Gastric Bypass Surgery in Turkey
Gastric bypass surgery in Turkey is a procedure that assists with weight loss for those who have tried everything else. Gastric bypass surgery helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle food. Compared to other countries, the gastric bypass surgery cost in Turkey is considerably lower than elsewhere in the world. This helps our patients save money while feeling the benefits of our world-class procedures here at Vera Clinic, helping shape the body you want and boost self-confidence.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost: Is it worth it?
The cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery can exceed that in other European countries. However, Vera Clinic offers this surgery in Turkey with its expert staff and experienced team at an average cost of around €6,000.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Before and After
Before Gastric Bypass Surgery: Points to take into account
Before undergoing Gastric Bypass Surgery, there are important considerations to keep in mind
Physical Exercise: Light exercise programs can strengthen the heart, improve lung capacity, and enhance physical resilience, which is beneficial for post-surgical recovery and reducing complications.
Smoking Cessation: Stopping smoking at least 6-8 weeks before surgery is crucial to reduce post-surgical complications like infections and poor wound healing.
Avoiding Certain Medications: Some medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain supplements, may increase the risk of bleeding or other complications and should be discussed with the surgeon.
Psychological and Emotional Preparation: Psychological evaluation, emotional support, support groups, counseling, and preparation for lifestyle changes are essential for long-term success.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Revision
Gastric bypass surgery revision is a surgical procedure performed to correct or improve the results of a previous gastric bypass surgery. This revision may be necessary due to complications or unsuccessful outcomes arising after the initial surgical operation. This revision process is applied to overcome difficulties experienced or to address existing problems.
These revision procedures can be considered in the following cases:
Weight regain after the initial operation: Some patients may fail to lose weight after the initial operation or may regain weight after losing it. In this case, gastric bypass surgery revision can be considered.
Complications: Complications that arise after the initial operation may require revision surgery. For example, problems with anastomosis (connection), internal blockage, or the formation of ulcers may necessitate revision.
Insufficient weight loss: Revision surgery can be considered if the expected weight loss goal is not achieved after the initial operation.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Requirements
Age and Obesity Criteria
Candidates must be between 18 and 60 years old. Surgical intervention is recommended for moderate obesity (BMI between 30 and 34.9) with unstable type 2 diabetes or severe obesity with a BMI of 35 or higher.
Medical Evaluation
A comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary, which may include nutrition and vitamin assessment, psychological and psychiatric evaluation, respiratory specialist examination for sleep apnea, dental examination, ultrasound or X-ray examinations of internal organs, and gynecological and thyroid examinations.
Absence of Medical Contraindications
There should be no medical, surgical, or psychological contraindications to undergoing gastric bypass surgery.
Preoperative Preparation
Preparing for the surgery for at least six months beforehand is paramount. This includes various clinical tests such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, blood tests, and, if necessary, a cardiological examination. Patients should also adhere to a new diet plan supported by a dietitian and psychologist and engage in physical activities.
Gastric Bypass Surgery vs Sleeve: Which procedure is best for you?
Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are two popular bariatric surgeries for weight loss. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and their choice depends on individual health, preferences, and lifestyle.
Let’s examine differences between the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures.
| Gastric Bypass Surgery | Gastric Sleeve Surgery |
|---|---|
| Involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine. | Involves removing about 80% of the stomach, creating a tube or sleeve-shaped stomach. |
| Recommended for patients with a BMI of 45 or higher. It’s practical for those who are significantly overweight and have not seen success with lifestyle changes. | Suitable for individuals with a BMI of 40 or above. It’s more focused on the patient’s diet and calorie intake. |
| Tends to result in quicker and more significant weight loss than sleeve gastrectomy due to more extensive calorie restriction. | Substantial weight loss, though there might be a risk of weight regain after 5 years. It involves a more minor change to the digestive system than gastric bypass. |
Similarities Between Gastric Bypass And Gastric Sleeve Procedures
Now, look at the similarities between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures:
| Both surgeries require a hospital stay of about 2 to 3 days. |
| Both are irreversible. |
| Both limit the nutrient capacity of the stomach. |
| Both surgeries require significant changes in eating habits and lifestyle to ensure successful weight loss and maintenance. This includes eating slowly, chewing food well, avoiding sugary and high-calorie foods, and ensuring adequate hydration. |
Gastric Bypass Surgery vs Duodenal Switch Surgery: Which procedure is best for you?
