What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is a major bariatric surgical procedure, most frequently chosen in obesity treatment and performed using the laparoscopic (keyhole) method. During this operation, approximately $75\%$ to $80\%$ of the stomach is surgically resected and removed, leaving behind a narrow, banana-shaped tube (gastric sleeve).
This procedure not only physically and significantly restricts the amount of food the patient can consume but also leads to a reduction in appetite because the fundus of the stomach, which produces the majority of the hunger hormone known as Ghrelin, is removed. As a result, patients achieve effective and permanent weight loss through both physical restriction and hormonal support.
Why Should You Consider Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Considering Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is a life-changing step taken to resolve chronic health problems (comorbidities) caused by a high Body Mass Index (BMI) that significantly impair the quality of life. Sleeve Gastrectomy provides rapid and noticeable improvement in many health issues, such as the major remission of Type $2$ diabetes, control over high blood pressure, the alleviation or complete disappearance of sleep apnea syndrome, and the reduction of obesity-related joint pain. The surgery not only helps patients regain their physical health but also allows them to return to a more mobile, energetic, and social life, boosting their self-confidence, thus making it a transformative investment in health.
Who is Eligible for Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Suitable candidates for Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery are generally individuals with a BMI of $40$ and above, or those with a BMI of $35$ and above who have significant health issues related to obesity, such as Type $2$ diabetes, severe joint problems, severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or sleep apnea. Eligibility is not restricted to just these physical criteria; candidates must also have previously attempted weight loss through traditional methods like diet and exercise, understand the risks of the procedure, and be psychologically fully committed to adhering to a disciplined lifelong nutrition and follow-up program post-operation. The final suitability decision is made by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a bariatric surgeon, dietitian, and psychologist.
What are the Risks of Obesity Surgery?
Although Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is performed laparoscopically, it carries specific risks and potential complications, as with any major surgical procedure. The most serious short-term risks include leakage (or anastomotic leak) of stomach contents into the abdominal cavity due to incomplete sealing of the surgical staple line, bleeding at the surgical site, and infections. Less severe risks include reactions related to anesthesia and wound healing issues. Long-term risks may involve the new gastric pouch stretching over time, vitamin and mineral deficiencies (less than Gastric Bypass), and the worsening of reflux symptoms. The management of these risks heavily depends on the surgeon’s experience and the hospital’s equipment and preparedness.
What is the Difference Between Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass?
Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) are the two fundamental methods of obesity surgery, and they differ significantly in their mechanisms of action. Sleeve Gastrectomy creates only a restrictive effect by removing a large portion of the stomach and reducing the Ghrelin hormone. Gastric Bypass, however, has a dual mechanism: it creates a restrictive effect by reducing the stomach size and an absorptive effect (malabsorption) by bypassing a portion of the small intestine. Sleeve Gastrectomy is technically simpler, while Gastric Bypass is considered metabolically more effective for treating Type $2$ diabetes and severe reflux.
How Does Lifestyle Change After Surgery?
The lifestyle post-Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery ensures the patient not only achieves physical weight loss but also necessitates a radical and permanent transformation in fundamental nutrition and physical activity habits. Patients are obligated to consume much smaller portions due to the reduction in stomach volume, which requires adherence to strict rules such as eating slowly, chewing food very thoroughly, and avoiding liquid consumption during meals. The most critical changes for long-term success involve avoiding sugary and high-calorie drinks, focusing on regular protein intake, and making exercise an integral part of life. This discipline is the key to converting the opportunity provided by the surgery into permanent success.
How Much Weight is Lost with Sleeve Gastrectomy?
The amount of weight loss achieved with Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is generally quite high among obesity surgery methods and varies according to the patient’s pre-operative BMI, age, and adherence to the post-operative lifestyle. Patients typically aim to lose between $60\%$ and $70\%$ of their excess body weight within the first $12$ to $18$ months. For example, a patient with $60$ kg of excess weight could lose an average of $36$ kg to $42$ kg. This impressive result is possible thanks to both the physical restriction of the stomach and the appetite control provided by the decrease in the Ghrelin hormone, enabling patients to recover from significant comorbidities.
