HOW DOES THE SLEEVE WORK?

The gastric sleeve works in three ways:

Firstly, it is a restrictive procedure, meaning that it achieves weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten.

Secondly, 80% - 85% of the stomach is removed along with the hunger hormone Ghrelin. This hormone stimulates appetite and hunger. The elimination of the Ghrelin hormone results in a significant reduction or loss of appetite.

Lastly, surgery combined with changed behaviour is a proven method of achieving long term weight loss for people who are obese.

Obesity is closely linked with many health problems including Diabetes (high blood sugar levels), Hypertension (high blood pressure), Heart Disease, Hyperlipidaemia (high blood fats), Sleep Apnoea (disturbed sleep), Infertility, Social Isolation, and Depression. Studies have shown that some of these obesity associated health conditions have improved or gone away completely after surgery.

HOW FAST WILL I LOSE WEIGHT?

Each person is different and many different factors will determine how much weight or how fast weight is lost. However, most gastric sleeve patients lose up to 70% of their excess weight within the first year and up to 80% of it in 2 years. And as you start to lose weight you will begin to feel healthier and more energetic.

IS THE SLEEVE SURGERY SAFE?

As with all surgical procedures, there is some level of risk. This is why we only work with top surgeons that are very experienced and skilled. The sleeve operation is keyhole surgery, which means that it is minimal invasive surgery. This also contributes to reducing the risk of post-surgery complications. The risk level is similar to having a gallbladder removed.

The pre-operational tests and consultations are extremely thorough and the surgeons will not undertake any surgical procedure unless it is safe to do so.

There is also a responsibility upon yourselves to follow all of your doctor’s pre- and post-op instructions carefully, discuss any medical conditions with your doctor prior to your operation. In this way you will be sure that you, and your surgeon, are prepared, and that your body is appropriately cared for before, during, and after surgery.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SURGERY?

Is your BMI over 30? (If you do not know your BMI then let us know your height and weight and we can work it out for you.)

Do you have any on-going medical conditions? (such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure or Heart problems)

Have you ever had any previous surgeries?

Do you take any kind of medication and if so what dosage?

WHICH HOSPITALS DO YOU USE?

We use one of three modern, private hospitals for our surgery, one is located in KUSADASI and the other two are in IZMIR.

The operation is performed via keyhole surgery by one of our highly skilled and experienced bariatric surgeons.

We also offer a unique service in that we provide ENGLISH speaking carers to look after you whilst in the hospital 24hrs a day. There is a member of our GSIT team who is also available to translate between any non-English speaking hospital staff although many of our doctors speak English. (GS LiTE not applicable)

*PLEASE NOTE:* If you go direct to the hospital or choose our GS LiTE package you will not receive any of our services, which includes 24hr English speaking carers, translations when needed, 1 year post-op checkup and many more benefits.

WILL I HAVE ANY TESTS BEFORE I HAVE SURGERY?

• BLOOD TESTS
• URINE ANALYSIS
• X RAYS
• ENDOSCOPY (You will be asleep during this procedure) An ENEMA is NOT required.
• ULTRASOUND
• ECG
• RESPIRATORY FUNCTION TEST

You will also have consultations with an anaesthetist, cardiologist, chest specialist, internal medicine consultant, psychiatrist and your bariatric surgeon.

IS IT NECESSARY TO DO ANY SPECIAL DIET BEFORE SURGERY?

You are not required to undergo a liver shrinking diet or follow any other special diet prior to surgery as our surgeons are so experienced they can operate with inflated livers. They also have equipment that enables them to assist with fatty livers during surgery.

IS IT NECESSARY TO DO ANY SPECIAL DIET BEFORE SURGERY?

You are not required to undergo a liver shrinking diet or follow any other special diet prior to surgery as our surgeons are so experienced they can operate with inflated livers. They also have equipment that enables them to assist with fatty livers during surgery.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOOKING WITH GET SLIM IN TURKEY?

