Metabolic health
Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and abnormal blood lipids.
Updated 16 September 2026
Weight Loss Surgery in Türkiye
Not one procedure. A clinically considered path.
Understand metabolic and bariatric treatment options, compare how they differ, and begin with a multidisciplinary assessment built around your health and medical needs.
Medical review Prof. Dr. Ömer Özozan Professor of General Surgery, specialising in metabolic and bariatric surgery
A health condition. Never a failure of willpower.
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease shaped by complex interactions between biology, genetics, behaviour, medicines, health conditions and the environment. Body mass index (BMI) can help screen for risk, but it does not tell the whole story.
A useful assessment also considers waist measurements, weight history, metabolic health, current medicines, eating patterns, sleep, mobility, mental wellbeing and the conditions that matter most to the individual.
Weight can affect far more than weight.
Obesity is associated with a higher risk of several lasting health conditions. The pattern and degree of risk differ for every person.
Heart and circulation
High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stroke risk.
Sleep and breathing
Obstructive sleep apnoea and other breathing difficulties.
Liver and digestion
Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease and reflux.
Mobility and pain
Joint loading, osteoarthritis and reduced physical function.
Quality of life
Fertility, mental wellbeing and the social effects of weight stigma.
Surgery is one part of weight and metabolic care.
The right level of care depends on medical history, previous treatment, goals, risk, preferences and the ability to maintain continued care.
Nutrition, movement and behavioural support
Individualised nutrition, physical activity, sleep and behavioural care can support health before and after a procedure.
Medical weight management
A physician may investigate contributing conditions, treat related disease and consider prescription medicines when clinically appropriate.
Intragastric balloon
A temporary device placed and removed endoscopically. It requires a defined nutrition, behaviour and continued care programme.
Metabolic and bariatric surgery
Procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass change anatomy and metabolism and require lifelong clinical and nutritional care.
Understand the difference before comparing the promise.
No single procedure is best for everyone. Reflux, diabetes, previous abdominal surgery, eating patterns, nutritional risk and access to continued care can all influence the decision.
SurgeryPermanent anatomy change
Gastric Sleeve
Most of the stomach is removed to create a smaller, tubular stomach. The intestines are not rerouted.
- Changes
- Stomach capacity and appetite signalling.
- Discuss
- Reflux, leakage, bleeding and continued nutrient monitoring.
SurgeryDifficult to reverse
Gastric Bypass
A small stomach pouch is connected to a lower section of the small intestine, changing the route of food and metabolic signalling.
- Changes
- Stomach capacity, intestinal pathway and nutrient absorption.
- Discuss
- Dumping, ulcers, internal hernia and lifelong supplementation.
EndoscopicTemporary
Gastric Balloon
A temporary balloon is placed in the stomach through the mouth and removed according to the device and treatment plan.
- Changes
- No surgical rerouting or permanent anatomical change.
- Discuss
- Nausea, intolerance, removal timing and the support plan after removal.
SurgeryAdjustable device
Gastric Band
An adjustable band is surgically placed around the upper stomach. It is used less often today than sleeve or bypass procedures.
- Changes
- Restricts the opening from a small upper stomach pouch.
- Discuss
- Frequent adjustments, slippage, erosion and possible removal or revision.
BMI can start the conversation. It cannot make the decision.
BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. For adults, it is a screening measure. It is not a diagnosis or a standalone instruction to undergo treatment.
Current international guidance supports evaluation for metabolic and bariatric surgery at a range of BMI levels depending on metabolic disease, previous treatment and individual risk. Thresholds and access criteria may also differ between countries and populations.
Estimate your BMI
Enter your height and weight for an adult BMI screening estimate.
Your BMI0.0
BMI category
This is an adult screening estimate, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. A clinician should interpret it alongside your health history, body composition and other factors.