What is the Importance of Dietitian Follow-up?
Dietitian follow-up is as crucial, if not more so, than the surgical intervention itself for sustaining the success of Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. Adapting to the new, reduced gastric anatomy, preventing nutritional deficiencies, and safely managing the transition phases from liquid to solid foods, especially in the first few months, requires dietitian guidance. The dietitian ensures the patient maintains a high protein intake, regulates vitamin and mineral supplements, and, most importantly, helps the patient learn permanent, healthy eating behaviors by giving up emotional eating habits, providing long-term education and follow-up.
Why is the Cost of the Surgery So High?
The main reasons for the high cost of Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery in Western European cities like Rotterdam are the technical complexity of the operation, the cost of the laparoscopic (keyhole) surgical equipment used, and especially the high cost of single-use stapler devices necessary for cutting and stapling the stomach. The high professional fees of the bariatric surgeon, anesthesiologist, and the large surgical team, coupled with the high Euro-based salary expectations of these professionals, directly inflate the price. Additionally, the high rent, operational costs, insurance, and general living expenses of hospitals in Rotterdam are fundamental structural factors that drive the pricing of these services to astronomical levels.
Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement Status
Insurance coverage for Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery depends on the specifics of the patient’s private or public health insurance policy in the Netherlands and how closely they adhere to strict BMI and comorbidity criteria. In the Netherlands, public insurance (the health system) generally only covers the procedure if the patient has a very high BMI (e.g., $>40$) and serious health problems, but even in these cases, long waiting lists are common. Even if private insurance makes a partial payment, the “excess” amount the patient must pay and the costs not covered by the package can be very high. Treatments under medical tourism in Turkey are typically not covered by local insurance, but the total package cost can be lower than even the excess amount in Amsterdam.
What are the Surgical Success Criteria?
Success in bariatric surgery is measured not just by the correct application of surgical techniques, but by the radical improvements achieved in the patient’s quality of life and health. The basic medical criterion for success is the patient losing more than $60\%$ of their excess body weight and maintaining this healthy weight for many years. However, the true indicators of success are the complete resolution of Type $2$ diabetes or reduced need for medication, the full resolution of comorbidities like sleep apnea and hypertension, a dramatic increase in physical activity levels, and a noticeable improvement in social quality of life. This holistic transformation defines the true success of the surgical intervention.
How is it Possible to Maintain Weight in the Long Term?
Maintaining weight in the long term after Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery involves converting the advantage provided by surgical restriction into a permanent lifestyle change. The reduction in stomach size is merely a tool; the actual maintenance mechanism involves the patient internalizing portion control, avoiding high-calorie, liquid, or processed foods, and making regular physical activity an inseparable part of life. Patients must consistently take lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements, continue follow-up with a dietitian and psychologist, which minimizes the risk of reverting to old unhealthy habits. This disciplined, long-term follow-up is vital for the permanence of the weight lost.
Cost of Sleeve Gastrectomy in Rotterdam
The cost of undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery in a private hospital in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is considerably high, reflecting the country’s high standard of living and advanced healthcare sector. Basic procedural prices, which include the surgery, anesthesia, and a $3$-$4$ day hospital stay, generally range significantly, typically between $9.000 €$ and $15.000 €$. This figure often does not cover all advanced pre-operative tests, mandatory post-operative vitamin supplements, $1$ year of dietitian follow-up, or the cost of managing potential complications. This situation can lead to the patient’s total expenditure being much higher than anticipated.
What are the Price Ranges of Clinics in the Netherlands?
The price ranges set by private clinics and hospitals in the Netherlands for Sleeve Gastrectomy vary significantly based on factors such as the central location in Rotterdam and its surroundings, the hospital’s technological equipment, the surgeon’s international reputation, and case experience. Prestigious and large hospitals demand the highest prices due to high operational and personnel costs. However, generally, it is nearly impossible to find a reliable Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery in the Netherlands below $9.000 €$ that meets all legal requirements and safety standards. Compared to the “all-inclusive” and comprehensive packages in Turkey, these high prices typically cover only the basic surgical procedure.
