BestClinic.co.uk provides information ongastric banding in Turkey and helps you book an operation with qualified surgeons. This content is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
How much does a gastric band cost in Turkey?
The average cost of a gastric band in Istanbul, Turkey is €2,200. Depending on your needs, the price can vary from 2,000 euros to 2,400 euros.
| Procedure | Cost Turkey |
|---|---|
| Gastric sleeve | 2300 € |
| Gastric Botox | 1200 € |
| Gastric balloon | 1500 € |
| Gastric bypass | 2500 € |
| Gastric band | 2200 € |
What is gastric banding?
Gastric band surgery is a common type of weight loss (bariatric) surgery for overweight (obese) people. It involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach, which means you can’t eat as much. This helps you to lose weight.
How does a gastric band work?
When you have a gastric band, it creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach, above the band. When you eat, this part of the stomach fills up quickly, making you feel full sooner than normal and for longer. This reduces the amount you eat, which helps you lose weight.
Your surgeon can tighten or loosen the gastric band by injecting fluid into a tube connected to the band. This affects the speed at which food passes from the pouch into the lower part of your stomach. This will ensure that you lose the right amount of weight on a regular basis.
The success of the operation depends on you maintaining a healthy lifestyle afterwards, in particular by changing your eating habits and being more active. In particular, you need to watch out for high-calorie drinks, including alcohol, which may not be restricted by your gastric band.
Who can have a gastric band?
You generally need to meet certain criteria to be considered for gastric banding. These criteria are as follows:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or between 35 and 40 with a health problem such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Have first tried all other treatment options, such as diet and exercise
- Be in generally good enough health to undergo general anaesthesia and surgery
- Be committed to long-term follow-up, including regular check-ups and lifestyle changes
- Be prepared to attend regular follow-up appointments
You may not be able to have gastric banding if you have certain long-term health problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease or heart disease, or a psychological condition. You may need a psychological assessment if there are concerns about your mental health.
If you are obese, your GP may refer you to a specialist obesity management service, which can assess whether surgery can help you. If you meet the above criteria, you may be able to have gastric band surgery under the NHS, but this depends on the availability of services in your area.
Another option is to have surgery privately. Private surgery can be carried out in certain NHS centres or in private hospitals, particularly in Turkey, which have become specialists in the treatment of obesity, and at a lower cost.
Deciding on gastric banding
A gastric band is a major operation. It is important to understand exactly what the procedure involves, including potential complications and what to expect afterwards.
If you are considering gastric banding in Turkey, your doctor will be with you every step of the way. He or she will also talk to you about other types of weight loss surgery you may have, including gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Your surgeon can help you decide what’s best for you.
Here are some things to consider.
- A gastric band helps many people lose weight. It can also help reduce the risk of various health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, or improve them if you already have them.
- The amount of weight lost varies from person to person, but most people lose about half their excess weight in about two years. Not everyone loses as much as they would like.
- There is some evidence that other types of weight loss surgery may be more effective in the long term.
- You may need to have your gastric band removed or replaced, for example if it slips or leaks. For more information, see the section on complications.
Take the time to make sure you are happy with your decision to have a gastric band fitted in Turkey – don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon any questions you may have. If you decide to go ahead, you will be asked to sign a consent form – so it’s important to make sure you feel well informed.
Preparing for gastric banding in Turkey
You will need to undergo assessments and blood tests to check that you are fit for the operation. These tests may also indicate whether you have any health problems related to your obesity.
If you smoke, you will be asked to stop, preferably at least six weeks before your operation. Smoking can impair wound healing and can also lead to complications. You may be asked to follow a low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet for a short period before your operation. This will help shrink your liver and make the band easier and safer to place.
The gastric band is placed under general anaesthetic, which means that you will be asleep during the operation. You must fast before undergoing a general anaesthetic. You will be given clear instructions on when to stop eating and drinking. It is important to follow this advice.
On the day of the operation, your surgeon will meet with you to check that you are well and still happy to proceed. The hospital staff will carry out the final checks and prepare you for the operation.
You may be asked to wear compression stockings and/or receive an injection of anticoagulant medication to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What happens during the gastric band operation?
Your gastric band will be fitted laparoscopically (keyhole surgery). This means that your surgeon will perform the operation using instruments inserted through several small incisions in your belly (abdomen), rather than through one large incision.
Your surgeon will insert the band and place it around the top of your stomach to create a small pouch above the band. A thin piece of tubing connects the band to an injection port, which is used to tighten or loosen the band. Your surgeon will suture this in place just under your skin.
Your surgeon will then close the cuts in your abdomen. These are usually dissolvable stitches, but may be clips, which will be removed in about a week.
What can you expect afterwards?
In hospital
You will need to rest until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. You may also need pain relief to help ease your discomfort.
You will have an IV in a vein in your hand or arm to give you fluids until you are well enough to drink. You will be encouraged to get up and move around as soon as you feel able. This will help reduce the risk of chest infection and the risk of blood clots forming in your legs.
Your nurse will give you advice on caring for your wounds before you go home and will arrange a date for a follow-up appointment.
Going home
You will usually be able to go home later on the day of your operation, or the following day. Make sure someone can drive you home and, if possible, stay with you for a day or so while the anaesthetic wears off. You can continue to take over-the-counter painkillers at home as required.
Your gastric band will be partially filled (primed) during the operation, which will limit what you can eat immediately. You will only be able to have fluids after the operation. Your surgeon or dietician will tell you when you can start eating.
It may take a week or two for you to recover from the gastric band operation and resume your normal activities. But this can vary from person to person, so it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice.
You will need to attend regular follow-up appointments after your operation to have your gastric band adjusted. This will ensure that you lose the right amount of weight on a regular basis.
Complications of gastric band surgery
Complications are unexpected problems that may occur during or after your operation.
Possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, excessive bleeding or a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis – DVT). Other common complications of gastric band surgery include
- Infection around your gastric band, the tube under your skin or in one of your wounds. If this happens, your skin may appear red or tender.
- Injury to your stomach or other nearby organs, such as your liver or spleen, during an operation.
- Your gastric band may move, leak and deflate, or slowly work its way through the wall of your stomach. If any of these situations occur, the band will need to be repositioned, removed or replaced.
- If you lose weight too quickly, you may develop gallstones. These can be painful and you may need surgery to remove them.
Contact your doctor or surgeon if you experience any symptoms after your operation, such as fever, abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath or constant vomiting.
Not everyone loses as much weight as they would like after surgery, and some people regain weight after losing it. If this happens, your surgeon may suggest other treatments, such as gastric bypass surgery.
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