Information only. This article explains what a treatment is and how it is usually carried out. It is not medical advice, not an offer and not a recommendation to have any procedure. Whether it suits you can only be decided by a licensed doctor after an examination.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is a weight-loss procedure that some international visitors consider in Istanbul, where multiple hospitals offer it. This guide explains how the procedure works, what to prepare, the typical stay, and what to discuss with a doctor.
Because this affects your body and health outcomes differ from person to person, it is essential to talk with a licensed doctor in your home country before deciding, and to verify the credentials of any doctor and clinic you consider. Quality, regulation and medical standards differ by country and by provider.
Quick answer: Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is a procedure performed under general anesthesia in which a doctor uses an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to access the stomach through the mouth and reshape it by placing sutures, reducing its capacity. The procedure itself takes place in an operating room, and patients typically stay overnight or a few nights in the hospital.
At a Glance
| Total time | Procedure duration 60–90 minutes; hospital stay typically 1–3 nights |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | ₺₺₺ |
What You Need Before You Start
- Initial consultation with a surgeon to assess suitability through medical history and examination
- Pre-operative health checks, typically including blood tests and imaging
- Fasting instructions before the procedure (usually from the night before)
- Arranged follow-up care with a doctor in your home country after returning
- Time for recovery before returning to work and normal activities
- Commitment to post-procedure dietary changes and follow-up visits
Compare Your Options
| Option | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) | 60–90 minutes procedure; 1–3 nights hospital stay | Minimally invasive, no external incisions. Reversible in most cases. Requires strict post-procedure diet and lifestyle changes. Outcomes and recovery depend on individual factors. | |
| Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve gastrectomy) | 60–90 minutes procedure; 2–3 nights hospital stay | Surgical removal of part of the stomach. Permanent procedure. Requires larger incisions and longer recovery. Typically considered when weight loss from endoscopic procedures alone has not met goals. | |
| Gastric bypass surgery | 2–3 hours procedure; 2–3 nights hospital stay | Reroutes part of the digestive system. Permanent procedure. More complex surgery with longer recovery. Typically reserved for patients with higher BMI or who have not responded to other approaches. |
₺ budget · ₺₺ moderate · ₺₺₺ upscale · ₺₺₺₺ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Initial consultation
Meet with a bariatric surgeon to discuss your medical history, weight loss goals and why you are considering the procedure. The surgeon will examine you and review your health records. Ask for a written treatment plan and clarify what is and is not included in the quoted cost. Verify that the doctor holds a valid license in Turkey's medical register.
Tip: Bring copies of any recent medical tests, medications you take and a list of allergies or past surgical complications.
Step 2: Pre-operative testing
Undergo blood tests, possibly imaging scans, and an assessment by an anesthesiologist. These tests check that you are fit for general anesthesia and the procedure. Results typically take several days to a week. Discuss any medications you take regularly, particularly blood thinners or diabetes medications, with the surgical team.
Tip: Ask which medications to stop before the procedure and when to resume them after.
Step 3: Fasting before procedure
Follow the fasting instructions provided by the hospital, typically no food or drink from midnight the night before. Arrive at the hospital at the scheduled time on the morning of the procedure. Bring your identification and insurance information.
Tip: Plan to have someone accompany you to the hospital and to pick you up afterwards; do not drive or use public transport alone immediately after anesthesia.
Step 4: The procedure
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon passes an endoscope (a thin flexible tube with a camera and instruments) down your throat into the stomach. Working through the endoscope, the surgeon reshapes the stomach by placing sutures along its length, reducing its volume. No incisions are made on the skin. The procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes.
Tip: You will be unconscious; ask the hospital for a detailed written record of what was done, including photos or video if available, to share with your doctor at home.
Step 5: Hospital recovery and discharge
You will wake in recovery and remain in the hospital overnight or for a few nights as the surgical team monitors you. You may feel sore throat, nausea or abdominal discomfort. Pain relief and anti-nausea medication will be offered. Before discharge, you will receive written care instructions, medication names and doses, and clear instructions on when to seek medical help.
Tip: Ask for the names and contact details of the surgical team and hospital in case you need to contact them after leaving Istanbul.
Step 6: Follow-up and recovery at home
Recovery typically takes 2–4 weeks before returning to work and normal activities. Your stomach will be sensitive; you will follow a strict liquid diet for the first week or two, then gradually introduce soft foods. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your home-country doctor. Report any severe pain, fever, bleeding, vomiting that does not stop, or difficulty swallowing to a doctor immediately.
Tip: Keep all discharge papers, surgical reports and medication lists to show your home-country doctor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the procedure is permanent: ESG is often reversible or weight regain can occur if post-procedure diet and lifestyle changes are not maintained. Stomach capacity can increase over time if dietary recommendations are not followed.
- Not planning follow-up care at home: The procedure is only the beginning; long-term success depends on follow-up appointments, dietary management and sometimes support from a dietitian in your home country. Arrange this before traveling.
- Underestimating dietary changes: ESG requires strict dietary changes for life, including small meal portions, avoiding certain foods, and typically taking nutritional supplements. Do not assume you can eat normally afterwards.
- Not verifying doctor credentials: Before booking, check that the surgeon holds a current, valid license in Turkey's medical register. Ask for proof of training and experience in this specific procedure.
- Overlooking complications and risks: Complications, though rare, can include sore throat, nausea, infection or in rare cases perforation. Understand what complications could require urgent medical care and know how to access it.
