Question 1

What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Accepted Answer

Sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent bariatric operation that removes much of the stomach and leaves a narrow, sleeve-shaped stomach. The intestines are not rerouted.

Question 2

How does a gastric sleeve help with weight loss?

Accepted Answer

A smaller stomach supports fullness after smaller portions, while hormonal and metabolic changes can also reduce hunger. It remains a tool that works best with nutrition, activity and long-term follow-up.

Question 3

How much of the stomach is removed?

Accepted Answer

Around 80% is commonly removed, although the exact technique is decided by the surgeon for the individual patient. The removed part is not put back later.

Question 4

Is gastric sleeve surgery reversible?

Accepted Answer

No. Sleeve gastrectomy permanently removes part of the stomach. Revision to another bariatric procedure may be possible in selected situations, but that is not the same as reversing it.

Question 5

Is gastric sleeve the same as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty?

Accepted Answer

No. Surgical sleeve removes stomach tissue through keyhole surgery. ESG uses internal endoscopic sutures without removing the stomach, so suitability, expected outcomes and risks differ.

Question 6

What is the difference between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?

Accepted Answer

Sleeve reduces stomach size without rerouting the intestines. Gastric bypass creates a small pouch and changes the food pathway; reflux, diabetes, medicines, nutrition risk and previous surgery can influence which option is considered.

Question 7

What BMI is needed for gastric sleeve surgery?

Accepted Answer

NICE recommends specialist bariatric assessment at BMI 40 or above, or 35–39.9 with a significant condition that may improve with weight loss. Lower thresholds can apply to some ethnic groups and clinical circumstances; BMI alone never confirms suitability.

Question 8

Can gastric sleeve help type 2 diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss and metabolic changes after bariatric surgery may improve blood-glucose control and reduce medicine needs in some people. Outcomes vary, and diabetes medicines must be managed by the clinical team around surgery.

Question 9

Can I have gastric sleeve if I have acid reflux?

Accepted Answer

Sleeve can cause new reflux or worsen existing reflux, so symptoms and any relevant tests must be reviewed before choosing an operation. For some patients a different procedure may be more appropriate.

Question 10

Is there an age limit for gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Age is considered alongside frailty, anaesthetic risk, other illnesses, nutrition and the ability to maintain follow-up. An online age cut-off cannot replace a multidisciplinary assessment.

Question 11

Can I have a sleeve after previous abdominal surgery?

Accepted Answer

Previous operations do not automatically rule out a sleeve, but scar tissue, altered anatomy and the reason for earlier surgery can change risk and technique. The surgeon needs operation records when available.

Question 12

Who may not be suitable for gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled medical or psychological conditions, untreated eating disorders, severe anaesthetic risk, active substance misuse, inability to follow aftercare, or anatomy that favours another procedure may delay or change the plan. Decisions are individual.

Question 13

Which tests are needed before gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

The written plan commonly includes blood tests, ECG, ultrasound and anaesthetic and surgeon assessment. Additional heart, lung, sleep-apnoea, endoscopy or imaging tests depend on history and findings.

Question 14

Do I need to stop smoking before surgery?

Accepted Answer

Smoking and nicotine increase surgical, lung, clot and healing risks. Tell the team about cigarettes, vaping and nicotine products and follow the stop date they give you; do not hide current use.

Question 15

Will I need a liver-reduction diet before gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Many bariatric programmes prescribe a short pre-operative diet to reduce liver size and make keyhole surgery safer. Follow only the plan and duration provided by your bariatric team.

Question 16

Is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey safe?

Accepted Answer

No provider or destination is automatically safe. Check your personal risk assessment, the named surgeon and hospital, how leaks, bleeding and clots are managed, how long you should remain in Turkey, and the written aftercare and emergency plan before booking.

Question 17

What is the gastric sleeve death rate in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

There is no single reliable Turkey-wide number that can predict an individual's risk, and figures for all medical procedures abroad are not gastric-sleeve rates. Ask each provider for recent, audited sleeve-specific outcomes and discuss how your health changes the risk; do not treat a marketing percentage as a personal estimate.

Question 18

What are the main risks of gastric sleeve surgery?

Accepted Answer

Possible complications include bleeding, staple-line leak, infection, blood clots, anaesthetic problems, reflux, narrowing, gallstones, nutritional deficiencies and weight regain. Your personal risk depends on health, anatomy and the planned care pathway.

Question 19

What is a gastric sleeve leak?

Accepted Answer

A leak means stomach contents escape through part of the staple line, potentially causing serious infection. It needs urgent hospital assessment and may require antibiotics, drainage, endoscopy or further surgery.

Question 20

How are blood clots prevented after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Prevention may include early walking, compression devices or stockings and anticoagulant injections according to individual risk. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain or one-sided leg swelling needs emergency help.

Question 21

Can reflux start or get worse after sleeve surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New or worsened heartburn is a recognised disadvantage of sleeve gastrectomy. Persistent symptoms should be reviewed rather than managed indefinitely without medical advice.

Question 22

What is narrowing or stricture after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

A narrowed part of the sleeve can make swallowing or keeping food and fluids down difficult. Persistent vomiting, pain or food sticking needs prompt assessment and may require endoscopic treatment.

