The Rise of Gastric Reduction Surgeries and Bariatric Surgery
Obesity has become a growing health problem worldwide. This situation not only creates aesthetic concerns but also leads to serious health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases. Bariatric surgery, or obesity surgery, offers a permanent solution to these problems. Among the most popular gastric reduction surgeries is the gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy). This operation is preferred by many patients as it provides significant weight loss and an improvement in quality of life.
What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure in which approximately 80% of the stomach is surgically removed. The remaining stomach is turned into a thin, banana-shaped tube. The main purpose of this surgery is to promote weight loss by restricting the amount of food the patient can eat. Additionally, since the cells that produce the appetite hormone (ghrelin) are located in the removed part of the stomach, a significant decrease in the patient’s appetite is observed. This is an important factor that increases the success of the surgery.
Who is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Candidates for gastric sleeve surgery are generally individuals who have been diagnosed with obesity and have not been able to lose weight with methods like diet and exercise. According to the World Health Organization, individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI between 35-40 with serious obesity-related health problems (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc.), are suitable candidates for this surgery. The decision for surgery is made by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a surgeon, a dietitian, and a psychologist.
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery not only provides weight loss but also helps in the recovery of obesity-related diseases. In the majority of patients after surgery, chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea are brought under control or completely disappear. This leads to a dramatic improvement in patients’ general health and quality of life. Furthermore, increased self-confidence and positive changes in social life after the operation are also significant advantages.
Potential Risks and Disadvantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, gastric sleeve surgery also has some risks. These risks include infection, bleeding, leakage, and complications related to anesthesia. One of the disadvantages of the surgery is the permanent reduction of the stomach. This means it is an irreversible procedure. Therefore, it is very important for the patient to fully understand and accept this situation before the decision for surgery is made. The success of the surgery largely depends on the patient’s adaptation to lifestyle changes.
Medical Tourism and Weight Loss in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina has been attracting attention as a rising destination for medical tourism in recent years. This country, known for its historical and natural beauty, offers a more cost-effective alternative for aesthetic and surgical operations. Geographic proximity provides an advantage, especially for patients from neighboring countries and Europe. However, the number of large and internationally recognized health centers is still limited. Patients should be careful about the quality of healthcare, accreditation status, and the experience of surgeons they will receive in this country.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Prices in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Gastric sleeve surgery prices in Bosnia and Herzegovina are lower compared to Western European countries. Prices may vary depending on the clinic’s location, the surgeon’s experience, and the package contents. The prices generally include the surgery, hospital stay, and some check-ups. However, additional services such as flights, accommodation, and post-operative follow-up may not be included in the package. It is important for patients to consider all these details when comparing prices.
Pre-operative Evaluation Process
The pre-operative process for gastric sleeve surgery is of vital importance for the success of the operation. The patient’s physical and psychological readiness for the surgery is evaluated. During this process, support is sought from different areas of expertise such as endocrinology, dietetics, and psychiatry. The patient’s general health status is examined in detail with blood tests, endoscopy, and other imaging methods. This meticulous evaluation increases the safety of the surgery.
The Surgical Procedure: Anesthesia and Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and with a laparoscopic (closed) method. The laparoscopic method is performed by making several small incisions in the abdominal area. The operation is completed with the help of surgical instruments and a camera inserted through these incisions. Laparoscopic surgery provides less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery process compared to open surgery. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours.
Post-operative Hospital Stay
After the surgery, patients usually need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. During this period, the patient is closely monitored. Solid food intake is not allowed for the first 24 hours. The patient’s pain is controlled, and they are encouraged to move early. Nurses and dietitians provide information to the patient about the new diet plan. Before being discharged, the patient’s general condition becomes stable.
Nutrition: A New Life Starting from the First Days
Post-operative nutrition is of critical importance for continued weight loss and the patient’s health. A liquid diet is applied for the first few weeks, followed by pureed foods. After about a month, patients start eating soft solid foods. Since the portions will be very small, patients need to be under the supervision of a dietitian to ensure they get enough protein, vitamins, and minerals. Adequate fluid intake is also vital during this process to prevent dehydration.
Post-operative Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
The reduction of the stomach can decrease the absorption of some vitamins and minerals. Therefore, patients who undergo gastric sleeve surgery may need to use vitamin and mineral supplements for a lifetime. Especially important are B12 vitamin, iron, calcium, and D vitamin supplements. Patients taking these supplements regularly prevent long-term health problems. Dietitians determine the most suitable supplement plan for patients.
