What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

During gastric sleeve surgery, approximately 80% of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach is shaped into a narrow, sleeve-like structure.

The smaller stomach helps patients feel full after eating smaller portions. The procedure may also influence hormones associated with hunger and satiety.

Unlike gastric bypass, the intestines are not rerouted, and food continues to follow the natural digestive pathway. However, because a large part of the stomach is permanently removed, sleeve gastrectomy is not considered reversible.

The operation is generally performed laparoscopically through several small abdominal incisions. This minimally invasive approach may support reduced scarring, earlier mobilisation and a more comfortable recovery compared with open surgery.

Who May Be Suitable for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery may be considered for selected adults with obesity who have not achieved sufficient or sustainable weight loss through nutrition, exercise, medication or other non-surgical methods.

The suitability assessment considers:

• Current weight and body mass index
• Previous weight-loss attempts
• Obesity-related medical conditions
• Eating habits and lifestyle
• Current medications and supplements
• Previous abdominal or bariatric surgery
• Existing acid reflux or digestive conditions
• Psychological readiness for permanent lifestyle changes
• Commitment to regular medical and nutritional follow-up

Eligibility criteria vary according to the patient’s health and current clinical guidelines. The final decision is made by the treating bariatric surgeon following a complete medical evaluation.

Potential Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Depending on the patient’s health and commitment to follow-up, gastric sleeve surgery may support:

• Significant and sustainable weight loss
• Improved portion control
• Reduced feelings of hunger in some patients
• Improvement in selected obesity-related conditions
• Greater mobility and physical activity
• Improved self-confidence and quality of life

Weight loss and health outcomes vary between patients. Surgery does not guarantee a specific result, and long-term success depends on nutrition, physical activity and regular follow-up.

A Personalised and Multidisciplinary Approach

Every patient has a different medical history, weight-loss journey and treatment goal. Gastric sleeve surgery should therefore be planned individually rather than offered as a standard procedure.

The treatment process may involve a bariatric surgeon, anaesthetist, dietitian and other medical specialists when necessary.

Fit&Fit coordinates the international patient journey while all decisions regarding suitability, surgical technique and medical care are made by the treating healthcare team.

Your Gastric Sleeve Journey with Fit&Fit

1. Online Preliminary Assessment

Your journey begins by contacting the Fit&Fit patient coordination team. You will be asked to provide information about:

• Your current weight and height
• Previous weight-loss attempts
• Current and previous medical conditions
• Regular medications and supplements
• Previous operations
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Your treatment expectations

Existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, acid reflux, previous blood clots and earlier abdominal surgery should be reported.

2. Surgeon and Dietitian Evaluation

Your medical information is reviewed by the relevant bariatric team. Your weight history, eating habits, current health conditions and expectations are evaluated.

Nutritional assessment and dietitian support are important parts of the process. Alternative options, including non-surgical treatments and other bariatric procedures, may also be discussed.

3. Personalised Treatment Plan

If gastric sleeve surgery is considered appropriate, a personalised treatment plan is prepared. This plan may include:

• The proposed surgical procedure
• Required medical tests
• Hospital arrangements
• Expected hospital stay
• Accommodation and transfers
• Preoperative preparation
• Postoperative nutrition programme
• Long-term follow-up requirements

The final treatment decision is confirmed following an in-person examination in İzmir.

4. Travel and Accommodation Planning

Once the surgery date is confirmed, Fit&Fit coordinates your accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers, interpreter support and medical appointments.

Your return flight should remain flexible until the medical team confirms that you are fit to travel.

5. Preoperative Tests

After arriving in İzmir, you attend an in-person consultation and complete the required medical tests.

These may include:

• Blood tests and vitamin assessment
• Electrocardiogram
• Respiratory assessment
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
• Abdominal imaging when required
• Anaesthesia assessment
• Additional specialist consultations when necessary

You may be asked to follow a preoperative diet, stop smoking or adjust certain medications. Prescribed medication should never be discontinued without medical advice.

6. Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The operation is generally completed laparoscopically through several small abdominal incisions.

The surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach and creates a narrow, sleeve-shaped stomach along a vertical staple line.

The digestive pathway through the intestines remains unchanged. The exact technique and duration depend on the patient’s anatomy, health and previous operations.

7. Hospital Recovery

After surgery, you are monitored by the hospital team. Pain management, hydration, blood-clot prevention and early mobilisation are important parts of postoperative care.

