Bariatric Surgery in Turkey

Nowadays, looking fit and slim is essential for everyone. For some people with extreme obesity, exercise and diet alone can’t help enough. That’s why people go for bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is a weight loss procedure involving changes to the digestive system that helps an individual lose weight. If you experience serious health issues because of your weight, bariatric surgery is helpful for you. The primary aim of this surgery is to modify the intestines and stomach to treat obesity. There are numerous types of bariatric surgeries, and the type that works best for you will depend on different factors such as your preference, general health, and health needs.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

All types of bariatric surgeries are excellent for maintaining a healthy weight and improving obesity-related disorders. These surgeries are safe with a low risk of complications.

There are four types of bariatric surgeries:

• Adjustable gas banding: It is a device made up of silicone that is placed around the stomach’s top part. This device can limit the amount of food a person can eat.

• Vertical sleeve gastrectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach, which results in the remaining stomach in the shape of a banana. It holds less food and liquid, decreases hunger, and increases fullness.

• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: It is also known as gastric bypass surgery and is one of the most common procedures. This surgery is very effective in treating obesity and obesity-related issues. The new small stomach holds less food and increases the fullness, which results in maintaining a healthy weight.

• Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch: This procedure resembles gastric bypass, and it also creates a tube-shaped stomach pouch. This small-shaped stomach allows the person to eat less food which increases the fullness. This process is effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Why Is It Necessary?

For some people, bariatric surgery becomes a need to lose excess weight and reduce life-threatening weight-related complications. There are many health problems that bariatric surgery can resolve, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Fatty liver

Am I the Right Candidate for Bariatric Surgery in Turkey?

If you are thinking of bariatric surgery in Turkey, you should meet some criteria before going for an evaluation. The best candidates for bariatric surgery are:

• Those with Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 35 or 40 have obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, asthma, gall bladder disease, and sleep apnea.
• Those who have more than 100 pounds or 45 kg body weight.
• Those who are 18+
• Those who tried non-surgical weight loss methods such as exercise and supervised diet.
• Those who have no indication of active alcoholism and drug addiction.

Bariatric surgery is not for those who are currently pregnant or may get pregnant in the future.

Pre-Operative Screening

A pre-operative screening is done to determine whether you are a good candidate and healthy enough for this procedure. The screening involves some tests such as:

• Chest X-ray
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Compete, blood count,
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Pulmonary function tests
• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) evaluation
• Liver function tests

During the Procedure

• This surgery is done in the hospital with general anesthesia.
• Most of the surgeries are performed laparoscopically because they can make your recovery faster.
• The surgery will take several hours, and you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.

After the Procedure

• You won’t be allowed to eat for one or two days after the surgery.
• For a few weeks, you have to follow a strict diet plan.
• You must come for frequent follow-up visits in the first several months after your surgery.
• You have to adhere to a lifelong diet and exercise plan after the surgery.

 Note: Sometimes, some patients develop excess loss and folded skin after the surgery that requires further surgery to remove it.

Risks Associated With Bariatric Surgery

Every surgery contains risks that may vary according to your health, age, and amount of weight you want to lose. Risks associated with bariatric surgery are:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots in your legs
• Breathing problem
• Poor wound healing
• Nutritional deficiency
• Gastric reflux
• Intestinal blockage

What are the Advantages of Bariatric Surgery Besides Weight Loss?

Bariatric surgery is life-changing for those who are tired of obesity and its related issues. As you all know, bariatric surgery helps to lose a significant amount of weight and provides long-term success, but it also has several benefits apart from weight loss.

• Better Life Quality: When you lose a large amount of weight, you will start noticing a significant change in your life. You can do several activities which you wish to do before your surgery, such as swimming, walking, biking, etc. This increase in physical activity also increases the flow of oxygen throughout the body, which gives you a better quality of life.

• Improved Cardiac Health: The best thing about weight loss surgery is that it decreases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, etc. According to a study, weight loss from surgery also prevents the risk of death associated with stroke, hypertension, and cardiac arrest. Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels return to normal after the bariatric surgery.

• Relief from Stress: Many people who have obesity problems are depressed or stressed due to poor body image. But losing this excess weight can improve their emotional health and set them free from stress. They can participate in different activities which they want to enjoy. 

• Long-term Remission for Type-2 Diabetes: Bariatric surgery is beneficial because it can cause long-term remission for type-2 diabetes. Most patients remain free of insulin for at least three years after the surgery. 