Are Waiting Times Long in Rotterdam?
In the Netherlands, bariatric surgical procedures like Sleeve Gastrectomy are generally covered by the public health system (HSE) under strict BMI and comorbidity criteria, but in these cases, waiting times can extend to months, and sometimes even a year. Waiting times are shorter in private hospitals in Rotterdam, but the calendars of highly demanded and experienced bariatric surgeons are often fully booked weeks in advance. This waiting period is a detriment for international patients who need prompt treatment and whose health condition risks worsening, delaying their treatment. Medical tourism centers in Turkey, however, usually offer international patients fast scheduling with virtually zero waiting time.
Selection Criteria for Bariatric Surgeons in the Netherlands
When selecting a surgeon for Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery in Rotterdam, patients must first inquire about the surgeon’s official area of expertise (focusing on bariatric surgery within general surgery), their competence in laparoscopic surgery, and their membership in international bariatric surgery associations. High fees typically reflect the surgeon’s many years of experience, high case volume, low complication rates, and success in managing the specific risk of leakage. Patients attempt to base their high-cost decision on a solid foundation by reviewing the clinic’s past patient outcomes, the details of its follow-up program, and the multidisciplinary structure of the team.
Pre-operative Assessment Fees
Private hospitals in Rotterdam usually charge a separate fee for the comprehensive pre-operative assessment processes conducted to ensure the safety and success of Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. This process includes detailed blood tests, endoscopy, psychological suitability assessment, and multiple dietitian consultations. The costs of these preliminary tests and expert consultations can be billed as additional charges outside the hospital’s main surgical package price. Medical tourism companies like Cure Holiday in Turkey, aiming to attract international patients and simplify the process, typically offer these comprehensive pre-assessment services either free of charge or included in the package, providing a significant initial cost advantage.
Netherlands Health System and Obesity Surgery
Despite the Netherlands having a generally high-quality public health system, bariatric surgical procedures like Sleeve Gastrectomy may only be covered by insurance if the patient meets the strict BMI and comorbidity criteria (e.g., BMI $>40$) and proves failure in previous weight loss attempts. Even when these criteria are met, long waiting lists in public hospitals often compel patients to turn to the high-cost private sector to prevent their health condition from further deteriorating. This financial obligation is the primary economic reason driving patients towards international options like Turkey, where costs are significantly lower.
What are the Post-operative Follow-up and Support Services?
The long-term success of Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery depends on the quality and continuity of post-operative follow-up and support services. In Rotterdam clinics, this follow-up typically involves regularly scheduled check-ups with the surgeon, bariatric dietitian, and psychologist throughout the first year. However, the costs for these multidisciplinary follow-up services are either included in the initial general surgical package price or charged separately at high rates for each check-up and vitamin/mineral supplement. If separate fees apply, these routine visits and laboratory tests can substantially increase the total cost over time, making budget planning difficult.
Accommodation and Additional Costs in Rotterdam
Despite Rotterdam being the second largest city in the Netherlands, its general cost of living and especially accommodation prices are quite expensive. International patients traveling for treatment face high costs for hotels or rented apartments necessary to comfortably spend the critical $1$-week post-operative recovery period and pre-operative preparation. When adding the high costs of local transportation, dining, and a companion’s expenses, a few weeks’ visit to Rotterdam can easily add thousands of Euros to the surgical cost. These logistical and financial difficulties pose a major disadvantage compared to the all-inclusive comfort and logistical advantages offered by Turkey.
No Language Barrier, But Why is the Cost High?
One of the greatest conveniences of receiving healthcare in the Netherlands is that a vast majority of staff and surgeons speak English fluently, which offers international patients zero language barrier and significant psychological comfort. However, the trade-off for this linguistic convenience is the astronomical clinic fees, which stem from the country’s high general cost of living, high taxes, and operational expenses. For a major surgical procedure like Sleeve Gastrectomy, whether the ease of language and local convenience justifies an additional cost burden exceeding $10.000 €$ compared to an equivalent quality package in Turkey is a key financial question for budget-conscious patients.