Gentle walking is encouraged as soon as medically appropriate. Oral fluids are introduced according to the surgeon’s instructions.

Discharge is approved after the medical team confirms that you are stable, mobile and able to tolerate sufficient fluids.

8. Postoperative Nutrition Programme

The stomach needs time to heal after surgery. Food texture is therefore progressed gradually under the guidance of the surgeon and dietitian.

The programme generally includes:

1. Clear or full liquids
2. Puréed foods
3. Soft foods
4. Small portions of regular-texture foods

The timing of each stage is personalised. Patients should eat slowly, chew thoroughly, prioritise protein and maintain adequate hydration.

Eating too quickly, consuming large portions or progressing to solid foods before medical approval may cause pain, nausea or vomiting.

9. Final Medical Check Before Departure

Before returning home, you attend a postoperative consultation. Your incisions, hydration, mobility and general recovery are assessed.

Return travel should only be planned after receiving medical approval.

10. Long-Term Follow-Up

Follow-up continues after you return home. Scheduled assessments may include:

• Weight and progress monitoring
• Dietitian consultations
• Blood tests and vitamin monitoring
• Medication review
• Evaluation of eating tolerance
• Support for lifestyle and behavioural changes

Patients should maintain access to a bariatric team or appropriately experienced healthcare professional in their home country.

Vitamin and Mineral Support

Gastric sleeve surgery significantly reduces the amount of food that can be consumed. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may develop if supplementation and medical follow-up are neglected.

Recommended supplements may include:

• A complete multivitamin and mineral supplement
• Vitamin B12
• Iron
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Additional supplements based on blood-test results

The type and dosage of supplements must be determined by the medical team. Regular blood tests are required throughout life.

Gastric Sleeve Recovery

Tiredness, abdominal discomfort, swelling, nausea and changes in bowel habits may occur during the early recovery period.

Many patients leave hospital within a few days and gradually return to normal daily activities over the following weeks. Recovery time varies according to the patient’s health, occupation and healing process.

Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, driving and physically demanding work should only be resumed after approval from the treating surgeon.

Maintaining Your Results

Gastric sleeve surgery provides a long-term tool for weight management, but maintaining the result requires continued lifestyle changes.

Patients should follow their nutrition plan, prioritise protein, stay adequately hydrated and gradually increase physical activity under medical guidance.

Regular medical examinations, dietitian consultations and blood tests are important for monitoring progress and identifying nutritional deficiencies.

Weight regain is possible if previous eating and lifestyle habits return. Early support should be requested if weight regain, eating difficulties or nutritional concerns develop.

Why Choose Fit&Fit Health Journey?

• Individual assessment by an experienced bariatric team
• Modern laparoscopic surgical approach
• Surgeon and dietitian-supported treatment planning
• Contracted and authorised healthcare institutions
• Transparent treatment and pricing information
• Accommodation and transfer coordination
• Multilingual patient support
• Preoperative and postoperative guidance
• Long-term nutrition and follow-up planning

All decisions regarding patient eligibility, surgical technique and medical care are made by the treating healthcare team. Fit&Fit Health Journey coordinates the international patient and travel services surrounding the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of the stomach is removed?

Approximately 80% of the stomach is generally removed. The exact amount depends on the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon’s treatment plan.

Is gastric sleeve surgery reversible?

No. Because part of the stomach is permanently removed, sleeve gastrectomy is not considered reversible.

How much weight can I lose?

Weight loss varies according to starting weight, health, eating habits, physical activity and adherence to follow-up. A specific amount of weight loss cannot be guaranteed.

Will I need vitamins after surgery?

Yes. Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation, together with regular blood tests, is generally required after gastric sleeve surgery.

Can gastric sleeve surgery affect acid reflux?

Gastric sleeve surgery may cause new reflux or worsen existing symptoms in some patients. Reflux should be assessed before surgery.

Can weight return after gastric sleeve surgery?

Weight regain is possible. Maintaining results requires continued attention to nutrition, physical activity, emotional wellbeing and medical follow-up.

How long should I stay in Turkey?

The required stay depends on the operation and recovery. Hospital discharge and return-travel dates are determined after postoperative examinations.

How much does gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey cost?

The cost depends on the medical assessment, healthcare institution, tests, hospital stay, accommodation and additional services. A personalised quotation is prepared after medical evaluation.

Request a Free Preliminary Assessment

Contact the Fit&Fit Health Journey patient coordination team to request a confidential preliminary assessment for gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey.