Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey
The most popular weight loss procedure worldwide, from £2,370, with 5-star accommodation, transfers, and 12 months of aftercare.
A gastric sleeve (also called a sleeve gastrectomy) is the most commonly performed weight loss procedure in the world, and for good reason. It is straightforward, highly effective, and delivers lasting results for patients who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
The procedure works by reducing the size of your stomach by approximately 80%, creating a narrow, sleeve-shaped pouch. This means you feel full much sooner and eat significantly smaller portions, naturally, without constant willpower. But it goes further than that. The procedure also reduces the production of ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger, so your appetite genuinely decreases.
Most patients lose 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first 12-18 months. Beyond the weight loss itself, many experience dramatic improvements in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, and joint pain. This is not just about how you look, it is about how you feel and how long you live.
At The Health Store Turkey, your gastric sleeve package includes everything: the procedure in a JCI-accredited hospital, 2-3 nights of hospital care, 5-star hotel accommodation, private airport transfers, a personal translator, and 12 months of dedicated aftercare. From £3,500, fully inclusive. No hidden costs.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
How a Gastric Sleeve Works
During a gastric sleeve procedure, your surgeon removes approximately 80% of your stomach using keyhole (laparoscopic) techniques. What remains is a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve that holds far less food than before.
The procedure typically takes 45-60 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia. Because it is done laparoscopically, through small incisions rather than one large cut, you benefit from less discomfort, smaller scars, and a faster recovery.
Unlike a gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve does not reroute your intestines. Your digestive system continues to function normally, which means fewer nutritional complications and a simpler long-term supplement routine.
What Makes It So Effective?
The gastric sleeve works in two ways:
- Restriction, Your smaller stomach physically limits how much you can eat at each meal. You feel full after just a few bites.
- Hormonal change, The removed portion of your stomach is responsible for producing ghrelin, the hunger hormone. With less ghrelin in your system, your appetite is genuinely reduced, not just controlled by willpower.
This combination of physical restriction and hormonal change is what makes the gastric sleeve so effective for long-term weight loss. It is not a temporary fix. It is a permanent change that helps your body work with you.
Am I Suitable?
A gastric sleeve may be right for you if:
- Your BMI is 30 or above (or 27.5+ with obesity-related health conditions)
- You have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise without lasting success
- You are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes after your procedure
- You are generally fit enough for a procedure under general anaesthesia
Most patients are aged between 18 and 65, though your suitability is assessed individually based on your overall health, medical history, and goals.
You may not be suitable if you have certain gastrointestinal conditions, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant within 12-18 months, or have unmanaged psychological health concerns that could affect your recovery.
Your free consultation with The Health Store Turkey includes a full medical assessment. Your patient coordinator will review your BMI, medical history, and personal goals to confirm whether a gastric sleeve is the right option for you, or whether another procedure might be more appropriate. There is no obligation and no pressure.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before Your Procedure
Your journey begins with a free consultation, either by phone, video call, or at one of our UK consultation days. Your patient coordinator will discuss your goals, review your medical history, and explain exactly what to expect.
Once you decide to go ahead, your team handles everything: flights, transfers, hotel, and hospital scheduling. You will receive a detailed preparation guide covering dietary changes in the two weeks before your procedure (a short liver-shrinking diet that makes the procedure safer and easier).
On the Day
You will arrive at the hospital having fasted overnight. Your care team will greet you, run final pre-operative checks, and your anaesthetist will talk you through the anaesthesia process.
The procedure itself takes 45-60 minutes. You will be under general anaesthesia throughout, you will not feel or remember anything.
After Your Procedure
You will spend 2-3 nights in hospital, where your medical team monitors your recovery and manages any discomfort. Most patients are up and walking within hours of their procedure, which is important for recovery.
Your personal translator is available throughout your hospital stay, so you can communicate clearly with your medical team at any time.
Once discharged, you will recover at your 5-star hotel before your transfer back to the airport. Your aftercare team remains in contact from the moment you arrive home.
Recovery & Aftercare
What to Expect During Recovery
Most patients feel ready to return to light daily activities within 7-10 days. You can typically return to desk-based work after 2 weeks and more physical roles after 3-4 weeks.
Week 1-2: You will follow a liquid diet as your stomach heals. Some discomfort around the incision sites is normal and manageable with prescribed pain relief. Light walking is encouraged, it helps with healing and reduces the chance of blood clots.
Week 2-4: You will progress to soft, pureed foods. Energy levels improve noticeably during this phase. Most patients describe feeling "lighter" both physically and mentally.
Month 2-3: You gradually transition to normal solid foods, though your portions will be much smaller than before. This is when the weight loss really accelerates, and many patients find their relationship with food begins to change fundamentally.
