Obesity Surgery Turkey — Gastric Sleeve Istanbul from €1,440

The operation is not cosmetic surgery. It is a medically indicated intervention for a chronic metabolic disease, and the outcomes extend far beyond weight loss: resolution of diabetes, normalisation of blood pressure, elimination of sleep apnoea, reduced cardiovascular risk, and statistically significant improvements in life expectancy.

Am I Eligible? BMI Requirements

Eligibility for bariatric surgery differs depending on whether you pursue treatment through the NHS, the UK private sector, or a specialist clinic abroad. Understanding these differences is essential for making an informed decision.

NICE Guidelines (UK)

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Clinical Guideline CG189, updated in 2024, recommends bariatric surgery for adults who meet all of the following criteria:

• BMI of 40 or above, or BMI of 35-39.9 with at least one significant obesity-related condition (Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or disabling arthritis)
• Evidence of having attempted and been unable to achieve or maintain adequate weight loss through non-surgical measures for at least six months
• Fitness for general anaesthesia and surgery
• Commitment to long-term follow-up

In practice, most NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) apply additional restrictions. Many require a BMI of 50 or above for fast-track referral, or a mandatory two-year Tier 3 weight management programme before surgical referral is even considered. The result is that only around 6,000 NHS bariatric procedures are performed annually in England, despite an estimated 2.9 million adults meeting the NICE criteria.

MedProper Criteria

At MedProper Istanbul, our bariatric surgeons follow IFSO international guidelines, which are broader than NHS criteria:

The key difference: patients with a BMI between 30 and 35 who have Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or other obesity-related conditions can access surgical treatment in Istanbul, whereas the NHS would not typically offer surgery below a BMI of 35. This aligns with the 2022 IFSO position statement that recommends metabolic surgery for patients with BMI 30-34.9 and poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes.

How to calculate your BMI: Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. For example, if you weigh 110 kg and stand 1.72 m tall: 110 / (1.72 x 1.72) = BMI 37.2. Alternatively, contact our team for a free BMI assessment during your initial consultation.

Bariatric Procedures at MedProper Istanbul

MedProper offers the full range of surgical and non-surgical weight loss procedures, allowing our bariatric team to recommend the option best suited to your BMI, health profile, and weight loss goals.

Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

The most popular bariatric procedure worldwide, accounting for approximately 55% of all weight loss operations globally. The surgeon removes 75-80% of the stomach laparoscopically, creating a sleeve-shaped tube. The procedure is irreversible, takes 45-75 minutes, and requires a hospital stay of two to four nights.

Best for: BMI 35+ (or 30+ with comorbidities). Patients seeking a single, definitive operation with strong long-term results and lower nutritional supplement requirements than gastric bypass.

Expected weight loss: 60-70% of excess weight within 12-18 months.

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

The gold standard for patients with higher BMIs or those with Type 2 diabetes. The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch (approximately 30 ml) and reroutes the small intestine to connect directly to this pouch, bypassing the majority of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine (the duodenum).

This dual mechanism, restriction plus malabsorption, produces greater average weight loss than sleeve gastrectomy and higher rates of Type 2 diabetes remission. The procedure takes 90-150 minutes and requires a hospital stay of three to five nights.

Best for: BMI 40+ or BMI 35+ with Type 2 diabetes. Patients who need maximum metabolic impact or who have severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), as bypass resolves reflux in over 90% of patients.

Expected weight loss: 65-75% of excess weight within 12-18 months.

Mini Gastric Bypass (One-Anastomosis)

A simplified version of the Roux-en-Y bypass with a single intestinal connection rather than two. The procedure creates a longer, tubular stomach pouch and connects it to a loop of small intestine approximately 200 cm from the ligament of Treitz. Surgery time is 60-90 minutes, and the hospital stay is typically three to four nights.

Best for: BMI 40+ or revision patients. Those who want the metabolic benefits of bypass with a technically simpler operation and shorter surgical time.

Expected weight loss: 65-75% of excess weight within 12-18 months.

Gastric Balloon (Non-Surgical)

A silicone balloon is placed endoscopically (through the mouth, with no incisions) into the stomach and filled with saline to occupy space and create early satiety. The procedure takes 15-20 minutes under light sedation. The balloon remains in place for six to twelve months before endoscopic removal.

