Gastric Sleeve abroad

In this article, we will look at what a sleeve gastrectomy is and what other bariatric surgeries are available. We will compare the cost of surgical treatment of obesity in Turkish and European clinics. As well, we touch upon important issues of recovery after surgery and the organization of treatment abroad.

Sleeve gastroplasty, or sleeve gastrectomy, is one of the most popular methods of bariatric surgery. Its goal is to reduce weight in patients who are obese and cannot lose weight on their own through dietary changes and physical activity. This surgery involves removing approximately 75-80% of the stomach, as a result of which it takes the shape of a narrow “sleeve” or tube. Thanks to a decrease in stomach volume, a person quickly becomes full and can no longer take large amounts of food, due to which he gradually loses excess weight.

Sleeve gastroplasty is effective for weight loss, with patients typically losing 40% to 60% of excess body weight within the first two years after surgery. The weight loss process begins immediately after surgery and can continue for 18-24 months. This significant weight loss often leads to improvement or even complete remission of obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The operation helps to lose weight even for those patients who were unable to do so through diet and exercise.

Most people report a significant improvement in their quality of life after bariatric surgery.

Many patients who are planning to undergo gastric sleeve surgery abroad are concerned about the rehabilitation process. After all, a long stay in another country may be associated with additional costs. They should take into account that hospitalization (stay in the clinic) after surgery takes 2-4 days. After this, the patient must remain in Turkey under the supervision of a doctor for another 7 days. If no complications are identified during this period, you can go home.

Next, it is important to follow postoperative instructions, including dietary recommendations and a gradual increase in physical activity. For the first few weeks, patients follow a liquid diet, gradually moving to pureed foods, and only after 4-6 weeks they begin to eat more solid foods.

Full recovery after gastric sleeve surgery abroad takes from 4 to 6 weeks. The duration of the rehabilitation period largely depends on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body and how accurately he (she) follows the doctor’s recommendations.

After the operation, the patient is accompanied by a nutritionist and a surgeon for a year to ensure that recovery is as effective and safe as possible.

Today, bariatric surgery is very accessible in Turkey. The average cost of a sleeve gastrectomy here is €2000-2500. At the same time, the qualifications of Turkish surgeons and the quality of the operation are in no way inferior to those in other foreign clinics. If we talk about the price of sleeve gastroplasty abroad in other countries, then on average it is 1.8–2 times higher. That is, in hospitals in Germany or Spain such an operation will cost €4000-5000.

To get a complete picture of the price of sleeve gastroplasty abroad, let’s compare it with the cost of other bariatric surgeries using the example of Turkish clinics:

• Gastric bypass is the most commonly performed operation, which allows patients to lose weight by 15-20% in the first six months. It will cost €4,000 or more.
• Gastric banding is the most easily tolerated and reversible bariatric procedure. It is performed by applying a band to the upper third of the stomach. It costs less, about €1800-2000.
• Biliopancreatic diversion is the most complex operation, which is performed not so much for weight loss as for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is performed by excluding the most part of the stomach and small intestine from the digestion process. This releases excess pancreatic enzymes, which help break down food and reduce the absorption of sugar. Proteins and fats are digested as usual. The price of this operation in Turkey is €4500–5000.

Considering that the cost of bariatric surgery in Europe is 2 times higher, it is better to choose Turkish clinics for gastric sleeve surgery abroad. Call or write to us and we will select a suitable medical center and an experienced doctor.

Experts Medical has been organizing treatment in foreign clinics for more than 8 years. Many people contacted us about surgical treatment of obesity, so we could independently evaluate their reviews of sleeve gastroplasty abroad. Most often, patients note the high level of medical service abroad, which begins even before surgery and continues throughout the entire recovery period. The professionalism of doctors and the attentive attitude of medical staff are also highly appreciated, which makes the treatment process less stressful and more comfortable.

In addition, in reviews of sleeve gastroplasty abroad, patients often emphasize the effectiveness of the operation itself. Many of them say that it helped completely change their lives. People are happy to talk about the kilos lost and the significant improvement in their quality of life.

In foreign clinics, sleeve gastroplasty is performed mainly laparoscopically. Access to the stomach is carried out through small punctures, which minimizes tissue trauma and speeds up the recovery process. This approach significantly reduces the risk of postoperative complications such as infections or hernias and provides a shorter hospital stay. The laparoscopic technique also helps patients return to their normal lifestyle more quickly. After the operation, there are practically no scars, which is an important aspect for many patients.

An endoscopic approach is used in some modern foreign clinics. This intervention does not require external incisions. The surgeon inserts a flexible endoscope into the patient’s mouth and carefully guides it through the esophagus to the stomach. Next, by using special instruments, the surgeon stitches part of the stomach, reducing its volume. This is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no abdominal incisions, so patients recover quickly.

Bariatric surgery as a medical field has emerged relatively recently. Many first sleeve gastrectomy operations were performed abroad. Since then, over time, technology has constantly developed and improved. Foreign surgeons have been able to gain extensive experience in the field of bariatric surgery. Many of them have international certificates, which indicates their high level of professionalism and qualifications.

In addition, foreign bariatric clinics often offer a comprehensive approach to the treatment of obesity, which includes not only the operation itself but also long-term post-operative care, including dietary counseling, psychological support, and assistance in lifestyle changes. This helps patients not only cope with excess weight but also maintain the results achieved for many years.

As well, it can be said that many people prefer to have gastric sleeve surgery abroad because of the high level of comfort that foreign clinics offer. Accommodation in wards equipped with everything necessary, friendly and attentive staff, the opportunity to combine treatment with relaxation, all this significantly increases the attractiveness of foreign medical centers.

Technically, it is possible. This operation is called revision and is used in cases where primary gastroplasty did not lead to sufficient weight loss or the weight returned after some time. It may also be recommended in case of complications such as gastroesophageal reflux. Sometimes doctors recommend gastric bypass in such cases. This operation not only helps achieve the desired degree of weight loss, but also cope with symptoms such as heartburn.

It is important to note that revision surgeries are more complex and carry a greater risk of complications compared to primary bariatric surgery, so it is important to choose a qualified surgeon for your primary surgery. If you need such an operation, write or call us and we will help you find a truly experienced doctor.

To do this, you just need to fill out the feedback form or call the phone number listed on the website. A certified medical coordinator will review your medical documents, translate them into English for free, and refer them to several clinics. The doctor-coordinator will work together to select several programs for you from the best surgeons and help you make an informed decision on choosing a doctor and method of surgery.

In addition, the Experts Medical team will help you solve all organizational issues: we will book a flight ticket, book a hotel room, organize a transfer, and the accompaniment of an interpreter. At every stage of treatment, you will be supported by a doctor-coordinator who will help you quickly resolve any issues that arise.

Bariatric surgery abroad can be combined with a vacation. We will help organize your trip and provide a package of all necessary services. Our main goal is to make your treatment in a foreign clinic as comfortable and safe as possible. Your health is our priority.