Gastric bypass is highly successful, with patients losing 60-80% of excess weight and maintaining significant weight loss over 10 years. Key to long-term success includes lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and medical follow-up. The duodenal switch, while less common, combines restrictive and malabsorptive components, leading to substantial weight loss but requiring lifelong nutritional monitoring and an increased risk of complications like vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Each procedure has its benefits and risks, which should be evaluated based on individual patient circumstances, weight loss goals, comorbidities, and willingness to make necessary lifestyle changes.
Let’s look at the differences between the gastric bypass and duodenal switch.
| Gastric Bypass | Duodenal Switch |
|---|---|
| Suitable for a broader range of patients with BMIs between 40 and 50. | Recommended for individuals with higher BMIs (>50) and those committed to lifelong vitamin and mineral regimens. |
| Shorter (about 2 hours). | Longer (about 4 hours). |
| Lower risk of nutritional deficiencies compared to DS. | Greater malabsorption, leading to a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies. |
| Generally, 60% to 85% of excess weight is lost. | Often leads to more significant weight loss (75% to 90% of excess weight). |
| Generally involves a shorter hospital stay and recovery period. | Typically involves a longer hospital stay and recovery period. |
| Comparatively less complex with a single-step approach. | More complex, involves sleeve gastrectomy and rerouting a large part of the small intestine. |
Similarities Between Gastric Bypass And Duodenal Switch Procedures
Now, look at the similarities between gastric bypass and duodenal switch procedures:
| Aimed at individuals with obesity, particularly those for whom other weight loss methods have not been successful. |
| Both are bariatric surgeries involving alterations to the stomach and digestive system to reduce food intake and absorption. |
| Both procedures are generally effective in achieving long-term weight loss. |
| Both surgeries have significant impacts on the patients’ mental and emotional well-being, requiring adjustments in lifestyle and potentially psychological support. |
| Both surgeries necessitate adherence to specific dietary guidelines and often require supplementation to prevent nutritional deficiencies. |
Gastric Bypass Procedure: How Does it work?
Gastric bypass surgery is a process that requires careful preparation. The professional management of this process is the foundation for achieving the desired results in the healthiest and most comfortable way possible. This process consists of several steps:
Gastric Bypass: Stage 1
- The first step of your gastric bypass surgery here in Istanbul is to make your stomach smaller.
- Our surgeon will use staples, dividing your stomach into a smaller upper section and a more extensive bottom section.
- The top section, the pouch, is where your food will go, with a spatial capacity of around 1 oz, or 28 grams.
- Due to this, you will be able to eat less and ultimately lose weight.
Gastric Bypass: Stage 2
- The second stage is the bypass itself.
- Your surgeon will attach a small area of your intestine, the jejunum, to a small hole in your pouch.
- This allows the food you eat to travel from the pouch into a new opening in your small intestine.
- This allows your body to absorb fewer calories.
Gastric Bypass Scars: How Serious Are They?
Gastric bypass scars are a testament to a significant life-changing surgery. The scars, while permanent, fade over time and are often seen as a small trade-off compared to the health benefits gained from the surgery. The severity of the scars depends on the surgical technique used, the patient’s skin type, and the healing process. Most patients find these scars an acceptable and manageable part of their weight loss journey.
Gastric Bypass Reversal
Gastric bypass reversal is a complex surgical procedure that can be considered in certain cases, such as difficulty eating or drinking, persistent complications or side effects, severe weight regain, or dissatisfaction with the initial results. Before having gastric bypass reversal, patients need a detailed check-up. This includes blood tests, scans, and doctor visits. They may also need to change their lifestyle. The surgery is done under anesthesia and takes a few hours. It uses small cuts in the belly to reach the stomach and intestines.