Question 23

Can rapid weight loss cause gallstones?

Accepted Answer

Rapid weight loss can increase gallstone risk. New upper-abdominal pain, especially with fever, jaundice or vomiting, should be assessed by a clinician.

Question 24

Which symptoms need urgent medical help after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Seek urgent help for severe or increasing abdominal pain, breathlessness, chest pain, a fast heart rate, fever, persistent vomiting, fainting, significant bleeding, one-sided leg swelling or inability to keep fluids down. Do not wait for an online reply.

Question 25

How long does gastric sleeve surgery take?

Accepted Answer

Operating time varies with anatomy, previous surgery and findings. Your team should explain the planned approach, but safety and careful technique matter more than a promised number of minutes.

Question 26

How many nights will I stay in hospital?

Accepted Answer

The IOC package states 2 nights in a private hospital room for an uncomplicated accepted case. Discharge depends on drinking, mobility, observations, pain control and the clinical team’s assessment.

Question 27

How painful is recovery after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Incision discomfort, abdominal tightness and gas-related shoulder pain can occur early and usually improve. Severe, increasing or unusual pain is not something to normalise and needs clinical advice.

Question 28

When should I start walking after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Short, supported walks usually begin when the hospital team says it is safe. Gradual movement supports recovery and helps reduce clot risk; intensity should increase slowly.

Question 29

When can I return to work after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Timing depends on recovery and whether work is desk-based or physically demanding. Many people need several weeks, and heavy work may require longer; follow the surgeon’s written advice.

Question 30

When can I drive after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Drive only when the care team agrees, you are off sedating pain medicine, can wear a seat belt comfortably and can perform an emergency stop safely. Check your insurer’s requirements as well.

Question 31

When can I exercise or lift weights?

Accepted Answer

Walking increases gradually, while strenuous exercise and heavy lifting wait until the surgical team confirms healing. Your discharge plan takes priority over a generic online timetable.

Question 32

How should I sleep after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Choose a position that does not strain incisions and makes breathing comfortable; some people prefer an elevated upper body early on. Follow specific hospital advice and seek help if breathlessness is new or worsening.

Question 33

What are the food stages after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

A typical pathway moves from liquids to puréed food, soft food and then balanced solid textures. Programmes differ, so do not skip stages or copy another patient’s dates; use the plan from your bariatric dietitian.

Question 34

How do I stay hydrated after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Sip approved fluids little and often rather than taking large gulps. Dark urine, dizziness, very low urine output or inability to keep fluids down can indicate dehydration and needs prompt advice.

Question 35

Why is protein important after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Protein supports healing and helps preserve muscle during rapid weight loss. Your dietitian should give an individual target and suitable choices for each food stage.

Question 36

Will I need vitamins for life after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Bariatric guidance recommends routine long-term supplements and nutritional monitoring after sleeve surgery because deficiencies can develop despite a balanced diet. Exact products and doses must follow blood results and your clinical team.

Question 37

Which blood tests are needed after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Follow-up commonly checks blood count, iron stores, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, kidney and liver markers, with additions based on symptoms and local guidance. Monitoring is more frequent in the first year and continues at least annually long term.

Question 38

Is hair loss normal after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Temporary shedding can occur during rapid weight loss, but low protein, iron or other deficiencies may contribute. Report significant or persistent hair loss so diet, supplements and blood tests can be reviewed.

Question 39

Can I drink alcohol after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Avoid alcohol during healing and follow your team’s timeframe. Tolerance and absorption can change, alcohol adds calories without useful nutrition, and it can interact with medicines and increase risk.

Question 40

What should I do if I keep vomiting after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Persistent vomiting is not normal aftercare. It can cause dehydration and thiamine deficiency or signal narrowing or another complication, so contact the surgical team promptly; seek urgent help if you cannot keep fluids down.

Question 41

How much weight will I lose after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss varies with starting weight, health, eating patterns, activity and follow-up. The clinic may discuss ranges using total or excess weight loss, but no responsible provider can guarantee an exact number.

Question 42

Are weight-loss plateaus normal?

Accepted Answer

Short plateaus can happen as the body and intake change. Repeated weighing alone is not enough; hydration, protein, portions, movement, sleep, medicines and medical issues may need review.

Question 43

Can the stomach stretch or weight return after sleeve surgery?

Accepted Answer

Some adaptation and increased capacity can occur, and weight regain has several biological, behavioural, medical and anatomical causes. Early review with the bariatric team is more useful than blame or an automatic revision operation.

Question 44

Will I have loose skin after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Loose skin depends on total loss, age, genetics, smoking, pregnancy history and skin elasticity. Strength training may support muscle but cannot remove excess skin; body-contouring surgery is considered only after weight stabilises and health is reviewed.

Question 45

When can I become pregnant after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Many groups advise waiting about 12–18 months, until rapid weight loss has slowed and nutrition is stable. Discuss contraception, supplements and pregnancy planning with bariatric and maternity clinicians because fertility can increase after weight loss.

Question 46

How much is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey at IOC?