What is Included in the Price?
Standard Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery prices in Rotterdam generally include only the basic services covering the technical part of the procedure. These services include operating room rent, surgeon and anesthesiologist fees, and a $3$-$4$ day standard hospital stay. However, these packages often exclude all necessary advanced pre-operative diagnostic tests, mandatory and expensive post-operative vitamin supplements, long-term dietitian and psychologist follow-up sessions, and insurance coverage for potential complications. These excluded and later-arising items can unexpectedly inflate the total cost the patient has to pay.
How are Long-Term Follow-up Costs Calculated?
Lifelong regular follow-up is vital for maintaining the metabolic and nutritional health of Sleeve Gastrectomy patients, intensely for the first $1$-$2$ years and then lifelong. In Rotterdam, routine blood tests, checks of vitamin levels, and doctor and bariatric dietitian consultations performed after the first year of the hospital’s package expires are billed separately at high rates each year if not included in the package. This continuous cost burden amounts to hundreds, and even thousands, of Euros in additional expenditure over the long term and is a significant financial load that must be considered during long-term budget planning.
Are Medical Tourism Opportunities Limited in the Netherlands?
Rotterdam and the Netherlands generally are not marketed as a priority medical tourism destination for international bariatric surgery patients due to their high price tags and limited special government policies to promote health tourism. The country’s high-cost structure limits the patient demographic choosing the Netherlands to either those seeking geographical proximity or those with exceptionally high budgets. In terms of price-performance ratio, its competitiveness in the global market is quite low, and most patients are directed towards countries like Turkey that offer a combination of low cost and high service quality.
Hospital Accreditations and Safety in Rotterdam
Private hospitals in Rotterdam must fully comply with the Netherlands’ strict national health standards and inspection mechanisms, which guarantees a high level of patient safety, hygiene, and service quality. Although these hospitals provide services at high internationally accepted medical standards, the cost of these high standards—including staff salaries, technology investments, and operational expenses—is directly reflected in the prices, forming the main reason for the high price tags. JCI-accredited hospitals in Turkey also offer the same standards but are more accessible thanks to the cost advantage.
Why is the Price Difference So Large?
The primary reason for the astonishing difference in Sleeve Gastrectomy costs between Rotterdam and Turkey is the enormous gap in operational expenses. In the Netherlands, the high Euro-based salary expectations of surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other health personnel, hospital rents, and general operational costs are incredibly high. In Turkey, however, the professional fees of specialists trained to international standards remain at much more reasonable levels, thanks to the Euro/TL exchange rate advantage and lower general living expenses. Turkish hospitals pass this significant cost reduction directly on to international patients without compromising quality, offering them a massive financial advantage.
How did Medical Tourism Rise in Turkey?
Turkey has become a global power in medical tourism over the last two decades, thanks to its geographical location, strategic government investments in the health sector, and especially the high exchange rate advantage of the Euro against the Turkish Lira. In the fields of Sleeve Gastrectomy and other bariatric surgeries, the country offers a perfect combination, attracting patients particularly from Western Europe and Arab countries with its modern, high-tech hospitals, experienced surgical staff, and competitive pricing policies. Turkey provides international standards of quality, zero waiting time, and extremely affordable costs all in one.
Cost of Sleeve Gastrectomy in Turkey
The cost of Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery in Turkey is incredibly competitive and reflects the country’s competitive medical tourism policy and low operating costs, presented in the form of highly comprehensive “all-inclusive” packages. Depending on the scope of service and hospital choice, the prices for these packages generally remain within the highly attractive range of $3.500 €$ to $6.000 €$. This transparent price covers not only the surgery, anesthesia, and hospital stay but also all pre-operative tests, medications, one year of dietitian follow-up, and the logistically vital services for international patients, such as airport transfers and accommodation. This figure is significantly lower than the basic price of the surgery alone in Rotterdam.
