
Gastric bypass at MedProper Istanbul from £2,695 all-inclusive. Roux-en-Y and mini bypass. JCI hospital, IFSO surgeons, 12-month aftercare.
Is it safe?
Your hospital holds the same JCI accreditation as Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins. Verified by TEMOS for international patient safety.
Will the price change?
Your price is locked before you book. Surgery, hospital, hotel, transfers, aftercare — one number, no extras.
What if something goes wrong?
Mandatory insurance required by Turkish law. If a revision is needed — flights, hospital, surgeon — covered. You never pay twice.
Who's my surgeon?
Confirmed before you pay. Full credentials, specialisation, and patient results shared upfront. No last-minute switch.
What happens after I fly home?
24/7 WhatsApp with your coordinator. Scheduled video check-ups with your surgeon. 12 months, not 12 days.
Gastric bypass surgery, formally known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), is the gold standard of metabolic surgery and one of the most thoroughly studied surgical procedures in medicine. During the operation, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch of approximately 30 ml — roughly the size of an egg — 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 (smaller stomach) plus controlled malabsorption (bypassed intestine) — produces greater average weight loss than gastric sleeve and the highest rates of Type 2 diabetes remission among all bariatric procedures. First performed in 1967 and performed laparoscopically since the mid-1990s, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has the longest track record of any modern bariatric procedure.
At MedProper Istanbul, gastric bypass is performed laparoscopically through 5 small incisions by IFSO-member bariatric surgeons in a JCI-accredited hospital, with all-inclusive packages starting from £2,695 / €3,150.
| Procedure | MedProper (GBP) | MedProper (EUR) | UK Private | USA Private | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) | from £2,695 | from €3,150 | £8,000-£12,000 | $20,000-$35,000 |
At MedProper Istanbul, gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y or mini bypass) starts from £2,695 / $3,435 / €3,150 all-inclusive. This covers the surgeon fee, 3-5 nights hospital, hotel, VIP transfers, tests, medications, vitamin supplements, dietitian consultation, leak test, and 12-month aftercare. No hidden charges.
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.
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| up to 90% |
| Mini Gastric Bypass (OAGB) | from £2,695 | from €3,150 | £8,000-£12,000 | $20,000-$35,000 | up to 90% |
| Cost Component | MedProper Istanbul | UK Private Clinic | USA Private Clinic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon fee | Included | £4,000-£6,000 | $10,000-$18,000 |
| Operating facility + theatre | Included | £1,500-£2,500 | $3,000-£5,000 |
| Anaesthesia (general) | Included | £500-£1,000 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Hospital stay (3-5 nights) | Included | £500-£1,000/night | $1,000-$2,000/night |
| Hotel (3-5 nights, 4-5 star) | Included | N/A | N/A |
| VIP airport transfers | Included | N/A | N/A |
| Pre-operative blood work + imaging | Included | £200-£400 | $500-$1,000 |
| Post-operative medications | Included | £50-£150 | $100-$300 |
| Vitamin supplements (3 months) | Included | £30-£60 | $50-$100 |
| Dietitian consultation | Included | £100-£250/visit | $200-$400/visit |
| Leak test (contrast swallow) | Included | Varies | Varies |
| 12-month aftercare | Included | £100-£250/visit | $200-$400/visit |
| Total | from £2,695 | £7,500-£13,000+ | $16,000-$30,000+ |
The classic gastric bypass technique, performed since 1967. The surgeon creates two anastomoses (connections): one between the small stomach pouch and the Roux limb of the jejunum (~150 cm), and a second Y-connection where the biliopancreatic limb rejoins. This creates separate pathways for food and digestive enzymes, combining restriction with controlled malabsorption.
A simplified version of Roux-en-Y with a single intestinal connection instead of two. Creates a longer, tubular stomach pouch connected to a loop of small intestine approximately 200 cm from the ligament of Treitz. Now representing approximately 30% of all bypass procedures globally and growing in popularity.
