Bariatric Guides23 May 202610 minutes

Bariatric Surgery in Türkiye: A Guide to Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass

Everything about obesity surgery. A guide to sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass from Op. Dr. Mustafa Erol, with 35+ years of experience.

Introduction

Obesity is a serious health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. When diet and exercise are not enough, Bariatric Surgery offers a powerful solution for permanent weight loss and health improvement.

With over 35 years of surgical experience and more than 8,000 bariatric operations, in this guide I will tell you everything you need to know about Bariatric Surgery.


What is Bariatric Surgery?

Definition

Bariatric Surgery encompasses the surgical procedures used in the treatment of obesity. These operations:

  • Reduce stomach capacity
  • Limit eating amounts
  • Alter nutrient absorption in some procedures
  • Create hormonal changes

Who Can Be a Candidate?

    General criteria:
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) 40 and above
  • BMI 35-40 + comorbid diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
  • BMI 30-35 + severe metabolic disease (in some cases)

Sleeve Gastrectomy

How Is It Performed?

In Sleeve Gastrectomy:

  • 75-80% of the stomach is permanently removed
  • A small stomach in tube shape remains
  • Intestinal anatomy is not altered
  • It is performed via laparoscopic (closed) method
  • Advantages

    • Effective weight loss (60-70% excess weight loss)
    • Simpler procedure
    • No intestinal bypass
    • Reduces the hunger hormone

    Results

    TimeExpected Excess Weight Loss
    6 months45-55%
    12 months60-70%
    2 years65-75%

    Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)

    How Is It Performed?

    In Gastric Bypass surgery:

  • A small stomach pouch is created
  • The small intestine is divided and reconnected
  • Food bypasses the upper intestines
  • Provides both restriction and malabsorption
  • Advantages

    • More weight loss (70-80%)
    • Highest improvement rates in Type 2 diabetes
    • Resolves reflux problems
    • Strong metabolic effect

    Results

    TimeExpected Excess Weight Loss
    6 months50-60%
    12 months70-80%
    2 years70-80%

    Sleeve Gastrectomy vs. Gastric Bypass

    Comparison

    FactorSleeve GastrectomyGastric Bypass
    Surgery duration45-60 min90-120 min
    Hospital stay1-2 nights2-3 nights
    Weight loss60-70%70-80%
    Diabetes remission60-70%80-85%
    Reflux effectMay worsenGenerally resolves
    Vitamin needsStandardHigher

    Pre-Operative Preparation

    Evaluation

    • Comprehensive medical history
    • Physical examination
    • Blood tests
    • Imaging if needed
    • Nutritional and psychological evaluation

    Pre-Operative Diet

    • 2-4 weeks before: High-protein, low-carb diet
    • Shrinks the liver
    • Makes surgery safer

    Post-Operative Process

    Recovery Timeline

    Week 1-2: Liquid diet Week 3-4: Pureed foods Week 5-6: Soft foods Week 7+: Transition to normal foods

    Vitamins and Supplements

    Lifelong requirement:

  • Bariatric multivitamin
  • Vitamin B12
  • Calcium + Vitamin D
  • Iron (if needed)
  • Exercise

    • Walking from day one
    • Gradually increasing activity
    • Strength exercises after 6-8 weeks

    Risks and Complications

    Possible Risks

    As with all surgeries, risks exist:

  • Bleeding (<1%)
  • Infection (<1%)
  • Leak (0.5-2%)
  • Blood clot (<1%)
  • Risk Reduction

    • Choosing experienced surgeon
    • Modern techniques
    • Comprehensive preparation
    • Careful post-operative follow-up

    Health Improvements

    Beyond Weight Loss

    Bariatric Surgery provides more than just weight loss:

  • Type 2 diabetes: 60-85% remission
  • Hypertension: 50-70% improvement
  • Sleep apnea: 80-90% improvement
  • Joint pain: Significant decrease
  • Quality of life: Significant increase

  • Why Op. Dr. Mustafa Erol?

    Experience and Trust

    CriterionDetail
    Surgical experience35+ years
    Bariatric operations8,000+
    Total operations20,000+
    CertificationSRC Master Surgeon
    AwardWhatClinic Service Award 2024

    Our Approach

    • Personalized treatment plans
    • Patient-centered approach
    • Comprehensive support
    • Lifetime follow-up

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does surgery take?

    Sleeve Gastrectomy: 45-60 minutes, Gastric Bypass: 90-120 minutes. Hospital stay is 1-3 nights.

    How much weight will I lose?

    Most patients lose 60-80% of their excess weight. Individual results may vary.

    Is the surgery painful?

    The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, you do not feel anything. Afterwards, there may be mild to moderate discomfort, which is controlled with pain medication.

    How much time should I take off work?

    Desk jobs: 1-2 weeks. Physical jobs: 3-4 weeks.


    Book an Appointment

    To start your Bariatric Surgery journey, book a free consultation appointment.

    Contact:
    • WhatsApp: [Contact Number]
    • Email: [Email Address]
    • Web: [Web Address]

    *Last Updated: January 2026*

    *This content is for educational purposes. For personal medical advice, consult specialist physicians.*

    Tags

    bariatric surgerysleeve gastrectomygastric bypassobesity surgeryTurkey

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