Gastric Sleeve Turkey — Weight Loss Surgery Istanbul from €1,440
Gastric sleeve surgery at MedProper Istanbul from €1,440 all-inclusive. JCI hospital, 3-4 night stay, 12-month dietary support.
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.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, medically known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure in the world. During the operation, approximately 75 to 80 per cent of the stomach is permanently removed, leaving a narrow tube-shaped pouch roughly the size of a banana with a capacity of 100 to 150 ml — compared to 1 to 1.5 litres in a normal stomach.
The procedure works through two complementary mechanisms. First, the drastically reduced stomach capacity means you physically cannot eat the portion sizes you ate before. Second, the removed portion of the stomach contains the fundus, where the majority of the hunger hormone ghrelin is produced. Studies published in Obesity Surgery confirm that ghrelin levels drop by 60 to 70 per cent after sleeve gastrectomy, substantially reducing appetite and food cravings.
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically through 4 to 5 small incisions (5 to 12 mm each). A surgical stapler divides the stomach vertically, and the excised portion is completely removed from the body. The procedure is irreversible. Unlike a gastric band, no foreign device remains in your body. Unlike gastric bypass, the intestinal anatomy remains unchanged, meaning nutrient absorption is largely preserved.
The operation typically takes 45 to 75 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia. Patients remain in hospital for 2 to 4 nights for monitoring, leak tests, and early mobilisation.
How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost in Turkey in 2026?
Price is the first question most patients ask, and Turkey offers a dramatic cost advantage for bariatric surgery compared to both the UK and the USA. Here is what you will pay at MedProper in 2026.
Procedure
MedProper (GBP)
MedProper (USD)
Frequently Asked Questions (18)
How much does a gastric sleeve cost in Turkey?
At MedProper Istanbul, gastric sleeve surgery starts from £1,925 / $2,455 / €2,250 all-inclusive in 2026. Gastric bypass starts from £2,695 / $3,435 / €3,150. All prices include the surgeon fee, hospital stay (2-4 nights), hotel, VIP transfers, pre-operative tests, medications, supplements, and 12-month aftercare. There are no hidden charges.
What is the gastric sleeve death rate in Turkey?
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.
Is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey safe?
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get a personalised treatment plan with transparent pricing. No hidden fees, no obligations.
MedProper (EUR)
UK Private
USA Private
You Save
Gastric Sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)
from £2,185
from $2,757
from €2,550
£5,000 - £9,000
$15,000 - $25,000
up to 90%
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
from £2,143
from $2,703
from €2,520
£8,000 - £12,000
$20,000 - $35,000
up to 90%
Gastric Sleeve + Band (banded sleeve)
from £2,185
from $3,000
from €2,280
£6,500 - £10,000
$18,000 - $28,000
up to 89%
Gastric Balloon (non-surgical)
from £1,543
from $1,946
from €1,440
£3,000 - £5,000
$6,000 - $9,000
up to 82%
What is included at these prices? Every MedProper bariatric package is all-inclusive. Your quote covers the surgeon fee, operating theatre, general anaesthesia, 2 to 4 nights in hospital, 3 to 5 nights in a partnered four- or five-star hotel, VIP airport transfers, all pre-operative blood tests and imaging, post-operative medications, initial protein supplements, a bariatric nutrition guide, and all follow-up appointments during your stay in Istanbul. There are no hidden charges.
How much is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey compared to the UK? A gastric sleeve at a private UK hospital typically costs £5,000 to £9,000 for the procedure alone, and NHS waiting lists for bariatric surgery regularly exceed 2 to 3 years — if you qualify at all (most CCGs require BMI over 40 with comorbidities and a 12-month supervised weight loss programme). At MedProper, the all-inclusive price starts from £2,185, and the typical wait from consultation to surgery is 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does gastric sleeve cost for US patients? Bariatric surgery in the USA is exceptionally expensive, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 for a gastric sleeve and $20,000 to $35,000 for a gastric bypass. Many insurance plans do not cover the procedure, or require months of pre-approval. At MedProper, the same surgery costs from $2,757 all-inclusive — roughly 85 to 90 per cent less than US prices.
Even after adding a return flight — typically £100 to £250 from London or $400 to $700 from New York via Turkish Airlines — the total cost at MedProper is a fraction of UK or US prices.
Gastric Sleeve Turkey vs UK vs USA: Full Cost Comparison
Cost Component
MedProper Istanbul
UK Private Clinic
USA Private Clinic
Surgeon fee
Included in package
£3,000 - £5,000
$8,000 - $15,000
Operating facility and theatre
Included in package
£1,000 - £2,000
$3,000 - $5,000
Anaesthesia (general)
Included in package
£500 - £1,000
$1,000 - $2,000
Hospital stay (2-4 nights)
Included in package
£500 - £1,000 per night
$1,000 - $2,000 per night
Hotel (3-5 nights, 4-star minimum)
Included in package
N/A (home recovery)
N/A (home recovery)
VIP airport transfers
Included in package
N/A
N/A
Pre-operative blood work and imaging
Included in package
£200 - £400
$500 - $1,000
Post-operative medications and supplements
Included in package
£50 - £150
$100 - $300
Bariatric nutrition guide
Included in package
Varies
Varies
Follow-up appointments (in-country)
Included in package
£100 - £250 per visit
$200 - $400 per visit
Total
from £2,185 / $2,757
£4,349 - £9,800+
$13,800 - $25,700+
The difference is particularly stark for US patients, where bariatric surgery is one of the most expensive elective procedures. The total all-inclusive cost at MedProper — including hospital, hotel, and aftercare — is often less than the anaesthesia fee alone at a top US hospital.
Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass: Which Is Right for You?
Criteria
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
What happens
75-80% of stomach removed
Small stomach pouch (~30 ml) created + intestine rerouted
Duration
45-75 minutes
90-150 minutes
Hospital stay
2-4 nights
3-5 nights
Weight loss
60-70% of excess weight in 12-18 months
65-75% of excess weight in 12-18 months
Type 2 diabetes remission
~60% of cases
~80% of cases
Acid reflux (GORD)
May worsen existing reflux
Resolves reflux in over 90% of cases
Lifetime supplements
Multivitamins recommended
Multivitamins + iron + calcium + B12 required
Reversibility
Irreversible
Technically reversible, rarely performed
Best for
BMI 35-45 without severe reflux
BMI over 45, poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, or chronic GORD
MedProper recommendation: Gastric sleeve is optimal for patients with BMI 35 to 45 without severe gastroesophageal reflux. Gastric bypass is recommended for BMI over 45, poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, or chronic acid reflux. Your surgeon will analyse your full medical profile during the free consultation and recommend the optimal procedure.
Gastric Sleeve Safety: Death Rate, Risks, and How MedProper Minimises Them
Safety is the number one concern for patients considering gastric sleeve surgery abroad, and it deserves a direct, transparent answer.
What is the gastric sleeve death rate?
The mortality rate for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at experienced, high-volume centres is approximately 0.08 to 0.19 per cent — roughly 1 in 500 to 1 in 1,250. This is comparable to the mortality rate for laparoscopic gallbladder removal, one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide. At JCI-accredited hospitals like MedProper's facility, the complication rate is further reduced by standardised protocols, Level 3 intensive care availability, and 24-hour post-operative monitoring.
For context, the long-term mortality risk of untreated severe obesity (BMI over 40) far exceeds the surgical risk. A 2024 meta-analysis in The Lancet demonstrated that bariatric surgery reduces all-cause mortality by 50 to 70 per cent in patients with severe obesity.
MedProper Safety Protocols
Laparoscopic technique — minimally invasive with 4 to 5 small incisions. No open surgery.
Intraoperative leak test — performed during surgery to verify staple line integrity before closure.
Post-operative leak test — contrast swallow study on day 1 or 2 to confirm no staple line leaks.
24-hour post-operative monitoring in the JCI-accredited hospital with Level 3 intensive care on-site.
Prophylactic anti-DVT protocol — pneumatic compression devices, early mobilisation, and low-molecular-weight heparin.
Board-certified bariatric surgeon — specialist training in laparoscopic bariatric procedures, IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity) member.
Mandatory complication insurance — required by the Turkish Ministry of Health for all medical tourists.
12-month follow-up — 24/7 WhatsApp access, scheduled video consultations, and dietary guidance.
Known Risks and Complications
Common (expected, temporary):
Nausea in the first 48 to 72 hours (managed with medication)
Mild pain at incision sites (resolves within 1 to 2 weeks)
Fatigue during the liquid diet phase (weeks 1 to 4)
Hair thinning at 3 to 6 months (temporary, caused by rapid weight loss; resolves by month 12)
Uncommon (1 to 5 per cent):
Acid reflux (new or worsened; may require medication)
Nausea or vomiting from eating too quickly or too much
Nutritional deficiencies (prevented with supplements)
Stricture (narrowing of the sleeve; treated with endoscopic dilation)
Rare (less than 1 per cent):
Staple line leak — the most serious complication. MedProper's dual leak-test protocol (intraoperative + post-operative) minimises this risk.
Bleeding requiring re-intervention
Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
Infection
Hospital Credentials
55,000 m2 facility — one of the largest private hospitals in Turkey
450 beds and 18 operating theatres
Level 3 intensive care — the highest level of critical care available
JCI accreditation achieved on first inspection
TEMOS accreditation — international medical tourism quality standard
Named surgeon guarantee: You receive your surgeon's full profile before you book. No last-minute changes.
Who Is Eligible for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
MedProper follows IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders) criteria, which are broader than those used by many UK NHS trusts.
