Everything You Need To Know About Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul
Obesity can play havoc with your life if not dealt with in time. The pain becomes more intense if the treatment costs a fortune in your home country. Well, take a sigh of relief. Weight loss surgery in Istanbul can take your BMI and life on track while saving up to 70% cost! Sounds like a dream come true? This post covers costs, savings, best clinics & dentists, patient reviews, and answers your common doubts.
Video Courtesy: Drone Snap
Turkey is one of the top 10 countries where British citizens get medical treatment. Turkey's target is making it to the top five.[1]
-Daily Sabah
Why Choose Istanbul for Weight Loss Surgery?
You might be wondering if local surgery is better than traveling thousands of miles. Well, not necessarily! Here's how weight loss surgery in Istanbul can empower you:
It's Affordable
Turkish hospitals can charge such a low price because the cost of living in Turkey is 71% less than in the UK. [2]
Further, you should note that medical tourists can save around 50-70% on treatment in Turkey.
Istanbul is Affordable
Istanbul Offers Best Hospitals and Surgeons
The city comes decked with world-class hospitals with the best facilities.
The Turkish government spends billions of dollars per year to improve its hospitals.[3]
The doctors in Istanbul are well experienced and can speak English.
Istanbul Has World-Class Hospitals & Doctors
You Don't Have To Travel Far
Istanbul is the perfect medical tourist destination if you live in the UK.
It is only 4 hours away via a flight.
It means that you don't have to spend thousands of dollars on costly flight tickets.
Istanbul, Turkey, Is in Proximity to the UK
Istanbul, Turkey Is a Beautiful Place
It is a beautiful city with breathtaking tourist destinations like the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar.
So you can schedule a vacation before doing surgery in Istanbul.
You Get To Savor a Bonus Vacation
Now that we know the benefits of weight loss surgery in Istanbul, let's look at the cost savings.
Cost of Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul
When doing across-the-border surgery in Istanbul, you can expect to pay between $1,450 to $8,500 (an all-inclusive package).
For instance, gastric balloon surgery will cost you $3,000 in Istanbul. Meanwhile, the same procedure will cost you $7,000 in the UK. It means that you can save up to 57% on getting a gastric balloon in Istanbul.
Similarly, gastric bypass surgery costs around $13,000 in the UK compared to $5,500 in Istanbul. In other words, getting a gastric bypass in Istanbul entails a saving of around 58% as compared to the UK.
In the table below, we have given prices in both USD and GBP for easy comparison.
Cost of Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul vs. the UK
| Procedure | Istanbul | UK | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Balloon Surgery | $3,000 | $7,000 | 57% |
| Gastric Sleeve Surgery | $5,500 | $11,000 | 50% |
| Robotic Gastric Sleeve Surgery | $8,500 | $15,000 | 43% |
| Gastric Bypass Surgery | $5,500 | $13,000 | 58% |
| Robotic Roux-en-Y Surgery | $8,500 | $15,000 | 43% |
| Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery | $5,500 | $10,000 | 45% |
| Robotic Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery | $8,500 | $12,000 | 29% |
| Stomach Botox Surgery | $1,450 | $4,500 | 68% |
| Gastric Band Surgery | $4,500 | $7,000 | 36% |
| Procedure | Istanbul | UK | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Balloon Surgery | £2,310 | £5,390 | 57% |
| Gastric Sleeve Surgery | £4,235 | £8,470 | 50% |
| Robotic Gastric Sleeve Surgery | £6,545 | £11,550 | 43% |
| Gastric Bypass Surgery | £4,235 | £10,010 | 58% |
| Robotic Roux-en-Y Surgery | £6,545 | £11,550 | 43% |
| Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery | £4,235 | £7,700 | 45% |
| Robotic Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery | £6,545 | £9,240 | 29% |
| Stomach Botox Surgery | £1,117 | £3,465 | 68% |
| Gastric Band Surgery | £3,465 | £5,390 | 36% |
Prices are subject to change. Contact us to get a detailed quote and a new lease on life.
When doing surgery abroad, you want to go to the best hospital with the top facilities and doctors. This gives you the highest possible chance of success.
Best Hospital for Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul
Here are the best hospitals in Istanbul to get weight loss surgery done.
Memorial Healthcare Group (MHG) excels in global-standard healthcare in İstanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Diyarbakır, and Kayseri. Renowned for Organ Transplantation, Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardiology, Oncology, and IVF, MHG serves both local and international patients with excellence.
- 12 Hospitals
- AHA Membership
- JCI Certified
Memorial offers a team of highly qualified, board-certified surgeons that emphasize patient safety.
They also have a JCI accreditation, so you know you’re accessing the best.
Memorial uses advanced anesthesia, detailed health monitors, ultrasounds, and electrosurgical units to ensure everything goes well.
