Obesity is a global concern.[1] And, weight loss surgery in Turkey can be an affordable solution for those in need. Want to slim down with a whopping 70% savings? Read our guide on bariatric surgery in Turkey for the essential trip and WLS info.

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Obesity Surgery in Turkey - Patient Testimonial

Turkey is one of the top 10 countries where British citizens get medical treatments.[2]

Question

Did you know?

It is also a top destination for low-cost & high-quality bariatric surgeries?[3]

Every year, millions of medical tourists come here for treatments.[4] Curious about why Turkey is their top choice for bariatric medical tourism? Let’s explore.

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey

Bariatric surgery in Turkey is an option worth considering for many reasons. Let's delve a bit deeper into them.

Weight loss surgery in Turkey can allow you to save up to 60-70% on your medical procedure.

Our partner bariatric surgery clinics in Turkey are JCI accredited, as your safety and comfort are our top priorities.

Our Turkey weight loss surgeons are board-certified professionals with experience of over 10 years.

  • Turkey is a developed and well-connected country.
  • It is easily accessible from many major and minor cities in the world.

  • Turkey is a beautiful country; it has everything from ancient ruins to vibrant nightlife.
  • Not to mention the diverse range of delicacies you can try in Turkey.

Now if you are wondering how much is weight loss surgery in Turkey? Read ahead.

Cost of Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey

Bariatric surgery in Turkey is up to 73% less than in the UK. For instance, a gastric sleeve cost in Turkey begins at £2,750/$3,420. While in the UK, it can be as high as £10,000/$12,440. So, your savings can be 72% with travel costs included.

Similarly, a gastric bypass in Turkey costs around £3,500/$4,350. Compared to the UK, these prices are 56% cheaper. For more clarity, refer to the Weight Loss Surgery Turkey Pricelist 2023 below.

Comparison of WLS Turkey Price with the UK
Procedure Turkey UK Savings
Gastric Sleeve £2,750/$3,420 £10,000/$12,440 72%
Gastric Bypass £3,500/$4,350 £8,000/$9,950 56%
Gastric Balloon (12 months) £2,000/$2,490 £6,000/$7,470 67%
Mini Gastric Bypass £4,235/$5,270 £8,000/$9,950 47%
Adjustable Silicone Gastric Band £2,100/$2,610 £6,000/$7,470 65%
Robotic Gastric Sleeve Surgery £6,500/$8,090 £12,050/$15000 46%
Stomach Botox Surgery £1,200/$1,500 £4,500/$5,600 73%
*Bariatric surgery prices in Turkey are case-dependent.

Thus, you can save thousands of dollars with weight loss surgeries in Turkey. Furthermore, a self-pay bariatric surgery is a practical option to avoid long waiting times in your country.

All-Inclusive Weight Loss Surgery Package in Turkey

If you travel from the UK, consider the affordable bariatric surgery package in Turkey. It includes the following:

Want a free price quote for all-inclusive WLS in Turkey? Now you know why WLS is an excellent option for medical tourism in Turkey. Let’s see how to pay for the surgery.

Turkey Weight Loss Surgery Payment Options

  • Cash, cards
  • Bank transfers

After choosing WLS in Turkey, the next step is finding the top hospital and surgeon. In the next section, let’s explore renowned weight loss surgery clinics in Turkey.

Plan cost-effective WLS in Turkey!

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Best Hospital for Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey

At MTC, our utmost priority is your safety and comfort. That is why we have partnered exclusively with hospitals accredited by JCI and ISO to ensure the highest standards of care. So have a look at some of the best hospitals for your obesity surgery in Turkey (Istanbul, Antalya and Eskişehir).

You can rest assured that you will get the best treatment. Next, let’s look at the WLS surgeons who will treat you here.

Top 5 Bariatric Surgeons in Turkey

At MTC, we have partnered with some of the best bariatric surgeons in Turkey. They are board-certified individuals who have gained expertise in bariatric surgeries over years of experience. Mentioned below are their profiles. Have a look:

Connect with top surgeons in Turkey!

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Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey Reviews

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Bariatric Surgery in Turkey - Patient Testimonial

Confident about the quality of  treatment you'll get in Turkey? Let's learn more about the procedure and its types in the next section.

Weight Loss Surgery Explained

Bariatric procedures focus on reducing the stomach size so one eats less but feels full.

After surgery, the food you eat will bypass some parts of your stomach and small intestine that absorb food.

Less food consumption and thereby less nutrient absorption leads to weight loss.

Bariatric surgery in Turkey

Now, let's explore the different types of weight loss surgeries in Turkey.

