How much does bariatric surgery cost in Turkey?
The price of bariatric surgery in Turkey ranges between £1,900 and £3,900, compared to £3,000 to £12,000 in the UK. This all-inclusive rate covers general anaesthesia, pre-operative tests and nutritional follow-up. The length of the procedure and hospital stay depends on the technique used.
📊 Price Table 2026 (Istanbul vs UK)
This comparison table breaks down average prices for the various weight-loss procedures performed in Istanbul against average costs in the UK.
| Procedure Type | Turkey Price | UK Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeve Gastrectomy | £1,900 - £3,000 | £6,000 - £9,000 |
| Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) | £2,800 - £3,900 | £8,000 - £12,000 |
| Mini Gastric Bypass | £2,800 - £3,700 | £7,000 - £10,000 |
| Gastric Band | £2,200 - £3,300 | £5,000 - £8,000 |
| Allurion Balloon | £1,700 - £2,500 | £3,000 - £5,000 |
| Orbera Balloon (6 months) | £1,400 - £2,100 | £3,000 - £5,000 |
Whether your treatment is covered depends on your individual circumstances; it’s worth checking with the NHS to see what applies to you.
📈 Success rates and safety statistics
Bariatric surgery in Turkey has no dedicated published statistics: at ten years, the randomised SLEEVEPASS trial recorded a median excess weight loss of 43.5% after sleeve and 50.7% after bypass[1]. At five years, complications affect 22.5% of sleeve patients and 37.2% of bypass patients[2]. Weight loss continues over several months, and medical follow-up lasts a lifetime[3].
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery covers a range of techniques (sleeve, bypass) that modify the stomach to treat severe obesity. It reduces calorie absorption or gastric capacity to achieve lasting weight loss when conventional diets have failed.
Obesity surgery is a metabolic and hormonal procedure for men and women experiencing significant excess weight. It aims to restore overall health and reduce risks linked to related conditions.
It is recommended for patients with a BMI of 40 kg/m² or above (or between 35 and 40 with a severe comorbidity)[3] who have not achieved results through a supervised nutrition and exercise programme. It can improve hypertension, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea, without guaranteed remission: at ten years, type 2 diabetes is in remission in 26% to 33% of patients[1].
Types of bariatric surgery available in Turkey
Turkey welcomes international patients across many medical tourism specialities. Procedures are performed by laparoscopy, sometimes with robotic assistance. The techniques covered here are the sleeve, the bypass and a non-surgical option, the balloon.
1. Gastric Bypass
The gastric bypass in Turkey is a “mixed” procedure that reduces stomach size and bypasses part of the small intestine. This limits both the amount of food ingested and the absorption of fats and sugars by the body.
In Istanbul, the procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia. It is performed by laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), which significantly reduces post-operative pain and speeds up recovery.
2. Sleeve Gastrectomy
The sleeve gastrectomy in Turkey involves removing most of the stomach to form a narrow tube. This surgery reduces production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, making it easier to stick to the new eating plan.
This is the most commonly performed procedure worldwide. It requires a BMI of at least 40 (or 35 with a severe comorbidity)[3]. In Turkey, the medical stay lasts several days, to allow for post-operative monitoring.
3. Gastric balloon and Allurion
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary solution. It occupies part of the stomach to induce early satiety. The Allurion Elipse model has the advantage of being swallowed as a capsule, with no anaesthesia or endoscopy required.
In France, following recommendations published on 18 July 2024, the ANSM suspended this balloon on 2 August 2024 after several cases of serious complications, then lifted the suspension on 12 February 2025[4].
The Orbera balloon is placed and later removed by endoscopy; the Allurion deflates on its own after 4 months and passes naturally[5]. In a meta-analysis of observational studies, weight loss reached 12.47% at four months with Allurion[6], a result not replicated in a Norwegian trial (3.9%)[5].
When should you consider bariatric surgery?
Surgery is recommended after conventional methods (exercise, nutrition, therapy) have failed. It is a medical solution for treating morbid or severe obesity associated with chronic conditions such as diabetes or severe hypertension.
The resulting weight loss can improve cardiovascular health and mobility. Note that for patients living with HIV, whether surgery is suitable should be discussed with the doctor managing their treatment.
What’s the process before and after bariatric surgery?
In France, the HAS requires at least 6 months of preparation before bariatric surgery: a multidisciplinary assessment, mandatory psychological evaluation, therapeutic education and a joint decision involving a nutritionist, surgeon, psychiatrist and dietitian[3].