Snapshot of Accreditations | Memorial Hospital
Medipol Hospital
Medipol Hospital is the largest private university healthcare group in Turkey. It offers highly-qualified surgeons and is JCI certified.
The Hospital has 470 beds, 133 intensive care units, and 25 operating rooms.
They prioritize patient safety and continuously invest in new equipment.
Medipol Hospital
SALUSS Medical Group
The Saluss Medical group is a Turkish hospital network that offers high-quality medical services to patients from all over the world.
With 10+ years of experience, annually they serve 5000+ patients from 5 different continents.
You can be certain that the highly skilled doctors and internationally accredited facilities will provide you with the best treatment.
Certifications: JCI, Turkish Medical Association, ISO9001.
Saluss Medical Group
Best Surgeons for Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul
Dr. Yaşar Özdenkaya
19+ years
MS
Expertise
Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery
Education
Istanbul University, Istanbul
- Post Graduation, 2003, S.B. Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul
- Visiting Consultant, Istanbul University, Istanbul
- Associate Consultant, Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul
- Consultant, Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul
Dr. Pelin Basim
17+ years
MD
Expertise
Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery, gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
Education
Marmara University, Istanbul
- Special Interest: Abdominal organs, Pancreas, Bile duct, Stomach, Colon and small bowel
- Consultant, Selimpaşa Emergency and Traumatology Hospital, İstanbul
- Consultant, Başakşehir Public Hospital, Başakşehir
An essential aspect of any surgery is understanding the procedure. Let's now dive deep into what happens during a weight loss surgery.
Bariatric Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey
All weight loss surgery procedures follow the same basic concept. It uses general or epidural anesthesia.[4] The surgery focuses on reducing the size of your stomach so you can eat less while feeling fuller.
The gastric bypass and sleeve do this by cutting away a portion of your stomach. The band and balloon temporarily reduce the stomach size by tightening a band or inflating a balloon.
The surgery that's best for you will depend on your situation. Fortunately, your doctor recommends what suits your needs during a consultation best.
Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul Can Ease Your Life
These 4 procedures only take 1 to 3 hours. Patients are also discharged on the 3rd or 4th day after surgery. You can expect to start performing day-to-day chores in 3 to 5 weeks.[5]
The success rate is 84% which is relatively high.[6] And if you're doing surgery with the best hospitals in Istanbul, expect a success rate towards the higher end.When paying for weight loss surgery, you have multiple options:
- Cash
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Financing
Let's now understand in detail about different types of weight-loss surgeries.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul
Here are the leading weight loss procedures performed in Istanbul.
Sleeve Gastrectomy in Istanbul
Surgeons will cut away 80% of the stomach.
The smaller tube allows you to feel fuller for longer, making weight loss easy.[7]
- Savings in Istanbul: 50%
- Excess Weight Loss: 60%-75% [8]
- Time Taken: 1-2 hours[9]
- Recovery: 3-4 weeks[10]
Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Istanbul
Robotic Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Your surgeon will perform the robotic gastric surgery with the help of Da Vinci Robotic Technology[11] or an equivalent thereof.
Benefits include complex procedures performed with minimally invasive methods.[12]
Robotic Gastric Sleeve Setup
Image Courtesy: Researchgate
Gastric Bypass Surgery in Istanbul
It is also known as Roux-en-Y.
The surgeon will create a small pouch in the stomach and connect it to the small intestine.
A leak test is performed at the end of the surgery.[13]
- Savings in Istanbul: 58%
- Excess Weight Loss: Upto 70% [14]
- Time Taken: 2-4 hours [15]
- Recovery: 3-6 weeks [16]
Gastric Bypass Surgery in Istanbul
- The surgeon controls the treatments from a central console.
- At the same time, the robotic patient cart performs the procedures with more convenience and precision than laparoscopy.
- Robotic Gastric Bypass Surgery is minimally invasive.
- Benefits include 3D vision.
Source: NCBI[17]
Setup for Robotic Gastric Bypass
Image Courtesy: NCBI
- It involves creating a smaller pouch out of the stomach and reconnecting it with the small intestine.
- The pouch bypasses 3 meters instead of 1.5 meters in the regular bypass.
- The significant difference between gastric bypass and mini-gastric bypass is that latter is the 'mini' version of the surgery.
- In other words, it is quicker, simpler, cheaper, and gives the same results as its 'big brother.'
Source: Science Direct [18]
Video Courtesy: Kcosmic Surgical Center
Pre-Op Work Before Bariatric Surgery
Adjustable Gastric Banding in Istanbul
The adjustable gastric band is a silicone band that is wrapped around the top of the stomach to restrict how much food a person may consume.
