Gastric Sleeve Turkey: Linda, 62, on Her Experience in Izmir

Gastric sleeve in Turkey: Linda, 62, on her experience in Izmir

Linda had her gastric sleeve with Op. Dr. Volkan Arayici in Izmir. In this video, recorded the day before she flew home, she describes in her own words how the days in hospital went and what she would tell others who are hesitating.

What Linda says

• Deciding: she was afraid at first, then decided to go ahead and booked her flights within about a week.
• Care: she describes the staff and the hospital as very professional and says every need was catered for.
• Language: interpreters were with her throughout, so language was not a problem.
• After surgery: she felt discomfort rather than pain, mainly from the gas used during keyhole surgery, which soon passed. On the day of the recording she was drinking again and had soup.
• Age: "I'm 62, so you're never too old."

How the stay in Izmir is organised

Patients spend five days in Turkey and four nights in hospital until discharge – no hotel transfer after surgery. The operation is performed laparoscopically in a JCI- and TEMOS-accredited hospital in Izmir and usually takes 45 to 75 minutes. An interpreter is included, and aftercare continues for 12 months by video call and WhatsApp.

Dr. Arayici has performed more than 5,000 bariatric operations and is a member of IFSO. Whether a gastric sleeve is right for you depends on your BMI and medical history; every operation carries risks, which Dr. Arayici discusses with each patient personally. Individual experiences and results vary.

More information: gastric sleeve in Turkey with Dr. Volkan Arayici.