Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Clinics Approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health
- Experienced and Certified Aesthetic Surgeons
Why Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Performed?
Gastric sleeve surgery—also called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy—is performed to help people with obesity achieve durable weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions. The operation removes the stretchy, outer portion of the stomach and shapes the remainder into a narrow “sleeve.” This reduces how much food you can comfortably eat and also decreases ghrelin, the hunger hormone produced in the stomach’s fundus, which many patients find lowers appetite and cravings. For individuals whose weight has resisted structured nutrition plans, medications, and coaching, the sleeve can provide a reliable tool to change metabolism and portion control. Benefits often include improvement in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and joint pain—alongside better mobility and energy. Because it does not reroute the intestines, nutrient malabsorption is less of a concern than with bypass; lifelong vitamins are still recommended.
When is it considered?
- Long-standing obesity with medical complications despite supervised non-surgical care
- Recurrent weight cycling and difficulty maintaining loss
- Need for a restrictive procedure without intestinal bypass
As an agency, Antioch Health Travel coordinates your gastric sleeve pathway in accredited Antalya hospitals—aligning surgeon selection, anesthesia assessment, nutrition education, and follow-ups—so you receive a structured, safety-first experience from consultation to aftercare.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Good candidates are adults with clinically significant obesity and related health issues who are ready to engage in a comprehensive program—surgery plus nutrition, movement, and follow-up. Many guidelines consider patients with BMI ≥40, or BMI ≥35 with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or osteoarthritis. Some candidates with BMI 30–34.9 plus difficult-to-control metabolic disease may also be considered under specific programs after specialist review. Equally important is readiness: understanding how the sleeve works, accepting lifestyle changes, and committing to follow-up visits and vitamin supplementation.
You’re likely a strong candidate if you:
- Have tried supervised weight-management methods without durable results
- Can attend nutrition and psychology assessments and follow post-op rules
- Are prepared to avoid nicotine and follow medical optimization (e.g., CPAP use)
What Should Be Done Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Preparation increases safety and speeds recovery. Expect a multi-step work-up: blood tests, ECG/chest evaluation, abdominal ultrasound or endoscopy when indicated, and assessments by nutrition and anesthesia. Many surgeons recommend a liver-shrink (very-low-calorie) diet for 1–2 weeks pre-op to reduce liver size and make laparoscopy safer. You’ll be asked to stop nicotine and minimize alcohol, optimize blood sugar and blood pressure, and bring CPAP if you use one. Certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, specific diabetes drugs) will be adjusted under medical supervision.
Packing list for surgery in Turkey (practical)
- Passport/ID, medical records, medication list, and CPAP device (if prescribed)
- Loose front-closing clothing, supportive slippers, and a light robe
- Phone/charger, travel adaptor, and a small pillow for the flight home
- Sugar-free electrolyte drinks, protein supplements approved by your dietitian, and lip balm
- Compression stockings if advised
Day-before & morning-of
- Follow fasting instructions precisely; take allowed medications with a sip of water
- Shower per hospital protocol; remove nail polish and jewelry
- Re-review consent and post-op diet stages with your care team
How Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Performed in Turkey?
In Antalya, sleeves are performed in modern, accredited hospitals—typically laparoscopically (keyhole) under general anesthesia. After safety checks, the surgeon makes several small incisions to place a camera and instruments. The outer, stretchy curve of the stomach is freed from attachments; a soft calibration tube (bougie) guides the new stomach size. A stapler then divides the stomach vertically, creating a slender sleeve and removing the fundus where ghrelin is produced. The staple line may be reinforced and is often leak-tested with dye or air. Surgeons frequently administer local anesthetic blocks for comfort and start DVT prevention early. Operating time commonly ranges around an hour for straightforward cases; most patients walk the same day and drink clear fluids shortly after.
Typical intra-op steps
- Laparoscopic access and liver retraction
- Gastric mobilization and sizing over a bougie
- Vertical stapling with hemostasis and optional reinforcement
- Leak test, removal of resected stomach, and small-incision closure
Patients Reviews



What Did Our Patients Say?
Mary Jones
I had my rhinoplasty done through Antioch Travel and I couldn’t be happier with the entire process. From airport pickup to post-op checkups, everything was so well organized. The surgeon was extremely skilled and listened to exactly what I wanted. I’m beyond satisfied with my new nose and the confidence it gave me. Highly recommend!
Andrew Walker
Went to Antioch for dental veneers. The dentist was very professional, the staff was warm, and I felt in safe hands the entire time. My teeth look amazing now — natural and bright. Only downside was a bit of waiting between appointments, but overall great value for money.