No division of the stomach or intestine takes place during this surgery.[19]
- Savings in Istanbul: 36%
- Excess Weight Loss: 35%-45% [20]
- Time Taken: 30-60 minutes [21]
- Recovery: 1 week[22]
Gastric Band Surgery in Istanbul
Gastric Balloon Surgery in Istanbul
The doctor will place the endoscope in your throat.
A delayed silicon balloon will be passed down to your stomach through the device.
Further, the balloon will be filled with air and saline.[23]
- Savings in Istanbul: 57%
- Excess Weight Loss: 30%-47% [24]
- Time Taken: 30 minutes [25]
- Recovery: 3 days [26]
Gastric Balloon in Istanbul
Stomach Botox in Istanbul
Injections were administered into the gastric antrum.
It's a process that's both minimally invasive and cost-effective, with no significant side effects.[27]
- Savings in Istanbul: 68%
- Excess Weight Loss: 10-15%
- Time Taken: 20 minutes
- Recovery: Immediate
Stomach Botox in Istanbul
Let's move on to the next section and see if surgery is better than weight loss drugs?
Weight Loss Drugs: Take It Or Leave It?
Weight loss medicines are becoming increasingly popular these days. Some of them include Ozempic and Wegovy which are Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.[28]
These medications are known to treat diabetes and, in some cases, aid in weight loss.[29] Choosing weight loss drugs over surgery can be a crucial decision.
There is so much information available that it might be daunting. So, let us assist you by explaining how these pills function. Additionally, help you understand whether or not they are truly beneficial in the long run.
Working Mechanism of GLP-1 Agonists
GLP-1 agonists are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and in some cases, obesity.
They improve insulin secretion following an oral glucose load.
The after effects of this include the following:
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Reduce pancreatic beta cell death
- Inhibit glucagon production from pancreatic alpha cell
Source: NCBI[30]
Weight Loss Pills
However, with weight loss drugs, not everything appears to be as promising as it appears. These medications have numerous side effects that might risk your health.
Side Effects of GLP-1 Agonists
The most common side effects of these medications are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This might result in an acute kidney injury due to volume contraction.
Other possible side effects include dizziness, moderate tachycardia, and infections. In some cases, headaches, and dyspepsia are all possible side effects. Injection-site pruritus and erythema are also some of the common side effects of these drugs.
Source: NCBI [31]
However, the list doesn't end here.
There are more serious side effects of GLP-1 agonists that can pose a threat to your life.
- Gastroparesis or gastric emptying which further leads to dehydration & malnutrition[32]
- Biliary disease, pancreatitis & bowel obstruction[33]
- Worsening of bezoars, formation of gastric ulcers and bleeding.
Weight Loss Pills
Lets see what benefits surgery entails.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
The prime advantage of weight loss surgery includes an average monthly weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg).[34]
Moreover, you can drop more than half of your excess weight in two years.[35] The results of weight loss surgery are long lasting with improved overall health.[36]
Therefore, it helps in increasing your self-esteem and confidence.[37] Weight loss surgery is not only the most effective but also the most cost-efficient method of losing weight. [38]
So what are you waiting for? Grab the opportunity to transform your life for good.
Plan a trip to Istanbul, Turkey and lose those extra pounds weighing down your confidence.
Medical Tourism in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul pops first in the minds of medical tourists coming straight from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This is on account of its state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure and experienced surgeons.
Istanbul, Turkey Is a Beautiful Place
Planning a trip to a new country can be a monumental task. In the below section, we have made a travel guide for you.
Entry, Exit, and Visa Requirements
British citizens visiting Turkey are permitted to stay for up to 90 days in any 180 days without obtaining a visa.
Check visa requirements with the Turkish Consulate General if you have a different British nationality (e.g., BN(O), British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person, or British Subject).
Source: Gov.UK[39]
Around the City
- The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira.[40]
- The city has a bunch of vegan-friendly restaurants.[41]
- The Istanbul Airport is only 25 miles from the city center.
- The best way to go around Istanbul is via buses and trams.[42]
- The best time to visit Istanbul is from March to May and between September and November.[43]
- Famous Istanbul dishes include Simit, Sis Kebab, Lahmacun, Pide, and Kofte.
Kofte Kebab
Simit
Turkish Baklava
Flights from the UK to Istanbul
If you are visiting from the UK, coming via flight will suit you the best. We have mentioned flights from the UK to Istanbul.
| Origin | Duration | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| London (LHR) | 3 hrs 50 min | 1,891 mi |
| Birmingham (BHX) | 4 hrs | 2,026 mi |
| Manchester (MAN) | 4 hrs | 2,115 mi |
| Edinburgh | 4 hrs 25 min | 2,286 mi |
Tourist Attractions in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul boasts of the cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. Besides monuments of historical importance, the city also has many National parks and other recreational centers.
Goreme National Park
Çamlıca Mosque
Galata Tower
Is Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey Safe?
