Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

Tried everything? It isn't a willpower problem.

A gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) removes about 75-80% of the stomach, so you feel full sooner and much less hungry. In Turkey it is done by vetted bariatric surgeons in Ministry of Health-licensed hospitals, with surgeon prices from €2,200 - a fraction of private prices in the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand.

You've lost weight and put it back on more times than you can count.
The injections helped - until you stopped, or couldn't afford them any more.
The waiting list at home is years long, and private surgery costs several times more.

From New Zealand? See prices in NZD and KiwiSaver early release →

Price: From €2,200
Time in Turkey: About 3 nights
Surgery: 1-2 hours, keyhole
Back to desk work: 1-2 weeks

Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Toygar Toydemir, bariatric surgeon · Updated 27 September 2026

Kristy from New Zealand in her hospital room in Istanbul after gastric sleeve surgery

Is it right for me?

Quick eligibility check

Most people with a BMI of 35 or more qualify - especially with type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea or high blood pressure. About a minute, no commitment.

Check my eligibility

Meet your surgeons

Prof. Dr. Toygar Toydemir

Bariatric surgeon · İstanbul Cerrahi Hospital

5.0141 Google reviews ↗

from €2,200

Get a free quote from Dr. Toydemir →

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kalaycı

Bariatric surgeon · BHT Clinic-Hospital

4.939 Google reviews ↗

from €2,700

Get a free quote from Dr. Kalaycı →

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erkan Yardımcı

Bariatric surgeon · Medicana Ataköy Hospital

No reviews yet

from €2,750

Get a free quote from Dr. Yardımcı →

See all gastric sleeve surgeons →

How much does it cost?

Surgeon prices in Turkey start from €2,200 - compared with typical private prices at home.

From €2,200

Your exact price depends on the surgeon, hospital and what is included. You get a written quote within 2 days.

Get a free quote →

Typical private price for a gastric sleeve

TR€2,200+

UK£7k-11k

IE€10k-15k

AUA$14.5k-25k

NZNZ$18k-25k

Home prices: published private clinic prices, 2025-26. Bars compare approximate euro midpoints.

Usually included

Surgeon, anaesthesia and operating theatre
2-3 nights in hospital
Pre-op tests in Istanbul
Airport and hospital transfers
Complication insurance (required by law)

Often extra - check your quote

Flights and travel insurance
Hotel nights after discharge
A companion's room and meals
Take-home medication, protein and vitamins
Dietitian follow-up after you get home

Hear it from people who went

Patients from New Zealand and Australia, in their own words.

Loretta's gastric sleeve journeyAustralia

Kristy's gastric sleeve journeyNew Zealand

Kelly's gastric sleeve journeyNew Zealand

Gareth's gastric sleeve journeyNew Zealand

Merica's gastric sleeve journeyNew Zealand

Phillip's gastric sleeve journeyNew Zealand

Donna's gastric sleeve journeyNew Zealand

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Renz T. · New Zealand, Trustpilot

“The whole process from the beginning to end was simplistic and easy.”
Steward · New Zealand, Trustpilot

“My experience and care with New Me was the best decision I made and invested in for myself.”
Gloria T. · New Zealand, Trustpilot

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Is it safe - and is it legit?

Before you book with any provider through &NewMe, we check these four things for you. You also have the same rights as Turkish patients - including a formal complaint line (ALO 184).

Licensed and authorisedHospitals licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health and authorised to treat international patients.

Complication insuranceIncluded for every patient, as Turkish law requires for international patients.

Written quote and refund termsYou get the price and the cancellation rules in writing before you pay anything.

Your surgeon, namedThe surgeon who operates on you is named in your quote.

Who's behind &NewMe

Since 2022 we have helped hundreds of international patients get treated in Turkey. We only list vetted providers, and a small team reads every message - from your first question to your recovery at home.

Hülya AlkanInternational Patient Manager
Selin SezginInternational Patient Manager
Cemre YamanerDietitian, Chief Clinical Officer
Ahmet FıratFounder & CEO

Ministry of Health authorisation: International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate No. AK-0945
Registered on: HealthTürkiye, the Ministry of Health platform for international patients
Company: Yeniben Elektronik Hizmetler ve Ticaret A.Ş., Şişli, Istanbul

What a typical trip looks like

For most patients 3 nights in Turkey is enough, usually in hospital for 2-3 of them. Some providers plan a few more - your exact plan is in your quote.

Free online consultation and a written quote
Deposit, then a 10-14 day pre-op diet
Fly to Istanbul - airport pickup, pre-op tests
Surgery and usually 2-3 nights in hospital
Fit-to-fly check, home, and aftercare

Before you book: what to check

Every provider sets its own package and rules. Ask for these in writing before you pay.

How to compare offers

A lower price usually means less is included - compare against the included / extra list in the price section above.

The surgeon's name and experienceWho operates on you, and how many sleeves they do a year.
Complication insuranceCheck the amount, the first days after discharge, and cover back home.
Written refund termsIncluding what happens if surgery cannot go ahead.

What if it doesn't go to plan?

The questions people are often afraid to ask.

