What is the price of bariatric surgery in Turkey?
The price of bariatric surgery in Turkey ranges from £1,900 to £3,900, compared with £3,900 to £10,700 in the UK. This all-inclusive price covers general anaesthesia, pre-operative tests and nutritional follow-up. The length of the procedure and hospital stay depends on the technique chosen.
📊 2026 Price Table (Istanbul vs UK)
This comparison table details the average prices for different obesity surgery procedures in Istanbul compared with average prices in the UK.
| Procedure | Turkey price | UK price |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve | £1,900 – £3,000 | £5,600 – £8,200 |
| Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) | £2,800 – £3,900 | £7,600 – £10,700 |
| Mini Gastric Bypass | £2,800 – £3,600 | £3,900 – £7,800 |
| Gastric Band | £2,200 – £3,300 | £4,300 – £6,600 |
| Allurion Balloon | £1,600 – £2,500 | £2,600 – £4,800 |
| 6-month Balloon (Orbera) | £1,400 – £2,100 | £2,600 – £4,800 |
📈 Success statistics and safety
Bariatric surgery in Turkey has no published statistics of its own: at ten years, the SLEEVEPASS randomised trial measured a median excess weight loss of 43.5% after sleeve and 50.7% after bypass[1]. At five years, complications affected 22.5% of patients after sleeve and 37.2% after bypass[2]. Weight loss continues over several months, and medical follow-up lasts a lifetime[3].
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery encompasses techniques (sleeve, bypass) that modify the stomach to treat severe obesity. It reduces calorie absorption or gastric capacity for lasting weight loss when conventional diets have failed.
Obesity surgery is a metabolic and hormonal intervention for men and women with significant excess weight. It aims to restore overall health and reduce risks linked to comorbidities.
It is recommended for patients with a BMI of 40 kg/m² or more (or between 35 and 40 with a severe comorbidity)[3] who have not achieved results with 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].
The different bariatric surgeries in Turkey
Turkey welcomes international patients in many specialties of medical tourism. Procedures are performed laparoscopically, sometimes with robotic assistance. The techniques presented here are the sleeve, the bypass and a non-surgical solution, the balloon.
Partner healthcare facilities in Istanbul meet the strictest international safety standards. These establishments often have JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation and state-of-the-art equipment (latest imaging, ultra-modern operating theatres).
Bariatric surgeons there are highly qualified, frequently trained internationally, and the language barrier is completely removed thanks to continuous support from an English-speaking interpreter.
1. Gastric bypass
Gastric bypass in Turkey is a “mixed” procedure that reduces the size of the stomach 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 performed under general anaesthesia. It is done laparoscopically (mini-incisions), which considerably reduces post-operative pain and speeds up recovery.
2. Gastric sleeve (Sleeve gastrectomy)
Gastric sleeve in Turkey involves removing the largest part of the stomach to form a narrow tube. This surgery reduces the 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 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 without anaesthesia or endoscopy.
In France, after recommendations published on 18 July 2024, the ANSM suspended this balloon on 2 August 2024 following several cases of serious complications, then lifted the suspension on 12 February 2025[4].
The Orbera balloon is inserted and 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 reaches 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?
The operation is recommended after failure of conventional methods (sport, nutrition, therapy). It is a medical solution for treating morbid obesity or severe obesity associated with chronic conditions such as diabetes or severe hypertension.
The induced weight loss can improve cardiovascular health and mobility. Note that for patients with HIV, the indication is discussed with the doctor managing the treatment.
What is the pathway before and after bariatric surgery?
In France, the HAS requires a preparation of at least 6 months before bariatric surgery: multidisciplinary assessment, mandatory psychological evaluation, therapeutic education and collegial decision between nutritionist, surgeon, psychiatrist and dietitian[3].
Between BMI 30 and 35, only metabolic surgery may be discussed, in case of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes after 12 months of management[3].
Your medical stay itinerary (4 to 5 days)
For international patients, the protocol is condensed and optimised on site to offer you maximum comfort and safety:
- Day 1 (Arrival and tests): Airport pick-up with VIP transfer, admission to the clinic, and full health check (blood tests, ultrasound, electrocardiogram, endoscopy if needed). Meeting with the surgeon, anaesthetist and nutritionist.
- Day 2 (The operation): Procedure under general anaesthesia and start of close monitoring in your room.
- Days 3 and 4 (Recovery): Hospitalisation and rest. The medical team checks your vital signs 24/7, manages pain relief and helps you take your first steps.
- Day 5 (Return): Final examination by the surgeon. If medically cleared, you receive your complete file, your prescriptions, and the driver takes you back to the airport.
Risks and side effects
Like any surgery, risks exist: acid reflux, vitamin deficiencies, or temporary nausea. In an international meta-analysis of over 3.6 million patients, perioperative mortality is 0.08%[7]. Support from a nutritionist is essential.
Assistance is provided for people with reduced mobility (PRM). After the operation, 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 the 2nd and 4th week according to a personalised programme[8], and a fractionated diet. You will start with a liquid phase, then pureed, 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].
To overcome geographical distance and ensure lasting weight loss, the clinic or hospital provides remote dietary follow-up. Video consultations with a specialist are scheduled every 3 months for 1 year. This allows monitoring of your progress, adjustment of your eating plan and answering all your questions once back home.
Need a personalised quote? Our British coordinator supports you in organising your medical stay at the best price.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sleeve and a bypass?
The sleeve irreversibly reduces the stomach by removing part of the organ. The bypass is a complex procedure that alters the digestive tract (reversible in some cases) and often offers 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 ensure weight is stabilised and nutritional intake is sufficient for the foetus.
When can I resume sport?
Walking is recommended from the day after surgery. Physical activity resumes between the 2nd and 4th week, according to a personalised programme validated by your surgeon[8]. Resumption must be gradual to protect the abdominal wall.
Why choose Turkey for your surgery?
Turkey welcomed 1,398,504 international patients in 2023, across all specialties[9]. Prices are lower than in the UK, but no study compares bariatric outcomes between the two countries, and lifelong follow-up must be organised upon return.
What to do in case of complication after bariatric surgery in Turkey?
In case of abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or fever, seek emergency care, then inform your surgeon. Coverage of revision surgery and accommodation depends on the contract signed with the clinic. The flight ticket remains your responsibility.
Can you fly after bariatric surgery?
A meta-analysis of 7 retrospective studies, involving 24,975 operated patients, found no significant increased risk of venous thrombosis related to flying[10]. Studies are not specific to bariatric surgery: the flight date should be validated with the surgeon.
Is the gastric band still offered?
The band is still offered, but its long-term follow-up is unfavourable: in 897 patients operated at Bichat Hospital, 41.6% of bands were removed and the failure rate reached 43% at 10 years[11]. See the gastric band price 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. Consulter la 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. Consulter la source
- Haute Autorité de Santé. Obésité de l’adulte : prise en charge de 2e et 3e niveaux. Recommandation de bonne pratique. 2024. Consulter la 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. Consulter la 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. Consulter la 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. Consulter la source
- Robertson AGN, Wiggins T, Robertson FP, et al. Perioperative mortality in bariatric surgery: meta-analysis. British Journal of Surgery. 2021. Consulter la source
- Assurance Maladie. Obésité de l’adulte : suivi, médicaments et chirurgie. 2025. Consulter la source
- USHAS, données TURKSTAT. Health tourism data, année 2023. Consulter la 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. Consulter la source
- Arapis K, et al. Long-term results after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity. Obesity Surgery. 2017. Consulter la source
- Bariatric Surgery Turkey : Guide to prices and procedures
