A friendly heads-up for our patients from New Zealand and Australia
So you're coming to Istanbul — exciting! Before you land, here's everything you need to know about the city, the culture, and how to make the most of your trip. 🇹🇷
Istanbul isn't just a city — it's a bridge between two continents (literally, Europe and Asia meet here). It's one of the most dynamic, historic, and energetic cities in the world, shaped by centuries of Ottoman history and home to people from all walks of life.
Weather: Pack Accordingly!
Istanbul has real seasons — unlike what many Kiwis and Aussies are used to.
A Diverse, Multicultural City
Istanbul is home to people from many different backgrounds and countries, including a large number of international residents. This is completely normal for a city of over 15 million people — it's part of what makes Istanbul feel so alive and diverse.
You'll find the areas around our partner hospitals and hotels (Şişli, Nişantaşı) to be modern, safe, and centrally located — full of cafés, shopping, and easy access to everything you need.
Why Turkey for Healthcare?
This isn't a new trend — Turkey has been a leading destination for medical tourism for years, and for good reason:
Freedom to Explore — With a Little Guidance
We know you're independent travellers, and that's great! You're free to explore Istanbul however you like — friends, Uber, taxis, it's all up to you.
One small tip: taxis in Istanbul sometimes like to "guide" your trip (suggesting extra stops, detours, etc.). If you'd rather skip that, a guided tour is often:
We're always happy to help arrange one if you'd like.
Things to Do While You're Here
Istanbul has centuries of history packed into one city. A few ideas, depending on your treatment timeline:
We can help you plan what fits best around your treatment date.
A Quick Cultural Note on Healthcare
If you're coming for gastric sleeve surgery, you might notice the process here is a little more structured than what you're used to back home — certain protocols, check-ins, and steps are simply part of how surgical safety is managed here.
It's not stricter for the sake of it — it's part of why the outcomes are so consistently good. Our team will walk you through every step, so nothing feels unfamiliar for long.
Every country has its own medical customs, and sometimes patients ask us things that are completely normal back home but aren't standard practice here. For example, some patients have asked about taking the removed stomach tissue home after gastric sleeve surgery — this comes from genuine cultural or personal beliefs, and we understand that.
In Turkey, the removed tissue is routinely sent to pathology for analysis, and it's not legally possible to take it out of the country. What we can do is provide a photo if you'd like one — but if this matters to you, it's worth raising with us before your surgery date, so we can explain what's possible and manage expectations early, without any surprises on the day.
We're always here to bridge these kinds of cultural gaps — just ask us anything, no matter how small it might seem.
From the moment you land to the moment you fly home, we're here — coordinating your hospital, your hotel, your transfers, and anything else you need along the way.
Any questions before you land? Just ask. 😊
&NewMe — Istanbul
Every one of our patients comes to Turkey for a different reason, but many leave with more than they expected — new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and stories like Ngatiira's. Whether it's a Bosphorus boat tour, a historical Istanbul walk, or something as personal as tracing your own family history, there's time built in before surgery to make your trip your own.
If you're considering gastric sleeve surgery and want to find out if you're eligible, check your eligibility here, or reach out to us directly — we'd love to help you plan a journey that's just as meaningful as it is life-changing.
💬 Ready to Learn the Facts About Gastric Sleeve?
Schedule a call with Denise, our gastric sleeve expert, to explore your options, costs, and packages in Turkey.
✅ Your transformation starts here.
We help match you with the right provider based on your medical history, travel preferences, and budget. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the best possible care before, during, and after your gastric sleeve in Turkey.
If you’re comparing options online, you may wonder what’s included in the prices you see.
Most reputable gastric sleeve packages in Turkey include:
Medical consultations and pre-surgery tests
Endoscopy and anesthesia
3–4 days in a private hospital room
Intensive care unit access if required
Ground transportation between airport, hotel, and hospital
Nutritional supplements
Follow-up with a certified dietitian after your return home
Some packages do not include a hotel stay, but you can ask for additional days in the hotel.
The fact that so many of these services are included is one of the main reasons gastric sleeve in Turkey is so popular among international patients.
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:
how much does a gastric sleeve cost in Turkey
is it safe to have gastric sleeve in Turkey
best hospital for gastric sleeve in Turkey
…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.
Sarah, 38, Christchurch, New Zealand
"Before my gastric sleeve surgery with &New Me, I struggled with obesity-related health issues. Now, I’ve lost 40 kg, and my diabetes is under control. I finally feel like myself again."
Michael, 45, Sydney, Australia
"I hesitated for years, but &New Me gave me confidence. I lost 50 kg post-surgery, and my energy levels have skyrocketed!"