With our Classic and Premium Packages we offer a totally unique service in that we provide English speaking carers to help look after you whilst in the hospital 24hrs a day. They are there to provide translation for you between any non-English speaking hospital staff, explain the procedure so you are fully aware at all times and they also offer support and ensure there are no communication issues. This service is unique to Get Slim in Turkey, and we have a team of English Speaking Carers with you 7 days a week.

Unlike the majority of the other companies advertising similar packages, we are fully licensed and authorised to provide Medical Tourism in Turkey by the Turkish Government.

Get Slim in Turkey does not believe our service ends once you have had your surgery. You will have access to our dedicated online after-care team, who can assist with any post-op queries or questions you may have and can also liaise directly with your surgeon on your behalf. (GS LiTE not applicable)

WHAT AFTERCARE WILL I RECEIVE ONCE I RETURN TO HOME?

We are unique in that we have a dedicated aftercare team on hand for any questions or queries you may have upon your return home. Our aftercare team will act as the liaison between you and your surgeon. They have direct contact with your hospital, dietician and surgeon etc ensuring you will always have access to all our dietician information and advise whilst at home.

You can also send your blood tests to be assessed by your surgeon who will evaluate and advise at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. We also visit the UK, IRELAND and GERMANY with our surgeons on a regular basis (normal circumstances permitting) so you also have the opportunity to see your surgeon again during this time.

We have an online support network which is available 7 days a week and you will be given an emergency telephone number in Turkey for a member of GSIT that you can call at any time. (GS LiTE not applicable).

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF BARIATRIC SURGERY?

While bariatric surgery can offer many benefits, all forms of surgery are major procedures that can pose serious risks. Also as with any major procedure, bariatric surgery poses potential health risks.

Those risks associated with this surgical procedure can include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
• Blood clots
• Lung or breathing problems
• Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
• Death (very rare)

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS AFTER SURGERY

Some people find it difficult to tolerate some foods and this can vary from person to person. The most common foods to initially cause problems may be dry meat, soft white bread, rice, stringy or fibrous vegetables, salad, sweet corn, nuts, dried fruit, pips and seeds. If you find you can’t tolerate a certain food, try it again in a few weeks’ time. There is a lot of adaptation in the first few months and you will manage it all in time.

VOMITING - You should not expect to be sick after gastric bypass surgery. If you are sick at any time it is likely you have either eaten too much, too quickly, not chewed the food enough or had a drink too near to the meal.

CONSTIPATION – Although this is normal you should have at least 2 litres of water a day. Try to choose more high fibre foods eg. whole grain products, fruit and vegetables. Regular exercise also helps to alleviate constipation.

DIARRHOEA – This can also be normal after surgery but you can take REFLOR sachets or IMMODIUM to help. Also make sure you stay hydrated by drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water a day.

ALCOHOL - It is not recommended that you drink alcohol for at least the first 6 weeks after your operation and remember that you will feel the effects of alcohol much more quickly than before. Please remember it is not recommended to drink fizzy drinks such as beer as this can cause discomfort or even worse could stretch your stomach.

VITAMINS – Your surgeon will recommend taking Multivitamins for a year after surgery. You’re also required to have blood tests at 1,3,6,12 & 24 months.

TIREDNESS – This is normal in the first few weeks after surgery. Again each person is different so you need to listen to your body.

SEXUAL INTERCOURSE – It is recommended to wait at least 2 -3 weeks after surgery.

DRIVING – Most patients are driving 4 days after surgery. Please ensure that you are able to do an emergency stop without discomfort or pain.

PREGNANCY – It is recommended you wait 1 year before getting pregnant as your hormones will take time to settle down after surgery and it may affect your overall weight loss.

DO I NEED ANY ADDITIONAL MEDICATION?

Yes there is a post op pack (medicine pack) supplied to you prior to your discharge from the hospital included. This consists of stomach protectors, blood thinning injections, vitamins and other medical supplies needed. Prior to discharge one of our GSIT team will go through all the medications with you. The standard post op package is included in the package price.

