Why is Turkey a good choice for gastric bypass surgery?

Modern medical facility in Turkey equipped with advanced technology for bariatric surgery

➡️ Innovative medical facilities

Since 2017, the country has significantly increased its expenditure volume on healthcare infrastructure. It spent around 4.5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on medical industry promotion, leading to state-of-the-art medical facilities.

This indicator improved even further compared with some European countries and the US market. Now, most Turkish hospitals are equipped with the latest technologies, ensuring high standards of medical services. Turkey ranks 2nd globally with 52 JCI-accredited hospitals, including 29 in Istanbul alone. That's the main reason why more patients prefer this destination for their medical journey.

➡️ Skilled and experienced surgeons

The country has a vast pool of highly professional surgeons trained internationally at world-renowned medical institutions, including leading specialists such as Dr. Burcin Batman at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental and Dr. Kaplan Baha Temizgonul at Lotus Bariatrics Clinic. These surgeons are highly skilled in bariatric surgery, particularly weight loss procedures, and have sufficient background in using the newest medical technologies.

Weight loss surgeons are members of the Turkish Surgery Association, Turkish Obesity Surgery Society, World Obesity Association, International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity, and other professional societies.

They also undergo extensive training in advanced laparoscopic surgery, which extends their knowledge and skills.

➡️ Cost-effective surgical solutions

The cost of this procedure in the country is lower than in Europe. On average, a procedure costs $3,750–$6,300 in Turkish clinics based on verified pricing data. The average cost of the operation in Spain is around $23,000, while in Germany, it is around $10,000.

➡️ Comprehensive packages

Turkish healthcare providers, including a network of 420+ verified clinics, offer comprehensive packages for weight loss operations that cover a wide range of surgical services. Leading facilities such as Lotus Bariatrics Clinic (5.0/5) and Memorial Şişli Hospital (4.7/5) provide all-inclusive packages that simplify the process for international patients to get quality surgery.

Besides the operation, the package includes:

follow-up examination;
post-op medications;
blood tests;
preoperative tests;
general/local anesthesia;
consultation with a doctor;
accommodation at 4*/5* hotel not far from a clinic;
transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport;
extra tests (anti-HCVAb test, anti-HBC test, anti-HIV test, hormone tests, etc).

What is the price rate for gastric bypass surgery in Turkey?

The average price for weight loss surgery types in the country:

Gastric bypass	Roux-en-Y gastric bypass	Mini gastric bypass	Da Vinci gastric bypass	Biliopancreatic diversion
$3,750	$6,200	$4,500	$10,000	$4,900

The average price for weight loss surgery types by country:

	Gastric bypass	Roux-en-Y gastric bypass	Mini gastric bypass	Da Vinci gastric bypass	Biliopancreatic diversion
Turkey	$3,750	$6,200	$4,500	$10,000	$4,900
Czech Republic	$7,300	$11,000	$5,700	$10,800	$8,600
Mexico	$6,000	$6,400	$7,500	$11,000	$9,500
Germany	$10,000	$12,000	$16,500	$22,000	$20,000
UK	$8,700	$6,500	$14,000	$18,000	$15,000

Why is gastric bypass cheap in Turkey?

This weight loss procedure is a more cost-friendly option in the country due to several factors:

Level of living and operation costs

Medical staff salaries and operational expenses are lower in Turkish clinics than in European countries. So, the final cost of the procedure is lower.

Government support of the medical sphere

The Turkish government facilitates international patient tourism to the country by offering unique treatment plans and all-inclusive packages.

Complete packages availability

Turkish clinics are known for their comprehensive packages, including surgery, accommodation, transfers, pre- and post-op consultations, post-surgery care, etc. This makes Turkish services more attractive, affordable, and convenient for foreign patients.

What can be included in the gastric bypass surgery packages in Turkish clinics?

Weight loss surgery packages in Turkish clinics include a wide range of medical services covering the very start of a patient's journey to the final stages of their after-surgery recovery and rehabilitation. The complete package includes all the necessary investigations, tests, consultations to check the initial health state and get assured that a patient is ready for the surgery. Then, it's guaranteed that a patient will get after-op support and specialists' consultations to monitor the recovery period.

One patient from Poland shared their experience at Emsey Hospital: "I liked everything very much, we were met at the airport, put up in a luxury hotel next to the hospital. The next day we met with an interpreter, completed all tests and had the operation the same day. The care was super, discharged on the third day. I recommend this clinic to everyone."

Comprehensive medical package services offered by Turkish bariatric surgery clinics

What are the advantages of having gastric bypass in Turkey?

Medical tourism advantages in Turkey for bariatric surgery patients

Turkey has become a leading destination for medical tourism, welcoming 1.4 million health tourists in 2023, generating $2.3 billion in revenue. The country has already become an advanced destination with excellent medical services. Most medical entities have innovative medical equipment and solutions that use advanced pre-screening and diagnostics, effective treatment, and surgical devices applying robotics technologies.

