Home · Treatments · Gastric sleeve
Weight-loss surgery
Gastric sleeve
Weight-loss surgery that makes the stomach smaller, planned as one trip. With Dr. Cuma Aslan at Surp Pırgiç Armenian Hospital.
- In IstanbulAbout a week
- In hospitalUsually 2 to 3 nights
- DecisionYour surgeon
About the treatment
General information to help you prepare your questions. It is not medical advice.
What it is
Sleeve gastrectomy is a weight-loss operation. The surgeon removes a large part of the stomach and leaves a narrow tube, or "sleeve". It is usually done with keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.
It is a permanent change. Afterwards you eat much smaller portions and follow a staged diet and lifelong eating habits that your hospital team explains. It is not right for everyone.
Who decides
Only a surgeon can decide whether this operation suits you, after looking at your health history and test results.
We send your details to the surgeon and pass the answer back to you, including when the answer is no.
How the operation works
A simplified illustration, not to scale. Your surgeon explains your own operation, which may differ.
- I
The stomach
Before surgery, the stomach is a wide, stretchy pouch that holds a large meal.
- II
Keyhole surgery
The surgeon usually works through a few small incisions, using a camera and fine instruments.
- III
Along a staple line
A large part of the stomach is separated along a line of surgical staples and removed.
- IV
The sleeve
A narrow tube remains. You feel full after much smaller portions.
Your questions reach your surgeon through your coordinator, before you book anything.
Dr. Cuma Aslan
General surgeon · Obesity and metabolic surgery
For the last ten years Dr. Aslan has focused on obesity and metabolic surgery. He reviews your case before you travel, meets you face to face in Istanbul and makes every medical decision with you.
- Graduated from Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine
- Specialised in general surgery at Haseki Training and Research Hospital
- Sleeve gastrectomy, gastric botox and gastric balloon procedures
- Certified in obesity surgery by the Ministry of Health of Türkiye
- Previously at Ethica İncirli, Doğan and Rami hospitals in Istanbul
- Follows the field through national and international congresses
Name and photo shown with the surgeon's permission.
10,000+
obesity operations performed
Ten years focused on obesity and metabolic surgery.
The partner hospital
Surp Pırgiç Armenian Hospital
A historic hospital set around garden courtyards, where Dr. Aslan works in obesity and metabolic surgery. Your tests, your meeting with the surgeon and the operation all happen here, with an interpreter beside you.
- City
- Istanbul
- Treatment
- Gastric sleeve
- Surgeon
- Dr. Cuma Aslan
Your week, in messages
A typical plan, told the way your coordinator would write to you. Your surgeon sets your own dates and may change them for medical reasons.
Illustration · example messages from your coordinator
Day 1 · Arrival
You sleep at the hotel · With you: driver, coordinator
HospitalTR
Welcome to Istanbul. Your driver is waiting at arrivals with your name on a sign.14:05
I will call on you at the hotel this evening and walk you through tomorrow.19:30
Day 2 · Tests, and meeting your surgeon
Hotel · With you: coordinator, interpreter
HospitalTR
Tests begin in the morning. Then you meet your surgeon and the anaesthetist. Write down every question; the interpreter will be beside you.08:10
Day 2 or 3 · Surgery
Hospital · With you: surgical team, interpreter
HospitalTR
Surgery happens only after you have given consent. I will keep the person travelling with you, or your family at home, informed.07:45
Days 3 to 4 · On the ward
Hospital · With you: nurses, interpreter
HospitalTR
Rest today. The hospital team will explain the first stages of your diet, in writing. Message me if anything is unclear.11:20
Days 5 to 6 · Quiet days at the hotel
Hotel · With you: your coordinator visits
HospitalTR
You are back at the hotel. Short walks, rest and the eating plan from the hospital. I will come by this afternoon.15:00
Day 7 · Final check, then home
Hospital, then airport · With you: your surgeon, driver
HospitalTR
Final check with your surgeon this morning. Once you are signed off for travel, your driver takes you to the airport.09:15
After you fly home · Still in touch
Home · With you: your coordinator, a message away
HospitalTR
Home safely? I am still here. Send me your questions and I will pass them to your surgeon's team.18:40
Your plan, in writing, before you book.
Every plan for gastric sleeve is personal. After a specialist reviews your case, you receive a written plan with your dates, hospital, surgeon and everything it includes.
Arranged for every treatment
- Airport, hotel and hospital transfers
- Hotel nights around your treatment
- An interpreter at the hospital
- One coordinator, from first message to follow-up
- A written plan with dates, hospital and surgeon
- Follow-up after you fly home
Risks and recovery
Every operation carries risk
Your surgeon explains the risks of sleeve gastrectomy face to face, before you sign consent. Ask as many questions as you need; your interpreter makes sure nothing is lost in translation.
Recovery follows your hospital's plan
The hospital team gives you written instructions for eating, activity and medication. Follow them, not general advice from websites, including this one.
Gastric sleeve, answered
HospitalTR
Tap a question and I'll answer. Medical questions go to your surgeon; I pass them on.
Am I a candidate?
Only a surgeon can say. Send us your details and the surgeon reviews them free of charge. If the answer is no, we tell you.
Can I speak to the surgeon before I book?
Yes. Send your questions to your coordinator on WhatsApp; they pass them to your surgeon and bring the answers back to you before you book.
How soon can I fly home?
Usually about a week after arrival, once your surgeon has seen you for a final check and signed you off for travel.
What will I eat afterwards?
The hospital team gives you a staged eating plan in writing before you leave. Your coordinator can pass on any questions about it.
How much does it cost?
Every plan is personal. Send us your details and your coordinator will share a written plan with everything it includes, before you book anything.
Can someone come with me?
Of course. Tell us early so we can arrange the hotel room and transfers for two.
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For detailed information, get in touch
Every plan is personal. Tell us a little about yourself and your coordinator replies in English with a written plan for your case.
Your details
Takes a minute. No medical details needed yet.
Thank you, .
WhatsApp has opened with your details written in. Press send there and your coordinator will reply in English, the way you asked.
