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Istanbul / Turkey
If you have struggled with chronic obesity and find that traditional weight loss methods have failed to provide lasting results, Gastric Sleeve surgery—clinically known as Sleeve Gastrectomy—offered by Visit Plus Care in Turkey, may be the life-changing intervention you need.
As the most performed weight loss surgery globally, the Gastric Sleeve has helped millions of individuals transition from a life of metabolic struggle to one of health, mobility, and confidence. At Visit Plus Care, we combine surgical precision with world-class hospitality to ensure your journey is safe, effective, and transformative.
Gastric Sleeve surgery is a restrictive bariatric procedure performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive). During the operation, a surgeon removes approximately 75% to 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, sleeve-like structure roughly the size and shape of a banana.
Unlike a Gastric Bypass, this procedure does not involve rerouting the intestines or bypassing any part of the digestive tract. It focuses on two primary mechanisms of weight loss:
Restriction: By significantly reducing the stomach's volume (from about 1.5 liters to 150-200 ml), you feel full after consuming very small portions of food.
Hormonal Regulation: The portion of the stomach removed is the primary site for the production of Ghrelin, often called the "hunger hormone." By removing this section, most patients experience a dramatic decrease in appetite and cravings.
Choosing where to have your surgery is as important as the surgery itself. Visit Plus Care provides a "Center of Excellence" approach for our international patients.
Our surgeons utilize Single-Incision or Multi-Port Laparoscopy, which involves tiny incisions (5–12mm). This translates to:
Minimal scarring.
Reduced post-operative pain.
Faster return to daily activities.
We never compromise on safety. We use only the highest quality, FDA-approved medical staplers and titanium staples (such as Medtronic or Ethicon) to ensure the integrity of the gastric seal and minimize the risk of leaks.
We don't just perform surgery; we manage a lifestyle change. Our packages include a dedicated bariatric dietitian who monitors your progress for up to 12 months post-surgery.
While the aesthetic changes are often the most visible, the internal health benefits of a Sleeve Gastrectomy are profound. This procedure is a powerful tool for the "remission" of metabolic diseases.
Research shows that Gastric Sleeve surgery can lead to significant improvement or total resolution of:
Type 2 Diabetes: Over 60% of patients see a normalization of blood sugar levels.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Most patients can reduce or eliminate their blood pressure medications within months.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Weight loss reduces the fatty tissue around the neck, often curing sleep apnea entirely.
Joint Pain: Losing 50-70% of excess weight takes immense pressure off the knees, hips, and lower back.
PCOS and Infertility: Many women experience a restoration of hormonal balance and improved fertility.
International guidelines, which Visit Plus Care strictly follows, suggest that you may be a candidate if:
Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is 35 or higher.
Your BMI is 30–35, and you suffer from obesity-related health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.
You have made serious, documented attempts to lose weight through diet and exercise without long-term success.
You are between the ages of 18 and 65 (cases outside this range are evaluated individually).
Upon your arrival in Turkey, you are not rushed into surgery. You undergo a "Safety First" screening:
Blood Tests: Full metabolic panel, liver enzymes, and vitamin levels.
Endoscopy: To check for stomach ulcers or hiatal hernias.
Specialist Consultations: You will meet our cardiologist, chest physician, and anesthesiologist.
The surgery lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes under general anesthesia. The surgeon uses a "bougie" (a sizing tube) to ensure the new sleeve is created with perfect dimensions—neither too tight nor too loose.
Hospital Stay (2-3 Nights): You are monitored 24/7. We perform a "leak test" before you are discharged to ensure the staple line is perfectly healed.
The First Week: You will be on a clear liquid diet to allow the stomach to heal.
Weeks 2-4: Transition to pureed foods (yogurt, blended soups, protein shakes).
Month 2 Onward: Introduction of soft solids, eventually moving to a balanced, high-protein "new normal" diet.
The Gastric Sleeve is a tool, and its success depends on how you use it. Our bariatric dietitians provide a customized roadmap:
Protein First: To maintain muscle mass and promote healing, protein is always the priority in every meal.
Hydration: You must learn to sip water slowly throughout the day, avoiding liquids 30 minutes before and after meals.
Vitamin Supplementation: Because your food intake is lower, we prescribe specific bariatric vitamins (B12, Iron, Calcium, and Multivitamins) to prevent deficiencies.
Every surgery carries risks, but modern bariatric surgery is now as safe as gallbladder surgery. Potential risks include:
Staple Line Leaks: Rare (less than 1%) due to our advanced stapling techniques.
Reflux (GERD): Some patients may experience increased acidity; we screen for this pre-operatively to ensure the sleeve is the right choice for you.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Entirely preventable with regular follow-ups and supplements.
We understand that traveling to a foreign country for surgery requires trust. Visit Plus Care handles every detail:
Flight Coordination: We advise on the best times to fly.
VIP Transportation: From the moment you land, our private drivers handle all transfers between the airport, hotel, and hospital.
Language Support: A personal coordinator who speaks your native language will be by your side during all medical consultations.
Feature | Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass |
Anatomy | Stomach is reshaped into a tube. | Stomach is divided; intestines are rerouted. |
Malabsorption | Minimal. | High (helps with rapid weight loss). |
Dumping Syndrome | Rare. | More common (helps avoid sugar). |
Best For | First-time bariatric patients. | Patients with severe reflux or high-grade diabetes. |
How much weight will I lose? On average, Gastric Sleeve patients lose 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first 12–18 months.
Will my stomach stretch back out? The stomach is a muscle and can stretch slightly if overfilled consistently. However, it will never return to its original size. Following our portion control guidelines is key.
Can I have the Gastric Sleeve if I want to get pregnant? Yes! In fact, weight loss improves fertility. We simply recommend waiting 12–18 months post-surgery so your weight and nutrition can stabilize before pregnancy.
The Gastric Sleeve is more than a weight-loss procedure; it is a "reset button" for your metabolism. At Visit Plus Care, we pride ourselves on being your partner in this journey, providing the surgical excellence of Turkey’s top hospitals combined with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
Are you ready to start your journey? Contact our team today for a free BMI assessment and a personalized treatment plan.
Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery
Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery, General Surgery