✅ Innovative healthcare solutions

With novelties in the healthcare system, the entire medical history is recorded in an Electronic Health Record (EHR). That means all visits, diagnostics, treatments, and prescriptions are entered into the record. The system also produces e-prescriptions. So, it ensures the system is free of mistakes and other discrepancies along the patient's way of problem resolution.

✅ Preserving top standards

Besides cost-effective prices and all-inclusive packages, Turkish healthcare is famous for its high-quality standards. Most hospitals in the country are accredited by international organizations like JCI (Joint Commission International), ensuring high standards of care.

One patient from Germany who received treatment at Hisar Intercontinental Hospital shared: "Hisar Clinic is the best thing I can recommend to those who have not chosen a clinic yet. It is a fine-tuned mechanism that works like clockwork! My Dr Burcin is a professional! Doctor with a capital letter! Wonderful staff made my stay comfortable."

✅ No waiting time lists

Additionally, Turkish clinics have a short waiting time to undergo the procedure. So, patients can plan their journey in advance and schedule the operation without hassle.

✅ Profound medical infrastructure and services

Due to the support of the Bookimed medical platform, a patient can be sure about their experience in the country. Moreover, Bookimed guarantees 24/7 assistance, a personal medical coordinator, and a full list of medical services in the package.

A patient from the UK at Dr. HE Obesity Clinic noted: "The medical team are great, nurses and cleaning staff are fantastic. The WhatsApp helpers are always there to help. I looked at other companies but am so glad I chose Dr He."

✅ Post-surgery support

Turkish clinics are responsible for providing patients with personalized diet plans, post-operative check-ups, and visits to nutritionists and other specialists needed to ensure long-term success.

A patient from Germany treated at Anadolu Medical Center reported: "I really liked the attitude of all staff, from the translator who met me to curator Zakhida for operational organization. The doctor explained everything, answered my questions. Amazing operation - a day after I felt as if nothing had happened."

How is gastric bypass surgery performed in Turkey?

The procedure, or Roux-en-Y surgery, is an operation that involves creating a small pouch from the stomach, connecting directly to the small intestine. It bypasses a significant portion of the stomach and the initial segment of the small intestine.

As a result, the stomach reduces its volume, decreasing food intake and nutrient absorption.

The procedure includes the following stages:

➡️ Creation of a small pouch. A surgeon divides the upper section of the stomach, forming a small pouch sized 15–30 milliliters. It restricts the amount of food that a patient can consume at one time.

➡️ Bypassing the small intestine. Then, a surgeon reroutes a part of the small intestine to connect it directly to the created pouch. This way, it enables the reduction of calorie and nutrient absorption, promoting weight loss.

The procedure is generally performed using a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy. With the aid of a laparoscope, a surgeon can make small incisions and use specialized instruments equipped with a camera to operate on the stomach.

Modern laparoscopic techniques, used in 97% of procedures involve 5–6 small incisions and typically require 2–4 hours to complete. The laparoscopic technique reduces post-surgery pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery.

What is the success rate of gastric bypass in Turkey?

Weight loss surgery in Turkish clinics demonstrates excellent long-term outcomes. According to a 2024 study by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery involving 2,045 patients, diabetes remission rates were 54% at three years, declining to 38% at 15 years. Moreover, patients succeeded in maintaining excess weight reduction of 60–70% in five years after the procedure.

Long-term data from the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates sustained weight loss of 26.9% at 12 years post-surgery, showing the procedure's lasting effectiveness.

It's worth noting that such indicators can vary based on factors such as following post-operative guidelines, lifestyle changes, and overall patient health conditions.

Recovery Timeline and Expectations

Hospital Phase (Days 1–3):

2–3 day hospital stay for monitoring
Clear liquid diet initiation
Pain management and early mobilization

Early Recovery (Weeks 1–2):

Liquid to pureed diet progression
Limited activity with gradual increases
Most patients stay 5–7 days total in Turkey

Intermediate Recovery (Weeks 3–4):

Soft foods introduction (¼ to ½ cup portions)
Return to desk work (2–3 weeks)
Physical jobs require 4–6 weeks

Long-term Recovery (6–8 weeks):

Full recovery achieved
Regular food texture with portion control
Lifelong nutritional supplementation required

Studies show 90% of patients return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks, with full recovery taking up to one year for optimal results.

What Turkish cities are popular for gastric bypass surgery?

Popular Turkish cities for medical tourism and bariatric surgery

The most popular destinations for weight loss surgery in the country are:

✅ Istanbul

The largest city and a major hub for medical tourism. It offers a wide range of clinics with varying price points. Istanbul's most popular clinics for undergoing the procedure are Hisar Intercontinental Hospital (4.5/5 rating), Lotus Bariatrics Clinic (5.0/5 rating), and Memorial Şişli Hospital (4.7/5 rating), all verified through quality assessment.

✅ Ankara

The capital city provides weight loss services at the Memorial Ankara Hospital and Private Koru Ankara Hospital, known for their modern medical facilities and experienced surgeons.

