Gastric Sleeve Turkey

You will, but differently. After 6-12 months of adjustment, you can typically eat most foods, but in much smaller portions — around 150-200 grams per meal instead of 500 grams. Social eating with friends remains possible, but requires adaptation — order a small portion, eat slowly, chew well. Most patients describe this as "a normal new normal".

Mortality risk for laparoscopic sleeve in specialised centres: typically 0.1-0.2% (around 1-2 per 1,000 patients). Complication rate 1-3%, usually well manageable (bleeding, staple-line leak). Risk factors: high BMI, comorbidities, prior abdominal surgeries, smoking. Comparison: the risk of dying from obesity-related complications without surgery is several times higher with a BMI over 40.

Heartburn and reflux are more common after sleeve than after bypass — roughly 20-30% of patients develop new or worsened reflux. With pre-existing reflux, sleeve is often not the right choice; bypass may be better. An honest clinic performs a pre-operative endoscopy and assesses reflux risk.

Moderate dilation of the sleeve stomach after 5-10 years is normal — up to around 30%. Most patients experience slight regain of 5-10 kg without returning to their starting weight. Those who do not maintain dietary changes long-term may regain more. With significant stomach dilation, a re-sleeve or conversion to bypass is possible.

Loose skin after 30-50 kg of weight loss is the rule — most pronounced on the abdomen, upper arms, thighs and breasts. Plastic surgeries (abdominoplasty, breast lift, brachioplasty) are typically possible from 18-24 months after sleeve, once weight is stable. These follow-up procedures are substantial interventions with their own costs and risks.

Diffuse hair loss from month 3-6 is common (around 50% of patients) — caused by rapid weight loss and protein deficit. It is usually reversible: hair regrows from month 9-12 once nutrition stabilises. Adequate protein intake (60-80 g per day) and a multivitamin can reduce the severity.

Sleeve is, in the strict sense, irreversible — the removed portion of stomach cannot be restored. In theory, conversion to a bypass is possible, though technically complex. Regret ("bariatric regret") affects 5-15% of patients in the first 12 months. An honest pre-operative assessment with psychological evaluation reduces the risk.

Send recent diagnostic reports (relevant to your procedure: imaging, blood work, specialist letters), your full medication list including supplements, allergy history, and a brief health summary including chronic conditions and prior surgeries. Our medical team reviews these free of charge within 24-48 hours so we can confirm candidacy, finalize the plan and quote a binding price before you book travel.