Weight loss
Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul
Weight loss surgery is a long-term commitment, not a quick fix. I help you understand the main options, prepare for a preliminary review, and coordinate your visit to Istanbul.
Treatments I Can Help You Explore
Each option needs an individual assessment by a licensed surgeon.
Surgical Options
- Gastric sleeve — reduces the size of the stomach.
- Gastric bypass — reduces the stomach and changes the digestive route.
Non-Surgical Option and Follow-Up
- Gastric balloon — a temporary balloon placed in the stomach without surgery.
- Long-term follow-up — eligibility, nutrition, and follow-up are planned with the treating team.
Good to Know
In a gastric sleeve, a large part of the stomach (around 80%) is removed laparoscopically, which reduces how much you can eat and lowers a hormone that drives appetite. A mini gastric bypass makes the stomach smaller and bypasses part of the small intestine; it may be discussed especially when type 2 diabetes is a concern. A gastric balloon is temporary and does not change your anatomy. Every option works best with lasting changes in diet and lifestyle.
Who Is Usually Considered?
Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery is a major operation and a long-term commitment. In the UK, the NHS generally considers it for adults with:
- A BMI of 40 or more, or
- A BMI between 35 and 40 together with a weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, and
- Previous attempts to lose weight through diet and exercise, and a commitment to long-term follow-up
Criteria differ between countries and surgeons. The surgeon decides on suitability after reviewing your full medical history.
Life After Surgery
Results depend on lasting changes in eating habits and activity. Most patients follow a staged diet after surgery and need lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements and regular blood tests. Plan who will support your follow-up at home before you travel; ongoing care is an important part of weight-loss surgery.
Preparing for Your Preliminary Review
The more complete your first message is, the more useful the surgeon’s preliminary opinion can be. You decide what to share, and everything is handled confidentially.
- Your height, weight, and BMI, and how your weight has changed over time
- Weight-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or reflux
- Recent blood tests and a list of current medicines
- Previous abdominal surgery, including earlier weight-loss procedures or balloons
- Your general health, any long-term conditions, and medicines or supplements you take
- Previous operations, especially in the same area
- Whether you smoke or vape, since smoking slows healing and many surgeons ask you to stop before and after surgery
- Your preferred travel dates, so planning can start early
Travel & recovery
Planning Your Trip
- Your surgeon decides how long you should stay in Istanbul after the procedure. I plan the trip around that advice, not the other way around.
- Long flights soon after major abdominal surgery increase the risk of blood clots. Your surgeon sets your travel date; ask how it fits your diet stage and follow-up plan.
- A treatment trip is not a holiday. Expect to rest, avoid alcohol, strong sun, swimming, and long sightseeing days while you recover.
- Ask before you book: where follow-up appointments take place, what happens if a complication occurs, and how aftercare is handled once you are home.
- Standard travel insurance usually does not cover complications from planned surgery. Check what the clinic and your own policy cover.
Based on NHS guidance on cosmetic surgery abroad.
How I Help
Three clear steps, from your first message to follow-up.
1 — Share Your Goals
Tell me which treatment you are considering and, if you wish, share photos or medical reports.
2 — Preliminary Review
A licensed surgeon reviews your information and shares a preliminary opinion. This is not a diagnosis; the final plan follows an in-person examination.
3 — Plan, Travel, Follow-Up
If you decide to go ahead, I help organize appointments, share practical guidance on transfers and accommodation, and stay in touch after you return home.
More Weight Loss Surgery Questions
Who may be eligible?
Weight loss surgery is generally considered for people with a BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 to 40 with a related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. The bariatric team assesses your eligibility.
Will I need vitamins after surgery?
Yes. After a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, daily multivitamin and mineral supplements are usually needed for life, along with regular follow-up blood tests.
Is a gastric balloon surgery?
No. A gastric balloon is temporary and is placed without surgery; some types are swallowed as a capsule, while others are placed endoscopically. It works best together with diet and lifestyle changes.
Will I need supplements after weight-loss surgery?
Most people do. After a sleeve or bypass, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements and regular blood tests are usually recommended. Your surgeon explains the plan.
Who is eligible for weight-loss surgery?
As a reference, the NHS generally considers adults with a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 to 40 with a weight-related condition. Final suitability is a medical decision.
Important
Weight loss procedures are medical decisions. Suitability, the final plan, and recovery are determined by the treating surgeon after an in-person examination. medtour.ist coordinates and guides; it does not provide medical treatment, and no result is guaranteed.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Tell me which treatment you are considering. I’ll help you understand what information is needed and guide you toward the appropriate next step.