Popular Bariatric Surgeries in Turkey

Below, we discuss the common weight loss surgeries performed in Turkey.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

Gastric sleeve in Turkey
About 80% of your stomach is removed, and the edges of the remaining 20% are stapled.[5]

Turkey gastric sleeve savings: 72%

Gastric Bypass in Turkey

Gastric bypass in Turkey
It reduces the stomach size by rerouting the digestive system to limit food absorption.[6]

Turkey RYGB savings: 56%

Gastric Balloon in Turkey

Gastric Balloon in Turkey
In this procedure, saline-filled silicone balloon is placed in the stomach to reduce appetite & promote eating less.[7]

Turkey IGB savings: 67%

Gastric Band in Turkey

Gastric Band in Turkey
It involves placing a stomach band to create a small food pouch. It induces fullness with smaller portions.[8]

Turkey gastric band savings: 65%

Mini Gastric Bypass in Turkey

Mini gastric bypass in Turkey
It is similar to a gastric bypass. However, the main difference is that it makes the stomach much smaller & reroutes the small intestine.

Turkey MGB savings: 47%

Stomach Botox Surgery in Turkey

Stomach botox in Turkey
Also called Gastric Botox or Botox injection for weight loss, it is a procedure that involves injecting Botox into the stomach muscles.[9]

Turkey Gastric Botox savings: 73%

Robotic Bariatric Surgery in Turkey

Robotic surgery is a safe and effective choice for primary and revisional bariatric procedures.[10]

Our Turkish bariatric surgeons perform robotic weight loss surgeries using Da Vinci Robotic Technology or equivalent technology. They have received specialized training to use this technology. With robotic WLS, you can get the following advantages:[11]

  • Reduced risk of surgical complications, such as leaks and bleeding
  • Shorter operating time, and
  • Shorter hospital stays.

Robotic WLS in Turkey

Robotic Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey

So, what is the best surgery in Turkey for weight loss?

The best weight loss surgery method in Turkey depends on your specific situation. Fortunately, during a consultation, your Turkey bariatric surgeon will recommend the most suitable option based on your goals and health.

Turkey Weight Loss Surgery Process & Procedure

If you are interested in Turkey bariatric surgery, you must first know if you qualify. Let’s discover if you meet the criteria for the procedure.

Who is Eligible for Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey?

You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have struggled with long-term obesity without success. However, before surgery, your WLS surgeon in Turkey will assess if you meet the following criteria:[12]

  • BMI ≥35, regardless of co-morbidities, is a key criterion.
  • BMI ≥30 with type 2 diabetes.
  • BMI of 30–34.9 with inadequate weight loss or co-morbidity improvement through non-surgical methods.

Turkey Bariatric Surgery Evaluation Process

Before your first appointment with Bariatric Surgery Clinics in Turkey, please do the following:

  • Ensure you're up to date with routine preventive health screenings by consulting your primary care provider.
  • Submit your medical history questionnaire for pre-surgical evaluation.

Turkey Weight Loss Surgery – Pre-operative Work-up

The infographic below illustrates the required tests and procedures before bariatric surgery in Turkey.

Pre-Op-Work-for-Bariatric-Surgery in Turkey

About Turkey Bariatric Surgery Procedure

Today, most types of weight loss surgery are performed with small incisions. The incisions are made with minimally invasive surgical techniques (laparoscopic and robotic surgery). These less invasive techniques offer improved patient experience with:[13]

  • less pain, fewer complications
  • shorter hospital stays & faster recovery

All WLS procedures are done using general or epidural anesthesia.[14] It helps to manage pain during the surgery. Having learned about the pre-operative phase & procedure, it is now time to focus on the recovery.

Recovery Time for Various Types of Bariatric Surgery in Turkey

Patients usually spend 1 to 3 days in the hospital after weight loss surgery.

They resume normal activities 4 to 6 weeks later.

However, long-term lifestyle changes are necessary to maximize the benefits of your surgery.

Source: NHS[15]

Recovery after WLS in Surgery

Walking Post-WLS

Now, let's explore the recovery timelines for various bariatric procedures.

Recovery Timeline for the Top Weight Loss Surgeries in Turkey
Procedure Recovery time
Gastric sleeve 2 – 3 weeks
Gastric bypass 4 – 6 weeks
Mini gastric bypass 2 – 3 weeks
Gastric balloon 3 days
Gastric band 1 week
Stomach Botox surgery Immediate

Source: Healthline,[16],[17] Bariatric Surgery Source,[18],[19] Medical News Today[20]

Note: The recovery duration varies for each case. Ensure to consult your Turkey bariatric surgeon & dietician for post-surgery guidance.

