For patients in South Africa

Weight loss surgery in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

This page is an overview of the weight loss treatments we arrange in İzmir, Turkey, for patients travelling from South Africa: two bariatric operations and two non-surgical options. It explains how they differ and what must be in place at home first, because weight loss surgery starts lifelong care.

The four options at a glance

• Gastric sleeve — a keyhole operation that removes most of the stomach and leaves a narrow tube; permanent; usually two to three nights in hospital
• Gastric bypass — a keyhole operation that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine; permanent, with vitamin supplements for life; usually two to four nights in hospital
• Gastric balloon — a soft balloon placed in the stomach through an endoscope under mild sedation, with no incisions; it has to be removed later, usually after about six months
• Endoscopic weight loss treatment — an injection into the stomach muscles through an endoscope under sedation; the effect lasts around four to six months

The full list is also on our weight loss treatments page. For other non-cosmetic care, see the other treatments guide.

Who is assessed for which

Starting points only; a specialist decides:

• Sleeve or bypass: usually a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea, after diet and exercise alone have not given lasting results
• Gastric balloon: a BMI generally between 27 and 40, including people who are not suitable for surgery or who prefer a reversible option
• Endoscopic treatment: a BMI between 30 and 40; it can also be used as a preparation step before a sleeve or bypass

Every option depends on lasting changes in diet and activity; weight can return after the temporary treatments if habits do not change. We do not promise any amount of weight loss.

Assessment before anything is booked

Send your height, weight, medical history, medicines and any recent blood results with your enquiry. For surgery, assessment in İzmir typically includes blood tests, a nutritional assessment and a psychological evaluation. If you use Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy or another weight-loss injection, tell the surgeon at the start so it can be planned for.

Lifelong care starts at home

The sleeve and the bypass are serious metabolic operations. Afterwards you follow a staged diet and take vitamin and mineral supplements, for life after a bypass, with regular blood tests for deficiencies.

That follow-up happens in South Africa. Before you book, find a GP for 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.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
• Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
• Blood clots: abdominal surgery followed by a long-haul flight raises the risk of clots; the surgeon decides when you can fly, so book a return ticket you can change
• A second visit: a gastric balloon has to be removed months later in a second procedure; agree where and when before you book
• Cover and cost: medical schemes generally do not cover planned treatment abroad and travel insurance usually excludes it, so check both. Pricing is transparent and written; it depends mainly on the procedure, the hospital nights and the length of stay

Follow-up and if something goes wrong

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. Severe abdominal pain, fever, a racing heart, breathlessness or constant vomiting after any of these treatments needs an emergency unit at home straight away.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a procedure before a specialist has assessed you, promise a weight loss figure, operate if your health makes it unsafe, or steer you towards surgery when another option would suit you better.

Frequently asked questions

Which weight loss procedure is right for me?

That is decided after assessment of your BMI, weight-related conditions and general health. A sleeve or bypass is permanent; the balloon and endoscopic treatment are temporary.

How long will I need to stay in Turkey?

After a sleeve or bypass you spend two to four nights in hospital, then the surgeon decides when a ten-hour flight is safe. The non-surgical options need a much shorter stay.

Who looks after me when I get home to South Africa?

Our team follows you up by message and video call, but you also need a GP and a dietitian at home for blood tests, supplements and diet. Arrange this before you travel.

I take a weight-loss injection. Does that matter?

Yes. Tell the surgeon at the start if you take Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy or a similar medicine, so that it can be taken into account when your treatment is planned.

Will my medical aid cover weight loss surgery 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.