01
Initial online consultation
An initial consultation covers the treatment you are considering, your general health and your expectations. This stage helps clarify your questions and identify the information needed before travelling to Türkiye.
INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS
Understand your treatment journey in Türkiye from start to finish
If you are considering travelling to Türkiye for obesity or metabolic surgery, explore each step of the journey clearly, from the initial consultation and medical evaluation to hospital care, returning home and long-term follow-up.
YOUR TREATMENT JOURNEY
A structured journey from the initial consultation to your return home
For international patients, the process is more than the day of surgery. Medical evaluation, travel planning, hospital care, recovery and follow-up are considered together.
02
Medical information assessment
Information such as height, weight, age, existing conditions, medications and previous surgeries is assessed. The team explains how required reports or test results can be shared securely.
03
Treatment planning
Surgical and non-surgical options are considered individually based on medical history, body measurements, associated conditions and clinical assessment. A definitive surgical decision is not made online.
04
Travel to Türkiye
Your flight and arrival plan are considered together with the clinical schedule. Accommodation, transfers or other services are considered only when they are actually part of the planned scope.
05
Hospital and surgery
After hospital admission, examination, the necessary preoperative assessments and anaesthesia evaluation are completed, the treatment considered clinically appropriate is performed.
06
Discharge
Postoperative clinical monitoring, nutrition, mobility and medication recommendations are reviewed. The discharge decision is based on the recovery process.
07
Return home
Fitness to travel is assessed according to individual recovery. Necessary recommendations and any follow-up documents are shared before returning home.
08
Follow-up
Bariatric surgery may require long-term follow-up. Weight, nutrition, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and associated conditions may be monitored as needed.
PHYSICIAN
Doç. Dr. Erol Vural
Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erol Vural is a physician working in the surgical treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases. For international patients, the aim is appropriate assessment, clear communication and clinical decisions based on medical needs at every stage of treatment.
- Focus on metabolic and bariatric surgery
- Individualised clinical assessment
- Pre- and postoperative follow-up
- Structured communication for international patients
Doç. Dr. Erol Vural
Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Which treatments may be considered?
Not every method is suitable for every patient. The options below are for general information only; the final treatment choice is made after clinical assessment.
DECISION SUPPORT
Which method may be suitable for you?
There is no single method that is right for everyone. The comparison below describes only the basic approach of each method.
| Method | Basic approach | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeve gastrectomy | Reduction of stomach volume | Clinical assessment |
| Gastrik bypass | Surgical changes to the stomach and intestinal system | Clinical assessment |
| Metabolik cerrahi | Surgical assessment of metabolic conditions | Individualised |
| Other options | Different approaches depending on the patient's condition | Individualised |
BEFORE TRAVELLING TO TÜRKİYE
What should be prepared before your journey?
Clarifying the information the team may request after the initial consultation and the preparations needed before travel can help the process proceed more smoothly.
✓Identity or passport information
✓Age, height and weight
✓Existing conditions and medications
✓Previous surgeries and relevant medical history
✓Laboratory and imaging reports, if available
✓Preoperative tests that may be required
✓Flight and rest plan
✓Clarification of a secure method for sharing documents
ARRIVAL IN TÜRKİYE
How does the process proceed when you arrive in Istanbul?
An international patient's arrival in Türkiye requires clinical and travel planning to be considered together. Airport, accommodation, hospital and examination steps may vary by individual.
Airport
Arrival through international transport points such as Istanbul Airport is considered together with the clinical schedule.
Accommodation
Accommodation suitable for rest and hospital visits can be considered according to individual needs.
Hospital
The relevant healthcare facility is visited for the planned assessment and treatment.
Examination
An in-person assessment and the necessary tests are completed before surgery.
Surgery
The planned procedure is performed according to suitability and clinical decision-making.
HOSPITAL AND SURGICAL PROCESS
Hospital and surgery day
The day of surgery includes a series of clinical steps, from hospital admission and preoperative assessment to anaesthesia review and postoperative monitoring.
01
Hospital admission
Identity and the planned process are confirmed, and the patient is directed to the relevant units.
02
Preoperative assessment
The necessary examinations and tests are completed according to clinical needs.
03
Anaesthesia assessment
The necessary anaesthesia assessment and preparation are completed.
04
Surgery
The planned surgical procedure is performed when clinically appropriate.
