Gastric Sleeve Surgery treatment in Switzerland

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Flavio Sonanini
Reviewed by Flavio Sonanini, Medical Travel Expert|Updated: January 2026

Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) permanently removes approximately 80% of the stomach, creating a banana-shaped sleeve. This restricts food intake and significantly reduces hunger hormones (ghrelin)—leading to dramatic, sustainable weight loss of 60-70% of excess weight.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) permanently removes approximately 80% of the stomach, creating a banana-shaped sleeve. This restricts food intake and significantly reduces hunger hormones (ghrelin)—leading to dramatic, sustainable weight loss of 60-70% of excess weight.

What to Know Before You Go

💡 Pro Tip: Turkish bariatric packages often include 3-4 night hospital stay, dietitian consultations, 1-year follow-up support, and comprehensive pre-operative testing—all included in the price. Compare what's included, not just the headline cost.

⚠️ Insider Note: Success depends on lifestyle commitment. Choose a clinic with strong aftercare and dietitian support. The surgery is a powerful tool, not a magic solution—long-term success requires following the post-operative diet and exercise plan for life.

Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

Package
Turkey
UK
USA
Savings
Standard package
€3,500-€5,500
£10,000-€15,000
$15,000-€25,000
65-75%
Extended stay
€4,500-€6,500
£12,000-€18,000
$18,000-€28,000
65-70%
VIP package
€5,500-€7,500
£14,000-€20,000
$20,000-€30,000
65-70%

Savings: Turkey offers 65-75% savings on gastric sleeve surgery compared to UK/USA prices.

What's Included

Gastric sleeve packages in Turkey typically cover:

●Pre-operative tests and consultations
●Surgery with experienced bariatric surgeon
●3-4 night hospital stay
●Anesthesia and operating room
●Post-operative medications
●Dietitian consultations
●Compression garments
●1-year follow-up support
●Many include hotel, transfers, and translator

Benefits

●60-70% excess weight loss within 12-18 months
●Significantly reduced hunger hormones
●Often resolves or improves type 2 diabetes
●Improves blood pressure and cholesterol
●Laparoscopic (minimally invasive surgery)
●No intestinal rerouting (fewer malabsorption issues)
●Permanent anatomical change
●65-75% cost savings vs UK/USA

The Procedure

Step 1 – Anesthesia: General anesthesia administered.

Step 2 – Access: Laparoscopic approach with 3-5 small incisions.

Step 3 – Division: Stomach divided using surgical stapler—approximately 80% removed.

Step 4 – Testing: Leak test performed to ensure staple line integrity.

Step 5 – Closure: Small incisions closed.

Total time: 1-2 hours.

Recovery & Downtime

●Days 1-3: Hospital stay, liquid diet begins
●Weeks 1-2: Clear liquids and protein shakes
●Weeks 3-4: Pureed foods introduced
●Weeks 5-8: Soft foods gradually added
●Month 3+: Solid foods resumed, normal eating patterns

Potential Side Effects

●Pain and discomfort for 1-2 weeks (occurs in 100% of patients—managed with medication)
●Nausea during diet transition (occurs in 50-70% of patients)
●Fatigue during rapid weight loss phase (occurs in 60-80% of patients)
●Acid reflux (occurs in 10-20% of patients, usually manageable)
●Rare: Staple line leak (occurs in <1% of patients at experienced centers)

Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Right for You?

Ideal candidates:

●BMI 35+ (or 30+ with obesity-related conditions)
●Haven't succeeded with diet and exercise
●Committed to lifelong lifestyle changes
●Understand it's a permanent decision

Not suitable for:

●BMI under 30
●Unwilling to commit to diet changes
●Active substance abuse
●Certain medical conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight will I lose?

Most patients lose 60-70% of excess weight within 12-18 months. Individual results vary based on diet and exercise adherence.

Is gastric sleeve safe?

Yes, it's one of the safest bariatric procedures with complication rates under 1% in experienced, high-volume centers.

Who is a candidate for gastric sleeve?

Patients with BMI 35+ (or 30+ with obesity-related conditions like diabetes or hypertension) who haven't succeeded with diet and exercise alone.

Will I have loose skin after weight loss?

Significant weight loss often results in loose skin, especially arms, abdomen, and thighs. Many patients consider body contouring surgery 1-2 years post-sleeve.

Can I get pregnant after gastric sleeve?

Yes, but surgeons strongly recommend waiting 12-18 months after surgery when weight has stabilized and nutritional status is optimized.

Will I need vitamins after surgery?

Yes, lifelong daily vitamin and mineral supplementation is required to prevent deficiencies. This includes multivitamins, B12, iron, and calcium.

Is the surgery reversible?

No, gastric sleeve is permanent. The removed portion of the stomach cannot be reattached. This is a lifelong commitment.

How long before I can return to work?

Most patients return to desk jobs within 2 weeks and physically demanding jobs within 4-6 weeks. Listen to your body.

Is This Right For You?

"BMI 35+ (or 30+ with comorbidities) patients who haven't succeeded with diet/exercise and are committed to lifelong lifestyle changes."

Benefits

60-70% excess weight loss

Reduced hunger hormones

Often resolves type 2 diabetes

Improves blood pressure and cholesterol

Laparoscopic (minimally invasive)

No intestinal rerouting

Permanent solution

65-75% cost savings vs UK/USA

The Process

Procedure

Step 1: General anesthesia.

Step 2: Laparoscopic access (3-5 small incisions).

Step 3: Stomach divided with surgical stapler—80% removed.

Step 4: Leak test performed.

Step 5: Incisions closed.

Recovery & Downtime

Days 1-3: Hospital stay, liquid diet. Weeks 1-2: Clear liquids, protein shakes. Weeks 3-4: Pureed foods. Weeks 5-8: Soft foods. Month 3+: Solid foods resumed.

Potential Side Effects

  • Pain and discomfort for 1-2 weeks (occurs in 100% of patients—managed with medication)
  • Nausea during diet transition (occurs in 50-70% of patients)
  • Fatigue during weight loss phase (occurs in 60-80% of patients)
  • Acid reflux (occurs in 10-20% of patients)
  • Rare: Staple line leak (occurs in <1% of patients)

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Clinics for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Discover verified clinics specializing in Gastric Sleeve Surgery with top ratings and expert practitioners.

No specific clinics listed for this treatment yet. Try searching for general clinics.

View All Clinics
View all clinics in Turkey

The Science of Beauty, Delivered.

Join 5,000+ subscribers. Get exclusive insights on new treatments, clinic offers, and aesthetic trends in Turkey.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.