Bariatric Surgery Turkey — Metabolic Surgery Istanbul from £1,925 — Frequently Asked Questions

Bariatric surgery is a group of surgical procedures that treat severe obesity by reducing stomach capacity, altering digestive hormones, or both. The term comes from the Greek baros (weight). It is a medically indicated treatment for a chronic disease, not cosmetic surgery. Procedures include gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and revisional surgery.

At MedProper Istanbul, bariatric surgery starts from £1,275 / €1,490 for a gastric balloon and from £1,925 / €2,250 for a gastric sleeve. Gastric bypass starts from £2,695 / €3,150. All prices are all-inclusive with no hidden charges.

Yes, when performed at an accredited centre by experienced surgeons. MedProper operates in a JCI-accredited hospital with Level 3 ICU, IFSO-member surgeons, and a dual leak test protocol. The mortality rate for gastric sleeve at experienced centres is 0.08-0.19%.

Success rates depend on the procedure: gastric sleeve produces 60-70% excess weight loss at 12-18 months, gastric bypass produces 65-75%, and these results are largely maintained at 10 years (51-60% EWL). Type 2 diabetes remission rates are 60% for sleeve and 80%+ for bypass.

At MedProper (following IFSO guidelines): BMI 35+ for surgery, BMI 30+ with comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea), and BMI 27+ for gastric balloon. The NHS requires BMI 40+ or 35+ with comorbidities.

Bariatric surgery is the umbrella term for all weight loss surgery procedures. Gastric sleeve is one specific type of bariatric surgery — the most commonly performed. Other types include gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and revisional surgery.

Gastric sleeve takes 45-75 minutes, gastric bypass takes 90-150 minutes, mini bypass takes 60-90 minutes, and gastric balloon takes 15-20 minutes. All surgical procedures are performed laparoscopically under general anaesthesia.

Long-term effects include sustained weight loss (51-60% of excess weight at 10 years), Type 2 diabetes remission (60-80%), resolution of hypertension and sleep apnoea, reduced cardiovascular mortality (50-70%), and improved quality of life. Lifelong vitamin supplementation is required after bypass and recommended after sleeve.

Bariatric surgery produces remission of Type 2 diabetes in approximately 60% of gastric sleeve patients and 80%+ of gastric bypass patients. Remission often occurs within days of surgery, before significant weight loss, due to hormonal and metabolic changes. Bypass is the recommended procedure specifically for diabetes treatment.

The mortality rate for laparoscopic gastric sleeve at experienced, JCI-accredited centres is approximately 0.08-0.19% (roughly 1 in 500 to 1 in 1,250). For gastric bypass, the rate is 0.2-0.5%. Both are comparable to or lower than many commonly performed surgical procedures.

Gastric sleeve is recommended for BMI 35-45 without severe reflux — it is simpler, has lower complication rates, and requires fewer lifelong supplements. Gastric bypass is recommended for BMI over 45, Type 2 diabetes, or chronic acid reflux — it produces greater weight loss and superior metabolic outcomes. Your MedProper surgeon will recommend the best option during a free consultation.

The post-operative diet progresses through four phases: clear liquids (days 1-3), full liquids including protein shakes (days 4-14), pureed foods (weeks 3-4), and soft foods (weeks 5-6), before transitioning to normal meals in small portions. Protein intake (60-80g daily) is prioritised. MedProper provides a detailed 12-month nutrition guide.

After losing 60-75% of excess weight, many patients have excess skin, particularly around the abdomen, arms, thighs, and breasts. Body contouring procedures such as tummy tuck, arm lift, and breast lift are typically performed 12-18 months after bariatric surgery, once weight has stabilised.

Yes, MedProper performs bariatric surgery on patients up to 65 as standard. Patients over 65 are assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering overall fitness, anaesthesia risk, and expected benefit. Additional cardiac and pulmonary testing may be required.

The typical timeline from initial consultation to surgery is 2-4 weeks. After your free assessment and procedure recommendation (within 48 hours), you pay the deposit, complete a 2-4 week pre-operative liquid diet, and travel to Istanbul for surgery. There are no waiting lists.