Best for: BMI 27-35. Patients who do not meet the criteria for surgical bariatric procedures, those who wish to lose weight before another operation (such as orthopaedic surgery or fertility treatment), or those who prefer a fully reversible, non-surgical option.

Expected weight loss: 10-15% of total body weight over six to twelve months.

Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Between 15% and 25% of bariatric patients require a revisional procedure within ten years, according to data published in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases (SOARD). Common reasons include insufficient initial weight loss, weight regain after initial success, complications such as chronic GORD following sleeve gastrectomy, or band-related issues following gastric banding.

Revision options at MedProper include:

• Sleeve-to-bypass conversion (most common revision)
• Re-sleeve gastrectomy (for dilated sleeve)
• Band removal with conversion to sleeve or bypass
• Pouch revision for stretched gastric bypass

Best for: Patients who have had a previous bariatric procedure that has failed or caused complications. A thorough endoscopic and radiological assessment is performed before any revision to determine the optimal approach.

Gastric Sleeve Turkey Cost 2026 (GBP)

One of the most significant advantages of having bariatric surgery at MedProper Istanbul is the cost. Our all-inclusive prices are a fraction of UK private fees, with no compromise on surgical standards, hospital accreditation, or aftercare.

2026 All-Inclusive Pricing

How MedProper compares to other Turkey clinics

At £2,185 all-inclusive, MedProper offers the most competitive gastric sleeve pricing of any JCI-accredited facility in Turkey. This is not a stripped-down package; it includes your surgery, hospital stay, hotel accommodation, all transfers, pre-operative testing, post-operative medications, and 12-month remote nutritional support.

Why is bariatric surgery so much cheaper in Turkey?

The price difference does not reflect a difference in quality. It reflects structural economic factors:

• Operating costs: Staff salaries, hospital overheads, and pharmaceutical costs are significantly lower in Turkey than in the UK, without any corresponding reduction in training standards or equipment quality.
• Currency advantage: The Turkish lira has depreciated substantially against the pound, making Turkish medical services exceptionally affordable for British patients.
• Volume efficiency: Turkish bariatric centres perform a high volume of procedures, creating economies of scale that reduce per-patient costs.
• Government healthcare investment: The Turkish government has invested heavily in medical tourism infrastructure, including tax incentives for JCI-accredited facilities.

Your surgeon at MedProper uses the same laparoscopic staplers (Ethicon, Medtronic, or Johnson and Johnson), the same anaesthetic protocols, and the same post-operative monitoring standards as any UK NHS or private bariatric unit.

Turkey vs UK: Why Patients Choose Istanbul

The decision to have bariatric surgery abroad is significant. The table below provides a factual comparison to help you weigh your options.

Regional NHS Waiting Times for Bariatric Surgery

NHS waiting times for bariatric surgery vary dramatically by region. The following data, compiled from NHS England Referral-to-Treatment statistics and Freedom of Information requests to individual trusts, illustrates the scale of the problem.

These figures represent the time from GP referral to the date of surgery. They do not include the months or years many patients spend in Tier 3 weight management programmes before being referred for surgical assessment. In total, the journey from first GP appointment to surgical date can exceed four years in some regions.

During that wait, obesity-related conditions continue to worsen. A 2023 study in the British Journal of Surgery found that patients who waited more than 18 months for bariatric surgery had a 34% higher rate of cardiovascular events compared to those who received timely intervention.

For a patient with a BMI of 42 and Type 2 diabetes, waiting 30 months for NHS surgery means 30 months of insulin injections, 30 months of cardiovascular risk, and 30 months of reduced quality of life. At MedProper, the same patient could be assessed, prepared, and surgically treated within three to four weeks of initial contact.

What Is Included in Our All-Inclusive Package?

MedProper operates on a transparent, all-inclusive pricing model. Our bariatric package includes everything you need from airport arrival to departure.

