Do you feel overwhelmed by all the methods you have tried to lose weight and nothing has helped? The good news is that there is an effective solution for permanent weight loss. And it comes as part of an all-inclusive package option for bariatric surgery abroad. In this guide, we’ll lead you toward choosing safe and affordable Weight Loss Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey!
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Table of Content • Why Istanbul • Cost • Top Clinics • Best Doctors • Overview • Reviews • Before and After • FAQs • How to Book |
Turkey is among the ten most visited countries for medical tourism. World-class clinics, state-of-the-art architecture, and attractive tourist places are just a few of the many other reasons to choose Istanbul.
Here are the advantages Istanbul offers to international patients:
- Low-Cost WLS – Medical staff provides patients with high-quality weight loss surgery at affordable prices.
- Highly-Skilled WLS Surgeons – Valuing patient safety and satisfaction as a priority.
- Modern Facilities – Bariatric clinics are well equipped with the newest technology in performing surgery.
- Geographic Location – Turkey is well-connected with major world cities by road and air. You can choose the travel option that best suits your needs.
- Magical Tourist Places – Istanbul is rich in historical monuments and modern architecture. You can visit some of the places during your stay for bariatric surgery.
The cost is a compelling reason to visit Istanbul for weight loss surgery. We’ll show you the average cost for different types of bariatric surgery in Istanbul and compare them to European and American prices.
Cost Comparison Table – Istanbul, America, Canada, and the UK
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THE COUNTRY |
USA/CANADA |
UK |
ISTANBUL |
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GASTRIC SLEEVE |
From $20,000 |
$18,300 |
From $3,000 |
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GASTRIC BYPASS |
Between $9,000 to $27,000 |
$14,300 |
From $4,000 |
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MINI GASTRIC BYPASS |
From $9,000 |
$13,300 |
From $3,500 |
The cost doesn’t include medications, other complications which may arise, and tourism costs.
Istanbul offers the same quality as America or the UK, only more affordable to the self-pay patient. Now that we have determined that Istanbul is a cost-effective option let's find out which clinics and doctors it has.
We suggest the best WLS clinics in Istanbul by past patient experience and the services the clinic offers, such as:
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Accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI)
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Physicians are fully licensed by the Turkish Medical Council
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Providing native-speaking interpreters to escort and assist you during your treatment
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Dedicated team to delivering a comprehensive service 24/7 for their patients
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Arranging all your transfers (airport arrival/departure-hotel-hospital)
We suggest you ask your doctor for a video consultation before coming to your preferred clinic in Istanbul. A doctor should respond to all your concerns regarding the surgery. Besides this, a doctor must have the following expertise:
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Board Certified Bariatric Surgeon
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Continuously invests in the training and development
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Speaks both English and Turkish
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Performed WLS for more than 10 years
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Dr. Hasan Erdem M.D, Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. HE Obesity |
Op. Dr. Onur Kesler, Bariatric Surgeon
Optimed Hospital |
Weight Loss Surgery – Overview
A surgeon performs WLS when all other alternatives don’t bring the expected results in your weight loss. Of course, certain conditions qualify you as the right WLS candidate.
In this and the following section, you’ll learn more about bariatric surgery types and see if you are a candidate for the surgery.
The Types of Bariatric Surgery Table
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The type of WLS |
Gastric Bypass |
Gastric Sleeve |
Duodenal Switch |
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The Procedure |
A doctor attaches a small pouch to the intestine to bypass the stomach. |
A surgeon removes a part of the stomach and creates a new, tube-shaped stomach or "sleeve." |
A small, tubular stomach pouch is created, and its outlet is connected to the last portion of the small intestine, called the duodenum. |
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Required BMI for surgery |
Over 35 and obesity-related problems |
Over 40 |
50 or higher |
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Surgery Time |
1.5 hours |
1h |
2-3 hours |
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Recovery Time |
2-4 weeks |
2-4 weeks |
4-6 weeks |
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Hospital Stay |
2-3 days |
2-3 days |
1-2 days |
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Expected % of Weight Loss In the first 12 to 18 Months |
60-80% |
60-70% |
70-80% |
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The Benefits of a Procedure |
Significant overall weight loss.
96% of health problems related to obesity are entirely resolved. |
Loss of 60-70% of the extra weight.
