Obesity – Gastric Sleeve Surgery In Turkey
Bariatric surgery, specifically gastric sleeve surgery, is a highly effective procedure where surgeons remove 75–80% of the stomach to reduce food intake and promote rapid weight loss. Turkey is renowned for offering high-quality Obesity And Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey, combining advanced medical facilities with experienced surgeons at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries.
What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, performed using laparoscopic techniques, involves making a few small incisions in the upper abdomen. The procedure takes about 1.5 hours under general anesthesia and is the most common method for treating obesity. However, choosing a skilled surgical team is crucial to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey
- Cost-Effective: The average cost of gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey is around €3,500, significantly lower than in the US (€18,000), the UK (€10,000), or the UAE (€8,000).
- Advanced Medical Facilities: Turkey boasts state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics equipped with the latest technology.
- Experienced Surgeons: Surgeons in Turkey are highly qualified and experienced in performing gastric sleeve surgeries.
- Comprehensive Care: All-inclusive packages often cover surgery, accommodation, and travel expenses.
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Less Discomfort: Minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques reduce pain and discomfort.
- Lower Infection Risk: Small incisions lower the risk of infection.
- Quick Recovery: Patients usually recover faster with minimal scarring and shorter hospital stays.
- Effective Weight Loss: Patients typically lose 60-70% of their excess weight within the first year.
- Preserved Gastric Function: The surgery does not alter gastric inlet and outflow valves, maintaining normal stomach function.
Eligibility for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Candidates are generally:
- Between 18 and 65 years old.
- Have a BMI of 40 or higher (or over 35 with obesity-related health issues).
- Mentally prepared for the surgery.
- Looking for an effective weight-loss solution.
- Committed to a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.
- Able to travel to Turkey for the procedure.
Procedure Steps
- Anesthesia: Patients receive general anesthesia.
- Incisions: Surgeons make about five small incisions in the abdomen.
- Stomach Reduction: They remove approximately 80% of the stomach.
- Stomach Expansion: Surgeons use carbon dioxide to expand the stomach.
- Measurement: A silicone tube ensures the remaining stomach is the correct width.
- Excess Removal: Surgeons remove the excess stomach and send it for pathology.
- Surgical Check: They check the site for bleeding and apply necessary sutures.
- Drainage: Any accumulated fluid is drained.
Possible Risks
While gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey is generally safe, it does carry some risks. These include blood clots, leakage of sutures, and abscesses. However, advances in medical technology and surgical expertise have significantly reduced these risks. Mortality rates are low, and the benefits often outweigh the risks compared to untreated obesity.
Post-Surgery Weight Loss
Patients typically lose about 70% of their excess weight, with most weight loss occurring in the first year. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is crucial for sustained results. Although weight regain is possible, it rarely returns to pre-surgery levels.
Recovery Time
Recovery varies; those with desk jobs may return to work within 7-10 days, while physically demanding jobs may require up to 3 weeks. Early resumption of normal activities is encouraged to reduce embolism risks. Laparoscopic surgery ensures quicker recovery, with wounds healing within approximately 10 days.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost in Turkey
The cost of gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey varies depending on factors like surgeon expertise, surgical supplies, and hospital fees. The average cost is around €3,500, which includes comprehensive packages covering surgery, accommodation, and travel.
Comparative Costs
- US: €18,000
- UK: €10,000
- UAE: €8,000
- Poland/Germany: €6,000-€7,000
- Turkey: €3,500
Obesity – Gastric Sleeve Results In Turkey
Gastric sleeve surgery results in significant weight loss and improved health for individuals struggling with obesity. By reducing the stomach’s size, this procedure limits food intake and promotes early satiety. Patients typically see substantial weight loss within the first year, along with improvements in obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The long-lasting results include enhanced quality of life, increased mobility, and boosted confidence.
Gastric Bypass and Bariatric Surgery Diet
What to Eat After Surgery at ClinMedica
At ClinMedica, we offer comprehensive care and guidance to patients who undergo gastric bypass, gastric balloon, gastric sleeve, and other bariatric procedures. A well-structured post-surgery diet is crucial for healing, adapting to new eating habits, and achieving long-term success after your weight-loss surgery.
Understanding the Gastric Bypass and Bariatric Surgery Diet
A post-bariatric surgery diet is essential for individuals recovering from various weight-loss surgeries, including:
- Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y),
- Sleeve Gastrectomy,
- Gastric Balloon,
- Adjustable Gastric Banding, and
- Other bariatric procedures offered at ClinMedica.
This diet helps your body heal while establishing lifelong eating habits that promote sustained weight loss and overall health. Our experts at ClinMedica will provide you with personalized dietary advice that aligns with the specific procedure you’ve undergone, ensuring you achieve the best possible results.
Purpose of the Gastric Bypass and Bariatric Surgery Diet
The post-surgery diet is designed to:
- Allow your stomach and digestive system to heal properly without being stretched by food.
- Help you adapt to eating smaller amounts of food, ideal for the reduced capacity of your stomach after surgery.
- Support weight loss and prevent weight regain.
- Minimize the risk of post-surgical complications and side effects, such as dumping syndrome.
Different Bariatric Procedures at ClinMedica
At ClinMedica, we provide a variety of bariatric surgery options. While each surgery alters the digestive system differently, the dietary approach after each procedure follows similar stages to ensure safe recovery and optimal results.
Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y)
Gastric bypass involves reducing the size of the stomach and rerouting part of the digestive system. This limits the amount of food that can be eaten and decreases the absorption of calories and nutrients.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a large portion of the stomach, reducing its size and capacity. Patients are able to eat smaller portions, which aids in weight loss.
Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure where a saline-filled balloon is placed inside the stomach. This reduces the stomach’s capacity, helping patients feel full after smaller meals.
Adjustable Gastric Banding
Adjustable gastric banding uses a band to restrict the size of the stomach opening, limiting food intake and promoting gradual weight loss.
Key Stages of the Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet
No matter which bariatric surgery you’ve undergone, ClinMedica’s post-operative diet plan follows a phased approach to help you safely transition back to solid foods.
General Guidelines for All Stages
During each stage of the post-surgery diet, it is essential to:
- Drink at least 64 ounces of fluid daily to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid drinking fluids with meals. Wait 30 minutes after eating to drink liquids, and avoid drinking 30 minutes before meals.
- Eat and drink slowly to prevent dumping syndrome, which occurs when food or liquid enters the intestines too quickly, causing nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea.
- Prioritize high-protein, lean foods and avoid high-fat, sugary foods.
- Refrain from alcohol consumption and limit caffeine intake.
- Take recommended vitamin and mineral supplements daily to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Chew food thoroughly before swallowing, especially when transitioning from liquids to soft foods.
Stage 1: Clear Liquids
During the first 1-2 days after surgery, you will only consume clear liquids to allow your stomach to heal. Once you can tolerate these liquids, you can gradually start adding other fluids.
Liquids Allowed in Stage 1:
- Clear broth
- Unsweetened juice
- Decaffeinated tea or coffee
- Skim or 1% milk
- Sugar-free gelatin or popsicles
Stage 2: Blended and Pureed Foods
After a week of tolerating liquids, you will begin eating strained, blended, or pureed foods with a smooth paste-like consistency. You should eat 3 to 6 small meals per day, each consisting of 4 to 6 tablespoons of food. Eat slowly, taking about 30 minutes per meal.
Recommended Blended Foods:
- Lean ground meat, poultry, or fish
- Cottage cheese
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Cooked cereal
- Soft fruits and cooked vegetables
- Strained cream soups
Liquids for Blending:
- Water
- Skim milk
- Unsweetened juice
- Broth
Stage 3: Soft Foods
Once your doctor approves, you can transition to soft foods. These should be tender, easily chewed, and broken down before swallowing. At this stage, you can eat 3 to 5 small meals per day, with each meal consisting of 1/3 to 1/2 cup of food. Chew thoroughly before swallowing.
Recommended Soft Foods
- Ground lean meat or poultry
- Flaked fish
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Cooked or dried cereal
- Rice
- Canned or soft fresh fruits (without seeds or skin)
- Cooked vegetables (without skin)
Stage 4: Solid Foods
About 8 weeks after surgery, you will gradually reintroduce firmer foods. Begin by eating three meals per day, with each meal consisting of 1 to 1-1/2 cups of food. Be sure to stop eating before you feel completely full, and continue to chew food thoroughly to avoid complications.
Foods to Avoid at This Stage
- Breads
- Carbonated drinks
- Raw vegetables
- Fibrous vegetables such as celery, corn, and broccoli
- Tough or gristly meats
- Fried foods
- Spicy or highly seasoned foods
- Nuts, seeds, and popcorn
Reintroducing Certain Foods
With the guidance of your ClinMedica healthcare team, you may be able to gradually reintroduce foods that were problematic earlier in your recovery, including breads, raw vegetables, and certain meats.
Long-Term Healthy Eating After Bariatric Surgery
After gastric bypass or other bariatric surgeries at ClinMedica, lifelong dietary changes are necessary to maintain weight loss and overall health.
Long-Term Dietary Guidelines:
- Eat slowly: Take at least 30 minutes to finish each meal, and 30-60 minutes to drink liquids. Avoid drinking liquids 30 minutes before or after meals.
- Keep meals small: Start with six small meals per day, eventually reducing to three. Each meal should consist of ½ to 1 cup of food.
- Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 cups (1.9 liters) of fluids per day, but avoid drinking too much liquid at mealtimes.
- Chew food thoroughly: Proper chewing prevents blockages in the stomach pouch, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Focus on protein: Prioritize high-protein foods in each meal.
- Avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods: These foods can cause dumping syndrome and impede your weight loss progress.
- Take supplements: Continue taking vitamin and mineral supplements as directed to ensure proper nutrient absorption.
Results and Risks of the Gastric Bypass Diet
The gastric bypass diet helps you recover from Obesity And Gastric Sleeve surgery in Turkey and maintain your weight-loss goals. However, if you revert to unhealthy eating habits, you may regain lost weight or fail to lose weight effectively.
Risks of Not Following the Diet:
- Dumping syndrome: Caused by eating too fast or consuming high-fat/sugar foods.
- Dehydration: Failure to drink enough fluids can lead to dehydration.
- Constipation: Lack of fiber, fluid, or physical activity can cause constipation.
- Stomach pouch blockage: Large pieces of food can block the stomach opening, leading to nausea and vomiting.
- Weight gain: If you do not adhere to the diet, weight gain may occur.