Month 3-12: Steady, consistent weight loss continues. Most patients lose the majority of their excess weight within 12-18 months. Your 12-month aftercare programme supports you throughout, with dietary guidance, progress reviews, and access to your care team whenever you need advice.
Your 12-Month Aftercare Programme
Your care does not stop when you leave Turkey. Your package includes:
- Regular check-ins with your aftercare team
- Dietary and nutritional guidance tailored to each stage of your recovery
- Free sports and fitness access for 12 months
- Direct communication with your patient coordinator whenever you have questions
Risks & Considerations
Every medical procedure carries some level of risk, and a gastric sleeve is no exception. Being honest about this is important, you deserve clear, straightforward information to make an informed decision.
Common Side Effects (Temporary)
- Nausea and discomfort in the first few days (managed with medication)
- Fatigue and low energy during the liquid diet phase
- Sensitivity to certain foods as you reintroduce solids
- Acid reflux in some patients (usually temporary, manageable with medication)
Less Common Risks
- Infection at the incision sites (minimised by JCI hospital hygiene standards)
- Blood clots (reduced by early mobilisation and compression stockings)
- Leaking from the staple line (rare, occurs in approximately 1-2% of cases and is monitored closely during your hospital stay)
- Nutritional deficiencies (managed with a simple daily supplement routine and regular blood tests)
How Your Risk Is Managed
Your procedure takes place in a JCI-accredited hospital with full intensive care facilities. Your surgical team performs gastric sleeve procedures regularly, using the latest laparoscopic techniques and equipment. Pre-operative assessments identify any individual risk factors, and your 2-3 night hospital stay allows thorough post-operative monitoring.
It is completely normal to feel nervous about the risks. If you have specific concerns, your patient coordinator is available to discuss them openly, no question is too small.
UK vs Turkey: What You Save
UK prices are indicative ranges based on private healthcare providers. Your THST price is confirmed during your free consultation.
UK Aftercare: We Are Here When You Get Home
Unlike other medical tourism companies, we do not leave you on your own once you are back in the UK. We have two dedicated aftercare clinics staffed by NHS-registered wound care specialists, so you can see a professional face-to-face for wound checks, dressing changes, and recovery support.
Medical disclaimer: Results of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. You are advised to consult your physician for detailed information before undergoing any procedure. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer for full details.
What Our Patients Say
Real reviews from real patients. Their words, not ours.
"From start to finish this experience was VIP. Private transfers, welcoming hospital greeting, meticulous testing, pristine facility."
"Fantastic service in every possible way. The staff were friendly, kind, and caring. I would strongly recommend."
"The best there is. The organisation and caring approach sets them apart. They are truly the best in the business."
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients lose 60-70% of their excess body weight within 12-18 months of their gastric sleeve procedure. For example, if you are 6 stone overweight, you could expect to lose 4-5 stone in that time. The rate of weight loss is fastest in the first 3-6 months and then gradually steadies. Your results depend on following the dietary and lifestyle guidance provided by your aftercare team, the procedure is a powerful tool, but it works in partnership with the changes you make.
Yes. Your procedure takes place in a government-licensed, JCI-accredited hospital, the same international standard required of the top hospitals in the UK, USA, and Europe. JCI accreditation means every aspect of the hospital is independently audited, from surgical protocols to infection control. Turkey is one of the world's leading destinations for bariatric treatment, with surgeons who perform hundreds of procedures each year. Over 5,000 patients have trusted The Health Store Turkey with their care, and the company holds over 100 five-star Google reviews.
Most patients stay for 5-7 days in total. This includes 2-3 nights in hospital following your procedure and 2-3 nights recovering at your 5-star hotel. Your patient coordinator will help you plan the timing, including flights and any pre-operative appointments. Many patients choose to add an extra day or two to enjoy the city before flying home, though this is entirely up to you.
Yes. Because your stomach is smaller, your body absorbs fewer nutrients from food. You will need to take a daily multivitamin, along with specific supplements such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Your aftercare team will advise you on exactly which supplements to take and will monitor your levels through regular blood tests during your 12-month aftercare programme. Most patients find this becomes a simple daily habit within a few weeks.
A gastric sleeve reduces the size of your stomach by removing approximately 80% of it, leaving a narrow sleeve-shaped pouch. A gastric bypass also creates a smaller stomach pouch, but additionally reroutes part of your small intestine so that your body absorbs fewer calories from food. The gastric sleeve is the simpler procedure with a slightly easier recovery, while the gastric bypass may be recommended for patients with a higher BMI or those with type 2 diabetes, as it tends to produce greater improvements in blood sugar control. Your consultation will help determine which procedure is the right fit for your individual circumstances.
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