Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery Treatment Options

Türkiye has become a recognized destination for bariatric surgery due to the combination of JCI-accredited hospitals, internationally trained surgeons, and comprehensive care packages. Istanbul offers direct flight connections from most European, Middle Eastern and North African cities, and the country operates under the Health Türkiye programme, which is authorized and monitored by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health. Treatment costs are typically lower than in the UK, US or Western Europe, while clinical standards follow international protocols.

Under the current 2022 ASMBS/IFSO guideline, bariatric surgery is considered for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or above, whether or not an obesity-related condition is present. In the BMI 30–34.9 range, assessment for surgery is recommended when a metabolic disease is present; the most common example is type 2 diabetes that cannot be controlled despite medication. Final eligibility is determined through individual clinical assessment by the surgeon.

Most international patients stay in Istanbul for 6-8 nights for laparoscopic bariatric procedures. This typically includes 1-2 days of pre-operative assessment (blood tests, imaging, consultations), 3-4 days of hospital stay following surgery, and 2-3 days of recovery at the hotel before flying home. For endoscopic procedures such as the gastric balloon, a shorter stay of 2-3 nights is generally sufficient.

Treatment packages for international patients generally include pre-operative tests and consultations, the surgical procedure itself, hospital stay, medications during admission, post-operative follow-up consultations, airport transfers, and hotel accommodation for the recovery period. Flight tickets are typically arranged separately by the patient. Specific inclusions vary by procedure — detailed information is provided during the initial consultation.

According to IFSO data, patients typically lose approximately 60-70% of their excess weight within 12-18 months following bariatric surgery. The actual amount of weight loss varies from person to person and depends on the procedure performed, dietary adherence, physical activity, and individual metabolic factors. Long-term follow-up and lifestyle changes are essential for sustained results.

Long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery is essential and includes regular medical check-ups, nutritional assessment, and vitamin/mineral monitoring (B12, iron, vitamin D, calcium). The standard follow-up schedule in the first year includes check-ups at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, with annual reviews thereafter. International patients can continue follow-up with a local physician in their home country, with remote consultations available from the Istanbul clinic when needed.

Like any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery carries risks including bleeding, infection, and anaesthesia-related complications, as well as procedure-specific risks such as leakage or stricture. Having surgery abroad introduces additional considerations around post-operative travel and continuity of care. These risks are managed through thorough pre-operative assessment, appropriate recovery time before flying, and clear post-discharge instructions. Individual risks are discussed in detail during consultation.

International patients can arrange an initial consultation remotely via video call or WhatsApp. During this consultation, medical history, current health status, previous imaging and test results are reviewed. If the procedure appears suitable, a detailed treatment plan is prepared including timeline, package details and pre-travel preparation instructions. Contact details are available at the bottom of this page.