Gastric Band Surgery in Turkey

Obesity is one of the most pressing modern health challenges, directly affecting quality of life and overall well-being. As surgical weight loss options gain popularity, gastric band surgery has become a common procedure for individuals suffering from morbid obesity. This operation offers an effective solution for weight control and health improvement, especially for those who have not achieved satisfactory results through traditional diets or exercise.

What Is Gastric Band Surgery?

Gastric band surgery, also known as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, is a surgical procedure used to reduce the size of the stomach using an adjustable silicone band. This band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to create a small pouch, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed and promoting a quicker feeling of fullness.

The band contains an inner balloon that can be adjusted by injecting or withdrawing saline through a small access port, allowing the doctor to control the degree of restriction based on the patient’s needs.

Stages of the Gastric Band Procedure

Initial Consultation

During this stage, the patient’s health condition is assessed, and the expected goals of the procedure are discussed. Basic medical tests are also conducted, such as blood work, imaging, and cardiac evaluations to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate.

Anesthesia

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is fully asleep and will not feel any pain during the operation.

Surgical Procedure

A thin catheter is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen (if using laparoscopy) or through a larger surgical opening in the case of open surgery. The silicone band is positioned around the upper part of the stomach to reduce its size and create a small pouch, while the remaining part of the stomach remains unchanged.

This adjustable band allows for future modifications by injecting saline solution to change the restriction level as needed.

Hospital Monitoring

After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the hospital for a few days to monitor their condition and ensure that no complications, such as bleeding or infection, arise.

Benefits of Gastric Band Surgery

Gradual and Stable Weight Loss
This procedure helps reduce food intake, leading to gradual weight loss when medical instructions are followed.

Adjustable or Removable
The band can be easily adjusted to suit the patient’s condition. In case of complications or patient preference, it can be removed without difficulty.

Minimally Invasive Surgery
This operation is often performed laparoscopically, which minimizes incision size and reduces recovery time and post-operative discomfort.

No Permanent Changes to the Digestive System
Unlike procedures like gastric bypass, the banding does not involve cutting or altering the intestines or stomach, which reduces the chance of complications.

Relatively Low Cost
Compared to other bariatric surgeries, the cost of this procedure is generally lower in some countries, especially considering it can be adjusted without the need for additional complex operations.

Ideal for Specific Patient Groups
It is an ideal option for patients with severe obesity who prefer not to undergo permanent or complex surgeries that are difficult to reverse.

Challenges and Risks Associated with Gastric Band Surgery

Limited Weight Loss Compared to Other Options
Compared to other bariatric surgeries like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, the weight loss with gastric banding is typically slower and less significant over the long term.

Risk of Band Slippage or Failure
One of the potential challenges is the risk of the band moving out of place or slipping, which may require medical intervention to correct or remove it. The band may also wear out or degrade over time, necessitating regular monitoring.

Digestive and Nutritional Issues
Some patients may have difficulty consuming certain foods, especially dry or solid items. The procedure can also cause nausea, vomiting, or acid reflux, particularly if post-operative dietary guidelines are not followed.

Requires Discipline and Commitment
The success of gastric band surgery largely depends on the patient’s commitment to lifestyle and dietary changes. Failure to follow medical advice or continued consumption of high-calorie foods may result in suboptimal outcomes.

Possible Surgical Complications
Although the procedure is usually done laparoscopically, there are still potential risks, such as:
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Damage to nearby organs

What Are the Potential Risks of Gastric Band Surgery?

Short-Term Risks

The patient may experience bleeding during or immediately after the operation.
There is a possibility of infection at the surgical site or in the area around the band.
Nearby organs such as the stomach or esophagus may be injured during the band placement.
Allergic reactions to anesthesia medications can occur.
Respiratory issues may arise during surgery due to anesthesia or the surgical positioning.