✅ Antalya

Being a popular tourist destination, this city offers patients the opportunity to recover in a gorgeous environment at the most outstanding clinics, like Soraca Med Clinic and Clinics United, which provide the most comprehensive packages for the procedure.

Comparison table of the average prices for gastric bypass by city

Istanbul	Ankara	Antalya
$4,200–$7,500	$3,000–$7,500	$3,800–$6,800

Is it safe to have a gastric bypass in Turkey?

Turkish healthcare has proven itself to be safe and of high quality on the international arena, particularly in the field of bariatrics. It's characterized by a robust network of regulations, accreditations, and a tendency to improve healthcare services continuously. It includes the following:

Regulations compliance

The Turkish Ministry of Health regulates the medical industry, ensuring adherence to the highest safety protocols and ethical medical practices. The reason is that since 2017, the country has set its direction to comply with national and international healthcare standards.

International accreditations

Most hospitals in the country have international accreditations from reputable world organizations, such as Joint Commission International (JCI) certification, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and Standards of Accreditation in Health (SAS).

Client-oriented approach

Medical facilities follow a patient-centric approach of healthcare services provision. Patients' safety, comfort, and satisfaction are a high priority. That's why Turkish clinics offer all-inclusive packages at affordable prices, which attract patients from all over the world.

Emergency situations and infection case management

Turkish hospitals, especially private ones, have the necessary tools and technologies to handle emergencies. Also, they adhere to strict infection control protocols. Major Turkish hospitals report infection rates below 0.5% due to strict protocols, significantly lower than the 1–2% global average.

Complications and Risk Profile

Gastric bypass surgery, while generally safe, carries specific risks that patients should understand. According to recent clinical studies, over 97% of procedures proceed without major complications.

Common complications:

Anastomotic leak (when two surgically joined parts of the gut don’t heal properly): 1.15% incidence
Infection: 1–2% overall, less than 0.5% at experienced centers
Blood clots: approximately 1% incidence, less than 0.5% with prophylactic measures
Nutritional deficiencies: Require lifelong supplementation

Late complications: A systematic review found that while 35% of patients may experience late complications, most are manageable with proper follow-up care.

Patients should discuss these risks thoroughly with their surgeon and ensure they understand the commitment to lifelong dietary changes and medical follow-up.

Emergency red flag symptoms:

Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Signs of infection (fever, redness, swelling at incision)

Contraindications: Contraindications include BMI below 35 kg/m² without comorbidities, severe cardiac or pulmonary disease, active substance abuse, or inability to comply with post-op care.

Does the insurance cover gastric bypass surgery in Turkey?

To know whether the insurance covers the operation in the country, it's recommended to check the specifics of the insurance plan.

As a rule, domestic insurance plans don't cover procedures performed abroad. However, some plans offer international coverage or add-ons that include medical expenses for procedures overseas.

If you have an international health insurance plan, it may cover the surgery in Turkey, especially if you have an all-inclusive package and the procedure is medically necessary.

How can Bookimed help you?

Bookimed is a medical tourism platform that helps patients find the best way to resolve their health issues, offering the following privileges:

24/7 personalized support along your whole journey of losing weight.
All-inclusive packages from partner clinics, customized to patients' needs.
Getting in touch with professional surgeons and having access to accredited hospitals.
Transparent prices for medical services. Bookimed doesn't charge you any fees.
A personal medical coordinator who accompanies patients along their medical journey. Bookimed ensures smooth communication between the patient and medical providers.
Verified ratings of hospitals and medical experts. So that each patient is informed about the clinic's background and surgeons' expertise.

How to choose the best hospital for gastric bypass surgery in Turkey?

Choosing a proper hospital for weight loss surgery is an important step to ensure surgery safety, efficiency, and a smooth and quick recovery. Consider the following points to make a thought-out decision:

✅ Availability of credentials
Check international certifications such as JCI or ISO standards.

✅ Field of specialization
Get assured that the chosen clinic specializes in bariatric procedures. Also, check doctors working there. Pay attention to their experience and success rate of operations they performed.

✅ Patient reviews
Read patients' feedback to assess satisfaction with the service quality.

✅ Clinic's facilities
Consider application of advanced equipment and the availability of multidisciplinary staff.

✅ Surgery price and package availability
Check whether the clinic offers a clear breakdown of prices, package inclusions, and other extra services for better comfort.

✅ Post-operation services
See whether the clinic has a comprehensive aftercare plan.

✅ Compare several options
Compare several hospitals to estimate their overall rating, reputation, and key inclusions.

References:

Healthcare Resource Guide - Turkey. International Trade Administration.
Alaa Abuatallah, Muayyad Ahmad. (2023). The Health Care System in Turkey. Perspectives on the Standardization of Health Care Systems Globally (pp.1-4).
ASMBS. (2024). New Study Shows Long-term Effectiveness of Gastric Bypass in Treating Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity.
The New England Journal of Medicine. (2017). Weight and Metabolic Outcomes 12 Years after Gastric Bypass.
Journal of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. (2023). Outcomes and Adverse Events After Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, 2013–2023.

Best Clinics for Gastric bypass in Turkey