I change my mind after payingHow much is refunded, and until when?
The tests in Istanbul say noA good surgeon will not operate if it is not safe. Ask what is refunded - usually everything you have not used. Share your full medical history up front.
I have a complicationAsk how much the insurance covers and from which day.
My provider and I disagreeYou have the same rights as Turkish patients under the Patient Rights Regulation. &NewMe reminds you of them from your first message, stands by you and does everything it can to sort it out.

What good aftercare looks like

Most questions come up at 10pm on a Sunday, not in office hours.

A bariatric dietitian for at least a yearFrom liquids to normal food, and keeping the weight off.
A vitamin and blood test planVitamins for life and regular blood tests - you should know which and when.
Someone you can reach any timeA named coordinator or support line that knows your case.
An English medical reportSo your own doctor has the full picture.

Gastric sleeve or weight-loss injections: which is better for you?

Weight-loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro can work well while you take them. They work only as long as you keep injecting: in the largest study, people regained about two-thirds of the weight within a year of stopping. A gastric sleeve is a one-off operation that permanently changes how much you can eat and how hungry you feel.

See the side-by-side comparison

	Injections	Sleeve
How it works	Weekly injection that reduces appetite	About 75-80% of the stomach is removed, so you feel full sooner and less hungry
How long it lasts	While you keep taking it	Permanent - it cannot be reversed
Typical weight loss	About 15-21% of body weight after 68-72 weeks	About 60-70% of excess weight in the first year
Cost	An ongoing monthly cost, often not covered for weight loss	One package price, paid once
What you commit to	Injections for as long as you want the effect	Surgery, a new way of eating, and vitamins for life

Many of our patients tried injections first. If you are taking one now, tell us - your surgeon will say when to stop before surgery. Not sure which is right for you? That is what the free consultation is for.

Sources: Wilding et al., NEJM 2021 (STEP 1); Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022 (SURMOUNT-1); Wilding et al., Diabetes Obes Metab 2022 (weight regain after stopping).

Gastric sleeve or gastric bypass?

Both are keyhole operations and both work. Most people choose a sleeve because it is simpler; a bypass is often suggested if you have bad reflux or need the strongest effect on type 2 diabetes. Your surgeon recommends one after reviewing your health.

Compare sleeve and bypass

	Gastric sleeve	Gastric bypass
How it works	About 75-80% of the stomach is removed	A small pouch is made and connected lower down the gut
Typical excess weight loss	About 60-70% in 1-2 years	About 65-80% in 1-2 years
Reflux (heartburn)	Can start or get worse	Usually improves
Type 2 diabetes	Often improves or goes into remission	Slightly more likely to go into remission
Vitamins	Daily supplements for life	Daily supplements for life, and more checks
Can it be undone?	No	Technically possible, rarely done
Hospital stay	Usually 2-3 nights	Usually 2-3 nights

Figures are typical ranges from the bariatric literature (e.g. the SM-BOSS and SLEEVEPASS randomised trials); your own result depends on you and your surgeon.

Frequently asked questions

Is gastric sleeve reversible?

No. The removed part of the stomach cannot be put back, so a sleeve is permanent. If needed later, a sleeve can be converted to a gastric bypass in a second operation.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey?

For most patients 3 nights in Turkey is enough, usually 2-3 of them in hospital. You fly home once the surgeon confirms you are fit to fly. Some providers plan a few extra nights - your exact plan is in your quote.

Can someone come with me?

Yes, most providers welcome one companion. Check whether their hotel room, hospital bed and meals are included, or extra.

What is included in the price?

Usually the surgery, 2-3 nights in hospital, pre-op tests, transfers and complication insurance. Flights, travel insurance and hotel nights after discharge are often extra. It varies by provider, so compare written quotes - see the included / extra list above.

I weigh over 120 kg and have diabetes or sleep apnoea. Can I still have it?

Usually yes - these are among the most common reasons people have a sleeve, and type 2 diabetes often improves or goes into remission afterwards. Weight alone rarely rules you out. Tell the surgeon about every condition and medication up front (for example insulin, metformin, blood thinners or a CPAP machine); they will plan your tests, anaesthesia and medication around it, and some patients are asked to lose a little weight before surgery.

CPAP: bring your machine - you will use it in hospital after surgery.
Diabetes medication: the surgeon tells you when to pause or reduce it; most people need less, sometimes none, within weeks.
Blood sugar at home: keep your GP in the loop so they can adjust your medication as you lose weight.

Do I need tests before I travel?

Usually a routine blood test at home a few weeks before, so the surgeon can confirm you are ready. The full pre-op tests are done in Istanbul before surgery.

I am on Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro. Do I have to stop?

Tell us which medication and dose you take. Your surgeon will tell you when to stop before surgery.

When can I eat normally again?

Gradually. You move from liquids to puréed and soft food, and then to normal food over the first weeks, ideally guided by a bariatric dietitian.

What are my rights as a patient in Turkey?

The same as Turkish patients under the Patient Rights Regulation: to be informed, to give or refuse consent, to get your medical records, to ask for a second opinion and to complain formally - to the hospital patient rights unit or the Ministry of Health line (ALO 184). &NewMe explains your rights before you book and stays on your side.

What if I am not eligible or change my mind?

Each provider sets its own cancellation and refund terms. Ask for them in writing before you pay, including what happens if the tests in Istanbul show you cannot have surgery.

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