Included in your package:

• Bariatric surgery performed by an IFSO-member surgeon
• General anaesthesia and all operating theatre costs
• 3-4 night hospital stay in a private room
• 24-hour nursing care during hospital stay
• Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, and abdominal ultrasound
• Pre-operative consultation with your bariatric surgeon
• Pre-operative consultation with an anaesthesiologist
• Leak test (upper GI contrast study) before discharge
• Post-operative medications (painkillers, anti-nausea, blood thinners, proton pump inhibitors)
• Multivitamin and protein supplement starter kit (one-month supply)
• 5-night hotel accommodation (4 or 5-star, breakfast included)
• VIP airport transfers (arrival and departure)
• Hotel-to-hospital transfers (all appointments)
• Dedicated English-speaking patient coordinator throughout your stay
• Companion accommodation (shared room with patient at hotel)
• Post-operative dietitian consultation before departure
• Personalised 3-month post-surgery diet plan
• 12-month remote follow-up programme (video consultations at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months)
• WhatsApp support group access with nutritionist and coordinator
• Printable GP aftercare protocol for your UK doctor
• Bariatric surgery certificate and full medical discharge report

Not included (at your own arrangement):

• Return flights to Istanbul (typically £80-£200 from most UK airports)
• Travel insurance with medical coverage (strongly recommended)
• Personal expenses (shopping, sightseeing, meals outside hotel)
• Additional hotel nights beyond the package (available at discounted rates)
• Medications beyond the initial supply provided
• Future revisional surgery (quoted separately if required)

Your Bariatric Journey: Day by Day

Understanding exactly what happens during your trip to Istanbul helps reduce anxiety and allows you to prepare properly. Here is a typical seven-day itinerary for a gastric sleeve patient.

Day 1: Arrival and Pre-Op Testing

Your VIP transfer collects you from Istanbul Airport (IST) and drives you directly to your hotel. After check-in, you meet your English-speaking patient coordinator, who explains the schedule for your stay. The rest of the day is free to rest and settle in.

In the evening, you begin your pre-operative fasting protocol: clear fluids only from midnight.

Day 2: Surgery Day

Your transfer collects you from the hotel early in the morning and takes you to the hospital. The day proceeds as follows:

• 07:00-09:00 — Hospital admission, blood tests (full blood count, metabolic panel, coagulation studies, HbA1c), ECG, chest X-ray, and abdominal ultrasound
• 09:00-10:00 — Face-to-face consultation with your bariatric surgeon. Your surgeon reviews your test results, confirms the surgical plan, discusses risks and expectations, and answers your questions
• 10:00-10:30 — Anaesthesiologist consultation and pre-operative preparation
• 10:30-12:00 — Surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, approximately 45-75 minutes)
• 12:00-14:00 — Recovery room monitoring (1-2 hours)
• 14:00 onwards — Transfer to your private hospital room. IV fluids, pain management, anti-emetic medication, and blood-thinning injections begin immediately

Your companion can wait in the hospital during surgery and stay with you in your private room afterwards.

Days 3-4: Hospital Recovery

• Early mobilisation: you will be encouraged to walk within 6-12 hours of surgery. Walking reduces blood clot risk and promotes recovery
• Day 3 morning: upper GI contrast study (leak test). You swallow a water-soluble contrast fluid while X-ray imaging confirms there are no leaks at the staple line
• If the leak test is clear: you begin sipping water and clear liquids (30-50 ml per hour)
• Pain management transitions from IV to oral medication
• Daily blood tests to monitor hydration and electrolytes
• Surgical wound checks and dressing changes
• Breathing exercises with incentive spirometer to prevent pulmonary complications
• Twice-daily blood-thinning injections continue

Days 5-6: Hotel Recovery and Dietitian Review

• Transfer from hospital to hotel
• Day 5: face-to-face consultation with the bariatric dietitian. You receive your personalised 3-month post-surgery diet plan, covering all four phases from clear liquids through to regular food. The dietitian explains protein targets, hydration protocols, supplement schedules, and warning signs to watch for
• Gentle walking around the hotel and local area
• Continued clear and full liquid diet as per your plan
• Your coordinator checks on you daily and remains available by phone

Day 7: Fly Home

• Final check-up with your surgeon or surgical team (wound check, vital signs, medication review)
• Full medical discharge report provided, including operative notes, pathology results, and aftercare instructions
• Printable GP protocol document provided (see UK Aftercare section below)
• VIP transfer to Istanbul Airport
• Most patients can fly comfortably seven days after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Compression stockings and continued blood-thinning injections are recommended for the flight

Post-Surgery Diet Plan: Phase by Phase

The post-operative diet is one of the most important elements of your long-term success. Following the plan precisely during the first three months protects the staple line, prevents complications, and establishes new eating habits that will serve you for life.

Hydration protocol

• Minimum 1.5 litres of water daily from Week 2 onwards
• Sip constantly throughout the day; do not gulp
• No drinking 30 minutes before or after meals (the "30/30 rule")
• Signs of dehydration: dark urine, dizziness, headache, dry mouth

Lifelong supplement protocol

After sleeve gastrectomy, you will need to take the following supplements indefinitely:

• Multivitamin with minerals (bariatric-formulated) — daily
• Vitamin B12 — sublingual or intramuscular injection every 3 months
• Iron with Vitamin C — daily (especially important for menstruating women)
• Calcium citrate with Vitamin D3 — 1,200-1,500 mg calcium daily, split into two doses
• Vitamin D3 — 3,000-5,000 IU daily (UK patients are often already deficient)

Your MedProper dietitian will provide a complete supplement schedule tailored to your blood test results at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery.

Expected Weight Loss Results

Weight loss after bariatric surgery is measured as a percentage of Excess Weight Loss (EWL). Excess weight is the difference between your current weight and your ideal weight (typically calculated as BMI 25). Here is what published clinical data shows for each procedure.

What does this mean in real terms?

For a patient weighing 130 kg with an ideal weight of 75 kg (excess weight = 55 kg):

• At 12 months after gastric sleeve: expected loss of 33-38.5 kg, reaching approximately 91.5-97 kg
• At 12 months after gastric bypass: expected loss of 35.8-41.3 kg, reaching approximately 88.8-94.3 kg

Individual results vary based on adherence to the post-operative diet, exercise habits, pre-existing metabolic conditions, and genetics. Patients who engage fully with the 12-month aftercare programme consistently achieve results at the upper end of these ranges.

Can Gastric Sleeve Help with Type 2 Diabetes?

This is one of the most important and underappreciated benefits of bariatric surgery. The evidence for metabolic improvement following weight loss surgery is now so strong that the procedure is increasingly referred to as "metabolic surgery" rather than simply "weight loss surgery."

The evidence

• Gastric bypass achieves complete Type 2 diabetes remission (defined as HbA1c below 6.0% without medication) in 60-80% of patients within 12 months, according to a 2023 meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care
• Gastric sleeve achieves complete remission in 50-70% of patients within 12 months
• A landmark randomised controlled trial (STAMPEDE, published in the New England Journal of Medicine) followed patients for five years and found that 29% of gastric bypass patients and 23% of sleeve gastrectomy patients maintained an HbA1c below 6.0% without any diabetes medication at five years, compared to just 5% of patients managed with medication alone
• The 2024 American Diabetes Association Standards of Care now recommend metabolic surgery for adults with Type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 30 or above, representing a significant lowering of the threshold from the previous BMI 35

How does surgery improve diabetes?

The metabolic effects of bariatric surgery go far beyond calorie restriction. Within days of the operation, before significant weight loss has occurred, patients experience:

• Improved insulin sensitivity — reduced visceral fat and altered fatty acid metabolism
• Enhanced incretin hormones — GLP-1 and PYY secretion increases dramatically after sleeve and bypass, improving pancreatic beta-cell function
• Reduced hepatic glucose output — the liver produces less glucose
• Changes in bile acid signalling — bile acids activate FXR and TGR5 receptors, improving glucose homeostasis
• Gut microbiome changes — the composition of intestinal bacteria shifts towards a metabolically healthier profile

Who benefits most?

The strongest predictors of diabetes remission after bariatric surgery are:

• Type 2 diabetes duration of less than 10 years
• HbA1c below 9.0% at the time of surgery
• No insulin dependence (or insulin for less than 5 years)
• Higher BMI (more weight to lose)
• Younger age

If you have Type 2 diabetes with a BMI of 30 or above, bariatric surgery is now considered a first-line treatment option by every major international diabetes organisation. At MedProper, our bariatric team works closely with endocrinologists to assess metabolic candidacy and optimise outcomes.

Gastric Sleeve vs Ozempic/Wegovy: How Do They Compare?

The arrival of semaglutide (sold as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight management) has transformed the conversation around obesity treatment. Both surgery and GLP-1 medications are effective, but they work differently, cost differently, and produce different long-term outcomes.

Key takeaway

Semaglutide is an excellent option for patients with moderate obesity (BMI 27-35) who are not surgical candidates or who prefer a non-surgical approach. However, for patients with a BMI above 35, the evidence consistently shows that bariatric surgery delivers greater, more durable weight loss and higher rates of diabetes remission.

