Surgical Process for Patients Living Abroad
The First Step in the Surgical Process
Many patients living abroad who wish to have surgery conduct various researches to decide on the surgical procedure. Patients seeking information about the surgical process contact our coordinators via WhatsApp. After receiving detailed information about the procedure, the patient's scheduled appointment date should be communicated to the coordinator at least two weeks in advance. Patients who have decided on their surgery date should share their flight information with our coordinators.
How does the surgical process begin?
The patient is met by our team at the airport and accompanied until admission to the hospital. After admission, the patient undergoes a check-up program. Based on the results of the general health screening, the patient, deemed suitable for surgery, is taken to the operating room the following day. The surgery takes approximately 2 hours. The patient is discharged after a certain stay in the hospital. Following the surgery, the patient is accompanied to the airport by our coordinator.
Returning Abroad After Surgery
Patients who have completed their surgery and follow-up procedures can resume their daily lives upon returning abroad. Dietitian and doctor check-ups continue after their return. Our dietitians send patients their weekly programs via WhatsApp, and patients can communicate with their doctors and dietitians via video call whenever they wish. We recommend that patients come to Istanbul for their 3-month and 9-month check-ups. Patients who do not have this option can easily have the necessary tests done by doctors in their respective countries and send the results to our doctor via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Surgical Process for Patients Living Abroad
How can I find out if I am a suitable candidate for surgery?
Whether a patient meets the criteria for obesity surgery is determined after the necessary examinations are performed.
When can I return to work after surgery?
The time it takes for a patient to return to work after gastric reduction surgery varies depending on their job. A desk worker can return to work 7 days after obesity surgery.
Which method is best for me?
Before deciding on a treatment method within the field of obesity surgery, the patient should undergo the necessary examinations, and the specialist physician should determine the most appropriate treatment method for the patient.
Will there be a scar after the surgery?
Since sleeve gastrectomy is performed using a minimally invasive technique, small incisions remain in the abdominal area. These scars become invisible within a few months.
I would like to speak with people who have had surgery, is that possible?
It is possible to interview patients who have previously undergone gastric sleeve surgery and access their testimonials.
What will happen to my blood sugar levels after the surgery?
Type 2 diabetics experience improvement in diabetes control along with weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
Are there any risks or side effects of the surgery?
Following gastric reduction surgery, excessive weight loss can lead to a depletion of minerals and vitamins in the body. Post-operative risks include bleeding or leakage from the incision and closure lines. Patients may also experience side effects such as hair loss.
I'm not overweight, can I have this surgery?
To be eligible for gastric sleeve surgery, the patient must meet certain criteria. The patient must be obese or morbidly obese. They must have been obese for at least three years, and have tried diet, exercise, and other treatment approaches without success.
Could the surgery also be a solution for high blood pressure?
Gastric reduction surgery helps eliminate the risk of fatty liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Gastric reduction surgery is both low-risk and reduces the risks associated with other surgeries.
Do I need to be on a constant diet after the surgery?
Patients should consume watery, soft, and pureed foods for four weeks after gastric sleeve surgery. They should make healthy food choices after surgery, and continue exercising to maintain their health while losing weight through proper nutrition.
What will my post-operative nutritional plan be like?
After gastric reduction surgery, patients should consume only clear liquid foods for a certain period, gradually progressing to soft pureed foods, and eventually transitioning to a diet closer to normal under the supervision of their doctor.
Will I no longer be obese after the surgery?
After sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach volume is reduced to almost one-tenth of its previous size.
What will happen to my appetite after the surgery?
In the month following gastric reduction surgery, the patient needs to minimize their appetite and any stimuli that might lead them to eat.
What will the weight loss process be like after the surgery?
The weight loss process after gastric sleeve surgery varies depending on the patient's individual needs. Generally, patients lose a total of 30-40 kilograms by the third month.
When can I start exercising after surgery?
With your doctor's approval, light exercise can be started after 8 weeks following gastric reduction surgery, and a regular exercise program can be started after approximately 12 weeks.
What precautions should I take after surgery?
Patients should pay attention to their diet after gastric sleeve surgery. Meals should be protein-rich. Food should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
When can I drive after surgery?
The time it takes to drive after gastric reduction surgery varies depending on the patient's individual condition. Generally, patients can drive 7-14 days after the surgery.
When can I fly after surgery?
Patients coming from abroad or from outside the city can travel by plane after remaining under observation for 3 days following gastric sleeve surgery.
When can I shower after surgery?
Patients can shower after the dressings have been removed following gastric reduction surgery.
I'm coming from abroad, can I have the surgery and leave immediately?
Patients arriving from abroad for gastric sleeve surgery are taken to surgery the following day if deemed suitable. After a certain period of observation in the hospital, the patient is discharged.
When can I get pregnant after the surgery?
Patients should wait 18-24 months before becoming pregnant after gastric reduction surgery.
How much weight will I gain during pregnancy after surgery?
During pregnancy following gastric sleeve surgery, a patient's need for energy, vitamins, and minerals increases. A woman should ideally consume 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of her body weight per day throughout her pregnancy.
How long after surgery can I lift weights?
Patients should avoid lifting heavy objects for the first 15 days after gastric reduction surgery to prevent increased intra-abdominal pressure. There are no restrictions on lifting heavy objects after this period.
When can I consume carbonated drinks or alcohol after surgery?
Patients should not consume alcohol for the first 6 months after gastric sleeve surgery. They should also avoid sugary and carbonated drinks.
How many hours after surgery will my pain subside?
Pain medication is given to patients after gastric reduction surgery. Patients generally do not experience significant pain on the second day.
I am using insulin; can I stop using it immediately?
Medication regimens change after gastric sleeve surgery. Diabetic patients may require less insulin after surgery and may therefore be able to stop taking insulin altogether.
Will my diabetes also be cured with this surgery?
Diabetes patients experience improvement along with weight loss after gastric reduction surgery.
After gastric reduction surgery
One of the most important things patients need to pay attention to after obesity surgery is their diet. Patients should avoid high-calorie drinks after surgery and continue their exercise under the supervision of their doctor.
I have sleep apnea; will surgery put an end to it?
Gastric sleeve surgery improves the patient's sleep patterns. The patient experiences significant relief during sleep immediately after the operation.
I have hypertension; will surgery cure it?
Patients who lose weight after gastric reduction surgery may be able to get rid of hypertension (high blood pressure), a condition that damages organs.
I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Will surgery be enough to cure it?
The most prominent finding in women with polycystic ovaries is menstrual irregularity. Women with menstrual irregularities who undergo bariatric surgery often find their periods become regular after losing weight.
I have irregular periods; will surgery resolve this?
Patients who experience menstrual irregularities after gastric sleeve surgery find that their periods become regular as they lose weight.
I have a baby; will I be able to take care of him/her if I have surgery?
Patients recover a few days after gastric reduction surgery. After being discharged, they can return to their daily lives according to the prescribed guidelines.
Will my mobility be reduced in any way after the surgery?
There is no decrease in the patient's mobility after gastric reduction surgery.
How many days after the surgery can I return to my daily life?
Patients can generally return to their daily lives 2-3 days after gastric sleeve surgery, with their doctor's approval.