Long-Term Risks

The patient may suffer from persistent pain or swelling in the surgical area.
The band may shift or slip out of place, which can affect the procedure’s effectiveness and may require medical intervention.
Over time, the band may erode or penetrate the stomach wall, necessitating surgical removal.
If the band is overly tightened, the patient may experience difficulty swallowing or acid reflux.
A blockage in the stomach may occur due to the band or scar tissue forming around it.
Failure to follow the post-operative diet can lead to frequent vomiting, which causes additional harm.
Difficulty in eating normally may result in deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, leading to ongoing health issues.

What Are the Requirements for Undergoing Gastric Band Surgery?

Body Mass Index (BMI)

The patient must have a BMI of 40 or higher (classified as morbid obesity), or 35 or higher if accompanied by health conditions such as:
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea

Failure of Previous Weight Loss Attempts

The patient should have tried non-surgical weight loss methods such as dieting, physical exercise, or medications without achieving significant results.

Appropriate Age Group

This procedure is typically performed on individuals between the ages of 18 and 65. However, exceptions may be made in special cases based on the physician’s evaluation.

General Health Condition

The patient must be in stable health to withstand the surgery, with no uncontrolled chronic conditions such as:
• Severe heart diseases
• Advanced liver issues
• Bleeding disorders

Absence of Medical Contraindications

The procedure is not recommended in the following cases:
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant in the near future
• Addiction to alcohol or drugs
• Autoimmune diseases or chronic digestive tract inflammation

How Much Weight Is Lost After Gastric Band Surgery?

The amount of weight loss depends on the patient’s commitment to the recommended diet, physical activity, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Patients typically lose between 40% to 60% of their excess weight during the first year after the procedure.
Weight loss can continue gradually for up to two or three years following the surgery.

What Are the Potential Risks of Gastric Band Surgery?

Short-Term Risks

The patient may experience bleeding during or immediately after the operation.
There is a possibility of infection at the surgical site or in the area around the band.
Nearby organs such as the stomach or esophagus may be injured during band placement.
Allergic reactions to anesthesia medications may occur.
Respiratory issues can develop during surgery due to anesthesia or the surgical position.

Long-Term Risks

The patient may suffer from ongoing pain or swelling in the surgical area.
The band may move or slip from its place, affecting the effectiveness of the procedure and requiring medical intervention.
Over time, the band may erode or penetrate the stomach wall, requiring surgical removal.
If the band is overly tightened, the patient may face difficulty swallowing or acid reflux.
Stomach blockage may occur due to the band or scar tissue formation around it.
Failure to follow the post-surgical diet may result in frequent vomiting, leading to additional complications.
Difficulty in eating normally may result in deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, causing long-term health problems.

What Are the Requirements for Undergoing Gastric Band Surgery?

Body Mass Index (BMI)

The body mass index must be 40 or higher (classified as morbid obesity), or 35 and above if accompanied by health conditions such as:
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea

Failure of Previous Weight Loss Attempts

The patient should have tried non-surgical weight loss methods like diet, exercise, or medication without achieving noticeable results.

Suitable Age Group

The procedure is usually performed for individuals between 18 and 65 years of age, though it may be conducted outside this range in special cases based on medical evaluation.

Overall Health Condition

The patient must be in a stable health condition suitable for undergoing surgery, with no uncontrolled chronic diseases such as:
• Severe heart disease
• Advanced liver problems
• Bleeding disorders

No Medical Contraindications

The procedure is not recommended in the following cases:
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant soon
• Addiction to alcohol or drugs
• Autoimmune diseases or chronic gastrointestinal infections

How Much Weight Is Lost After Gastric Band Surgery?

The amount of weight loss depends on the patient’s adherence to the recommended diet, physical activity, and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
Patients often report a loss of 40% to 60% of their excess weight within the first year after the surgery.
Gradual weight loss may continue for up to two or three years following the procedure.

What Are the Dietary Instructions After Gastric Band Surgery?

The post-operative diet after gastric band surgery goes through four main phases, aimed at helping the body recover gradually and adapt to the new digestive conditions, while avoiding pressure on the stomach.

