Weight Loss Surgery

At MedProper Istanbul, gastric sleeve surgery starts from £1,868 (EUR2,186) in 2026. This is an all-inclusive price covering surgery, hospital stay, hotel accommodation, VIP transfers, pre-operative tests, post-operative medications, and 12-month remote nutritional support. By comparison, UK private gastric sleeve surgery costs £8,000-£13,000.

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, a standard gastric balloon (Orbera) starts from £1,275 / €1,490 all-inclusive. An adjustable balloon (Spatz) starts from £1,700 / €1,990. Both include the procedure, hotel, VIP transfers, a 6-month dietary programme, and balloon removal. UK prices for the same procedure range from £3,000-£6,000.

The mortality rate for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at experienced, JCI-accredited centres is approximately 0.08 to 0.19 per cent — roughly 1 in 500 to 1 in 1,250, comparable to the rate for laparoscopic gallbladder removal. At MedProper, the risk is further reduced by standardised protocols including intraoperative and post-operative leak tests, Level 3 intensive care availability, and 24-hour monitoring.

Gastric sleeve has a slightly lower mortality rate (0.08-0.19%) compared to gastric bypass (0.2-0.5%) because bypass involves two intestinal connections while sleeve involves none. However, both are very safe procedures at experienced centres, and bypass is specifically recommended for certain conditions (diabetes, GORD) where its superior outcomes justify the marginally higher complexity.

The procedure itself is painless — you are under light sedation. In the first 3-7 days, most patients experience nausea, cramping, and a feeling of fullness as the body adjusts. MedProper provides anti-nausea medication to manage these symptoms. By day 7-10, most patients feel significantly better and the discomfort subsides.

The mortality rate for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at accredited centres is less than 0.1% (approximately 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 3,000 procedures). This is comparable to the mortality rate reported in UK NHS bariatric surgery audits (0.07%). The key safety factor is choosing a JCI-accredited hospital with experienced, IFSO-member surgeons, not the country where surgery is performed.

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 facility by an experienced bariatric surgeon. MedProper operates in a JCI-accredited hospital with Level 3 intensive care, IFSO-member surgeons, dual leak testing, and 24-hour post-operative monitoring. The mortality rate for gastric sleeve at experienced centres is 0.08-0.19% — comparable to routine gallbladder surgery.

Yes, when performed at a JCI-accredited hospital by experienced bariatric surgeons. Turkey is one of the top five countries in the world for bariatric surgery volume, which means Turkish bariatric surgeons typically have significantly higher annual case volumes than their UK counterparts. Higher volume is consistently associated with better outcomes in published surgical research. MedProper operates in a JCI-accredited hospital with surgeons who have performed over 2,000 bariatric procedures.

The best procedure depends on your BMI and health conditions. Gastric balloon suits BMI 27-35. Gastric sleeve is optimal for BMI 35-45 without severe reflux. Gastric bypass is recommended for BMI over 45, poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes, or chronic acid reflux. Your MedProper surgeon will recommend the right procedure during a free consultation.

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%.

On average, patients lose 10-15% of their total body weight over 6 months with a standard balloon (Orbera), or 12-18% over 12 months with an adjustable balloon (Spatz). For a 100 kg patient, this means 10-18 kg of weight loss. Results depend significantly on adherence to the dietary programme.

Yes, when performed at an accredited facility by an experienced bariatric surgeon. MedProper operates in a JCI-accredited hospital — the strictest international quality standard — with Level 3 intensive care, a named surgeon guarantee, and IFSO-member bariatric specialists. The facility has 450 beds, 18 operating theatres, and 24-hour on-site medical staffing.

Roux-en-Y creates two intestinal connections (anastomoses) forming a Y-shape. Mini bypass (OAGB) creates just one connection, making it simpler, faster (60-90 min vs 90-150 min), and potentially reversible. Weight loss outcomes are similar. Your MedProper surgeon will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your anatomy and health profile.

Most patients lose 60-75% of excess body weight within 12-18 months after surgical procedures (sleeve or bypass). Gastric balloon patients typically lose 10-15% of total body weight over 6 months. Long-term data shows 51-54% excess weight loss maintained at 10 years for sleeve gastrectomy.

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.

