Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) in Turkey

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is keyhole bariatric surgery that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, so you eat less and absorb fewer calories. In accredited Turkish hospitals it typically starts from around £3,500, with a 5-7 day stay, performed by high-volume bariatric surgeons. Unal Cakar is an independent facilitator who coordinates your treatment with vetted, accredited clinics, where you pay the hospital directly. It suits people with a high BMI or obesity-related conditions who are ready to commit to lifelong follow-up and supplementation.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (often shortened to RYGB or simply gastric bypass) is one of the most established and well-studied weight-loss operations in the world. The surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach, roughly the size of an egg, and connects it directly to a lower part of the small intestine. This means food bypasses most of the stomach and the first section of the small bowel.

The procedure works in two ways: it restricts how much you can eat at one time, and it reduces how many calories and nutrients your body absorbs. Just as importantly, it changes gut hormones that control hunger and blood sugar, which is why many patients feel noticeably less hungry and often see rapid improvement in type 2 diabetes, sometimes even before significant weight is lost. It is a tool, not a cure, and works best alongside lasting changes to diet and activity.

The operation is almost always performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthetic, through a handful of small incisions, and usually takes around 1.5 to 3 hours. The surgeon divides the stomach to form a small upper pouch, then divides the small intestine and brings the lower portion up to join the new pouch, creating the characteristic Y-shaped reconfiguration. The bypassed stomach and upper intestine are reconnected further down so that digestive juices still mix with food.

Because the procedure is done through keyhole incisions, blood loss, scarring and recovery time are reduced compared with open surgery. In a small number of cases (for example, significant scarring from previous operations) the surgeon may need to convert to an open approach, which is discussed with you in advance. Before surgery you will have blood tests, an anaesthetic review and pre-operative checks, and the whole plan is confirmed by your surgical team after they assess you in person.

• Keyhole (laparoscopic) Roux-en-Y bypass performed by high-volume bariatric surgeons in accredited hospitals
• Suits higher-BMI patients and those with type 2 diabetes, reflux or sleep apnoea
• Package typically covers surgeon, hospital stay and transfers; you pay the clinic directly
• Includes dietitian guidance, supplement plan and structured remote aftercare
• Requires lifelong vitamin supplementation and follow-up for safe, lasting results

1. 01

   Remote consultation and medical review

   You share your height, weight, medical history and any relevant test results. Unal coordinates a review with the surgical team to confirm whether gastric bypass is the right option for you, and answers your questions before you commit.

2. 02

   Planning and arrival

   Once you decide to proceed, your dates, hospital, transfers and accommodation are arranged. You travel to Turkey and are met on arrival, with everything coordinated around your appointments.

3. 03

   Pre-operative assessment

   At the accredited hospital you have blood tests, an anaesthetic assessment, and any imaging or scans needed. The surgeon and dietitian review your case and confirm the plan and consent in person.

4. 04

   The surgery

   The keyhole gastric bypass is performed under general anaesthetic, typically taking 1.5 to 3 hours. You wake in recovery and are monitored closely on the ward.

5. 05

   Hospital recovery and monitoring

   You usually stay in hospital 2-3 nights so the team can monitor for leaks, bleeding and blood clots, manage pain, and start you on sips of fluids and a graduated liquid diet.

6. 06

   Aftercare and follow-up

   Before you fly home you receive dietary guidance, supplement prescriptions and a recovery plan. Structured aftercare and dietitian follow-up continue remotely, with clear points of contact if you have concerns.

Gastric bypass is generally considered for adults with a BMI of 40 or above, or a BMI of 35 or above with obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnoea; in some cases it is offered at a lower BMI when diabetes is poorly controlled. It is particularly favoured for patients who also suffer significant acid reflux, as the bypass tends to improve reflux. It is generally not suitable for people with untreated eating disorders, active alcohol or drug dependency, certain unmanaged psychiatric conditions, or those unable or unwilling to commit to lifelong vitamin supplementation and follow-up; it is not performed during pregnancy. The right candidacy decision is made by the surgical team after a full assessment, and sometimes another procedure (such as a sleeve gastrectomy) may be recommended instead.

• Substantial, durable weight loss, with many patients losing around 60-70% of their excess weight over 12-18 months
• High rates of improvement or remission of type 2 diabetes, often within weeks
• Strong improvement in acid reflux and heartburn, where gastric bypass usually outperforms the sleeve
• Reduction or resolution of conditions such as high blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnoea
• Keyhole surgery means smaller scars, less pain and a faster recovery than open surgery
• Improved mobility, energy and quality of life as weight reduces

Most patients spend 2-3 nights in hospital and stay in Turkey for around 5-7 days in total, so the surgical team can check that everything is healing well before you travel home. In the first days you progress through sips of water to a graduated liquid diet, then over the following weeks move to pureed and then soft foods under your dietitian's guidance. Some tiredness, mild discomfort around the incisions and changes in appetite are normal early on.

Many people return to light, desk-based work within about 2-3 weeks, with fuller recovery and a return to normal activity by around 3-6 weeks. You will be advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several weeks, to stay well hydrated, to eat slowly and stop when full, and to begin lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements. Long-term success depends heavily on following the dietary plan and attending follow-up, which is why structured aftercare is built into the pathway.

Weight loss is usually most rapid in the first 6 months and continues over roughly 12-18 months before stabilising. Typical results are a loss of around 60-70% of excess body weight, though this varies between individuals and depends strongly on diet, activity and adherence to the supplement and follow-up plan. Many obesity-related conditions, particularly type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea, improve or resolve. Results can last for many years, but some weight regain is possible over time if eating habits drift, so the procedure should be seen as a powerful long-term tool rather than a one-off fix. No ethical surgeon or facilitator can guarantee a specific outcome.

Turkey has become a leading destination for bariatric surgery because accredited hospitals and experienced, high-volume surgeons offer prices that are a fraction of the private cost elsewhere, often from around £3,500 compared with roughly £10,000-15,000 in the UK or $20,000-25,000 in the US, typically as a package covering hospital stay, surgeon and transfers. Unal Cakar works as an independent facilitator and patient advocate, not a clinic: he coordinates your care only with vetted, accredited partner hospitals, helps you understand candidacy and risks honestly, and arranges structured aftercare. You always pay the hospital directly for your treatment, and Unal is sponsored by the partner hospitals, so his guidance stays focused on your interests.