Obesity & Bariatric Surgery
Surgical and non-surgical options for weight management, planned together with long-term nutritional follow-up.
Procedure time
1–3 hours
Anaesthesia
General (sedation for balloon)
Recommended stay in Türkiye
7–10 days
Back to daily life
2–4 weeks
Approximate values — your doctor confirms them after assessing your case.
Obesity & Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery covers operations used to treat obesity and related health problems when diet and exercise alone have not been enough. Procedures such as the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass reduce the size of the stomach or change the way food passes through the digestive system. A gastric balloon is a temporary, non-surgical option placed endoscopically.
These treatments are commonly considered for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, or 35 or above with related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea, although your surgeon decides on suitability. Surgery is a starting point: lasting results depend on changing eating habits, regular follow-up and lifelong vitamin supplements. It is also important to know that risks such as leaks, bleeding, blood clots and nutritional deficiencies exist.
Türkiye is a frequent choice for obesity surgery thanks to its experienced general surgeons, hospitals equipped for laparoscopic surgery and international patient services that include dietitian support. At Trend Link we coordinate the process, from reviewing your reports and arranging pre-operative tests to your hotel and nutrition follow-up after you return home. Your final treatment plan is always set by the licensed surgeon who examines you.
Techniques & options
Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)
Around three-quarters of the stomach is removed laparoscopically, leaving a narrow, tube-shaped stomach. You feel full on smaller portions, and levels of some hunger-related hormones may fall. The procedure is irreversible.
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
A small stomach pouch is created and connected to a section of the small intestine, reducing both the amount of food you eat and the calories absorbed. It may be considered particularly for patients with type 2 diabetes or reflux.
Mini gastric bypass
A simpler variation of gastric bypass that uses a single intestinal connection. Your surgeon decides on suitability, taking into account factors such as any history of reflux and your nutritional status.
Gastric balloon
A temporary balloon placed in the stomach endoscopically, without surgery, and removed after a set period. It may be considered at lower BMI levels or for people unsuitable for surgery, alongside a nutrition programme.
Nutrition follow-up
A staged programme, guided by a dietitian before and after surgery, that moves you from liquids back to normal eating. Vitamin and mineral supplements and regular blood tests are part of this follow-up.
Is it right for you?
- Adults with a BMI of 40 or above, or 35 or above with related conditions
- People who have not achieved lasting weight loss through diet, exercise and medical treatment
- Those with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea
- People whose general health allows for anaesthesia and surgery
- Those ready to commit to lifelong dietary changes, vitamin supplements and regular follow-up
Recovery timeline
Days 1–4
You stay in hospital under observation. You are encouraged to walk early, measures are taken to reduce the risk of blood clots, and you take clear fluids only.
Weeks 1–2
The liquid diet continues. Most people resume light daily activities, and a check-up, with blood tests if needed, takes place before you leave Türkiye.
Weeks 3–6
Your diet progresses gradually from puréed to soft foods. Many people return to desk-based work in this period; heavy lifting waits until your surgeon approves.
Months 3–18
Weight loss is usually faster in the first months, then slows and generally stabilises within 12–18 months. Regular check-ups and vitamin monitoring continue throughout and beyond.
Your treatment journey
Initial assessment
You share your height, weight, medical history and any test results with us, and a specialist surgeon reviews your information.
Treatment plan and written quote
You receive a written plan and quote covering the recommended procedure, the expected process and length of stay, and we answer your questions.
Travel and pre-operative tests
We arrange your visa, flights, VIP transfers, hotel and interpreter. In Türkiye you have blood tests, imaging and, where needed, an endoscopy, plus an anaesthetic assessment.
Surgery and hospital care
Once your surgeon has confirmed the plan, the operation is usually performed laparoscopically, and you stay in hospital under observation for a few days.
Nutrition plan and aftercare at home
On discharge you receive a staged eating plan and vitamin advice, and your follow-up continues after you return home through your dietitian and coordinator.
What affects the cost
You receive a written, itemised quote once your reports have been reviewed — before you travel.
- The procedure chosen (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini bypass or gastric balloon)
- The pre-operative tests and specialist assessments required
- The length of your hospital stay
- Any additional care needed because of existing health conditions
- How long you stay in Türkiye and your choice of hotel
- Nutrition follow-up, supplements and services such as transfers and interpreting
Frequently asked questions
Is bariatric surgery very painful?
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and, as it is usually laparoscopic, the incisions are small. In the first days you may feel pain at the incision sites, tightness in the abdomen and shoulder pain, which are managed with painkillers. For most people the discomfort eases noticeably within a few days.
How quickly will I lose weight?
Weight loss is usually fastest in the first 3–6 months and generally levels off within 12–18 months. How much weight you lose varies with the procedure, your starting weight and your eating and activity habits. No particular result can be guaranteed; long-term success depends largely on lifestyle changes.
What are the risks of bariatric surgery?
As with any major operation, there are risks of bleeding, infection, blood clots and complications related to anaesthesia. In addition, staple-line leaks, reflux, narrowing, gallstones and, in the longer term, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can occur. Your surgeon will explain the risks specific to you before surgery.
Am I eligible for weight loss surgery?
It is commonly considered for people with a BMI of 40 or above, or 35 or above with related conditions, but BMI alone is not decisive. Your general health, previous attempts at weight loss and readiness for long-term follow-up also matter. The final decision rests with your surgeon after examination and tests.
How long do I need to stay in Türkiye?
For surgical procedures a stay of around 7–10 days is usually recommended, of which 2–4 days are spent in hospital. For endoscopic procedures such as a gastric balloon, the stay may be shorter. Your surgeon confirms the length of your stay based on how you recover.
How is follow-up handled once I am home?
After you return, we follow your staged eating plan remotely through your dietitian and patient coordinator. You will need blood tests at the intervals your surgeon recommends and should take your vitamin supplements regularly. We also advise staying under the care of a local doctor.
Connect Today For A Better Tomorrow
Share your reports and expectations with us, and after a specialist review we will prepare your personalised treatment plan and written quote.