Tickets, Payment and Booking
Many international patients arrange endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty in Turkey through direct contact with hospitals or clinics, or through medical tourism facilitators. Verify that the clinic and surgeon are licensed with Turkey’s Ministry of Health. Ask about what is included in the quoted price: surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, hospital stay, pre-operative tests, and post-operative follow-up visits. Confirm payment methods and whether your travel health insurance or home-country insurance will cover any costs. Do not rely solely on online reviews; ask the clinic for references from patients in your home country who have had the procedure.
Good to know
- Do not assume all hospitals and clinics in Istanbul are equal. Before booking, research the surgeon's specific experience with endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, verify their credentials with Turkey's medical regulatory authority, and ask how many procedures they have performed and their complication rates.
- Plan at least 3–5 days in Istanbul for the initial consultation, pre-operative tests, the procedure and immediate post-operative recovery before flying home. Travel on an airplane too soon after the procedure can increase risks.
- Arrange follow-up care with a doctor in your home country before you travel. Provide your home-country doctor with all surgical details and post-operative instructions so they can monitor your recovery and manage any complications.
- Do not book based on price alone. Very low costs may indicate inexperienced surgeons or clinics cutting corners on safety, anesthesia quality or follow-up care. Balance cost with surgeon experience and hospital accreditation.
- Understand that weight loss after ESG depends heavily on your commitment to dietary changes and follow-up. Without lifestyle changes, results may be disappointing or temporary.
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FAQ
How long does the actual procedure take?
The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure itself typically takes 60–90 minutes. You will be under general anesthesia for this time. Total time at the hospital from arrival to discharge from recovery usually takes several more hours.
Is the procedure reversible?
In most cases endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty can be reversed or modified by endoscopy, unlike gastric sleeve surgery. However, reversal is not always possible depending on how the sutures were placed. Ask your surgeon specifically about reversibility before the procedure.
When can I fly home after the procedure?
Most patients can fly 3–5 days after the procedure if recovery is uncomplicated. Flying too soon risks complications such as blood clots. Discuss timing with your surgeon; they may recommend waiting longer depending on your individual recovery.
Will I need a special diet after the procedure?
Yes, a strict diet is essential. You will typically follow a liquid diet for 1–2 weeks, then progress to soft foods over several weeks. Lifelong dietary changes including small portions and avoidance of certain foods are required for long-term success.
What if I regain weight after the procedure?
Weight regain can occur if post-procedure dietary changes are not maintained. The stomach can stretch over time if portions become larger. Your surgeon and dietitian can help adjust your approach; in some cases, additional endoscopic procedures or surgery may be considered.
Can I work after the procedure?
Most people can return to office work within 2–3 weeks if recovery is uncomplicated. Jobs requiring physical labor typically require 4–6 weeks before resuming full duties. Your surgeon will advise based on your specific recovery.
What qualifications should I check in a surgeon?
Verify current medical licensure in Turkey, specific training in endoscopic bariatric procedures, the number of ESG procedures performed and documented complication rates. Ask for board certification or fellowship training in bariatric surgery.
What happens if complications develop after I return home?
This is why pre-arranged follow-up care with a doctor in your home country is essential. Provide them with all surgical details and post-operative instructions. Seek immediate medical attention for severe pain, fever, persistent vomiting, or bleeding.
Before you decide anything
Risks and possible complications
- Sore throat or difficulty swallowing in the first few days
- Nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort
- Infection or bleeding (rare)
- In rare cases, perforation (tear) of the stomach wall requiring emergency surgery
- Leakage from suture sites
- Recurrent weight gain if post-procedure dietary changes are not maintained
- Nutritional deficiencies if dietary guidance is not followed or supplements are not taken
- Anesthesia-related risks, which depend on your overall health
Alternatives to talk about with a doctor
- Intensive lifestyle changes: structured diet program, regular exercise and behavioral counseling without surgical intervention
- Gastric balloon: a temporary endoscopic procedure in which an inflatable device is placed in the stomach for 6 months to reduce capacity
- Dietary management and support from a nutritionist or dietitian
- Bariatric surgery options such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass if endoscopic procedures are not suitable or have not met goals
Questions to ask a licensed doctor
- Is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty suitable for my weight, medical history and overall health?
- What weight loss can typically be expected, and over what timeframe?
- What are the specific risks and complications for my situation, and how are they managed?
- What dietary changes will be required after the procedure, and for how long?
- Will I need nutritional supplements, and if so, which ones and for how long?
- How often will I need follow-up appointments, and what will they involve?
- Can you provide a written treatment plan and a detailed cost breakdown?
- If complications arise after I return home, how will they be managed? Can I contact you?
- This page is information. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to have any treatment or to choose any clinic, doctor or country.
- Every medical procedure has risks, and results and healing differ from person to person. A licensed doctor who has examined you decides whether a treatment is suitable.
- Talk to a doctor in your home country before you decide, and plan follow-up care at home: problems can appear after you return.
- Check that the clinic and the doctor are licensed in the official register of the Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Sağlık Bakanlığı, and ask for a written treatment plan and a consent form you understand.
- After a procedure, get urgent medical help for severe pain, fever, heavy bleeding or breathing problems. In an emergency call the local emergency number.
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This page was prepared with the help of AI and checked by automatic rules. It is general information only, not medical advice and not a recommendation to have any treatment or to choose any clinic. Mistakes can still happen and details can change without notice. Please check important details with the official source and talk to a licensed doctor before you decide anything.