The most serious complication is a staple line leak, which occurs in less than 1 per cent of cases at experienced centres. MedProper's dual leak-test protocol (intraoperative and post-operative) minimises this risk. Other rare complications include bleeding, infection, and DVT. Common temporary side effects include nausea, mild pain, fatigue, and hair thinning (which resolves within 12 months).

Most patients lose 65-75% of excess body weight within 12-18 months. For example, if you are 40 kg above your ideal weight, you can expect to lose 26-30 kg. Weight loss continues for up to 18 months, with the most rapid loss in the first 6 months. At 10 years, 50-60% of excess weight loss is maintained.

At MedProper, the minimum BMI for sleeve gastrectomy is 35, or 30 with obesity-related comorbidities such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. This is lower than the typical NHS requirement of BMI 40 (or 35 with comorbidities). For patients with a BMI of 27-35, a gastric balloon may be a more appropriate option.

Modern gastric balloons are made from medical-grade silicone and are extremely durable. Deflation (not "bursting") occurs in less than 1% of cases. All MedProper balloons contain a blue dye marker — if the balloon deflates, your urine turns blue or green, providing an early warning to contact your medical team for removal.

Gastric bypass produces Type 2 diabetes remission in over 80% of patients — the highest rate of any bariatric procedure. Remission often occurs within days of surgery, before significant weight loss, due to hormonal changes. The 2022 IFSO position statement recommends bypass as metabolic surgery for patients with BMI 30+ and poorly controlled diabetes.

The standard stay is 7 days: 1 day for pre-operative testing, 1 day for surgery, 2-3 days in hospital for recovery and leak testing, and 2-3 days at the hotel for further recovery and dietitian consultation before flying home.

Most patients lose 60 to 70 per cent of their excess body weight within 12 to 18 months. For example, if you are 30 kg above your ideal weight, you can typically expect to lose 18 to 21 kg. Weight loss continues for up to 18 months, with the most rapid loss in the first 6 months.

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. Gastric bypass carries a rate of 0.2-0.5%. For context, untreated severe obesity carries a significantly higher long-term mortality risk than either procedure.

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.

MedProper recommends returning to Istanbul for removal, which is a simple 15-20 minute endoscopic procedure under light sedation. However, if travel is not possible, MedProper can provide your medical records to a local gastroenterologist in your home country who can perform the removal.

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

At MedProper, patients with BMI 30-35 may qualify for surgery if they have obesity-related comorbidities such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, or PCOS. This follows IFSO international guidelines. The NHS typically requires BMI 40+ or 35+ with comorbidities. For BMI 27-30, a gastric balloon may be suitable.

The procedure takes 15-20 minutes. You are under light sedation (not general anaesthesia). Most patients are in the recovery area for 2-4 hours and return to their hotel the same day. Total time at the hospital: approximately 3-4 hours including pre-procedure preparation.

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.

The post-operative diet follows four phases: clear liquids only for the first week, full liquids (including protein shakes) for weeks 2-3, pureed and soft foods for weeks 4-6, and regular foods from week 7 onwards. Protein intake should reach 60-80 grams daily by week 4. The "30/30 rule" applies: no drinking 30 minutes before or after meals.

The mortality rate for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at experienced, JCI-accredited centres is approximately 0.2-0.5%. At MedProper's JCI-accredited facility with standardised protocols, dual leak testing, and Level 3 ICU, the risk is at the lower end of this range.

Yes. Light walking is encouraged from day 1. Most patients can resume their normal exercise routine from week 2. Exercise is an important part of the weight loss programme and is encouraged throughout the balloon period. Your MedProper nutritionist will provide exercise guidelines tailored to your fitness level.

After losing 65-75% of excess weight, most patients have some degree of loose 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 bypass once weight has stabilised.

Yes. A daily multivitamin is recommended for life after gastric sleeve surgery. Unlike gastric bypass, the sleeve does not significantly impair nutrient absorption, so the supplement requirements are less extensive. Your MedProper nutritionist will provide specific recommendations based on your blood work.

You will need to take a bariatric multivitamin, vitamin B12, iron with vitamin C, calcium citrate with vitamin D3, and additional vitamin D3 supplements indefinitely. These are non-negotiable. Nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgery are preventable with consistent supplementation but can cause serious health problems if neglected.

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.