This is the most common question patients ask. The answer depends on your BMI, health conditions, and specific goals:
| Criteria | Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) | Gastric Sleeve |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Small pouch (~30 ml) + intestine rerouted | 75-80% of stomach removed |
| Duration | 90-150 minutes | 45-75 minutes |
| Hospital stay | 3-5 nights | 2-4 nights |
| Weight loss (12-18 months) | 65-75% excess weight | 60-70% excess weight |
| Type 2 diabetes remission | 80%+ (superior) | ~60% |
| Acid reflux (GORD) | Resolves in 90%+ | May worsen (15-20%) |
| Dumping syndrome | 10-15% (discourages sugar) | Rare |
| Lifetime supplements | Required (B12, iron, calcium, multivitamin) | Recommended (multivitamin) |
| Reversibility | Technically reversible, rarely performed | Irreversible |
| MedProper price | from £2,695 | from £1,925 |
| Best for | BMI 45+, T2 diabetes, chronic GORD | BMI 35-45, no severe reflux |
MedProper recommendation: Gastric sleeve is optimal for most patients (BMI 35-45 without severe reflux) due to simpler surgery, faster recovery, and lower supplement requirements. Gastric bypass is specifically recommended when the patient has BMI over 45, poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes, chronic acid reflux, or a sweet-eating pattern (bypass creates dumping syndrome which discourages sugar consumption).
Gastric bypass is the recommended procedure when:
Total duration: 90-150 minutes. The procedure is performed entirely laparoscopically — no large incisions.
The mortality rate for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at experienced, high-volume centres is approximately 0.2-0.5% — slightly higher than gastric sleeve (0.08-0.19%) due to the greater surgical complexity (two anastomoses versus none). At JCI-accredited hospitals with standardised protocols, the rate is at the lower end of this range.
For perspective: the long-term mortality risk of untreated severe obesity far exceeds the surgical risk. Bariatric surgery reduces all-cause mortality by 50-70% over 10 years (Lancet, 2024).
| Complication | Frequency | MedProper Management |
|---|---|---|
| Anastomotic leak | <2% | Dual leak test protocol |
| Internal hernia | 1-3% (long-term) | Mesenteric defect closure during surgery |
| Marginal ulcer | 5-10% | Treatable with PPI medication |
| Dumping syndrome | 10-15% | Dietary management (usually resolves) |
| Nutritional deficiency | Ongoing risk | Mandatory supplement protocol + monitoring |
| Bleeding | <1% | 24-hour monitoring + Level 3 ICU on-site |
| DVT/PE | <1% | Prophylactic DVT protocol |
| Phase | Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital | Days 1-4 | Clear liquids, mobilisation, leak test, pain management |
| Hotel recovery | Days 5-7 | Full liquids (protein shakes), rest, dietary guidance |
| Home: liquids | Weeks 1-2 | Protein shakes, smooth soups, 60g protein/day target |
| Pureed foods | Weeks 3-4 | Blended vegetables, hummus, scrambled egg |
| Soft foods | Weeks 5-6 | Soft fish, cottage cheese, mashed vegetables |
| Normal diet | Week 7+ | Small portions, protein first, chew thoroughly |
| Return to desk work | 2-3 weeks | Light activity, no heavy lifting |
| Return to exercise | 4-6 weeks | Walking from day 1, moderate exercise from week 4 |
| Full recovery | 6-8 weeks | All normal activities resumed |
After gastric bypass, you must take the following supplements for life:
MedProper provides 3 months of supplements and a detailed protocol for your GP. Blood work should be checked at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter.
| Factor | GLP-1 Medications (Ozempic/Wegovy) | Gastric Bypass |
|---|---|---|
| Weight loss | 15-20% of total body weight | 30-35% of total body weight |
| Type 2 diabetes | Improvement | 80%+ full remission |
| Duration | Must take indefinitely | One-time procedure |
| Monthly cost (UK) | £200-£300/month ongoing | One-time from £2,695 |
| 5-year cost (UK) | £12,000-£18,000 | £2,695 (one-time) |
| Weight regain on stopping | 60-70% within 12 months | 10-15% at 5 years |
| GORD effect | Neutral | Resolves 90%+ |
| Best for | BMI 27-35, medication-responsive | BMI 35+, lasting results, diabetes |
Surgery is more cost-effective, produces greater weight loss, superior diabetes remission, and does not require lifelong medication. Some patients use GLP-1 agonists as a bridge to surgery or as post-surgical support for stubborn plateaus.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.