For patients in South Africa
Gastric sleeve in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide
A gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) is a permanent keyhole operation that removes about 70–80% of the stomach and shapes the rest into a narrow tube. You eat less, feel full sooner and often feel less hungry, because production of ghrelin, a hunger hormone, falls. This page covers who it suits, the stay and the follow-up to arrange in South Africa.
In short: The operation takes 60–90 minutes under general anaesthesia, with two to three nights in hospital. South Africans travel with an e-Visa and a direct flight to Istanbul, then a short connection to İzmir, and the surgeon decides when you can make the ten-hour flight home. Afterwards you need a staged diet, vitamin supplements and regular blood tests, so arrange a GP and a dietitian at home before you book.
Last updated: October 2026
Who it suits
- People with a BMI of 40 or more
- People with a BMI of 35 or more and weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea or fatty liver disease
- People for whom diet and exercise alone have not given lasting results
- People fit for general anaesthesia and surgery, and ready for permanent changes to how they eat
A sleeve cannot be reversed. Unlike a gastric bypass, it does not reroute the intestine, which makes it the simpler of the two operations. If you already have reflux, say so: reflux can get worse after a sleeve, and your risk is assessed before surgery. If you use Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy or another weight-loss injection, tell the surgeon at the start so it can be planned for. The technique is described on the gastric sleeve treatment page, and all options are compared in our weight loss surgery guide for South African patients.
Assessment and the operation
In İzmir, assessment before surgery typically includes an examination, blood tests and metabolic screening, a nutritional assessment and a psychological evaluation, with imaging or an endoscopy if needed. The operation is done through small incisions under general anaesthesia: the surgeon removes most of the stomach, shapes the remaining part into a sleeve, seals it and checks it for leaks.
Hospital stay and the flight home
You usually spend two to three nights in hospital, with pain relief and early walking. Light activity is usually possible after one to two weeks and a normal routine after three to four. Allow extra days in İzmir after discharge for check-ups: the surgeon decides when you are fit to fly, and a ten-hour flight soon after abdominal surgery raises the risk of blood clots. Book a return ticket you can change.
- Choose an aisle seat, get up and walk regularly, and keep sipping fluids
- Tell us at the start about any history of blood clots, smoking or hormone medication
Eating, vitamins and follow-up at home
Food comes back in stages: clear liquids, then full liquids, puréed food, soft food and finally normal textures in small portions. Eat slowly, chew well and avoid high-calorie drinks. Because you eat much less, supplements are usually needed, typically a multivitamin, vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron if indicated, with regular blood tests to check your levels.
Most of this happens at home. Before you book, find a GP for the blood tests and a dietitian for the diet stages, and take your operation note and supplement plan home. Our team follows you up by message and video call; Turkey is one hour ahead of South Africa.
Results and risks
Weight loss varies. Most happens in the first 12 months and it can continue for 18–24 months, but long-term results depend on keeping up the changes in diet and activity. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea may improve; we cannot promise it.
Risks include bleeding, infection, a leak from the staple line (rare), acid reflux and nutritional deficiencies. If you develop severe abdominal pain, a fever, a racing heart or vomiting that will not stop, seek emergency care at home straight away. Under our treatment guarantee, complications and clinically necessary revisions within a year are treated in İzmir at no charge for that treatment; flights and accommodation are your own. See our clinic facts and complaints process.
What we will not do
We will not confirm surgery before a surgeon has assessed you, promise a weight loss figure, or operate if your health makes it unsafe.
Frequently asked questions
Can a gastric sleeve be reversed?
No. Most of the stomach is removed, so the operation is permanent.
How long after a gastric sleeve can I fly home to South Africa?
The surgeon decides. You usually spend two to three nights in hospital, then further days in İzmir for check-ups, because a ten-hour flight soon after surgery raises the risk of blood clots.
Will I need vitamins after a gastric sleeve?
Usually, yes. Because you eat much less, supplements such as a multivitamin, vitamin B12 and vitamin D are commonly needed, with regular blood tests at home to check your levels.
Can reflux get worse after a sleeve?
It can for some patients. Tell the surgeon if you already have reflux; your individual risk is assessed before surgery and taken into account when choosing between a sleeve and a bypass.
Will my medical aid cover a gastric sleeve in Turkey?
South African medical schemes generally do not cover planned treatment abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes it. Ask your scheme before booking; we cannot promise cover.
Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.