• Improve Fertility: This surgery also has an impact on better fertility during childbearing years. According to a study, the risk of miscarriage may decrease after the weight loss surgery and improve menstrual cycles in women who don’t ovulate. 

• Relief from Joint Pain: Carrying excess body weight can lead to joint pain and joint damage. When you lose a significant amount of weight, it helps you to relives the stress on joints so that people can enjoy more mobility.  
• Lower Cancer Risk: Excess weight also leads to an increased risk of developing ovarian and colorectal cancers. Bariatric weight loss surgery also helps in reducing the risks of cancer.

Is It Safe to Have a Bariatric Surgery in Turkey?

Patients considering bariatric surgery in Turkey often have many concerns. But Turkey is one of the best places to get weight loss surgery. It is completely safe to have bariatric surgery in Turkey because of several reasons:

• Advanced Treatment: Turkey has numerous medical centers that offer advanced treatment options for weight loss surgery. The procedure is available in Istanbul as well as other cities. You don’t have to worry about anything because you will get the best treatment.

• Cost-Effective: The primary thing that makes Turkey an attractive destination is the prices offered for the treatment. You will get high-quality treatment at an affordable price without any hassle. The country has numerous excellent hospitals that provide cost-effective services without compromising quality.

• All-Inclusive Packages: If you consider Turkey as your destination for bariatric surgery, then you don’t have to worry about anything. Many hospitals in Turkey provide accommodation, airport picks up and drop, transportation, sightseeing services, etc. The hospital’s tour operator will take care of everything right from the beginning. After the surgery, the patients have to stay for a week in Turkey for follow-up visits. During these days they can enjoy and explore the places without worrying about the accommodation or transportation costs.

• High-Success Rate: Some of the most renowned surgeons are available in Turkey to perform weight loss surgery. That’s why it has a high success rate because the surgeons perform procedures with great precision and accuracy.

• World-Class Modern Equipment: Many hospitals in Turkey are JCI certified, which means they meet high standards of excellence. The country has modern medical equipment with skilled and experienced doctors who provide high-quality pre and post-patient care management.

• Best Surgeons: As mentioned earlier, Turkey has a pool of experienced and skilled surgeons who are available round the clock to provide the best medical services. The medical tourism industry in Turkey follows the international standards set by the World Health Organization, which means you can rest assured that your health will be safe if you visit Turkey for bariatric surgery.

• Personalized Care: It is essential for international patients to feel comfortable when they are away from their homes. Turkey’s hospitals take special care of that and provide personalized care for the patients to make their stay more comfortable. Apart from this, they also offer translators to avoid any kind of language barrier.

Cost Comparison of Bariatric Surgery in Turkey

Finding affordable bariatric surgery is a challenge, but bariatric surgery cost in Turkey is much less than in other countries. Surgeons have more experience performing this procedure in Turkey than those in Europe or North America.

Does Insurance Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Most insurance companies cover bariatric surgery, but you have to meet standard criteria for medical necessity. If weight loss surgery services are listed as an exclusion, your surgery will not be covered by insurance.

Best Bariatric Surgery Clinics in Turkey

• APERA Clinic: One of the best bariatric surgery clinics in Turkey. They also have six health centers in Europe. They will provide airport transfers, accommodation, and full-time translators. Their aim is to provide the best services to every patient. 

• Clinic Center Weight Loss Clinic: This clinic is internationally recognized and popular for all types of weight-loss surgeries. They have a team of skilled, dedicated medical specialists who are committed to providing high-quality treatments.

• November Bariatric Center: November offers plastic and bariatric surgery services in Turkey. They have a long list of happy and satisfied patients. They provide numerous services such as gastric surgery, body contouring, breast aesthetics, etc. 

• Gozde International Hospital: It is a healthcare chain with 7 general hospitals, and 3 of them are only dedicated to providing services to international patients. They utilize advanced and highest medical technology for the comfortable stay and satisfactory treatment of the patient.  

• Hisar Intercontinental Hospital: This hospital is a renowned name in Turkey for bariatric surgeries. Patient satisfaction is their utmost priority, which is why they constantly improve quality standards to ensure the patients receive the best results.

To Summarize

Turkey has increased medical tourism because patients can get the same quality services at an affordable price as compared to other nations. Turkey has several bariatric surgeons, and it is essential to choose the right bariatric surgeon for a successful weight loss surgery. World-class clinics, the latest technologies, skilled surgeons, and affordable healthcare make Turkey the most preferred choice for bariatric surgery in Europe and worldwide.

FAQs on Bariatric Surgery in Turkey