Now you know all about the best weight loss surgery in Turkey. But what about the safety of the country? Read ahead to find out.

How Safe is Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey?

It's absolutely safe when it comes to weight loss surgery in Turkey.[21] Turkey is among the top medical tourism places because of healthcare services' quality, affordability, and accessibility.[22]

Furthermore, WLS is highly safe, with complication rates lower than those of common operations like:[23]

Weight Loss Medications: Are They for You?

Struggling to shed those stubborn extra pounds? Well, there's a new innovation in the weight loss arena: weight loss drugs! Where countless diets and exercise plans disappoint, many are turning to GLP-1 Agonist medications.

They function by slowing down the digestion process in your stomach, known as delayed gastric emptying. This delay keeps you feeling full for a longer period of time.[24]

But are these medications a safer alternative to weight loss surgery?

Bariatric Surgery in Turkey vs Drugs

Bariatric Surgery vs Drugs

Let’s briefly compare the two!

Weight Loss Surgery vs Drugs
Aspect Weight Loss Surgery Weight Loss Drugs
Effectiveness
  • Highly effective, an average weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg) a month[25]
  • In 2 years, you can lose more than half of your extra weight[26]
  • Moderate effectiveness, typically resulting in 5 to 10 pounds (2 to 4.5 kg) weight loss[27]
  • Also, not everyone loses weight after using the medications[28]
Long-term Success Offers long-term weight maintenance and improved overall health[29] Often requires continued use, with the potential for weight regain upon discontinuation[30]
Psychological Impact May lead to improvements in self-esteem and body image[31] Depression can be one of the side effects of the weight loss drugs[32]
Cost It is considered one of the most successful and affordable alternatives to weight loss[33] Medications are prescribed for an indefinite period of time and are expensive as well[34]

Wondering about the safety of these drugs?

Let’s consider the case of one of the drugs, lorcaserin, that was available in the market under different brand names. Lorcaserin was withdrawn from the US by the FDA because clinical trials indicated higher chances of cancer.[35]

This was all about the weight loss pills that will help you to decide wisely what is right for you!

Ready for the trip? Here are some travel essentials to help you.

Medical Tourism in Turkey

Question

Did you know?

Turkey leads in medical tourism with affordable prices and high success rates.[36]

The country caters to around 1.2 million European tourists seeking medical services.[37] It is not only a perfect choice for your healthcare needs but also a beautiful country to explore.

Medical tourism in Turkey

Hot Air Balloons in Turkey

Turkey has everything from charming ancient ruins to a vibrant nightlife. Not to mention the diverse range of delicacies you can try in Turkey. But travel planning and execution can be an overwhelming task. No need to worry; we'll help you plan a trouble-free trip.

Keep reading to know more.

Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for foreigners traveling to Turkey are very simple. However, you must check if your country is exempt from a Turkey visa.[38] When entering Turkey, you need to bring the following documents:

  • A passport that expires at least 60 days beyond your stay.
  • A valid visa you can obtain upon arrival in Turkey or from the Turkish Consulates in your country.
  • Find the specific visa requirements for your country on the Turkish MFA website.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Turkey[39]

Flights

Turkey is well-connected to all major and minor cities of the world as it has a total of 57 airports across the country.[40]

UK to Istanbul Flights
City, Country - IATA Flight Duration
London, UK - LHR 3.35h
Birmingham, UK - BHX 4h
Los Angeles, USA - LAX 14.10h

Tourist Places

Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions you can visit in Turkey:

Topkapi Palace Museum

Topkapi Palace Museum

Ayasofya-Hagia Sofia

Ayasofya Hagia Sofia

Grand Bazaar Istanbul

Grand Bazaar Istanbul

Galata-Tower

Galata-Tower

FAQ's on Weight Loss Surgery in Turkey

Weight loss surgery Turkey price is much less than in the UK. You can save up to 70% on your bariatric procedure! Have a look at the list to get a better idea about bariatric surgery Turkey’s prices.

  • Gastric Sleeve - £2,750/$3,420
  • Gastric Bypass - £3,500/$4,350
  • Gastric Balloon - £2,000/$2,490
  • Mini Gastric Bypass - £4,235/$5,270
  • Lap band - £2,100/$2,610
  • Gastric botox - £1,200/$1,500

Gastric bypass in Turkey can cost you around £3,500/$4,350. This includes surgery, surgeon fee, meds, post-op support, hospital stay and ground transfers.

On the other hand, the average price in the UK is about £8,000/$9,950. This means you save around 55% of the cost in Turkey!