Eva Brown
I travelled from Germany for a mommy makeover package with Antioch. The support team helped me with every detail — flights, hotel, consultations. I felt completely supported and cared for. The results? Life-changing. Thank you for giving me my confidence back!
Maria Klein
Antioch arranged my gastric sleeve surgery, and it was honestly the best decision of my life. I’ve lost 32 kilos in 6 months and feel like a completely new person. The hospital was clean, the surgeon was highly experienced, and they even followed up with me after I returned home. The whole process felt safe and professional.
Jade Williams
Had a Hollywood Smile and dental implants done in Antalya during my trip. Everything was smooth, clean, and surprisingly quick. The results look super natural. I’d 100% come back again!
Nicole Thompson
I was honestly nervous traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery, but Antioch Travel made everything feel so easy and safe. I had liposuction and some body contouring — and I’m so happy with the results! Much better than my previous experience in the US. The recovery support was also great.
Ahmed Rahman
Superb dental service! I had a full set of zirconium crowns done through Antioch. The dentist was so precise, and the entire team was friendly and efficient. My smile looks amazing and natural. Plus, I got to explore Antalya too — win-win!
Elisa Donati
I came for dental implants and stayed for the hospitality. Everything was professionally planned by Antioch. No delays, no stress. Just excellent doctors, lovely accommodation, and perfect communication throughout. Highly recommend!
Catherine Lewis
Had a tummy tuck recently. The result is better than I imagined. Only downside: hospital staff were not always fluent in English, but the Antioch team helped quickly whenever I needed something. Thank you for taking care of me!
Sarah Bakken
I went alone for upper eyelid surgery — first time having a procedure abroad. Antioch handled everything from hotel to transfers. The clinic was beautiful, and my results look fresh and natural. It honestly felt like a wellness retreat!
Recovery and Post-Procedure Care after Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey
Recovery focuses on hydration, gradual nutrition, movement, and follow-ups. Most patients spend 1–2 nights in hospital, begin walking within hours, and start a structured diet as swelling subsides.
Diet stages (your team will tailor timing)
Clear liquids (sips, sugar-free electrolyte or broth) Full liquids/protein shakes (meeting daily protein targets) Pureed/soft foods, advancing to regular textured, high-protein meals in small portions
Daily goals
Sip fluids steadily to avoid dehydration; avoid straws and carbonated drinks early. Protein first, then vegetables; limit sugars and slider foods. Take prescribed PPI (if ordered) and vitamin/mineral supplements long-term (multivitamin with iron, B12, calcium citrate with vitamin D, ± others per labs).
Activity & follow-up
Walk frequently from day one; avoid heavy lifting for several weeks. Resume desk work in 7–14 days (role-dependent). Scheduled reviews: dietitian and surgeon at set intervals; lab monitoring to personalize supplements.
Potential Complications and Risks Post Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve is widely performed with strong safety data in qualified centers, yet all surgery carries risk. Early risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots (DVT/PE), anesthesia reactions, and staple-line leak (uncommon but serious). Intermediate risks include dehydration, nausea/vomiting, gastric stricture, or worsening/new reflux (GERD) in susceptible patients. Long-term considerations involve vitamin and mineral shortfalls (iron, B12, vitamin D, calcium), gallstone formation during rapid weight loss, excess skin, or weight regain if lifestyle support lapses.
How risks are reduced
- Experienced bariatric surgeon, accredited hospital, standardized stapling and leak-testing
- DVT prevention: early walking, compression devices, and blood thinners as indicated
- Strict hydration and staged diet, anti-nausea plan, and proton-pump inhibitor (when prescribed)
- Routine vitamins/minerals and scheduled follow-ups (in clinic or telehealth)
Red flags to report promptly
- Fever, tachycardia, severe or left-shoulder pain, shortness of breath, persistent vomiting, dark stools, or inability to sip fluids
Antioch Health Travel works only with vetted teams who maintain clear escalation pathways and 24/7 contact, answering the common question “is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey safe?” with systems focused on prevention, early recognition, and rapid response.
How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost in Turkey?
Instead of a single figure, consider the scope and services included. The price of gastric bypass surgery in Turkey varies depending on factors such as the surgeon’s seniority, hospital accreditation, length of hospital stay, anaesthesia and surgery duration, whether endoscopy and advanced leakage testing are included, and the intensity of post-surgery support (access to a dietitian, laboratories, long-term follow-up).
