Gastric Bypass in Turkey: Costs and Reviews

The 3 essentials you need for traveling are a valid visa for at least 6 months from the day you travel, and a maximum of a week of stay from the day of surgery. Then comes your companion.

1. Traveling to Turkey from most countries is simple and doesn’t require a visa application, check your country’s policy before traveling to save time and money. However, it is required, and you need a validity of 6 months at least to have an acceptable application.
2. You need to stay in Turkey for a week starting from the day of surgery. Although the surgery takes roughly 4 to 5 hours, the recovery time is an essential part of post-op care to maintain recovery.
3. Consider traveling with a friend or loved one as a personal host on a daily basis because you will need someone to look after you before and after the surgery.

These essentials will help you with legal passing from borders and avoid time delays and health-wise, you need the recovery time in the hospital. Other than all that, your further stay in Turkey is up to you and you can have fresh air and beautiful touristic areas.

Do I need to apply for a visa before coming to Turkey?

The appliance for a visa depends on where you are flying from, it is needed in a few countries like Australia, USA, Canada, etc. However, you can check if it is needed by contacting your embassy or traveling agency for the requirements. There are also some countries that do not require visa documents such as Mexico, Italy, and many more. 

However, the estimated time in general in any case is 90-180 days of stay within Turkey’s borders, so you have enough time for the time required for a surgical stay. Then you have the free will to visit anywhere around Turkey and enjoy your time

How long will I stay in Turkey?

You mostly need 7 days in Turkey if not less for pre and post-op recovery time. The day before surgery you need to be fasting for a few hours to assure an empty stomach and it could be done during your flight or after arriving in Turkey. Then the surgery takes only a matter of hours, approximately 5 hours and the recovery time with hospital stay is 1-3 days. That is determined based on your health status post-op.

Even when you are discharged from the hospital afterward, it is recommended to stay for a day or two and you can enjoy your stay anywhere you. As long you’re not too far from the facility in case of complication that needs immediate medical attendance you could visit the facility for monitoring and fixing if needed.

Can I bring a family member or a friend with me?

Yes, you need a loved one or a close friend nearby you to accompany your journey due to many reasons other than watching after you and supporting you. You need someone, therefore, to take care of daily basic activities needed but also you should not be investing too much power because you need rest. That means you can’t lift heavy items or such effort in any sort of way.

It is also motivating and emotionally supporting to have one with you before and after the surgery. Therefore bring someone you can depend on in your life.

Do I need to inform my doctor before leaving for Turkey?

Your plans for coming to Turkey and departure dates are important to know about so your doctor will give you your plan before and after surgery in general. Therefore, your doctor will be able to track and when monitor your case and give you plans for follow-up visits for future cases.

Besides, if you don’t wish to stay long enough, consult with your healthcare provider for the number of days needed. That way you can have two-way flights on the dates you wish, that is if you are not planning to stay for a longer period of time.

How soon after gastric bypass can I fly?

Most patients stay in the hospital for 2-3 days for recovery. The point of it is to maintain balanced health, medication, etc. If there was a health condition that needs monitoring and nursery, then it won’t be more than 7 days. After being discharged from the hospital you have the free will to go back to your homeland. You can provide yourself with a fit-to-fly card from your doctor. This card is for the aircrew to know that you had surgery and, if necessary, to know what to do in a medical condition. 

What do I need to do if I face a side effect or a complication?

You are most likely given instructions to follow but if the issue is constant then you need to contact your doctor or the facility itself for assistance. Notify them of what you’re experiencing from the beginning and if it was constant your doctor shall ask you to visit the facility. 

However, if you are far from the location, you can always go to the nearest emergency that could be of help. Bringing your documents about your surgery results (epicrisis reports) is important to be with you so they can act and help you accordingly.

What if I run out of medications and need more?

There are many medications that bariatric patients are prescribed after the operation but you will get the medication based on the results. There is no specific time for medications to be taken for a specific time, the aim of it is to assist you to overcome the recovery with no complications such as acid reflux or constipation related.

The list goes on for reasons to keep on going medications but once you run out of medications, it is best to consult your doctor if it is essential to take more. They differ from supplements which are also essential for a lifetime after the surgery to maintain the vitamins balanced day by day. There is no need for more medications if you’re fully healed and recovered and facing discomfort of any kind that relates to the surgery itself.

Will I be in touch with my bariatric surgeon?

Yes, the reasons for keeping in touch with your bariatric surgeon are all for your own good and it all aims for your health and support. Here are a few reasons why you need to keep in touch with your team:

• Follow-up visits
• Prescriptions for medications
• Diet and supplemental support
• Body and health improvement check-up

These factors will not only keep you motivated but also dedicated to the continuation of the next step to change routine-wise or simply modification. There could be changes in diet, exercise programs, meds, or supplemental descriptions. That will also prevent potential risks of complication and keep your body harmless and surgically not feeling any sort of ache.