Obesity treatment is not simply about losing weight. It is a structured medical process designed to improve health, reduce weight-related risks and help patients maintain sustainable results.

Depending on the patient’s health, treatment may include nutritional therapy, physical activity planning, behavioral support, prescription medication, endoscopic procedures or metabolic and bariatric surgery.

The right option cannot be selected by body weight alone. Doctors also consider body mass index, waist measurement, previous weight-loss attempts, eating patterns, medications, hormonal conditions and obesity-related diseases.

At Tabeebak Healthcare, we help international patients prepare their medical files, identify the appropriate obesity specialist or bariatric team, obtain an initial treatment plan and coordinate appointments with hospitals in Turkey.

Send your medical information for an initial obesity treatment assessment.

Obesity Treatment in Turkey at a Glance

Treatment options: Medical weight management, nutritional care, prescription medication, gastric balloon, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and bariatric surgery.

Specialists involved: Endocrinologist, bariatric surgeon, dietitian, psychologist or psychiatrist, anesthesiologist and other specialists when needed.

Initial assessment: Medical history, weight history, BMI, laboratory tests and evaluation of obesity-related conditions.

Treatment duration: This varies from an outpatient medical program to several days in Turkey for an endoscopic or surgical procedure.

Long-term care: Nutrition, physical activity, laboratory monitoring and follow-up remain important after every form of obesity treatment.

Obesity management is most effective when it is delivered through a coordinated, multidisciplinary pathway rather than as a single procedure or short-term diet program.

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic health condition in which excess body fat may affect physical health, mobility, metabolic function and quality of life.

It can increase the likelihood of conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Abnormal cholesterol levels

• Sleep apnea

• Fatty liver disease

• Cardiovascular disease

• Joint problems

• Fertility difficulties

• Certain obesity-related cancers

The condition may be influenced by genetics, hormones, medications, sleep, stress, environment, eating behavior and physical activity. It should not be reduced to a lack of willpower.

Treatment aims to improve health and support durable weight management rather than achieve a particular appearance.

When Should You Consult an Obesity Specialist?

A medical obesity assessment may be helpful when:

• Weight is affecting mobility, sleep or daily activities.

• Previous diets have resulted in repeated weight regain.

• You have type 2 diabetes, hypertension or fatty liver disease.

• You experience symptoms of sleep apnea.

• Weight gain may be related to medication or a hormonal condition.

• You are considering weight-loss medication.

• You want to know whether a gastric balloon or endoscopic procedure is appropriate.

• You are considering gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery.

• You regained weight after a previous bariatric procedure.

• You need a second opinion before undergoing surgery abroad.

An obesity specialist can also help determine whether an underlying condition is contributing to weight gain or making weight loss more difficult.

How Obesity Is Evaluated

Treatment should begin with a medical assessment rather than choosing a procedure from an online advertisement.

Weight and Health History

The doctor may ask about:

• How and when weight gain began

• Previous weight-loss programs

• Lowest and highest adult weight

• Eating patterns and appetite

• Physical activity

• Sleep quality

• Smoking and alcohol use

• Current medications

• Family history

• Previous operations

• Pregnancy plans

• Emotional or behavioral factors affecting eating

A history of repeated weight loss and regain can be clinically relevant when selecting a treatment strategy.

Body Mass Index

Body mass index, or BMI, is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared.

BMI is a useful screening measurement, but it does not provide a complete picture of a person’s health. Doctors may also assess waist circumference, body composition, muscle mass, age, ethnicity and obesity-related medical conditions.

Treatment decisions should not be made from BMI alone.

Medical Examination and Laboratory Tests

The initial evaluation may include:

• Complete blood count

• Blood glucose and HbA1c

• Liver and kidney function

• Cholesterol and triglycerides

• Thyroid tests when indicated

• Iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels

• Blood pressure measurement

• Electrocardiogram

• Abdominal ultrasound

• Sleep apnea assessment

• Gastrointestinal evaluation before selected procedures

Additional tests depend on the patient’s age, symptoms, medical history and proposed treatment.

Assessment of Obesity-Related Conditions

Doctors may evaluate whether obesity is affecting:

• Blood sugar control

• Blood pressure

• Liver health

• Breathing during sleep

• Heart health

• Joint function

• Fertility

• Menstrual regularity

• Mental health

• Ability to exercise

Treating these conditions is part of obesity care, not separate from it.