Adult BMI reference
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²)
| BMI | WHO category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 to 24.9 | Healthy weight range |
| 25.0 to 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 to 34.9 | Obesity class I |
| 35.0 to 39.9 | Obesity class II |
| 40.0 and above | Obesity class III |
These adult categories are a general reference. They are not treatment recommendations.
One decision. More than one discipline.
The exact team depends on the case. These professionals may contribute before treatment, during hospital care and throughout continued care.
Bariatric surgeon
Assesses surgical options, explains benefits and risks, performs surgery and leads surgical care.
Endocrinologist or physician
Reviews metabolic health, related conditions, medicines and nonsurgical options.
Bariatric dietitian
Assesses nutrition, prepares the eating plan and supports protein, fluid and micronutrient needs.
Psychologist or psychiatrist
Supports readiness, eating behaviour, expectations, coping and longer term adjustment when needed.
Anaesthesia and perioperative team
Evaluates operative risk and plans safe anaesthesia, pain control, mobility and hospital recovery.
Nursing and allied health
Supports education, wound care, medication, mobility and continued care. Other specialties join as required.
The procedure is one day. The pathway is much longer.
A robust international care plan connects preparation, hospital care and continued care at home before travel is confirmed.
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Understand your case
Begin with your health history, priorities, previous treatment and available medical records.
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Clinical review
The relevant medical team determines what further tests or specialist opinions are needed.
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Compare appropriate options
Review the rationale, alternatives, risks, expected continued care, provider and complete terms.
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Prepare safely
Complete preoperative testing, medicine instructions, nutrition preparation and travel planning.
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Treatment and discharge
Hospital care, mobilisation, nutrition progression and discharge criteria are directed clinically.
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Continue care at home
Leave with a written care plan, warning signs, prescriptions, nutritional guidance and handover needs.
A complete plan includes what happens after you leave.
Every intervention has potential benefits, limitations and risks. These vary by procedure and person and should be explained by the treating clinician as part of informed consent.
Before treatment
Ask who will perform the procedure, where it will take place, why it is recommended, what alternatives exist and who manages complications.
After treatment
Confirm diet progression, medicines, supplements, blood tests, activity, wound care, pregnancy guidance and the care schedule.
Before flying home
Travel only when the treating team considers it appropriate. The required stay depends on the procedure, recovery and individual risk.
Know urgent warning signs
Seek urgent medical advice for severe or worsening pain, breathing difficulty, chest pain, persistent vomiting, high fever, fainting, heavy bleeding or other symptoms identified by your clinical team.
Clear answers before the next step.
These answers are general. A clinician who has reviewed your health information must advise on individual suitability.
Which weight loss procedure is best?
There is no universally best procedure. The choice can depend on BMI, metabolic health, reflux, previous surgery, eating patterns, nutritional risk, preferences and capacity for continued care.
Is a gastric balloon the same as surgery?
No. A gastric balloon is a temporary device usually placed and removed endoscopically through the mouth. It does not involve surgical rerouting, but it still has risks and requires medical oversight and structured care.
Is a gastric band nonsurgical?
No. An adjustable gastric band is placed surgically. It generally requires repeated adjustments and may later need removal or revision. It is performed less commonly today than sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.
Is BMI enough to decide whether I am suitable?
No. BMI is only one part of assessment. Health conditions, weight history, previous treatment, mental and nutritional readiness, operative risk and capacity for continued care also matter.
How long would I need to stay in Türkiye?
There is no safe universal answer. The treating team should define the minimum stay after considering the procedure, tests, recovery, complication risk and fitness to travel.
Will I need vitamins and continued care for life?
Lifelong follow up is essential after bariatric surgery. The exact supplement and blood test plan depends on the procedure and individual findings. Follow the plan prescribed by the treating team.
Prof. Dr. Ömer Özozan
Medical reviewer
Professor of General Surgery specialising in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
View professional profileClinical references
This page is educational and does not replace personalised medical advice. Its core definitions and treatment distinctions are aligned with:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Obesity and overweight - American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)
Joint indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health
Types of weight loss surgery
A better decision begins before the procedure.
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