05
Postoperative monitoring
Clinical status, pain, nutrition, mobility and other relevant parameters are monitored.
AFTER SURGERY
What happens after surgery?
The postoperative period is an important part of treatment. Clinical monitoring and the nutrition plan are prioritised in the first days; mobility, vitamin and mineral supplementation and follow-up visits can then be adjusted individually.
Early recovery
Clinical monitoring and assessment of recovery.
Nutrition
Following the postoperative nutrition plan according to the healthcare team's recommendations.
Mobility
Following clinical recommendations for safe, gradual mobilisation.
Follow-up visits
Continuing planned clinical follow-up visits and necessary tests.
RETURN HOME AND FOLLOW-UP
Your treatment does not end when you leave Türkiye
Bariatric surgery may require long-term follow-up. After returning home, weight, nutrition, vitamin and mineral supplementation and associated conditions should be monitored. When appropriate, the surgical summary and follow-up recommendations can be shared with your local healthcare team.
ISTANBUL
Istanbul as part of your treatment journey
When your treatment plan allows, Istanbul can be considered not only as a place to stay but also as a city to explore for its historical and cultural heritage. This short guide is intended to help you plan your time in the city.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia reflects many layers of Istanbul's history and has preserved traces of different periods over the centuries. The present building was constructed in the 6th century during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
Blue Mosque
The mosque in Sultanahmet Square was built in the early 17th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. It is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its İznik tiles.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was one of the Ottoman dynasty's long-standing centres of administration in Istanbul. Its courtyards, collections and views over the Bosphorus make it an important stop for those interested in history.
Galata Tower and Beyoğlu
The Galata area is one of Istanbul's most distinctive districts, with historic streets and an urban fabric extending into Beyoğlu. The tower is an iconic viewpoint overlooking the Golden Horn and the historic peninsula.
Bosphorus and Ortaköy
The Bosphorus separates Europe and Asia while bringing Istanbul's two shores together in one urban life. Ortaköy is a popular area for waterfront walks and views of the Bosphorus.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul's historic commercial centres. With its many shops and traditional market culture, it offers a distinctive historic bazaar experience.
A short city guide
After treatment, short and low-intensity visits nearby may be considered when you feel well and your healthcare team considers travel appropriate. A flexible plan with rest periods is preferable to extensive walking, prolonged standing or an intensive itinerary.
PATIENT PHOTOGRAPHS
Patient experiences and photo gallery
Images of real patients should only be published with explicit consent and in compliance with applicable rules. Images do not guarantee a specific medical outcome; the necessary date and consent checks must be completed before publishing before-and-after images.
Note: Before publishing patient images, explicit consent, the procedure and image dates, and compliance with applicable regulations must be verified.
TRUST
Why does trust matter in international treatment?
When considering treatment abroad, it is important to consider not only the expected outcome but also the physician, healthcare facility, medical assessment, communication and follow-up process.
Physician
The professional identity and area of expertise are clearly stated.
Medical assessment
Treatment selection is based on individual clinical assessment.
Transparent process
The process, scope of service and clinical uncertainties are explained clearly.
Hospital process
The examination, testing, surgery and follow-up steps are explained.
Postoperative care
The need for follow-up after treatment is taken into account.
Contact
The aim is to enable international patients to communicate their questions in a safe and organised way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions from international patients
Can the initial assessment start online?
The initial consultation and review of available documents can begin remotely. An in-person clinical assessment may be required before a definitive surgical decision.
How long should I stay in Türkiye?
There is no single duration for everyone. It may vary according to examinations, surgery, recovery and clinical recommendations.
When can I return home after surgery?
There is no single flight date that applies to everyone. Fitness to travel should be assessed according to clinical recovery.
Which documents should I send?
The basic information requested by the team for an initial assessment can be shared. Detailed medical records should preferably be sent through a secure channel.
Sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass?
This decision should not be based on a single piece of information from the internet. Medical history, body measurements, associated conditions and clinical assessment are considered together.
What should I do if I have an urgent problem?
If you have urgent symptoms, seek emergency medical care where you are and contact the surgical team as soon as possible.
INTERNATIONAL PATIENT APPLICATION
Request information about your treatment in Türkiye
Share your name, country and contact details. Do not send detailed medical records through an open form; the team can explain how the necessary documents can be shared securely.
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