Gastric Band in Turkey | Procedure, Pros & Cons and Cost

Gastric Band in Turkey: The What, Who and How?

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

Written by: ClinicAdvisor

Gastric band in Turkey is one of the common bariatric surgeries performed widely in the country for people who are overweight.

In this article, we will cover all the details related to the procedure to help you make an informed decision.

So let's get started!

What is a Gastric Band?

A gastric band is a reversible type of bariatric surgery that helps people who suffer from obesity lose excess weight in a safe way. It works by reducing the size of the stomach and restricting its capacity to hold in food.

How does Gastric Band Surgery work?

Gastric band surgery 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 feels full faster.

It’s performed under general anesthesia by making keyhole incisions on the abdominal wall and lasts around an hour.

Hospitalization: 1 day

Who is Eligible for a Gastric Band Surgery?

A gastric band is a good option for those who:

Have a BMI of 40 or more.
Have a BMI between 35 and 40 with a health problem related to obesity such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Have tried other means of weight loss but nothing seemed to work.
Committed to long-term changes in lifestyle including eating habits and physical activity.

Gastric Band Pros and Cons

Pros:

Reversible and the band can be removed at any time.
Minimally invasive and doesn’t take a lot of time.
Faster recovery.
Lower risk of overweight-related problems such as diabetes and heart diseases.
Doesn’t cause dumping syndrome.

Cons:

Weight loss is slower compared to other bariatric surgeries.
The band may slip or leak.

Gastric Band Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting.
Pain after the anesthesia wears off. This can be relieved with painkillers.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Constipation or diarrhea.

Gastric Band Complications

Some of the possible complications of a gastric band are:

Developing gallstones in case you lose weight too quickly.
Gastric band slippage or leakage may occur on some occasions. This will require a gastric band adjustment or removal and replacement of a new one.
Wound infection.
Blood clots.
Slight damage to the stomach or surrounding organs.

Gastric Band Results: How Much Weight Will I Lose?

According to bariatric surgeons, patients who get gastric band surgery are expected to lose up to 50% of their excess weight in the first 2 years.

Normally, after gastric band, patients lose between 1 to 2 pounds per week. After 1 year they are expected to lose almost 30-40% of excess weight. Two years after the surgery patients lose between 40-50% of their excess weight.

Side Note
Excess weight is the weight before the surgery minus the weight you aim to reach.

Recovery After Gastric Band in Turkey

Gastric band recovery time is not too long. First of all, you will have to stay in the hospital for one night and you can leave the next day.

After 1 or 2 weeks you can go back to work given that you have totally recovered and show no side effects after the surgery.

Gastric Band Removal

A gastric band is intended to stay in the stomach forever. However, if for any reason the band needs to be removed another keyhole surgery must be performed to either remove or replace the band.

How Much for Gastric Band in Turkey?

Gastric band cost in Turkey is slightly cheaper than other bariatric surgeries such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. And that's because it's not as complicated and does not require making any incisions in the abdominal wall.

The cost also differs based on many factors such as the reputation of the clinic, years of experience, location of the clinic, and of course the type of package.

The average cost of a gastric band in Turkey is $4500, the minimum cost is $3000 and the maximum cost is between $6000 - $8000.

How Much Does a Gastric Band Cost Around the World?

The gastric band cost in countries such as the U.S., U.K., and Europe is relatively higher than in Turkey. Prices vary from one country to another but in general, the lowest price is $5000, the average price is $15,000 and the highest price is $30,000.

In many of these countries, insurance companies may cover most of the procedure costs as long as the patient meets the requirements. Those who have insurance could pay less than others who don't. Therefore, having insurance is another factor that determines the price in western countries.

Here is a quick comparison of gastric band cost in 4 regions:

Country	Cost of Gastric Band
USA	Between $10,000-$30,000
U.K	Between $5000 - $12,000
In some European countries	Between $5000 - $10,000
Turkey	Between $3000 - $8000

Instructions Before and After Gastric Band in Turkey

Before going for your gastric band procedure your surgeon will ask for some blood tests to determine that you are in good health.

There are also some instructions that you need to follow before a gastric band:

Stop smoking at least 4-6 weeks before the operation.
Cut alcohol consumption a month before the operation.
You must not eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery.

Similarly, after your gastric band, you will have to adhere to your surgeon’s recommendations such as:

Avoiding any solid foods for the first 2 weeks or as your doctor recommends.
Drink regularly but in small and slow sips to prevent vomiting.
When you transition into eating solid foods take your time to chew the food thoroughly.

Gastric Band Diet

Your gastric band diet plan will be prepared by your dietician and you will have to closely follow it without making any changes.

The first week after gastric band:

Your diet will be mainly liquids including (water, fresh juice, and thin soups without lumps)

The second week after gastric band:

You will start eating pureed food. For example, vegetables, fish, and chicken must be blended to make a puree.

The third week after gastric band:

You will begin introducing soft food to your dietary program.

One month after gastric band:

You may now start eating solid food. This period of time may differ and extend to 6 weeks. Your dietician will guide you through the best diet plan according to your condition and progress.

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