The critical financial consideration: Wegovy costs approximately £2,400-£3,000 per year on a UK private prescription. Over ten years, that represents £24,000-£30,000 for ongoing medication that must be taken indefinitely, with evidence showing that most patients regain the majority of lost weight if the medication is discontinued. A gastric sleeve at MedProper is a one-time investment of £2,185 that produces permanent anatomical change and sustained long-term results.

For patients currently taking Ozempic or Wegovy who have plateaued or wish to transition to a permanent solution, gastric sleeve surgery can be an appropriate next step. Our bariatric team has experience managing patients transitioning from GLP-1 medications to surgery and will advise on the optimal timing for medication cessation before your procedure.

10-Year Results: What the Research Shows

Most competitor websites quote 12-month weight loss figures. What happens after that? Long-term data is essential for making an informed decision, and the evidence at 10 years and beyond is genuinely encouraging.

Published 10-year data for sleeve gastrectomy

A comprehensive 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Obesity Surgery, analysing outcomes from over 8,000 patients followed for 10 or more years after sleeve gastrectomy, reported the following:

• Mean excess weight loss at 10 years: 51-54% — this represents a modest decline from the 60-70% EWL typically seen at 12 months, but the majority of weight loss is maintained
• 61.5% of patients maintained more than 50% EWL at 10 years — meaning nearly two-thirds of patients sustained clinically meaningful weight loss a full decade after surgery
• 95.2% of patients reported good or excellent food tolerance at 10 years
• Type 2 diabetes remission was maintained in 45-55% of patients at 10 years (compared to 50-70% at 12 months)
• Hypertension resolved or improved in 60-70% of patients at 10 years
• Obstructive sleep apnoea resolved in 70-80% of patients and remained resolved at 10 years
• Revision rate: 15-25% required a second procedure (most commonly conversion to gastric bypass for weight regain or GORD)

How does this compare to non-surgical weight loss?

The Look AHEAD trial, the largest long-term randomised study of intensive lifestyle intervention for obesity, found that patients who received counselling, diet, and exercise support regained nearly all lost weight by 8 years. The average sustained weight loss through lifestyle intervention alone was just 2-5% of body weight at 10 years.

By contrast, bariatric surgery patients maintain 15-25% total body weight loss at 10 years, representing a sustained benefit that no medication or lifestyle programme has been able to match in published trials.

Factors that predict better long-term results

• Adherence to the post-operative diet and protein intake targets
• Regular physical activity (minimum 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise)
• Ongoing engagement with nutritional support (such as the MedProper 12-month programme)
• Consistent vitamin supplementation
• Avoidance of liquid calories (sugary drinks, alcohol, smoothies with added sugar)
• Psychological support for emotional eating patterns

Is Gastric Sleeve Safe in Turkey?

This is the question that brings nearly 400 UK searchers to Google every month with the specific query "gastric sleeve turkey death rate." It deserves a direct, transparent, and evidence-based answer.

Mortality and Complication Rates

The overall mortality rate for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is less than 0.1% (approximately 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 3,000 procedures), according to meta-analyses published in the Annals of Surgery and Obesity Surgery. This is comparable to the mortality rate for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), one of the most commonly performed operations in the world.

To put this in perspective:

The key figure in that table is the last one. The annual mortality risk of remaining severely obese, with a BMI above 40, is 1-3% per year from cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and obesity-related cancers. The one-time surgical risk of 0.03-0.1% must be weighed against decades of cumulative annual risk from untreated obesity.

Major complication rates (staple line leak, haemorrhage requiring intervention, pulmonary embolism) occur in fewer than 1% of sleeve gastrectomy cases at accredited centres.

Minor complication rates (nausea, dehydration, wound infection, temporary hair loss) are more common, affecting 5-15% of patients, but these are manageable and typically resolve within weeks to months.

JCI Accreditation

MedProper operates within a hospital that holds Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, the gold standard for international healthcare quality and patient safety. JCI accreditation requires:

• Adherence to over 1,200 measurable safety standards
• Regular on-site inspections by international auditors
• Standardised surgical safety checklists (based on WHO protocols)
• Infection control protocols meeting or exceeding international standards
• Patient identification and medication safety systems
• Mandatory adverse event reporting and root cause analysis
• Continuous quality improvement programmes

Fewer than 5% of hospitals worldwide hold JCI accreditation. When you choose a JCI-accredited facility, you are choosing a hospital that has been independently verified to meet the same safety standards as leading institutions in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom.