A new way to reverse gastric bypass is the endoscopic reversal (ER). This method uses ultrasound guidance to place a stent connecting the small stomach pouch to the larger stomach part. This helps increase the time food stays in the intestines and the area for absorbing nutrients.
After Gastric Bypass Surgery: Aftercare
The recovery process after gastric bypass surgery involves several distinct stages. Immediately after the surgery, patients should adhere to a clear liquid diet for several days. They then transition to a diet consisting of pureed foods, during which it’s crucial to consume adequate fluids.
Approximately one month after the surgery, patients start gradually reintroducing more regular foods into their diets. During this phase, it is common for patients to experience mild discomfort or a decrease in energy levels as they adapt to digestive system changes and embrace healthier eating habits. Simultaneously, this is when weight loss occurs most rapidly, with some individuals shedding about 5-7 kilograms monthly.
Six months later, patients adopt a long-term diet plan to help them sustain their desired weight. During the initial two years, individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery can expect to lose approximately 70-80% (or more) of their excess weight. However, some may regain about 10% of the lost weight between the second and fifth years after the surgery.
Individuals may need nutritional counseling and psychological support to prevent weight regain. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and incorporating regular exercise efforts throughout the rest of their lives is essential to sustaining their ideal weight in the long term.
While gastric bypass surgery is a significant step towards a healthier life, it’s important to be aware of potential issues, like gastric bypass ulcers. Fortunately, with regular check-ups and proper care, these complications can often be managed effectively.
Thus, it’s crucial to understand and cope with some of the challenges during the post-surgery period. Experiencing symptoms like body aches, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and common colds is expected during this time. Some side effects, such as hair loss, may also occur, and emotional changes can be part of the journey.
Gastric Bypass Surgery in Turkey – FAQs
How Much Is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
The cost of gastric bypass surgery is around 6,000€.
Can You Drink Alcohol After a Gastric Bypass?
After gastric bypass surgery, alcohol consumption should be avoided for six months. The effects of alcohol are significantly increased for individuals who have had gastric bypass surgery compared to those who haven’t undergone the procedure. Thus, patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery should be cautious about alcohol consumption due to the potential risk of liver damage.
Can you ever eat normally after a gastric bypass?
After undergoing gastric bypass surgery, you must make significant adjustments to your diet. Your dietary journey typically starts with a liquid diet and then progresses to pureed and soft foods before eventually transitioning to solid foods. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the portion sizes and food choices may vary considerably from what you were accustomed to before the surgery. To ensure your nutritional needs are met and to navigate this process effectively, it is highly recommended to collaborate closely with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional who specializes in bariatric surgery.
How long does it take to recover from gastric bypass surgery?
The recovery time after gastric bypass surgery varies for each individual. Most patients can return to normal activities within two to three weeks after surgery, but complete recovery and attainment of stable weight loss may take several months. Following post-operative instructions from your healthcare provider and attending regular follow-up appointments for monitoring and support during recovery is crucial.
How serious is gastric bypass surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is a significant and severe intervention for weight loss. Like any surgical procedure, it comes with certain risks and potential complications. However, it’s important to note that these risks are typically low, especially when experienced and skilled surgeons perform the surgery.
What can I take for arthritis after gastric bypass surgery?
The selection of arthritis treatment following gastric bypass surgery is contingent on several factors. These include the type and severity of arthritis and any dietary restrictions or potential medication interactions resulting from the surgery. It is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare provider who can assess your condition, consider your medical history, and recommend suitable treatment options.
Can Gastric Bypass Surgery Be Reversed?
Gastric bypass surgery is typically regarded as irreversible once it has been performed. This procedure involves the creation of a small stomach pouch and rerouting a portion of the small intestine, which effectively limits food intake and absorption. Reversing gastric bypass surgery is a complex and uncommon procedure. However, in rare instances when complications or serious medical issues arise, revision surgery is a potential solution.