Phase One: Clear Liquids (First Week)

In this stage, only clear and light liquids are allowed, such as:
• Water
• Fat-free clear broth
• Unsweetened herbal tea
• Sugar-free gelatin

The goal is to give the stomach enough time to heal without any mechanical stress.

Phase Two: Thick Liquids (Second Week)

Patients may now switch to thicker, more nutritious liquids, including:
• Low-fat milk
• Diluted natural juices, provided they contain no added sugar
• Blended, smooth soups
• Fat-free yogurt

The goal is to provide essential nutrients in a gentle manner that the stomach can tolerate.

Phase Three: Puréed Foods (Weeks Three and Four)

Soft, easily digestible puréed foods are introduced, such as:
• Mashed potatoes
• Well-cooked and puréed vegetables and fruits
• Mashed soft fish

The goal is to gradually reintroduce semi-solid foods to the stomach without causing discomfort or strain.

Phase Four: Gradual Return to Normal Food (After 4 to 6 Weeks)

Normal foods are gradually reintroduced while continuing to avoid items that are hard to digest or could cause blockage or discomfort.

The goal is to reach a stable, balanced diet that supports healthy weight loss without exposing the patient to complications.

What Is the Cost of Gastric Band Surgery in Turkey?

Turkey is considered a top destination for gastric band surgery, offering a combination of high medical quality and affordable pricing.
The cost of this procedure in Turkey typically ranges between $2,500 and $5,000 USD. The final price depends on several factors, including:
• Surgeon and hospital expertise: The experience of the medical team and the hospital directly affect the cost.
• Geographic location: Prices vary from one Turkish city to another.
• Included services: Some packages cover accommodation, transportation, and medical follow-up, which influence the total cost.

What Is the Success Rate of Gastric Band Surgery?

The success rate of gastric band surgery ranges between 50% and 70% in achieving significant weight loss.
This rate depends on the individual’s commitment to a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
In some cases, the desired weight loss may not be achieved, or medical complications may require the removal of the band.

Is Gastric Band Surgery Considered Safe?

Gastric band surgery is generally considered safe. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries some potential risks, such as:
• Surgical complications: Including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the materials used in the band.
• Digestive system issues: Such as vomiting or difficulty swallowing.
• Band deterioration or fluid leakage: The band may leak or move out of place over time.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Due to the reduced stomach capacity, which may impact the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.

Gastric Band or Gastric Balloon: Which Is More Suitable?

Choosing between gastric band surgery and a gastric balloon depends on personal factors such as health status, weight loss goals, and long-term expectations.
Here is a brief comparison between the two options:

Gastric Band

• Duration: A permanent procedure, with the option to adjust or remove if necessary.
• Effectiveness: Achieves significant and sustained weight loss when a healthy lifestyle is maintained.
• Risks: Includes the possibility of leakage, band slippage, or surgical complications.
• Daily impact: Requires ongoing changes to diet and lifestyle habits.

Gastric Balloon

• Duration: A temporary procedure; the balloon is typically removed after about six months.
• Effectiveness: Reduces the amount of food intake, but does not guarantee long-term results.
• Risks: May cause nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
• Daily impact: Requires dietary adjustments, but involves less surgical intervention.

The best choice should be determined through consultation with a specialist physician, based on the patient’s health condition and personal preferences.

Is Gastric Band Surgery in Turkey Safe?

Yes, Turkey is considered a safe destination for gastric band surgery.
The country offers an advanced medical system and an excellent reputation in the field of medical tourism.
Hospitals and medical centers in Turkey provide high-quality surgical services, supervised by experienced and specialized doctors.

Is Pregnancy Possible with a Gastric Band?

Yes, a woman can become pregnant after undergoing gastric band surgery.
However, it is recommended to wait 12 to 18 months before trying to conceive, to ensure weight stability and overall health.
During pregnancy, nutritional monitoring is essential, along with continuous medical follow-up to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.