Price Advantage in Cities Like Istanbul and Antalya
Major Turkish metropolises like Istanbul and Antalya are home to the country’s most advanced bariatric surgery centers and internationally accredited hospitals. The intense competition among clinics in these cities and low general operational expenses ensure prices are kept substantially lower compared to Western Europe. Istanbul, in particular, combines luxurious accommodation and cultural amenities easily accessible to international patients with high service standards at very affordable prices. This cost-effectiveness enables patients to receive high-quality service without a major financial burden, offering substantial financial relief.
What is Cure Holiday and What Does It Offer?
Cure Holiday is a Turkey-based medical tourism and intermediary organization exclusively focused on international Sleeve Gastrectomy patients, specializing primarily in bariatric surgery. Its mission is to manage the entire process end-to-end, from the patient’s initial idea of traveling to Turkey, through the execution of the surgery, post-operative discharge, and follow-up upon returning home. Cure Holiday collaborates with hospitals and experienced surgeons, guaranteeing completely transparent, fixed, all-inclusive package prices to prevent financial surprises.
Why Should You Choose Cure Holiday in Turkey?
Choosing Cure Holiday in Turkey is the strongest reason, offering the unique combination of “high-quality service” at Western standards with a “significant financial advantage.” For significantly less than what you would pay for the surgery alone in Rotterdam, Cure Holiday provides you with the opportunity to work with expert, experienced surgeons in JCI-accredited modern hospitals. Furthermore, all travel logistics (VIP transfers, luxury accommodation, interpreter service) are included in a single, comprehensive, and transparent package. This allows patients to have a high-quality, comfortable treatment experience, focusing only on recovery without the stress of cost or organization.
What is Included in the Cure Holiday Package? (All-inclusive pricing)?
The “all-inclusive” packages offered by Cure Holiday are designed to cover nearly everything an international patient requires. This comprehensive package includes: Services of a highly experienced surgeon and anesthesia team in Sleeve Gastrectomy, comfortable $3$-$4$ night stay in an international standard, modern hospital, all necessary comprehensive pre-operative medical tests and analyses, all medications and vitamin supplements to be used during the process, post-operative dietitian consultations, a personal interpreter and coordinator service who can communicate in the patient’s native language, airport reception, and luxury VIP transfers between the hotel and the hospital.
Are High-Quality Surgeons Available in Turkey?
Bariatric surgeons in Turkey possess extensive experience and expertise on an internationally competitive level, thanks to the country’s high volume of medical tourism traffic and cases. Many have trained in Western countries or international institutions and are active members of international bariatric societies. The continuous and high influx of patients has enabled Turkish surgeons to gain vast operational experience even in complex and rare cases. This accumulation of expertise is definitively equivalent to that of their Rotterdam counterparts and guarantees high surgical quality.
International Accreditations of Turkish Hospitals
Many private and public hospitals providing bariatric surgery services in Turkey are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the highest global indicator of patient safety and quality standards. JCI accreditation is tangible evidence that these facilities consistently meet the strictest global requirements for hygiene, technical competency, and patient care processes. These accreditations confirm that international patients are investing not just in a price advantage but also in the reliability and quality of the medical service received, serving as a fundamental assurance.
How is Language Support Provided During Treatment?
Cure Holiday guarantees to completely eliminate the language barrier, one of the biggest concerns when seeking surgical treatment abroad. All treatment packages standardly include a personal interpreter and coordinator service who can communicate in the patient’s native language (e.g., English, German, French, or Arabic) and is present throughout all hospital, hotel, and transfer processes from the moment of arrival in Turkey. This continuous language support ensures the patient fully understands the surgeon’s instructions and all process details, maximizing their comfort and confidence during treatment.
What is the Quality of Pre- and Post-operative Care?
Bariatric centers in Turkey meticulously conduct the pre-operative assessment process using the latest technological imaging and laboratory equipment, determining surgical suitability down to the finest detail. In the post-operative period, hospitals maintain high international hygiene standards and prioritize patient comfort by offering personalized and attentive nursing services. The high volume and competitive environment of medical tourism have enabled hospital staff to develop specialized expertise in post-operative care and bariatric patient monitoring, continuously raising the quality of care.
