What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric operation that permanently removes a substantial part of the stomach. The remaining stomach is narrower, which can reduce meal size and influence hunger. It is not a cosmetic operation. Patients need specialist assessment and long-term changes in diet, activity and medical monitoring.
Understanding Suitability
Eligibility depends on current clinical guidelines and individual circumstances. BMI, weight-related conditions, previous weight-management attempts, medication, reflux symptoms, nutrition, mental health and surgical fitness all matter. A multidisciplinary team may recommend non-surgical management, medication or a different operation instead.
A Proper Pre-Operative Assessment
The hospital should arrange a surgical and anaesthetic review, a nutritional assessment, relevant blood tests and an evaluation of reflux and other conditions. Ask about the pre-operative diet, stopping smoking, medication and the support planned after discharge. Clinical risks should be discussed in language you understand before you sign consent.
How Surgery Works
A sleeve gastrectomy is usually carried out under general anaesthetic through keyhole incisions, although conversion to an open operation is sometimes necessary. The surgeon removes a large proportion of the stomach and closes the remaining stomach. The change is permanent. The hospital decides the length of stay and checks for early complications.
Important Risks
Bleeding, infection, anaesthetic problems, staple-line leakage, clots in the legs or lungs, narrowing, dehydration, nausea, vomiting and acid reflux can occur. Leaks and pulmonary embolism are rare but potentially life-threatening. There may also be nutrient deficiencies, gallstones, weight regain and a future need for medication or surgery.
The First Months of Nutrition
Diet usually progresses from liquids through puréed and soft stages to ordinary textures, following the bariatric team’s instructions. Eating too quickly, large portions or drinking at the wrong times may worsen nausea and vomiting. Protein, hydration and the recommended supplements remain important.
Long-Term Changes and Support
Lifelong supplements and periodic blood tests are often needed, along with behavioural and nutritional follow-up. Ask before surgery who can arrange monitoring after you return to the UK. Travel insurance, medical cover and access to local treatment should also be discussed.
Travel and Hospital Packages
Flying shortly after major surgery raises concerns about blood clots and dehydration, so your treating team must confirm you are fit to travel. The partner hospital’s listed price below includes airport transfers and accommodation; flights are arranged separately. Your final price is confirmed in the hospital’s written quote after assessment.
Indicative Hospital Price
| Treatment | From approximately |
|---|---|
| Gastric sleeve (weight loss surgery)Included: Accommodation, Airport transfersFlights are not included | €2,250 |
Prices checked October 2026Final pricing depends on individual assessment and treatment requirements.
Questions to Ask the Hospital
- Who is the surgeon and what is their complication rate?
- How long is the hospital stay and follow-up?
- Who helps with a leak, a clot or severe dehydration?
- How will vitamin levels be monitored in the UK?
- What happens if flying home is delayed?
- What are the full costs of extra hospital days, accommodation or return travel?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gastric sleeve reversible?
It permanently removes part of the stomach and is generally considered irreversible.
Will I need to take supplements?
Lifelong nutritional monitoring and vitamin and mineral supplements are commonly required, as advised by the bariatric team.
How long do I need to stay in Turkey?
Only until your surgeon assesses you as fit to travel, taking account of clots, hydration and complications. Do not assume that hospital discharge means you are fit to fly.