Between a BMI of 30 and 35, only metabolic surgery may be considered, in cases of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes after 12 months of treatment[3].
Risks and side effects
As with any surgery, risks exist: acid reflux, vitamin deficiencies, or temporary nausea. In an international meta-analysis of more than 3.6 million patients, perioperative mortality is 0.08%[7]. Support from a nutritionist is essential.
Assistance is available for patients with reduced mobility. After surgery, the HAS recommends lifelong follow-up, with at least four consultations in the first year[3].
Post-operative follow-up and lifestyle
Success depends on your commitment: resuming physical activity between weeks 2 and 4 following a personalised plan[8], and eating smaller, more frequent meals. You’ll start with a liquid phase, then pureed food, before reintroducing solids. The HAS recommends multivitamins during the weight-loss phase, vitamin D for life, and vitamin B12 for life after a bypass[3].
Need a personalised quote? Our British coordinator can help you organise your medical trip at the best price.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a sleeve and a bypass?
The sleeve permanently reduces the stomach by removing part of the organ. The bypass is a more complex procedure that reroutes the digestive system (reversible in some cases) and often results in greater weight loss thanks to malabsorption.
Can I get pregnant after the operation?
Yes, weight loss improves fertility. However, contraception is maintained for at least 12 months after the procedure[8], to make sure your weight has stabilised and nutritional intake is sufficient for the baby.
When can I resume exercise?
Walking is recommended from the day after surgery. Physical activity resumes between weeks 2 and 4, following a personalised plan approved by your surgeon[8]. Progress should be gradual to protect the abdominal muscles.
Why choose Turkey for surgery?
Turkey welcomed 1,398,504 international patients in 2023, across all specialities[9]. Prices there are lower than in the UK, but no study compares bariatric outcomes between the two countries, and lifelong follow-up still needs to be arranged once you’re back home.
What should I do if I have a complication after bariatric surgery in Turkey?
If you experience abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or fever, seek emergency care and then inform your surgeon. Whether revision surgery and accommodation costs are covered depends on the contract signed with the clinic. Flights remain at your own expense.
Can you fly after bariatric surgery?
A meta-analysis of 7 retrospective studies, covering 24,975 operated patients, found no significant increased risk of venous thrombosis linked to flying[10]. These studies aren’t specific to bariatric surgery: confirm your flight date with your surgeon.
Is the gastric band still offered?
The band is still offered, but its long-term outcomes are poor: of 897 patients operated on at Bichat Hospital, 41.6% of bands were removed and the failure rate reaches 43% at 10 years[11]. See the price of gastric banding in Turkey.
Sources & References
- Salminen P, Grönroos S, Helmiö M, et al. Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Weight Loss, Comorbidities, and Reflux at 10 Years: The SLEEVEPASS Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Surgery. 2022. View source
- Wölnerhanssen BK, Peterli R, Hurme S, et al. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: 5-year outcomes of merged data from two randomized clinical trials (SLEEVEPASS and SM-BOSS). British Journal of Surgery. 2021. View source
- Haute Autorité de Santé. Obésité de l’adulte : prise en charge de 2e et 3e niveaux. Recommandation de bonne pratique. 2024. View source
- Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM). Ballons gastriques Allurion : recommandations pour limiter la survenue de complications graves. 2024, mis à jour en 2025. View source
- Tønnesen CJ, Hjelmesæth J, Hofsø D, et al. A novel intragastric balloon for treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. A two-center pilot trial. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. 2022. View source
- Silva AF, Bestetti AM, Kum AST, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of the Allurion Swallowable Intragastric Balloon for Short-term Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Obesity Surgery. 2024. View source
- Robertson AGN, Wiggins T, Robertson FP, et al. Perioperative mortality in bariatric surgery: meta-analysis. British Journal of Surgery. 2021. View source
- Assurance Maladie. Obésité de l’adulte : suivi, médicaments et chirurgie. 2025. View source
- USHAS, données TURKSTAT. Health tourism data, année 2023. View source
- Shea J, Ghosh A, Turner BR, Davies AH, Onida S. A systematic review and meta-analysis of venous thromboembolism risk in surgical patients with recent air travel. Phlebology. 2025. View source
- Arapis K, et al. Long-term results after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity. Obesity Surgery. 2017. View source
- Bariatric Surgery Turkey : Guide to prices and procedures