Accepted Answer

The current IOC package is £1,800 for clinically accepted primary cases. Final suitability and the itemised written quote are confirmed after medical-history and surgeon review; never rely on a price screenshot alone.

Question 47

What is included in the £1,800 gastric sleeve package?

Accepted Answer

The stated pathway includes surgery and anaesthesia, 2 hospital nights, 1 partner-hotel night, listed pre-operative tests, a written discharge plan, private transfers, interpreter and coordination support, and one year of dietitian follow-up. Medicines to be used after discharge are not included. The signed plan controls what is included.

Question 48

How long do I need to stay in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

The typical IOC pathway plans around 4–5 days in Istanbul, including hospital and hotel time. Medical needs, flight timing or slower recovery can extend the stay, so keep travel flexible.

Question 49

When is it safe to fly after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Do not book your return solely around a fixed online day. The surgical team should confirm you are fit to fly after reviewing recovery, hydration, mobility and clot risk, and you should understand what to do if symptoms develop during or after travel.

Question 50

Can I travel alone for gastric sleeve in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Many patients travel alone and use the transfer, interpreter and coordination pathway. Whether that is appropriate depends on mobility, other illnesses and support needs after discharge; a companion may be recommended.

Question 51

How do I verify the surgeon and hospital before booking?

Accepted Answer

Ask for the responsible surgeon’s full name, official hospital name, proposed dates, package inclusions, applicable licences or certificates, emergency plan and aftercare contacts in writing. At IOC the planned lead surgeon is Dr Kenan Afilitak, subject to written confirmation for your case.

Question 52

Which is the best hospital in Turkey for gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

There is no responsible universal 'best hospital' ranking. Compare the named hospital and surgeon, recent sleeve-specific outcomes, anaesthesia and intensive-care support, the complication and transfer plan, written package terms and aftercare; then choose only after an individual medical assessment.

Question 53

What aftercare will I receive after returning to the UK?

Accepted Answer

The IOC package includes one year of dietitian follow-up and agreed remote coordination. You should return home with a discharge summary, operation record, medicine list, test results, routine follow-up plan and clear urgent-care instructions.

Question 54

Who should I contact in an emergency after returning home?

Accepted Answer

Use local emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms and tell them you recently had sleeve surgery abroad. Contact IOC through the written escalation route as well, but do not delay local emergency assessment while waiting for a remote reply.

Question 55

What does one year of dietitian follow-up cover?

Accepted Answer

Follow-up with bariatric dietitian Aylin Demir supports staged eating, hydration, protein, supplements, symptoms, weight trends and sustainable habits. The frequency and communication route should be stated in your written care plan.

Question 56

What is the IOC Gastric Sleeve Support Group?

Accepted Answer

It is a WhatsApp peer community with more than 300 real post-operative patients and people researching surgery. Shared experience can be valuable, but it does not replace advice from the surgical or dietetic team and your profile details may be visible to members.

Question 57

What happens to my regular medicines after gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Do not stop or crush medicines without advice. Diabetes, blood-pressure, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, psychiatric and modified-release medicines may need specific review as intake and health change.

Question 58

Is gastric sleeve performed by keyhole surgery and how many cuts are made?

Accepted Answer

Sleeve gastrectomy is usually performed laparoscopically through several small abdominal incisions; the NHS describes about five as typical. The exact number and location can change with anatomy, previous surgery or an unexpected need to convert to open surgery.

Question 59

Will I be asleep under general anaesthetic for gastric sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Yes, surgical sleeve gastrectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. The anaesthetist reviews your airway, heart and lung health, sleep apnoea, medicines, allergies and previous anaesthetic problems before confirming an individual plan.

Question 60

Do the gastric sleeve staples stay inside the body?

Accepted Answer

The staple line used to shape and seal the sleeve normally remains in place; it is not routinely removed later. Ask your surgeon how the staple line is formed, checked during the operation and monitored if symptoms develop.

Question 61

Can a gastric sleeve be converted to a gastric bypass later?

Accepted Answer

Conversion can be considered for selected problems such as severe reflux, inadequate response, weight recurrence or a sleeve complication. It is revisional surgery rather than reversal; NICE advises that revision should be performed by highly experienced surgeons in specialist centres because risk is higher than for a first operation.

Question 62

Why must I tell the team about snoring, sleep apnoea or CPAP?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive sleep apnoea can affect anaesthetic, oxygen and postoperative breathing risk. Tell the team about snoring, pauses in breathing, daytime sleepiness and CPAP use; bring your device if the anaesthetic team asks you to.

Question 63

Does fatty liver affect gastric sleeve surgery?

Accepted Answer

A large or fatty liver can make access to the stomach more difficult and may increase operative risk. This is one reason many programmes prescribe a liver-reduction diet and review liver blood tests or imaging before surgery.

Question 64

Why is psychological assessment part of bariatric surgery preparation?

Accepted Answer

The assessment explores expectations, mood, coping, eating behaviour, substance use and the ability to follow lifelong changes. NICE includes psychological needs within multidisciplinary assessment so that support can be arranged; it is not designed to punish or shame a patient.

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