For many individuals seeking a permanent, life-changing solution to obesity, Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Istanbul (technically known as a Sleeve Gastrectomy) represents a powerful new beginning. When considering this vital procedure, patients often look beyond their borders to centers of excellence that combine world-class medical expertise with personalized care.

This is why Istanbul, Turkey, has become the global hub for medical travel. At Starwise Tour, we facilitate every step of your journey, ensuring your focus remains on health and recovery, not logistics. Below, we detail the procedure, common surgical variations, and the crucial recovery roadmap you will follow.

Understanding the Gastric Sleeve Procedure

The Sleeve Gastrectomy is one of the most common and effective bariatric surgeries performed globally. It works through two mechanisms: restriction and hormonal change.

During the procedure, a surgeon removes approximately 75% to 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, banana-shaped pouch or “sleeve.” This immediately and permanently limits the amount of food you can consume. Critically, the portion of the stomach that is removed is responsible for producing the majority of the hunger-stimulating hormone, Ghrelin. By removing this section, the surgery helps to suppress your appetite and significantly improves the feeling of satiety (fullness) after eating small amounts.

Surgical Variations in Sleeve Gastrectomy

When discussing “types” of gastric sleeve surgery, we primarily refer to the technique used and, in some cases, whether the sleeve is part of a larger staged procedure.

Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (LVSG): This is the gold standard procedure offered at our partner hospitals in Istanbul. It is a minimally invasive surgery performed through several small “keyhole” incisions. This technique reduces pain, minimizes scarring, shortens the hospital stay, and dramatically speeds up the initial recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): While technically not a surgery because it involves no incisions, the ESG is a less invasive option sometimes discussed. It uses an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) inserted through the mouth to place sutures in the stomach, reducing its size. It provides a smaller amount of weight loss than the LVSG but is suitable for some patients.

Sleeve as the First Stage: Surgeons may perform the sleeve procedure as the first stage of a two-part treatment for patients with super-morbid obesity (a very high BMI). Later, once the patient has achieved significant weight loss and improved health, the surgical team may consider a second-stage, malabsorptive procedure like the Duodenal Switch (SADI-S or BPD-DS).

The Starwise Seamless Journey: Recovery and Medical Travel in Istanbul

Starwise meticulously plans every step for our international patients, ensuring maximum safety and comfort throughout your entire sleeve gastrectomy recovery.

Phase	Timeline	Starwise Tour Assurance
Pre-Op	Days 1–2 (Istanbul)	VIP airport transfer, direct check-in to your 5-star hotel, and comprehensive, mandatory pre-operative tests (endoscopy, bloodwork, cardiologist review) at the JCI-accredited hospital.
Surgery	Day 3	The procedure is performed laparoscopically by a Board-Certified Bariatric Surgeon.
Initial Hospital Recovery	Nights 3–6 (Hospital)	Continuous monitoring, pain management, and a specialized “leak test” to ensure surgical integrity. You will begin gentle walking and sipping clear fluids under nursing supervision.
Hotel Recovery	Days 7–10 (Hotel)	Discharge to your luxury hotel. Our 24/7 dedicated patient coordinator and translator support your

		strict liquid diet phase, ensuring comfort and easy communication.
Departure	Day 10–12	Final check-up with the surgeon, detailed post-op instructions, and transfer back to the airport.

The Recovery Process: A Phased Roadmap

Recovery from Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a phased process that requires discipline but is manageable. Most patients return to non-strenuous work and regular daily activity within 4 to 6 weeks.

1: The First 2 Weeks (Liquids Only)

Hospital Stay (3–4 Days): Focus is on pain management and hydration. Make sure to walk frequently; this helps prevent blood clots.
You will only consume tiny sips of clear liquids.
- The First Week Home: You remain on a clear liquid diet (water, broth, sugar-free gelatin, protein water). This is vital to allow the staple line of your new stomach to heal completely. Fatigue is common as your body is operating on a caloric deficit.
- Key Action: Walking is essential. No lifting anything heavier than 10-15 lbs (approximately 4.5–6.8 kg).

2: Weeks 3–4 (Puréed Foods)

Diet: You transition to full liquids and then smooth, puréed foods. This includes protein shakes, thin soups, non-fat yogurt, and blended soft vegetables. Protein intake is paramount to preserve muscle mass.
- Activity: Light physical activity can increase, but intense cardiovascular exercise and heavy lifting remain restricted. Most desk-based workers can return to their jobs at this stage.

3: Weeks 5–6 (Soft Solids and Resumption of Routine)

Diet: You begin introducing soft, chewable foods like scrambled eggs, mashed fish, soft fruits, and well-cooked vegetables. You must chew slowly and thoroughly—this is the new, lifelong habit.
- By the end of this phase, outer incisions heal completely, and most patients can resume their full work schedule and drive, provided they have stopped all narcotic pain medication.

Long-Term Success: Post-Sleeve Support and The Starwise Promise

The surgery is a powerful tool, but your success depends on long-term commitment. Starwise Tour ensures you receive a personalized, detailed lifelong nutrition plan and essential bariatric supplements (Multivitamin, Calcium, B12) to prevent deficiencies. We provide digital follow-up consultations to monitor your progress long after you return home.

A sleeve gastrectomy in Istanbul is not just a procedure; it is the beginning of a profound transformation, managed safely and expertly with Starwise Tour.