Our Bariatric Surgeons

Bariatric surgery at MedProper is performed by surgeons who are:

• Members of IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders)
• Board-certified in general surgery with subspecialty training in bariatric and metabolic surgery
• Experienced in performing 2,000+ bariatric procedures
• Active participants in national and international bariatric surgery conferences and continuing medical education
• Working within a multidisciplinary team that includes anaesthesiologists with bariatric expertise, specialist bariatric nurses, dietitians, and psychologists

How to Choose a Safe Bariatric Clinic

Whether you choose MedProper or another provider, these are the non-negotiable criteria you should verify before committing to bariatric surgery abroad:

Green flags (essential):

• JCI or ISO accreditation of the hospital (not just the clinic or office)
• Named surgeon with verifiable credentials and IFSO membership
• Specific complication and mortality data shared on request
• Detailed pre-operative assessment including blood tests, ECG, and imaging
• Mandatory leak test before discharge
• Structured post-operative follow-up programme (minimum 12 months)
• Clear emergency protocol and 24/7 contact number
• Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
• Willing to provide full medical records and operative report

Red flags (walk away):

• No JCI or ISO accreditation
• No named surgeon or credentials cannot be verified
• Price significantly below market average (under £1,500 for sleeve gastrectomy) without clear explanation
• No pre-operative assessment or assessment done only on the day of surgery
• No leak test before discharge
• No structured follow-up programme
• Pressure to book quickly or make immediate payment
• Unwillingness to share complication data

UK Aftercare: What Happens When You Get Home

This is arguably the most important section of this entire page, and it addresses a concern that no other Turkish bariatric clinic adequately covers: what happens when you return to the UK and need ongoing medical support.

The GP aftercare problem

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) and the British Medical Association (BMA) have both published guidance confirming that UK GPs have no legal obligation to provide routine aftercare for elective procedures performed abroad. In practice, this means:

• Some GPs willingly provide blood tests and monitoring for bariatric patients who had surgery abroad
• Some GPs decline, stating it falls outside their contractual obligations
• Some GPs are willing but unsure what to test for or how frequently

This uncertainty is a genuine concern, and it is one of the reasons we have developed a comprehensive UK aftercare system that does not depend on your GP willingness to help.

The MedProper UK aftercare programme

1. Printable GP aftercare protocol

Before you leave Istanbul, we provide a professionally formatted, NHS-style document that you can give to your GP. This includes:

• A summary of the procedure performed, with operative notes
• A blood test schedule (which tests, at what intervals)
• Reference ranges and red flags specific to bariatric patients
• A medication and supplement protocol
• Contact details for your MedProper bariatric team in case your GP has clinical questions

This document is designed to make it as easy as possible for your GP to support you, even if they have limited experience with bariatric aftercare.

2. Remote nutritionist access

Your 12-month aftercare programme includes five scheduled video consultations with a qualified nutritionist at the following intervals:

• 2 weeks post-surgery (diet phase progression check)
• 1 month post-surgery (transition to pureed foods, protein intake assessment)
• 3 months post-surgery (blood test review, supplement adjustment)
• 6 months post-surgery (dietary assessment, exercise progression)
• 12 months post-surgery (annual review, long-term planning)

Between scheduled consultations, you have WhatsApp access to our nutritional support team for any questions about food, supplements, or concerns.

3. Blood test protocol

We recommend the following blood tests at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery, then annually:

If your GP is unable to arrange these tests, you can obtain them privately through services such as Medichecks or Thriva for approximately £80-£120 per panel, and send the results to our team for interpretation.

4. Emergency support

If you experience a medical emergency related to your surgery after returning to the UK:

• Attend your nearest A&E department immediately and inform them you have had recent bariatric surgery abroad
• Contact our 24/7 emergency line (provided at discharge)
• We can liaise directly with UK medical teams if needed, providing operative notes and clinical context

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

Transparency about complications and contingency planning is essential. Here is exactly what happens in various scenarios.

