Gastric Sleeve Turkey: Complete Guide to Istanbul Clinics, Costs & All-Inclusive Packages [2026]

Turkey has emerged as the world's leading destination for gastric sleeve surgery, attracting over 2 million medical tourists annually. With JCI-accredited hospitals offering all-inclusive packages from €2,100—representing savings of 50-70% compared to UK and US prices—Istanbul has become the go-to choice for patients seeking quality bariatric care at accessible prices.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about getting gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey: from costs and top hospitals to surgeon credentials and recovery planning.

Why Choose Turkey for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?#

Turkey's rise as a medical tourism powerhouse isn't accidental. The country has invested billions in healthcare infrastructure, creating a network of world-class hospitals specifically designed to serve international patients.

World-Class Medical Infrastructure

Turkey's healthcare system has achieved remarkable international recognition. The country boasts more JCI-accredited hospitals than any other nation outside the United States. Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation represents the gold standard in global healthcare quality, ensuring hospitals meet rigorous safety and care standards.

Memorial Sisli Hospital became the first hospital in Turkey—and the 21st worldwide—to earn JCI accreditation back in 2000. Today, dozens of Turkish hospitals maintain this prestigious certification, with many specifically developing bariatric surgery centers of excellence.

The numbers speak for themselves: Turkey hosted over 2 million medical tourists in 2024, generating more than $10 billion in healthcare revenue. This massive scale has driven continuous improvement in facilities, training, and patient services.

Significant Cost Savings

The financial case for Turkey is compelling. While gastric sleeve surgery costs £8,000-£12,000 in the UK and $15,000-$25,000 in the United States, Turkish clinics offer the same procedure for €2,100-€3,500—often with hotel accommodation, transfers, and aftercare included.

These savings aren't due to lower quality. Turkey's lower operational costs, competitive clinic market, and government support for medical tourism enable world-class care at a fraction of Western prices. Many patients find that even including flights and a week's accommodation, their total cost remains well below what they'd pay at home.

Gastric Sleeve Turkey Cost Breakdown [2026 Prices]#

Understanding the full cost picture helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026.

Price Ranges by Package Type

Turkish clinics typically offer tiered packages to suit different budgets and preferences:

Basic Package (€2,100-€2,500)

• Surgery and surgeon fees
• 2-night hospital stay
• Pre-operative tests
• Basic hotel (3-star) for recovery
• Airport transfers

Standard Package (€2,500-€3,000)

• Everything in Basic, plus:
• 4-star hotel accommodation
• Dedicated patient coordinator
• Extended follow-up support
• Nutritionist consultation

Premium Package (€3,000-€3,500)

• Everything in Standard, plus:
• 5-star hotel accommodation
• Private hospital room
• VIP transfers
• Comprehensive aftercare program
• Lifetime follow-up support

Cost Comparison: Turkey vs UK vs US

The savings become even more dramatic when you factor in what Turkish packages include versus the à la carte pricing common in Western countries.

What's Included in All-Inclusive Packages

Reputable Turkish clinics bundle comprehensive services into their package prices:

• Surgical fees: Surgeon, anesthesiologist, and operating room
• Hospital stay: Typically 2-3 nights in a private or semi-private room
• Pre-operative testing: Blood work, ECG, chest X-ray, ultrasound
• Medications: In-hospital and take-home prescriptions
• Hotel accommodation: 3-7 nights depending on package
• Transportation: Airport pickup, hotel-hospital transfers
• Patient coordinator: English-speaking support throughout your stay
• Follow-up care: Post-operative consultations and remote support

Always confirm exactly what's included before booking, as packages vary between clinics.

Top JCI-Accredited Hospitals in Istanbul#

Choosing the right hospital is crucial for your safety and results. These five institutions represent the gold standard for bariatric surgery in Istanbul.

Memorial Sisli Hospital

Memorial Sisli Hospital holds the distinction of being Turkey's first JCI-accredited facility. Operating since 2000 on a 53,000 m² campus, the hospital features 252 beds, 13 operating rooms, and advanced intensive care units.

Key credentials:

• First JCI-accredited hospital in Turkey (2000)
• 95% success rate in bariatric surgeries
• Over 20 years of surgical excellence
• Dedicated obesity surgery department

Medipol Mega University Hospital

As Turkey's largest private university healthcare complex, Medipol Mega offers the unique advantage of academic medicine combined with luxury facilities. JCI-accredited and affiliated with Istanbul Medipol University, the hospital attracts top surgical talent.

Anadolu Medical Center

Anadolu Medical Center stands out for its exclusive partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine, one of America's most prestigious healthcare institutions. Located in Gebze (35-45 minutes from Istanbul airports), the hospital offers robot-assisted bariatric surgery.

Medical Park Hospitals

With 27 hospitals across Turkey, Medical Park represents the country's largest private healthcare network. Their Istanbul facilities feature dedicated bariatric surgery departments with experienced multidisciplinary teams.

Hisar Hospital Intercontinental

Established in 2005, Hisar Hospital has maintained JCI accreditation since its founding. The hospital is known for personalized care and has developed a strong reputation among international bariatric patients.

