Gastric Sleeve Clinics in Turkey

Turkey has become a hotspot for medical tourism, hosting over 700,000 international visitors in 2017 alone. Many private hospitals are equipped with the latest technology and are also home to groundbreaking research. With some treatments being up to 90 percent cheaper than in other countries, it’s easy to see the attraction.

Most hospitals in Turkey offer treatment packages for international visitors that include your accommodation and transfers to and from the airport so you don’t have to worry about the logistics once you arrive. With state-of-the-art hospitals, affordable prices, shorter (if any) waiting times, Turkey is an excellent destination for your gastric sleeve surgery.

What’s included with a gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey?

You’ll have a series of specialist consultations and tests prior to your surgery. This may include consultations with a nutritionist, cardiologist, and anesthesiologist, among others. A complete blood panel along with an abdominal CT scan is also generally included.

Medication and anesthesia, meals during your hospitalisation along with 24-hour nursing care will also be covered by the treatment price. You’ll receive a post-surgery diet plan to closely follow and which will assist you in learning new eating habits.

Most treatment packages will also include your accommodation and transfers to and from the airport. You may want to consider bringing a companion with you, which can usually be done for just a bit extra per night or may even included. Your hospital stay will typically be 2 or 3 nights but a majority of your time will be spent at the hotel just before and after surgery. During this time, you’ll also have check-ups with your doctor to make sure you’re all set before travelling home.

How do I get a gastric sleeve in Turkey?

The doctor will first want to determine that a gastric sleeve is the right surgery for you. In order to do this, you’ll need to fill out a medical history form. This gives the doctor an idea of your BMI, your general health situation, or if you have any other conditions as a result of obesity (co-morbidities). Another important consideration before having bariatric surgery is whether you have tried to make diet and lifestyle choices before and been unsuccessful.

If the doctor determines that a gastric sleeve is a good option for you, you’ll next decide on when. The hospital will work with you to find an appointment that works with your schedule. Once your appointment is all booked, you’ll be given a pre-operative diet to follow in the week or two before your surgery.

How long do I have to stay in Turkey to get a gastric sleeve?

You will need to be in Turkey for 8 to 11 days depending on the hospital’s policy. You’ll spend 2 to 3 nights in the hospital for consultations, your surgery, and recovery. The rest of the time you’ll stay at the hotel and have check-up visits to make sure you’re recovering well and have no complications before traveling home again.

Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?

Currently, 109 countries can apply for a tourist online at the official Turkish government website. If your country is not included, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get but you may have to go through a different process or apply for a different type of visa. Whichever country issued your passport, always check the government website for international travel information before you travel.

What currency do they use in Turkey?

The national currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (₺). However, most hospitals and clinics will provide their pricing in Euros or British pounds and may even accept these currencies for payment. You should always double check what currencies are accepted at the hospital or clinic you choose. It’s also useful to inform your bank if you’ll be charging a large amount on your credit or debit card to avoid them blocking your card for security reasons.