A Journey That Starts Before the Plane Takes Off I’ve been working at NewMe for years. Every day, I speak with patients ...
A Journey That Starts Before the Plane Takes Off
I’ve been working at NewMe for years. Every day, I speak with patients from all over the world. But recently, there’s a growing wave I can’t ignore: So many of our gastric sleeve patients are coming from New Zealand.
They message us from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. They fly nearly 24 hours to get here, crossing time zones, cultures, and sometimes even their comfort zones.
They pass through Singapore, Dubai, or Doha before finally arriving in Istanbul. And often, somewhere during their journey, I receive a photo.
A smile. A suitcase. A caption that says: "I’m on my way, Hülya."
That moment is everything. Because we don’t just meet them in the hospital. We start the journey together, long before they land.
Why Türkiye? Why Now?
There’s a reason Türkiye is becoming a global hub for gastric sleeve surgery. It’s not just the affordable prices. It’s not only the experienced doctors. It’s the quality of care, the trust, and the feeling that you’re not alone.
The situation is urgent in New Zealand: The country has the third-highest obesity rate among OECD nations.
It’s even more severe for the Maori community, deeply tied to cultural shifts and dietary transitions. Fast food meets heritage. And sometimes, the body bears the weight of both.
So they come here. Not just for surgery. But for a second chance.
We Are Not Just Coordinators, We Are Witnesses.
Some come alone, while others bring a daughter, a sister, or a partner. They arrive with nerves, jet lag, and a quiet hope tucked into their suitcases.
At NewMe, we don’t just coordinate hospital bookings or airport pickups. We are there when they message in the middle of the night. When they say, “I’m scared,” or “I can’t reach the nurse,” or, “I just need someone to talk to.”
We are not just coordinators. We are witnesses.
For patients who come alone, it’s even more important that they feel someone is by their side. Not just in practical matters, but emotionally, too.
I remember one of our patients; she had just had her surgery. Her blood pressure was high. She was in pain, and more than that, she was anxious. So, I sent her a little video of my daughter, just back from school, full of joy, dancing and being silly. Then my daughter and I called her over. She smiled. And then she said, “You’ve calmed me down. I feel okay now. My body still hurts, but my heart doesn’t.”. And these moments, these very real, human moments, are what make this more than a job.
When they send photos trying on a new dress, or say “I walked without pain today,” I don’t just read the message. I feel it. Because I’ve been walking that road with them since the first “Hello.”
A Story Worth Telling
These stories remind me why I do this work. Each one is not just a procedure; it’s a life transformation. It’s when someone on the other side of the world chooses themselves. Choose health. Choose hope. And I get to be a part of that.
Thank you, New Zealand. Thank you for trusting us with your journey. We’re with you from the very beginning.
Schedule a call with Hulya, our gastric sleeve expert, to explore your options, costs, and packages in Turkey.
✅ Your transformation starts here.
✨ Contact us now to book these experiences with our trusted solution partners. Let’s make your journey smooth, memorable, and healing. ✨
Final Words: Is Turkey Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?
Choosing to undergo a gastric sleeve is a big decision. And for many, Turkey offers the perfect balance between affordability, medical safety, and comprehensive support.
If you’ve been searching for terms like:
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how much does a gastric sleeve cost in Turkey
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…we hope this guide has answered your questions. If you're still unsure, our team is happy to provide a free consultation and help you decide if Turkey is the right choice for you.
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