Best Bariatric Surgeons in Istanbul#

Turkey's top bariatric surgeons combine extensive experience with international training and research credentials.

Dr. Murat Ustun

Dr. Murat Ustun ranks among Turkey's most experienced bariatric surgeons, with over 20 years of practice and more than 6,000 advanced laparoscopic surgeries performed.

Credentials:

• 20+ years of surgical experience
• 6,000+ laparoscopic procedures
• Former positions at Memorial Sisli, LIV Hospital, Acibadem Maslak
• Founded the Bariatric and Metabolic Center at Acibadem Maslak Hospital

Prof. Dr. Halil Coskun

Prof. Dr. Halil Coskun brings academic rigor to clinical practice. He achieved associate professor status in 2010 and full professorship at Sanko University in 2015.

Dr. Fatih Taskesen

Dr. Fatih Taskesen has contributed significantly to bariatric surgery literature, authoring 68 peer-reviewed articles on topics including morbid obesity management.

The Gastric Sleeve Procedure in Turkey#

Understanding the procedure helps you prepare mentally and physically for your surgery.

Pre-Surgery Requirements

Turkish clinics follow international protocols for patient selection:

BMI Criteria:

• BMI 40+ (morbid obesity)
• BMI 35-40 with obesity-related health conditions
• Some clinics accept BMI 30-35 with significant comorbidities

The Surgery Process

Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is performed laparoscopically through 4-5 small incisions:

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia administered
2. Access: Small incisions made in abdomen
3. Stomach division: Approximately 80% of stomach removed
4. Sleeve creation: Remaining stomach shaped into banana-sized sleeve
5. Closure: Incisions closed with dissolvable sutures

Duration: 60-90 minutes | Hospital stay: 2-3 nights

Recovery & Aftercare in Istanbul#

Most patients stay in Istanbul 5-7 days total, with the post-hospital period focused on recovery. Quality Turkish clinics provide ongoing support after you return home through remote consultations, dietitian support, and lifetime follow-up programs.

Recovery Timeline

Patient Results & Success Stories#

Expected Weight Loss Results

Typical Results:

• 6 months: 50-60% excess weight loss
• 12 months: 60-70% excess weight loss
• Long-term: 50-60% excess weight loss maintained at 5 years

Health Improvements:

• Type 2 diabetes remission: Up to 80% of patients
• Blood pressure normalization: 70%+ of patients
• Sleep apnea resolution: 80%+ of patients

Risks & Safety Considerations#

While gastric sleeve is considered safe, all surgery carries risks:

Surgical Risks (rare):

• Staple line leak: <1% in experienced hands
• Bleeding: 1-2%
• Stricture (narrowing): 1-3%

Quality Turkish hospitals implement comprehensive safety protocols including thorough pre-operative screening, experienced surgical teams, advanced technology, and 24/7 monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions#

How much does gastric sleeve cost in Turkey?

Gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey costs €2,100-€3,500 for all-inclusive packages, compared to £8,000-£12,000 in the UK and $15,000-$25,000 in the USA. Turkish packages typically include surgery, hospital stay, hotel accommodation, transfers, and aftercare—making the total cost significantly lower than Western alternatives even when travel is factored in.

Is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey safe?

Yes, gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey is safe when performed at JCI-accredited hospitals by experienced bariatric surgeons. Turkey has more JCI-accredited hospitals than any country outside the US, and leading surgeons like Dr. Murat Ustun have performed over 6,000 procedures. Complication rates at top Turkish centers match or exceed international benchmarks.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for gastric sleeve?

Plan for 5-7 days total in Turkey: 2-3 nights in hospital followed by 3-4 nights at a recovery hotel. This allows time for pre-operative preparation, surgery, immediate recovery, and a final check-up before flying home. Some patients prefer staying 10-14 days for extra peace of mind.

What is included in all-inclusive packages?

All-inclusive gastric sleeve packages in Turkey typically include: surgical and anesthesia fees, 2-3 night hospital stay, pre-operative tests, medications, 3-7 nights hotel accommodation, airport and hospital transfers, patient coordinator services, and follow-up consultations. Premium packages add private rooms, 5-star hotels, VIP transfers, and lifetime aftercare.

Can I fly home after gastric sleeve surgery?

Most patients can safely fly home 5-7 days after gastric sleeve surgery. Your surgeon will clear you for travel at your final consultation. For the flight: book an aisle seat for easy movement, wear compression stockings, stay hydrated, walk regularly during the flight, and avoid heavy lifting.

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Take the Next Step#

Gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey offers a genuine opportunity to transform your health at a fraction of UK or US costs. With JCI-accredited hospitals, internationally trained surgeons, and comprehensive all-inclusive packages, Istanbul provides world-class bariatric care accessible to patients worldwide.

Ready to start your weight loss journey? Request a free consultation with our partner clinics to receive a personalized treatment plan and quote.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making decisions about bariatric surgery. Individual results vary.

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you book through our partner clinics, at no additional cost to you.

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

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