Gastric Bypass Surgery in Turkey

What Is Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass? 

Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass is a safe and effective option for people struggling with weight loss. Weight loss surgery involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it to the small intestines.  

The procedure aims to bypass most of the stomach, particularly the small intestines' first section. Following the gastric bypass procedure, the swallowed food goes into your stomach's small pouch and the small intestines' first section. 

Weight Loss Surgery Alternative Treatments

Here are some alternative weight loss procedures you may consider:

Intragastric Balloon Therapy - This non-invasive procedure is ideal for patients with a body mass index between 30 and 40. The procedure involves fluid or gas-filled balloons endoscopically inserted through the mouth into the stomach to make the patient feel fuller. 

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty - The physician performs the procedure through an upper endoscopy without an incision. The operation aims to make the stomach smaller to aid weight loss. 

Aspiration Therapy - A new procedure involving removing calories from the stomach after eating. The procedure consists of an endoscopy specialist placing a small tune with an access port into the stomach to aid in removing calories from the stomach after each meal. 

Gastric Bypass Recovery Time

The surgery will be laparoscopic; the incision will be small, meaning a shorter recovery period. You will spend the first three days in the hospital to monitor your condition.

The first few days after the surgery, you will experience slight pain in the incision area. Your doctor will prescribe medication to manage the pain. You will feel better two weeks after the procedure, and your stomach will begin to feel normal.

Expect full recovery after 6 - 8 weeks from the procedure. You can return to work two weeks after the surgery.

Follow your doctor's dietary guidelines; after the surgery, you need to start consuming smooth and soft foods and then eat more solid food. 

How is Gastric Surgery Performed?

Your surgeon will administrate general anesthesia; the surgery will be performed laparoscopically. A tiny camera placed in the stomach in laparoscopic surgeries allows the surgeon to perform the surgery.

During the surgery, your surgeon will make incisions and then cut across the top of the stomach. After dividing the top of the stomach from the rest of the stomach, the bottom end of the divided small intestine is connected to the created small stomach pouch. Which limits the amount of food your stomach can eat.

The operation may take a few hours depending on the patient’s condition and expectations. 

Here is an overview of the steps to expect:

Step 1: Anesthesia

 The doctor applies general anesthesia in preparation for the surgery. The anesthesia will cause the patient to sleep through the surgery, so the procedure is not painful. 

Step 2: Incisions

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves making several small incisions in the abdomen.

Step 3: Make Stomach Pouch

The surgeon uses a laparoscopic stapler to make a stomach pouch on the upper part of your stomach. Then, the surgeon divides the upper part of the small intestine into a tube with two ends. 

Step 4: Testing and Sealing 

Finally, the surgeon may test for leaks and seal off the incisions. 

What Should I Expect After Weight Loss Surgery?

After the operation, you may stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. The doctor will advise you about wound care, safe pain medicines, and when you can start physical activity. 

It would help if you informed the doctor before the condition worsens in case of complications. On a diet, you will likely only have liquids for the first 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. 

The doctor might slowly add soft and regular food to your diet about a month after the surgery. 

Cosmetic Procedures Related To Weight Loss Surgery 

Some patients prefer to have other cosmetic procedures after massive weight loss; these complementary procedures include:

• Thigh lift
• Lower body lift
• Breast lift
• Arm lift
• Facelift 

Side Effects Of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Some of the possible reactions you can develop after gastric bypass surgery include:

• Anesthesia-related risks
• Infection
• Bowel obstruction
• Dumping syndrome
• Gallstones
• Malnutrition
• Chronic nausea and vomiting 

Gastric Bypass Surgery Results

Most patients report a high satisfaction rate, Gastric Bypass patients report they lose 60% - 70% of body weight in the first year after the surgery. 

What Should I Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

• For the first postoperative day and the next few days, you can consume only clear liquids such as water, broth, and plain gelatin. You must sip slowly and consume up to 50-100 ml at a time.
• If you do not experience a problem with clear liquids, you can start to consume other fluids such as fat-free or low-fat milk.
•  If you don’t experience any problem with fluids for several days, you can start to eat mashed foods.
• After you consume purees and mashed food for several weeks, small, easily chewable foods can be added to your diet with the consent of your surgeon
• After 8 weeks, you can start eating solid foods, slowly. At this stage, you should slowly switch to normal foods to see which of them you can tolerate. Three to four months after surgery, you may switch to a normal healthy diet depending on your recovery level, physician guidance, and food tolerance.