Criteria
UK NHS (typical CCG)
MedProper Istanbul (IFSO)
Minimum BMI for surgery
40 (or 35 with comorbidities)
35 (or 30 with comorbidities)
BMI for gastric balloon
Rarely offered
27-35
Mandatory pre-operative weight loss programme
6-12 months
Liquid diet 2-4 weeks
Age
18-65
18-65 (over 65 case-by-case)
Waiting time
2-3 years (if approved)
2-4 weeks
Comorbidities That May Qualify You at Lower BMI
If your BMI is between 30 and 35, you may be eligible for gastric sleeve surgery at MedProper if you have one or more of:
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Sleep apnoea
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Osteoarthritis exacerbated by weight
Hyperlipidaemia
Contraindications
Gastric sleeve is not recommended for patients with:
Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (gastric bypass may be preferred)
Certain autoimmune conditions affecting the GI tract
Pregnancy or planned pregnancy within 12 to 18 months of surgery
Step-by-Step: Your Gastric Sleeve Journey at MedProper
Step 1: Free Online Consultation
Contact MedProper via the website form, WhatsApp, or email. Your patient coordinator — available in English 24/7 — guides you through a medical questionnaire covering your weight history, BMI, comorbidities, previous weight loss attempts, and current medications. Within 48 hours you receive a personalised assessment confirming your eligibility and an exact all-inclusive price.
Step 2: Personalised Treatment Plan
Your plan includes the recommended procedure (sleeve, bypass, or balloon), your surgeon's profile, the all-inclusive price, the pre-operative diet instructions, and the schedule. The plan is reviewed by the bariatric surgical team and tailored to your medical profile.
Step 3: Pre-operative Preparation
After confirming your date and paying the deposit: begin the 2-week liquid diet (detailed instructions provided), stop smoking if applicable, stop blood-thinning medications as instructed, and arrange time off work (typically 2 to 3 weeks). MedProper provides a comprehensive preparation guide.
Step 4: Your Stay in Istanbul
Day 1: Arrival at Istanbul Airport, VIP transfer to your partnered four- or five-star hotel.
Day 2: Full pre-operative workup at the hospital — blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, anaesthesia assessment, and final consultation with your bariatric surgeon.
Day 3: Gastric sleeve surgery (45 to 75 minutes under general anaesthesia). Transfer to your private hospital room.
Days 4-5: Post-operative monitoring. Contrast swallow test to check for leaks. Begin sipping clear fluids. Early mobilisation (walking the hospital corridors).
Days 6-7: Transition to full liquid diet. Discharge from hospital to hotel. Follow-up consultation and dietary counselling.
Day 8: Final consultation, dietary instructions for the next 12 months, VIP transfer to the airport.
Step 5: 12-Month Aftercare
After returning home, you benefit from 12 months of follow-up: 24/7 WhatsApp access to your coordinator, scheduled video consultations with your surgeon and nutritionist, dietary phase guidance (liquid to soft to regular food), supplement recommendations, and progress tracking at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.
Gastric Sleeve Recovery Timeline
Period
What Happens
Diet Phase
Days 1-3
Hospital monitoring. Sipping clear water. Early walking. Mild to moderate pain at incision sites.
Clear liquids only (water, broth, sugar-free jelly)
Days 4-7
Discharge to hotel. Pain decreasing. Walking increasing.
Full liquids (protein shakes, smooth soups, yoghurt drinks)
Weeks 2-3
Return home. Energy gradually improving. Significant reduction in hunger.
Expected weight loss: Most patients lose 60 to 70 per cent of their excess body weight within 12 to 18 months. A patient with a starting BMI of 40 who is 30 kg above their ideal weight can typically expect to lose 18 to 21 kg in the first year.
Gastric Sleeve Revision
Some patients who have previously had a gastric sleeve may need a revision procedure. Common reasons include:
Insufficient weight loss — the sleeve has stretched over time and is no longer restrictive enough
Weight regain — the sleeve has dilated and portion sizes have gradually increased
Severe acid reflux — some patients develop persistent GORD after sleeve gastrectomy
MedProper offers two revision pathways:
Sleeve to bypass conversion — converting the stretched sleeve into a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This adds a malabsorptive component and resolves reflux in over 90 per cent of cases.
Re-sleeve — narrowing a dilated sleeve by removing additional stomach tissue. Suitable when the original sleeve has stretched but bypass is not indicated.
Revision surgery is more complex than a primary procedure and requires an experienced bariatric surgeon. MedProper's bariatric team performs revision cases regularly and will assess your suitability during the free consultation.
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.
What are the complications of gastric sleeve surgery?
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).
How much weight will I lose after a gastric sleeve?
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.
What is the gastric sleeve diet after surgery?
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.
Do I need to take vitamins after a gastric sleeve?
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.
Can I have a gastric sleeve if my BMI is under 35?
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.
What is a banded sleeve?
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.
How long is the hospital stay after gastric sleeve?
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.
When can I fly home after gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey?
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.
When can I return to work after a gastric sleeve?
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.
Can a gastric sleeve be reversed?
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.
Will my acid reflux improve or worsen after a gastric sleeve?
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.
Does MedProper offer gastric sleeve revision?
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.
Can I pay monthly for a gastric sleeve in Turkey?
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.
What is the best hospital in Turkey for gastric sleeve?
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.
How do I book a gastric sleeve at MedProper?
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.