How are Accommodation and Transfer Services Provided in Turkey?
Cure Holiday typically partners with luxury boutique or chain hotels that offer international standard services, usually located in central and secure locations, to ensure international patients spend their post-operative recovery period in maximum comfort and peace. To eliminate all travel stress and logistical difficulties, all transfers (airport pickup, hospital, hotel) are provided with modern and comfortable VIP vehicles. This professional and organized approach guarantees that the patient feels secure, focuses energy on recovery, and does not carry any travel-related worries, even in a foreign country.
Are There Tourism Opportunities During the Recovery Period?
One of the unique advantages of receiving Sleeve Gastrectomy treatment in Turkey is the opportunity for patients to combine the initial critical recovery period with the cultural and natural beauty of places like the historical texture of Istanbul or the hospitality of the Aegean coast. While a few days of rest are needed after the surgery, patients can soon (with clinic approval) engage in light city tours and visit tourist attractions. This cultural experience transforms the treatment journey from a mere medical necessity into an enjoyable and enriching mini-vacation.
How Does the Long-Term Follow-up Program Work with Cure Holiday?
The sustainability of the long-term success of Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery depends on high-quality long-term follow-up as much as the surgery itself. Cure Holiday commits to the seamless continuation of this critical support even after patients return home. Packages generally include $1$ year of regularly scheduled dietitian and coordinator follow-up services via Skype, WhatsApp, or dedicated online platforms. This ensures patients receive continuous professional guidance regarding their diet plan, vitamin supplements, and weight loss progress. This service, which would cost extra time and money in Rotterdam, is an indispensable and complimentary part of the Turkish package.
Comparison of Rotterdam Price with Turkey Package Price
This financial comparison clarifies the incredible value Turkey offers: While you would spend around $12.000 €$ in Rotterdam for just the basic cost of Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery, through Cure Holiday in Turkey, you can secure a complete, turn-key package for approximately $4.000 €$, which includes the surgery, luxury accommodation, all transfers, medications, medical tests, and one year of comprehensive follow-up. The significant difference of over $8.000 €$ between these two figures stems solely from the massive difference in fundamental living and operating costs between Rotterdam and Turkey.
What are the Values Beyond Financial Advantage?
The value offered by receiving Sleeve Gastrectomy treatment through Cure Holiday in Turkey extends far beyond the thousands of Euros saved compared to Rotterdam. This value is comprised of factors such as rapid access to treatment with zero waiting time, the logistical comfort provided by the full organization of travel and accommodation, $24/7$ personalized support, and the inclusion of long-term follow-up in the package. This holistic approach significantly elevates the treatment experience by alleviating the patient’s physical, psychological, and financial burden.
Is There a Health Tourism Insurance Guarantee?
Corporate and reliable medical tourism providers like Cure Holiday ensure peace of mind for international patients by including comprehensive health tourism insurance options or financial guarantees in their packages, protecting against potential surgical complications and unexpected travel-related incidents. This guarantee provides a critical layer of security, ensuring the patient is financially protected and can receive necessary treatment without an additional cost burden, should an unforeseen situation arise in a foreign country. This service significantly alleviates the perceived risk associated with undergoing treatment abroad.
What Does Quick Appointment and No Waiting Time Mean?
Unlike the long waiting lists in Rotterdam’s public health system and the scheduling times in the private sector, specialized medical tourism centers in Turkey offer extremely fast and flexible appointment processes for international patients. As obesity is a health problem that rapidly reduces quality of life, the patient’s medical files are reviewed quickly upon contacting Cure Holiday, and the surgery can usually be scheduled within just a few weeks, providing the opportunity to start critical treatment without delay, preventing the patient’s health condition from worsening.
Get Information Now
If the high prices demanded for Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery in Rotterdam and the long waiting times are causing you disappointment, it is time to take action now. Contacting Cure Holiday today is the first practical and logical step towards a healthy future. The company’s experienced patient coordinators can transparently inform you about the entire process, evaluate your medical history, and quickly create a high-quality treatment plan that perfectly aligns with your budget.