How To Prepare For The Stomach Reduction Surgery  

• A week before the procedure, you should stop taking Aspirin and any other medication that causes blood thinning.
• If you are allergic to any drugs, you should inform your surgeon as soon as possible.
• Avoid smoking before the surgery.
• Consuming any alcoholic beverages can affect anesthesia. So it would be best if you did not take in anything alcoholic before surgery.
• Follow your doctor-prescribed medication that adjusts your current medicines. 

The Appeal of Choosing A Gastric Bypass Surgery Clinic in Antalya

Gastric Bypass in Turkey’s all-inclusive packages 

Gastric bypass surgery in Antalya is often included in all-inclusive packages with luxurious hotel stays and round-the-clock care. This is bound to make your stay pleasant and your surgical journey go smoothly.

Low Gastric Bypass in Turkey Cost

The average cost of gastric bypass surgery in Turkey is quite low. However, this is not due to poor quality of results but rather because of the high supply of surgeons and low general wage costs. 

Easy Paperwork

The visa process for undergoing a gastric bypass in Antalya is so easy as most European and American citizens don’t even need visas to travel to Turkey. And those who need visas can mostly opt for an e-visa which will be received when they enter the country. 

Gastric Bypass Cost in Antalya

The gastric bypass cost in Antalya is relatively low compared to the neighboring European countries. On average, it costs approximately €3550 -  €3750 for a gastric bypass, which is 60% lower than the cost of the procedure in other countries. 

Quick Facts 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is weight loss surgery in Turkey safe? 

Yes, Turkey gastric bypass is safe because surgeons are highly experienced with years of practice. Their clinics are accredited by renowned institutions like Joint Commission International JCI or International Organization for Standardization ISO.

Why is weight loss surgery so cheap in Turkey?

Weight loss surgeries are cheap in Turkey because the living and labor costs are inexpensive compared to the UK or the USA.

How much does gastric bypass surgery cost in Turkey?

The average cost of gastric bypass surgery in Turkey is €3550 on the lower end, reaching up to €3750. The price difference reflects the expertise of the surgeons, the facility, and the location of the hospital.

Is Gastric Bypass Painful?

You may feel pain or soreness after the procedure is done. However, your surgeon may prescribe painkillers to relieve this pain and discomfort.

What Are the Effects of Gastric Bypass Surgery on Weight-Related Diseases?

Gastric bypass is one of the most effective methods for achieving the ideal weight of morbidly obese patients and it has a significant effect on the treatment of weight-related diseases caused by morbid obesity such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.

How Much Weight Will I Lose with The Gastric Bypass Surgery?

On average, gastric bypass surgery patients lose between 50 to 80 percent of excess body weight within 12 to 18 months after the procedure.

What BMI do you need for gastric bypass?

You should have a BMI between 40-45, and be suffering from health side effects as a direct result of obesity for you to undergo gastric bypass

What percentage of gastric bypass is successful?

96% of all gastric bypass surgery cases in Antalya are reported to be successful with high patient satisfaction rates as well.

What are 3 common long-term complications of gastric bypass?

Acidity, frequent vomiting, and low blood sugar are the common long-term complications of gastric bypass.

What are the disadvantages of bypass surgery?

Some patients may suffer from dumping syndrome, a severe complication of bypass surgery. 

What is the average age for bypass surgery?

Most people undergoing gastric bypass surgery in Antalya are between the ages of 40 and 45 years.

Can Roux-en-Y gastric bypass be reversed?

If undesired side effects, Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass can be reversed into normal anatomy or sleeve gastrectomy. 

Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass vs. Sleeve Gastrectomy what is the difference?

The main difference is the size of the stomach, which affects how much you can eat. Sleeve gastrectomy creates a pouch that holds about 3 ounces, while gastric bypass contains only 1 ounce. 

How long does it take to recover from Roux-en-Y surgery?

You will probably need about 2 to 4 weeks to recover from the surgery. You should be able to return to your normal activities in about five weeks.