In general, weight loss surgery is very cheap in Turkey. This is primarily due to favorable exchange rates and the low cost of living in Turkey.[41] The average cost of gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey is only £2,750/$3,420, 72% cheaper than in the UK.

Your insurance company may cover WLS costs if medically necessary. Also, you may need to show documented evidence of unsuccessful weight loss with a supervised diet and exercise.[42]

So, thoroughly review your insurance policy. And consult your Turkey WLS surgeon & insurer to check coverage options.

WLS in Turkey is performed for overweight people with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or higher. However, in the cases of type 2 diabetes, surgery may be considered for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher.

Additionally, individuals with a BMI of 30-34.9 with insufficient weight loss through non-surgical methods can also get obesity surgery in Turkey.

Recovery time for WLS varies based on the procedure and individual health. Patients usually recover within 2 to 6 weeks after surgery, gradually resuming normal activities and adapting to dietary changes. Refer to the recovery timeline table for different WLS procedures in Turkey.

The most popular weight loss surgery treatments in Turkey are gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and lap band.

However, different bariatric procedures help with weight loss in different ways. Hence consider your personal goals, health status, and risks/benefits when selecting a procedure.

Choosing a specialized medical center for weight loss surgery is always recommended. Moreover, when performed by experts, the chances of complications are minimal.[43] But you need not worry about your WLS in Turkey.

Our Turkey weight loss surgery clinics are state-of-the-art and hold international accreditations. The surgeons working here have 15+ years of experience and are board-certified.

Istanbul, Antalya, and Eskişehir are some of the best places in Turkey for gastric sleeve surgery.

We have partnered with experienced bariatric surgeons and internationally accredited hospitals in these locations. So, you need not worry about safety when choosing Turkey for a gastric sleeve.

Here is a list of some of the best hospitals in Turkey for bariatric surgery:

  • Saluss Hospital Istanbul
  • Saluss Hospital Antalya
  • Memorial Hospital Istanbul
  • Klinik Mavi Eskişehir

Conclusion

By choosing weight loss surgery in Turkey you can save up to 70% on your treatment as compared to the UK. Apart from affordable prices, it is completely safe, and you also get the chance to tick it off your bucket list.

What more could one ask for?

Consider the benefits of bariatric surgery in Turkey and take the first step toward slimming down.

Plan a medical trip to Turkey!

Reach out to MTC today

Contact us

References

  1. WHO: Obesity and overweight
  2. Daily Sabah: Europe's medical tourism shifts to Turkey
  3. Healthcare Business Today: Discovering The Best WLS In Turkey
  4. USHAS: Health Tourism Data
  5. Healthline: What to Know About Gastric Sleeve
  6. WebMD: Gastric Bypass Surgery
  7. Healthdierct.gov: Inserting a gastric balloon
  8. NHS: Weight loss surgery
  9. Johns Hopkins: Botulinum Toxin Stomach Injections for Weight Loss
  10. Frontiers: Role of Robot in Primary & Revisional Bariatric Surgery
  11. ASMBS: Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
  12. ASMBS: Bariatric Surgery Procedures
  13. NCBI- Epidural anesthesia for laparoscopic bariatric surgery
  14. NHS: Afterwards-Weight loss surgery
  15. Healthline: How Do Gastric Sleeve & Gastric Bypass Surgeries Compare?
  16. Bariatric Surgery Source: Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
  17. Bariatric Surgery Source: Gastric Balloon
  18. Medical News Today: How does a gastric band work?
  19. Visa Guide: Do I Need a Visa for Turkey?
  20. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Turkey: General Information About Turkish Visas
  21. Traveltriangle: 15 Best Airports In Turkey
  22. Travel Magazine: The 5 Most Popular Destinatios For Medical Tourism
  23. Tourism Review News: Turkey–The Rising Star Of Medical Tourism
  24. Mayo Clinic: Weight-loss surgery: Is it an option for you?
  25. WebMD: Choosing a Type of Weight Loss Surgery
  26. NCBI: Medication-Induced Gastroparesis: A Case Report
  27. Medline Plus: Gastric bypass surgery
  28. Medline Plus: Weight-loss medicines
  29. Science Direct: Long-term durability of weight loss after bariatric surgery
  30. Research Gate: The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Psychological Health
  31. Frontiers: Physical and Psychological Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Obese Adolescents
  32. USA Today: Anti-obesity medications are set to skyrocket this year. But how will we afford them?
  33. FDA: FDA requests the withdrawal of the weight-loss drug Belviq, Belviq XR (lorcaserin) from the market