In 2018, over 700,000 medical tourists visited Turkey. To add on, more than 32% of the country's patients are medical tourists.[44] Turkey's crime rate for 2018 was 2.5%[45] which is considered fantastic by medical tourists.
To top it all, the UK FCO has advised that Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, and Ankara, its capital, are mostly safe.[46]
Even though you can travel safely in Istanbul, it may still seem intimidating. So here are some guidelines to make your trip easier. First, you want to conduct research. It is the most crucial step because you'll know what to expect.
Research which hospital you'll be doing your surgery at. Consider Medipol or Memorial Hospital since these are the best hospitals in Istanbul.
Reviews of Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey
58 years old Victoria from Australia talks about getting an extended sleeve gastrectomy at Memorial Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey
Watch Haroun Staubmann from Dublin, Ireland, talk about getting a mini-gastric bypass at Memorial Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey.
Final Verdict
Bariatric Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey costs are far cheaper than local surgery because you'll save 30%-70% as compared to the UK. Additionally, Turkey offers some of the best surgeons at affordable prices. And before your surgery, you can even take a much-needed vacation.
If you need some help doing weight loss surgery in Istanbul, feel free to contact us, and we'll guide you through the entire process.
FAQs Around Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey
Weight loss surgery in Istanbul costs between $1,450 and $8,500. You'll save 40%-70% as compared to UK prices.
Bariatric patients typically lose around 100 pounds during the first 12 to 18 months of surgery. After this, weight loss patients can still lose a few pounds every month until they've reached their weight loss goals.
Weight loss surgery recovery time is around 2 to 3 days. And you can get back to normal activities within 3 to 5 weeks.
The side effects of weight loss surgery may include nausea, vomiting, and the inability to eat certain foods. However, these side effects do not last too long.
Weight loss surgery is only an option for those with a BMI of over 40. You must also be between the age of 18 and 65.
But if you have a BMI of 35 and suffer from an obesity-related condition, you may qualify for surgery.[47]
The effects of weight loss surgery only last 3 to 5 weeks after your operation. Once this period is over, you can go back to normal daily activities.
References
1. Daily Sabah: 'Europe's medical tourism shifts to Turkey'
2. Expatistan: 'Cost of living in Turkey compared to United Kingdom'
3. Statista: 'Total health expenditure as share of GDP in Turkey from 2000 to 2020.'
4. NCBI: 'Epidural anesthesia for laparoscopic bariatric surgery.'
5. NCBI: 'Treatment of Obesity: Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
6. Medicine Net: 'How Long Does Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery Take?'
7. BMC Surgery: 'Two-year outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy versus gastric bypass.'
8. Mayo Clinic: 'Sleeve gastrectomy.'
9. Scripps: 'What is Gastric Sleeve Recovery Time Like?'
10. Researchgate: 'Robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy in patients with obesity with a novel Chinese domestic MicroHand SII surgical system.'
11. NCBI: 'The Initial Learning Curve for Robot-Assisted Sleeve Gastrectomy'
12. Stat Pearls: 'Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y).'
13. Medline Plus Gov: 'Gastric bypass surgery.'
14. Very Well Health: 'Gastric Bypass Surgery: Recovery'
15. NCBI: 'Robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.'
16. Science Direct: 'Outcomes of Mini vs. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A meta-analysis and systematic review.'
17. ASMBS: 'Bariatric Surgery Procedures'
18. WebMD: 'What Is Restrictive Surgery for Weight Loss?'
19. Medical News Today: 'How does a gastric band work?'
20. Health Direct Gov: 'Inserting a gastric balloon.'
21. Mayo Clinic: 'Intragastric balloon.'
22. Bariatric Surgery Source: 'Gastric Balloon – 14 Ways It Will Affect You'
23. NCBI: 'Is Intragastric Botulinum Toxin A Injection Effective in Obesity Treatment?'
24. Gov.Uk: 'Turkey'
25. XE Currency Converter: '1 TRY to GBP – Convert Turkish Lire to British Pounds'
26. Travel US News: 'Istanbul Travel Guide'
27. PETA: 'Traveling to Istanbul? We've Got Your Vegan Guide to the City'
28. Macro Trends: 'Turkey Crime Rate & Statistics 2003-2022'
29. The Week: 'How safe is Turkey to visit in 2020?'
30. Fox News: 'Weight loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy: What to know before you stop taking them'
31. UC Davis Health: 'Ozempic for weight loss'
32. NCBI: 'Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists'
33. NIDDK: 'Definition and Facts for Gastroparesis'
34. Jama Network: 'Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss'
35. Medline Plus: 'Gastric bypass surgery'
36. Science Direct: 'Long-term durability of weight loss after bariatric surgery'
37.Research Gate: 'The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Psychological Health'
38. Frontiers: 'Physical and Psychological Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Obese Adolescents: A Review'