Ability to tolerate most foods, just in small amounts. |
Reduces the absorption of fat by 70% or more.
Reduces appetite and improves satiety. |
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The Risks |
Infection,
Blood clots,
Internal bleeding. |
Excessive bleeding, Infection, Blood Clots. |
Pneumonia,
Blood clots,
Heart attack. |
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Reversible |
YES |
NO |
NO |
Don’t rush to any conclusions about which WLS type is the right for you because first, you need to consult your doctor.
Who is the Right Candidate for WLS?
A patient is considered obese with a BMI of 35 or higher. Let’s check out a few points and see if you are the right candidate for weight loss surgery:
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Your BMI is 35 and higher, and you have obesity-related conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, or sleep apnea).
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You don’t have a condition that prevents bariatric surgery.
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Other weight loss methods and exercises didn’t give the expected results.
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You are mentally ready for a drastic change and to follow post-operative instructions.
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You don’t suffer from endocrine diseases, alcohol, or drug addiction.
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Medical Tourism in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a favored medical tourism city with outstanding services at low costs, luxury budget hotels, and numerous tourist possibilities.
The best months to visit Istanbul are in spring, from March to May, and in autumn, between September and November. These months the climate is pleasant and prices are lower.
Top Tourist Spots in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul boasts various popular tourist spots for everyone’s pocket and taste. We suggest some of the most attractive places:
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Maiden Tower in Istanbul, Turkey
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Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey
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How to Reach in Istanbul, Turkey
The Istanbul Airport (IATA: IST) maintains affordable international flights with all major world cities. If you travel to Turkey from neighboring countries, you can also drive by car.
Flight Information to Istanbul, Turkey Table
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Airport of Departure |
IATA code
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Flight Duration |
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New York, John F. Kennedy International Airport |
JFK |
10.30h |
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Los Angeles International Airport |
LAX |
14.10h |
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London Heathrow |
LHR |
3.35h |
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Toronto-Pearson-Int'l-Airport, Canada |
YYZ |
9.40h |
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Vancouver-International-Airport, Canada |
YVR |
11.30h |
Documents Required to Enter Turkey
First, you need to check if your country is exempt from Turkey Visa. Afterward, look at this table to prepare adequate documents to enter Turkey.
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General Documents Required |
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1. An original passport valid for at least six months from the return date of travel. 2. Medical treatment invitation letter from the Republic of Turkey. 3. Go to www.evisa.gov.tr and fill in the online visa application form. 4. Vaccination certificate before arrival. 5. Complete a Form for Entry to Turkey (filled in within the last 72 hours before travel). |
Q. Is weight loss surgery in Turkey safe?
Yes, weight loss surgery in Turkey is completely safe. Turkey has many experienced surgeons and equipped hospitals for international patients.
In addition, prices are more economical than in other countries. Istanbul offers many advantages for patients in every sense.
Q. How to Finance WLS in Istanbul?
The clinic provides a special payment plan for international patients to finance WLS in Istanbul. You have to pay in advance with a credit card or cash.
If you buy the all-inclusive package, you can pay for accommodation and transportation in this way. Except for the amount specified by the clinic, you don’t need to make any additional payments.
Q. How long do I Have to stay in the Hospital for WLS in Istanbul?
You have to stay 2-3 days in the hospital for WLS in Istanbul. If the procedure is successful and you are in good health, you’ll leave the hospital three days after the surgery.
Q. How long does it take to Return to Daily Life after WLS in Istanbul?
It takes 7-10 days to return to your daily life after WLS in Istanbul. Since bariatric surgery is performed with the laparoscopic method, your recovery will be faster.
Q. How much does WLS cost in Istanbul Compared to the USA?
WLS cost in Istanbul is up to 70% less compared to the USA. The cost includes doctor fees, hospital stays, pre-examination tests, and other facilities that a clinic provides.
The cost of weight loss surgery in the USA or UK, for example, is from $14,000 and up. Coming to Istanbul, you’ll save between 50% and 70% of your money.
Istanbul is a unique medical tourism destination that offers high-quality WLS for international patients. You won’t regret coming to Istanbul for weight loss surgery and you’ll go back home with the desired body!
The PlacidWay team is here to provide you with comforting assistance from start to finish. Contact us for more information.
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