Most patients stay 7-8 days total: 2-5 nights in hospital (depending on procedure) followed by 3-5 nights in a partnered hotel. Gastric balloon patients can return home after 2-3 days. Your MedProper coordinator will provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary before you travel.

The average excess weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy is 60-70% at 12 months. For a patient weighing 130 kg with an ideal weight of 75 kg (55 kg excess weight), this means losing approximately 33-38.5 kg in the first year. At 10 years, studies show 51-54% excess weight loss is maintained on average.

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.

The balloon is removed endoscopically under light sedation (15-20 minutes). Your stomach returns to its normal size. The key question is whether you have used the balloon period to establish lasting dietary and exercise habits. Patients who follow the structured nutrition programme during the balloon period are significantly more likely to maintain their weight loss after removal.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is technically reversible but this is very rarely performed. Mini gastric bypass (OAGB) is more straightforwardly reversible due to its single connection. In practice, revision to a different configuration is more common than full reversal.

At MedProper, patients with BMI 30 to 35 may qualify for gastric sleeve surgery if they have obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, or PCOS. This is in line with IFSO guidelines. Many UK NHS trusts require BMI over 40, making Turkey a more accessible option.

NHS waiting lists for bariatric surgery in England typically exceed 2-3 years. London averages 28 months, Yorkshire 30 months, Scotland 22 months. Many CCGs require BMI over 50 for fast-track referral or mandate a 24-month Tier 3 programme. Only ~6,000 NHS procedures are performed annually despite ~2.9 million eligible adults. At MedProper, the wait is 2-4 weeks.

MedProper requires a deposit at booking with the balance due before surgery. While MedProper does not directly offer monthly payment plans, many patients use medical finance providers available in the UK (from approximately £110/month). The all-inclusive price starting from £1,925 makes this significantly more manageable than UK alternatives.

A banded sleeve combines a standard gastric sleeve with a silicone ring placed around the outside of the stomach at a specific point. The band acts as an additional restriction, reducing the chance of the sleeve stretching over time and potentially improving long-term weight maintenance. MedProper offers banded sleeve from £2,350 / $3,000 / €2,750 all-inclusive.

They serve different purposes. A gastric balloon is a one-time procedure (£1,275) with a structured 6-month dietary programme, producing 10-15% weight loss. Ozempic is an ongoing weekly injection (£200-300/month, £2,400-3,600/year) producing 15-20% weight loss but requiring lifelong use — 60-70% of weight is regained within 12 months of stopping. A balloon may be better if you prefer a one-time intervention with professional dietary support rather than indefinite medication.

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.

After gastric bypass, you must take for life: daily multivitamin, vitamin B12 (monthly injection or daily sublingual), iron (especially menstruating women), calcium citrate (1,200-1,500 mg/day), vitamin D (3,000 IU/day), and folate if planning pregnancy. MedProper provides 3 months of supplements and a detailed protocol for your GP.

Gastric sleeve surgery achieves complete Type 2 diabetes remission in 50-70% of patients within 12 months. Gastric bypass achieves remission in 60-80%. The metabolic effects occur within days of surgery, before significant weight loss, due to hormonal changes involving GLP-1 and other gut hormones. Patients with diabetes duration under 10 years and no insulin dependence have the highest remission rates.

Most patients stay 8-10 days: 3-5 nights in hospital followed by 3-5 nights in a partnered hotel. You have a final check-up with your surgeon before flying home. Flights from London to Istanbul are approximately 3.5 hours.

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.

MedProper provides 12-month aftercare including 24/7 WhatsApp access to your medical team, scheduled video consultations, and dietary guidance. MedProper's mandatory complication insurance (required by Turkish Ministry of Health) covers treatment costs if a complication requires in-person care.

At MedProper, the minimum BMI for a gastric balloon is 27. This is significantly lower than the threshold for surgical procedures (BMI 35+ for sleeve/bypass). The balloon is specifically designed for patients in the BMI 27-35 range who have moderate excess weight but do not qualify for or do not want surgical intervention.

At MedProper, you stay 2 to 4 nights in hospital after a gastric sleeve. This includes post-operative monitoring, contrast swallow testing to check for leaks, and supervised mobilisation. You then transfer to your partnered hotel for an additional 3 to 5 nights of recovery before flying home.

Gastric sleeve produces greater weight loss (25-30% total body weight vs 15-17% for semaglutide), is a one-time procedure rather than a lifelong medication, and costs less over 5-10 years. Semaglutide (Wegovy) costs approximately £2,400-£3,000 per year in the UK and most patients regain weight if they stop the medication. Gastric sleeve at MedProper costs £1,868 as a one-off investment with permanent anatomical change.

GLP-1 agonists produce 15-20% total body weight loss — significant but less than surgery (25-35%). They must be taken indefinitely at £200-£300/month; 60-70% of weight is regained within 12 months of stopping. Over 5 years, GLP-1 medications cost approximately £18,000 versus £1,925 for a gastric sleeve at MedProper. Surgery also has superior diabetes remission rates (60-80%+ vs improvement only with medication).

Most patients fly home 7 to 8 days after surgery. Flights from London to Istanbul take approximately 3.5 hours. From the USA, Turkish Airlines offers direct flights from New York (10 hours), Chicago, Los Angeles, and other major cities. Stay hydrated during the flight, walk the aisle regularly, and continue sipping clear fluids.

Published research shows that 51-54% excess weight loss is maintained at 10 years after sleeve gastrectomy, with 61.5% of patients maintaining more than 50% excess weight loss. Additionally, 95.2% of patients report good or excellent food tolerance at 10 years. Type 2 diabetes remission is maintained in 45-55% of patients at the decade mark.

Generally no. Previous gastric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gastric band) is a contraindication for gastric balloon placement. If you have had previous surgery and need further weight loss intervention, MedProper offers revisional bariatric surgery as an alternative.

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.

Dumping syndrome occurs when food, especially sugar, moves too quickly from the stomach pouch into the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, sweating, dizziness, and diarrhoea 15-30 minutes after eating sugary foods. It affects 10-15% of bypass patients and is actually considered beneficial — it naturally discourages high-sugar eating. It is manageable with dietary changes.

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.

Most UK GPs will provide ongoing monitoring after surgery abroad when you share your surgical report and discharge summary. MedProper provides a comprehensive GP aftercare letter with your procedure details, supplement protocol, and recommended blood test schedule. The Medical Protection Society (MPS) confirms GPs have a professional obligation to provide appropriate follow-up regardless of where surgery was performed.

Alcohol is absorbed much faster after gastric bypass because it enters the bloodstream more quickly through the bypassed digestive system. One drink may feel like two or three. Most surgeons recommend avoiding alcohol completely for at least 6 months and exercising extreme caution thereafter. Alcohol is also calorie-dense and can hinder weight loss.

Gastric sleeve removes 75-80% of the stomach without altering the intestines. Gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the intestines, combining restriction with malabsorption. Bypass produces slightly higher average weight loss and better diabetes remission rates, but requires lifelong vitamin supplementation and carries a slightly higher complication rate. Sleeve is simpler, faster, and has a lower nutritional deficiency risk.

Most patients return to desk-based work 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Physically demanding jobs may require 4 to 6 weeks off. Light walking is encouraged from day one, and moderate exercise can typically resume at 4 to 6 weeks.

Contact MedProper via the website form, WhatsApp, or email with your height, weight, and medical history. You receive a personalised assessment within 48 hours confirming eligibility and an exact all-inclusive price. If you decide to proceed, pay the deposit and your coordinator arranges the procedure date, hotel, and transfers. Most patients travel to Istanbul within 2-3 weeks of booking.

Contact MedProper via the website form, WhatsApp, or email. Provide your height, weight, medical history, and any previous weight loss attempts. Within 48 hours you receive a personalised assessment confirming eligibility and an exact all-inclusive price. If you decide to proceed, pay the deposit and your coordinator arranges everything — surgery date, pre-operative instructions, hotel, transfers, and preparation 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.

No. Gastric sleeve is irreversible because a portion of the stomach is permanently removed. This is an important factor in your decision. However, if the sleeve does not achieve the desired result, it can be converted to a gastric bypass.

A gastric balloon is a non-surgical option where a silicone balloon is placed in the stomach endoscopically (no incisions) to reduce stomach capacity and create early satiety. It is best suited for patients with a BMI of 27-35, produces 10-15% total body weight loss over 6-12 months, and is fully reversible. At MedProper, gastric balloon treatment starts from £990.

Gastric bypass produces greater weight loss (30-35% vs 15-20% total body weight), superior Type 2 diabetes remission (80%+ vs improvement), and is a one-time procedure versus lifelong medication (£200-300/month). Over 5 years, Ozempic costs £12,000-18,000 versus £2,695 for bypass at MedProper. Surgery is recommended for patients with BMI 35+ seeking lasting results.

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.

Gastric sleeve may worsen pre-existing acid reflux in some patients (approximately 15 to 20 per cent). If you have significant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), your surgeon may recommend a gastric bypass instead, which resolves reflux in over 90 per cent of cases. New-onset reflux after a sleeve is usually manageable with medication.

Weight loss surgery should not be combined with cosmetic procedures in the same session. However, many patients return to MedProper 12-18 months later for body contouring such as tummy tuck, arm lift, or breast lift to address loose skin after significant weight loss.

NHS waiting times for bariatric surgery currently range from 22-34 months on average, depending on your region. The longest waits are in Yorkshire (30 months average, up to 45 months worst case) and London (28 months average, up to 42 months worst case). These figures do not include the time spent in Tier 3 weight management programmes before surgical referral, which can add 6-24 months.

Contact MedProper via website, WhatsApp, or email with your height, weight, and medical history. You receive a personalised assessment within 48 hours confirming eligibility and an exact all-inclusive price. Pay the deposit, complete a 2-4 week pre-operative liquid diet, and travel to Istanbul for surgery. Typical wait: 2-4 weeks from consultation.

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.

Yes. MedProper offers both sleeve-to-bypass conversion and re-sleeve procedures for patients who have had a previous gastric sleeve and need revision due to weight regain, sleeve stretching, or severe reflux. Revision surgery requires specialist assessment — contact MedProper for a free evaluation.

MedProper performs weight loss surgery on patients aged 18-65 as standard. Patients over 65 are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For patients under 18, bariatric surgery is only considered in exceptional circumstances with specialist paediatric involvement.

Revision after gastric bypass is uncommon but possible. Reasons include insufficient weight loss, weight regain, or nutritional complications. MedProper's bariatric team performs revision cases and will assess your suitability during a free consultation. Revision surgery starts from £2,520 / €2,950 all-inclusive.

This varies. Some GPs willingly provide blood tests and monitoring, while others may decline. MedProper addresses this by providing a printable GP aftercare protocol that explains exactly which tests are needed and when. Our 12-month remote follow-up programme includes five video consultations with a nutritionist, and you can obtain private blood tests through services like Medichecks if your GP is unable to help.

MedProper requires a deposit at booking with the balance due before surgery. While MedProper does not directly offer payment plans, many patients use medical finance providers or credit facilities available in the UK and USA to spread the cost. The all-inclusive price from £1,925 makes this far more manageable than the £5,000 to £9,000 typically charged in the UK.

If a complication occurs while you are still in Istanbul, all treatment is covered by MedProper at no extra cost. After returning to the UK, our 24/7 clinical support line connects you with your bariatric surgeon via video consultation. If in-person treatment is needed, we coordinate with your local hospital or arrange your return to Istanbul with treatment costs covered for surgery-related complications. For emergencies, always attend A&E first.

Yes. Our all-inclusive package includes companion accommodation at the hotel (shared room with the patient). Your companion can accompany you to hospital appointments, stay with you during your hospital recovery in your private room, and provide support throughout your stay. Many patients find having a trusted companion significantly reduces anxiety.

Look for: JCI accreditation (the strictest international standard), a named bariatric surgeon with IFSO membership, on-site Level 3 intensive care, published leak-test protocols, and transparent all-inclusive pricing. MedProper meets all of these criteria and operates in a 55,000 m2 JCI-accredited hospital with 450 beds.

Standard UK health insurance policies (BUPA, AXA, Aviva) do not typically cover elective bariatric surgery abroad. However, you should contact your insurer to check your specific policy. Specialist medical travel insurance is available and strongly recommended; it covers medical complications during your trip and typically costs £50-£150.

Contact MedProper via the website form, WhatsApp, or email. Provide your height, weight, medical history, and any previous weight loss attempts. Within 48 hours you receive a personalised assessment confirming your eligibility and an exact all-inclusive price. If you decide to proceed, pay the deposit and your coordinator arranges everything — surgery date, pre-operative diet instructions, hotel, transfers, and preparation guide.