If a complication occurs while you are still in Istanbul:

• All treatment for surgical complications within the first 30 days is covered by MedProper at no additional cost
• This includes readmission, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, and revisional surgery if required
• Your hotel stay will be extended at no charge until you are medically cleared to fly

If a complication occurs after you return to the UK:

• Contact our 24/7 clinical support line immediately
• Our bariatric surgeon will assess your symptoms via video consultation
• If the issue can be managed conservatively (medications, observation), we will coordinate with your GP or local hospital
• If you require a procedure, we will arrange your return to Istanbul, with MedProper covering treatment costs for surgery-related complications within the initial post-operative period
• For emergencies, attend A&E in the UK immediately. We will provide your operative notes and clinical summary to the treating team

Travel insurance:

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage before travelling to Istanbul. Standard holiday insurance typically excludes elective surgery. Specialist medical travel insurance providers such as Freedom Insurance, Insure and Go (medical travel add-on), or Global Health Insurance offer policies that cover bariatric surgery abroad, typically costing £50-£150 for a 10-day trip.

Body Contouring After Weight Loss

After significant weight loss following bariatric surgery, many patients are left with excess, loose skin that can cause physical discomfort, hygiene issues, and psychological distress. Body contouring surgery can address these concerns and is one of the most commonly requested follow-up procedures.

When to consider body contouring: 12-18 months after your bariatric surgery, once your weight has stabilised for at least 3-6 months.

Common body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery:

MedProper performs all of these body contouring procedures. Many bariatric patients return to Istanbul for body contouring surgery as a second trip. Our team can plan your body contouring options during your 12-month post-bariatric review.

Risks and Complications

All surgery carries risk. Bariatric surgery is safe, but it is major abdominal surgery performed under general anaesthesia, and you should understand the potential complications before making your decision.

Serious complications (rare)

• Staple line leak (<0.5% for sleeve gastrectomy at experienced centres) — a leak of stomach contents through the staple line, usually detected within 48-72 hours. Treated with endoscopic stenting, drainage, or reoperation depending on severity
• Haemorrhage (<1%) — bleeding from the staple line or surgical site, occasionally requiring blood transfusion or reoperation
• Pulmonary embolism (<0.5%) — blood clot travelling to the lungs, prevented with blood-thinning injections and early mobilisation
• Deep vein thrombosis (<1%) — blood clot in the legs, prevented with compression stockings and blood thinners
• Stricture (<1% for sleeve, higher for bypass) — narrowing of the sleeve or anastomosis, treated endoscopically with balloon dilatation
• Abscess or infection (<1%) — collection of fluid or pus at the surgical site, treated with antibiotics or drainage

Common side effects (expected and manageable)

• Nausea and vomiting — common in the first 2-4 weeks, usually caused by eating too quickly, too much, or the wrong consistency of food
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) — new or worsened reflux occurs in 10-20% of sleeve patients. This is the main reason some patients later convert to gastric bypass (which resolves reflux in over 90% of cases)
• Hair loss — temporary thinning or shedding occurs in 30-40% of patients between months 3 and 9, caused by rapid weight loss and protein/nutrient changes. Hair regrows once nutrition stabilises
• Nutritional deficiencies — iron, B12, vitamin D, calcium, and zinc deficiencies are common if supplements are not taken consistently
• Dumping syndrome — primarily after gastric bypass, caused by sugar or high-fat foods entering the small intestine too quickly. Symptoms include nausea, cramping, diarrhoea, dizziness, and sweating. Managed by dietary modification
• Alcohol sensitivity — after sleeve and bypass, alcohol is absorbed more rapidly and has a stronger effect. Patients should be aware of increased intoxication risk and potential for alcohol dependency
• Constipation — common in the early weeks due to reduced food and fibre intake, managed with hydration and fibre supplements
• Gallstones — rapid weight loss increases gallstone risk. Some surgeons recommend prophylactic gallbladder removal or ursodeoxycholic acid for 6 months post-surgery

Before and After Results

Real patient results provide the most compelling evidence of what bariatric surgery can achieve. MedProper maintains a growing gallery of before-and-after photographs from patients who have kindly consented to share their transformation journeys.

Our bariatric before-and-after gallery shows outcomes at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-surgery, allowing you to see the progressive nature of weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.

All photographs are taken with full patient consent under GDPR-compliant protocols. No images are digitally altered.

To view our latest bariatric patient results or to speak with previous patients who are happy to share their experience, please contact our patient coordination team.