25. The effect of Botox lasts for 4-6 months, during which a certain diet and exercise must be adhered to.

Gastric Balloon 

The gastric balloon is one of the procedures that is carried out to lose excess weight and is done under local anesthesia as well. By inserting an endoscope through the mouth, then placing the balloon in the stomach and filling it with a certain liquid to inflate. 

The balloon remains in the stomach for 6-8 months, after which it is removed. The process takes no more than 30 minutes.

The Difference Between Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass

Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are both procedures to treat obesity and are used to lose weight. In gastric sleeve part of the stomach is cut and thus reduced in size so that it can accommodate less food.

Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass

 

Gastric bypass surgery is more complicated than gastric sleeve surgery and is suitable for people with a BMI of 45 or more. While gastric sleeve is suitable for people with a BMI between 35-40.

In terms of cost, the cost of the gastric bypass operation is more expensive than the gastric sleeve, because it takes a longer time and is not as easy as gastric sleeve.

Question & Answer

SOURCES:

1. National Health Services (NHS): weight loss surgery
2. National Health Services (NHS): Body mass index calculator 
3. Webmd: What is gastric sleeve weight loss surgery?
4. Healthline: What to know about gastric sleeve weight loss surgery