DO I NEED ANY ADDITIONAL MEDICATION?

Yes there is a post op pack (medicine pack) supplied to you prior to your discharge from the hospital included. This consists of stomach protectors, blood thinning injections, vitamins and other medical supplies needed. Prior to discharge one of our GSIT team will go through all the medications with you. The standard post op package is included in the package price.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY?

You should take it easy while you recover from your procedure. Taking good care of yourself while you heal ultimately leads to a faster and a better recovery. However, the recovery period does vary from patient to patient. Generally though, you can expect to be up and moving around a few hours after your bariatric surgery. You may feel tender or experience some discomfort but these symptoms are quite normal and should subside quickly. Any discomfort can be managed with oral pain medication. Most patients find they can return to normal everyday activities within 4 - 5 days.

WHAT IS THE APPROXIMATE RECOVERY TIME AFTER SURGERY?

As the surgery is keyhole most patients have a very fast recovery time after the initial 3 days in hospital and return to their normal daily routines and activities 4 to 5 days after surgery. You are able to fly home on the 5th day.

WHAT CAN I EAT DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS AFTER SURGERY?

The first two weeks after surgery you will be on a liquid diet. Then the following 2 weeks you will be on a puree diet. You should then aim to be eating ‘normal’ foods again approximately 1 month after your operation. You will be given full details of foods to be eaten and information from the dietician and GSIT team after surgery and prior to discharge. After 4-5 weeks you will be having 3 small meals a day with no more than 4-5 hours between each meal. The long term aim is to have 3 tea plate sized meals a day, with nutritious healthy snacks such as fruit, yoghurt or raw nuts in between.

In the initial period after surgery you will only be able to eat very small portions and will probably not feel hungry due to the changes in stomach hormone levels. It is common for your portion sizes to increase to a child’s size or starter portion within a year of your surgery.

HOW DO I BOOK?

Prior to booking your flights you must first ensure that your BMI is over 30 and that if you are taking any medications or had previous surgeries you have advised the GSIT team and sent ALL the information needed for approval by the surgeon.

You then need to check your dates with the GSIT team for availability before booking. To confirm your surgery we will take a deposit payment of £300/300€. Once we have confirmed the date you need to arrange your own flights and once booked send the GSIT team a screenshot of your flight tickets, copies of yours and your companions (if you are bringing one) passport.

If choosing our all inclusive package, a deposit of £450/550€ is required

We also need an email address and phone number that you can be contacted on and we will then book you in for your procedure and send you a booking confirmation.

There are NO waiting lists as we can do several surgeries a day.

The closest airport is IZMIR – ADNAN MENDERES AIRPORT.

If travelling alone and would like a surgery buddy, we can also pair you off with other patients if dates coincide with each other. You can also ask our Admin and Coordinators about our SLEEVE BUDDY packages which we arrange frequently throughout the year.

CAN I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME?

Yes you can bring a partner or companion with you at no extra cost. They will also share all transfers, have a bed in your hospital room and be given 3 meals a day.

WHICH AIRLINES FLY TO IZMIR?

Currently PEGASUS has cheap direct flights from London Stansted. EASYJET also has direct flights from Gatwick from April onwards. AER LINGUS, SUNWAY and SUN EXPRESS have flights from Dublin direct in the summer and winter And TURKISH AIRLINES have flights via Istanbul in the winter.

HOW DO I PAY FOR SURGERY?

A deposit of £300/300€ (£400/400€ if booking our All Inclusive Package) is required to secure your surgery. The remaining balance you will pay for surgery upon arrival to the hospital. Cash payment can be paid in Euros or English Sterling (Scottish & Irish Notes are not accepted in Turkey).

Alternatively you can also pay by credit/debit card. If choosing this method, there is an additional charge of 10% depending on your bank and your bank may also charge a conversion fee.

PLEASE NOTE: If paying in English Sterling only new style notes are now accepted in Turkey.

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