Physical Activity: An Indispensable Part of Life
Regular physical activity after surgery is very important for accelerating weight loss and strengthening the body. Patients can start short walks a few days after the surgery. As the recovery process progresses, the intensity of exercises is increased. Activities such as swimming, cycling, and light weightlifting are recommended. Exercise improves both physical health and reduces the risk of post-operative depression.
Post-operative Psychological Support
The weight loss journey is not only a physical change but also a deep psychological process. Changes in eating habits, adaptation problems in social life, and the process of getting used to a new body image may require psychological support. Receiving psychological counseling before and after the surgery helps to complete this process in a healthier and more successful way.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Turkey: A Price and Quality Comparison
While Bosnia and Herzegovina is an attractive option with its affordable prices, Turkey is in a much more superior position for serious surgical procedures like gastric sleeve surgery. Turkey is one of the world leaders in medical tourism and, thanks to major investments in this field, has hospitals equipped with the latest technology and international standards. Turkey is much more advanced than Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of surgeon experience and the number of operations.
Turkey’s Surgeon Experience and Hospital Quality
Bariatric surgeons in Turkey are extremely experienced and are globally recognized experts in gastric sleeve surgery. Surgeons who perform thousands of operations annually achieve successful results even in the most complex cases. Hospitals in Turkey are built with the most advanced medical devices, hygiene standards, and patient comfort in mind. This provides a safe and comfortable treatment environment for patients.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Prices and All-Inclusive Packages in Turkey
Despite the high quality it offers, gastric sleeve surgery prices in Turkey are quite economical compared to Western countries. Prices are generally offered in comprehensive, all-inclusive packages. These packages cover all services such as the surgery fee, hospital stay, anesthesia, medications, dietitian and psychologist consultations, airport transfers, and accommodation. This transparent pricing policy helps patients manage their budget more comfortably.
Patient Experiences and Reliability
When making an important decision like gastric sleeve surgery, it is very important to listen to the experiences and read the comments of patients who have undergone the operation before. Turkey, with its many years of experience in medical tourism, has received positive feedback from countless patients. These comments prove the reliability and success of clinics and surgeons in Turkey.
Travel Logistics: Flights and Accommodation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Turkey
Direct flights are available from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Turkey, and the travel process is quite comfortable. Hospitals in Turkey are generally located close to airports, and transfer services are part of the packages. Special discounts are offered for luxury hotels for accommodation, and patients can spend their treatment process comfortably. These logistical conveniences reduce the stress of the treatment process.
Post-operative Follow-up and Consultation Services
Post-operative follow-up is critical for the success of gastric sleeve surgery. Clinics in Turkey offer regular check-ups and online consultation services to their patients in the post-operative period as well. This way, patients can continue to receive support from experts even after they return to their home country. This continuous follow-up makes it easier for patients to adapt to their new lifestyle.
Aesthetic Surgeries After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Significant weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery can cause skin sagging. This can be corrected with aesthetic operations such as tummy tucks, and arm and leg lifts. Turkey is also one of the world’s leading centers for such aesthetic operations. By having your gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey, you can also receive the same reliable and high-quality service for your possible future aesthetic needs.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Diabetes Remission
Gastric sleeve surgery not only provides weight loss but can also lead to miraculous results for patients with type 2 diabetes. In many patients after surgery, diabetes goes into complete remission, meaning blood sugar levels return to normal without the need for medication. This situation fundamentally changes the quality of life and overall health of the patients.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery: A Lifelong Commitment
Gastric sleeve surgery is not an instant solution, but a lifelong commitment. Success depends on the patient adopting and maintaining new eating and exercise habits. The surgery is only a starting point, and it is very important for patients to receive long-term support to adapt to this new life.
The Exchange Rate Advantage of the Turkish Lira
One of the biggest reasons for the affordable prices in medical tourism in Turkey is the value of the Turkish Lira against foreign currencies. This exchange rate advantage further reduces costs, especially for patients from Europe and America. For those who want to receive an economical treatment without sacrificing quality, Turkey is the most attractive option.
Why You Should Choose Turkey and Cure Holiday for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a vital decision, and it is essential to get the safest and highest quality service when making this decision. While there are some economic options offered in Bosnia and Herzegovina, factors such as the surgeon’s experience, hospital quality, comprehensive packages, and the exchange rate advantage offered by Turkey are much more attractive. Cure Holiday collaborates with the best bariatric surgery centers in Turkey to create a personalized treatment plan for you. They organize all the details for you, from flights and accommodation to transfers and interpreter services. This way, you can focus solely on your recovery and new life. To take the first step towards the healthy and fit life of your dreams, contact Cure Holiday now.