Most patients can fly comfortably 5-7 days after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. We recommend wearing compression stockings during the flight and continuing blood-thinning injections as prescribed. Drink water frequently during the flight to stay hydrated. If your flight is longer than 4 hours, walk around the cabin periodically.

Most patients return to desk-based or sedentary work 10-14 days after surgery. If your job involves physical labour, heavy lifting, or extended standing, allow 4-6 weeks. Listen to your body and return to full activity gradually.

Yes. MedProper performs revisional bariatric surgery from £3,000. Common revisions include sleeve-to-bypass conversion (for weight regain or chronic reflux), re-sleeve gastrectomy (for an insufficiently narrow or dilated sleeve), and band removal with conversion to sleeve or bypass. A thorough endoscopic and radiological assessment determines the best approach for each patient.

Walking should begin within 12 hours of surgery and continue daily throughout recovery. Light exercise (swimming, cycling, yoga) can resume at 4 weeks. Moderate exercise (gym, running, resistance training) can resume at 6-8 weeks. Full exercise without restrictions is typically possible from 12 weeks. Exercise is essential for maintaining long-term weight loss.

Loose skin is common after significant weight loss, particularly in patients who lose 40 kg or more. The degree of loose skin depends on your age, genetics, how much weight you lose, and how quickly you lose it. Body contouring procedures (tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift) can address excess skin and are recommended 12-18 months after weight stabilisation. MedProper performs all major body contouring procedures.

You should avoid alcohol completely for at least 6 months after surgery. After that, be aware that alcohol affects you more quickly and intensely after sleeve gastrectomy because it is absorbed faster and your tolerance is dramatically reduced. One glass of wine may have the effect of two or three. There is also a documented increase in alcohol dependency following bariatric surgery, so mindful consumption is essential.

It is recommended to wait at least 12-18 months after bariatric surgery before becoming pregnant. This allows your weight to stabilise and your nutritional status to normalise. Bariatric surgery actually improves fertility in many women by resolving polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), normalising menstrual cycles, and improving hormonal balance. When you do become pregnant, close nutritional monitoring is important.

Contact our patient coordination team to discuss payment options. At £1,868, our gastric sleeve pricing is already substantially lower than UK financing plans, which typically start at £110-£150 per month for UK private surgery (representing £8,000-£13,000 total over 4-7 years of repayment).

Lower operating costs, staff salaries, and hospital overheads in Turkey, combined with a favourable exchange rate (Turkish lira to British pound), government investment in medical tourism infrastructure, and high surgical volumes that create economies of scale. The surgical equipment, techniques, and safety standards are identical to those used in UK hospitals.

An all-inclusive bariatric package bundles the surgery, hospital stay, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, pre-operative testing, post-operative medications, and follow-up care into a single price. At MedProper, our £1,868 sleeve gastrectomy package includes all of these elements plus companion accommodation, a 3-month diet plan, and 12-month remote nutritional support. The only additional costs are your flights and travel insurance.

A mini gastric bypass (one-anastomosis gastric bypass) creates a long, tubular stomach pouch connected to a single loop of small intestine. A full Roux-en-Y gastric bypass creates a smaller pouch with two intestinal connections. The mini bypass is technically simpler, faster to perform, and produces similar weight loss results. It may carry a slightly higher risk of bile reflux. At MedProper, mini gastric bypass starts from £2,200 (EUR2,574).

Most negative reviews relate to poor aftercare, communication difficulties, unexpected additional charges, or choosing clinics without proper accreditation. These issues are avoidable by selecting a JCI-accredited hospital with a named surgeon, transparent all-inclusive pricing, and a structured follow-up programme. MedProper provides a dedicated English-speaking coordinator, 12-month remote aftercare, and no hidden fees.

Verify the following: JCI or ISO accreditation of the hospital; IFSO membership of the surgeon; specific bariatric surgery case volume (minimum 500 lifetime procedures); willingness to share complication data; structured follow-up programme of at least 12 months; transparent, all-inclusive pricing; clear emergency protocols. Avoid clinics that cannot provide a named surgeon, do not have hospital accreditation, or quote prices significantly below £1,500 for a sleeve gastrectomy.