Obesity Treatment Options in Turkey

There is no single treatment that is suitable for every patient. The plan may progress from lifestyle and medical care to endoscopic or surgical treatment, or combine several approaches.

1. Medical Nutrition Therapy

Medical nutrition therapy is more than receiving a generic diet sheet.

A dietitian may assess:

• Usual food intake

• Eating times

• Portion sizes

• Protein and fibre intake

• Emotional or compulsive eating

• Cultural food preferences

• Work and travel schedule

• Medical conditions

• Previous diets

• Nutritional deficiencies

The plan should be practical, culturally appropriate and designed for long-term use.

Very restrictive diets may produce short-term weight loss but are difficult to maintain and may increase the likelihood of weight regain.

2. Physical Activity Planning

Exercise recommendations should take account of:

• Current fitness

• Joint pain

• Heart or respiratory conditions

• Previous injuries

• Mobility limitations

• Daily routine

• Personal preferences

The initial goal may be to reduce prolonged sitting, increase walking or improve strength gradually rather than begin an intensive exercise program immediately.

Physical activity also supports cardiovascular fitness, muscle preservation, mobility and long-term weight maintenance.

3. Behavioral and Psychological Support

Eating behavior can be influenced by stress, mood, sleep, trauma, binge eating or environmental habits.

Psychological assessment may be particularly important when:

• Emotional eating is frequent.

• Binge-eating symptoms are present.

• The patient has depression or anxiety.

• Expectations from surgery are unrealistic.

• A previous procedure did not produce the expected behavioral changes.

• The patient is preparing for bariatric surgery.

Psychological support is not used to blame the patient. It helps identify barriers and develop healthier coping strategies.

4. Prescription Weight-Loss Medication

Anti-obesity medication may be considered for selected patients after medical evaluation.

Depending on the medication, treatment may work by:

• Reducing appetite

• Increasing fullness

• Influencing appetite-related hormones

• Reducing fat absorption

• Supporting blood sugar regulation

Medication should be prescribed alongside nutrition, activity and follow-up. The choice depends on BMI, medical conditions, previous treatment, pregnancy plans, side-effect risks, interactions and availability in Turkey.

Medication is not appropriate for everyone and should not be purchased through unregulated online sources. Treatment may need to continue long term, and weight regain can occur after stopping some medicines.

Current clinical guidance treats medication as one component of comprehensive obesity management rather than a replacement for medical follow-up.

Non-Surgical and Endoscopic Obesity Treatments

Intragastric Balloon

An intragastric balloon is placed temporarily inside the stomach to occupy space and help patients feel full after eating smaller portions.

Depending on the balloon system, placement may be performed using endoscopy or another approved delivery method.

A balloon is generally combined with:

• Nutritional counseling

• Behavioral change

• Medical monitoring

• A structured plan for the period after removal

Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and reflux. Less common but potentially serious complications can occur, including balloon deflation, migration, overinflation or pancreatitis.

A gastric balloon should therefore be placed and monitored by an appropriately trained team, with clear instructions about symptoms that require urgent review.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, or ESG, is performed through the mouth using an endoscope and a suturing device.

The doctor places sutures inside the stomach to reduce its functional volume without removing part of the stomach.

It may be considered for selected patients who:

• Have not achieved sufficient results with lifestyle treatment

• Prefer an endoscopic option

• Do not currently need or qualify for bariatric surgery

• Are prepared to follow a structured nutrition and follow-up program

ESG is less invasive than surgical sleeve gastrectomy, but it is still a medical procedure requiring anesthesia, specialist experience and long-term lifestyle support.

Recent professional guidance recognises ESG as a treatment option within the pathway between medical therapy and bariatric surgery for appropriately selected adults.

Is Gastric Botox an Established Obesity Treatment?

Some clinics advertise injections of botulinum toxin into the stomach as a weight-loss treatment.

Patients should ask:

• What evidence supports the proposed treatment?

• Is it recommended by established obesity guidelines?

• What results can realistically be expected?

• What alternatives are available?

• Who performs the procedure?

• What follow-up is provided?

It should not automatically be presented as equivalent to established medical, endoscopic or surgical obesity treatments.

Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in Turkey

Bariatric surgery changes the stomach, the digestive pathway or both to support weight loss and improve obesity-related metabolic conditions.

Surgery is not simply cosmetic. It is a medical treatment for selected patients with obesity and related health risks.

Common procedures include:

Sleeve Gastrectomy

During sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach and creates a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach.

The procedure:

• Reduces the volume of food the stomach can hold

• Influences appetite-related hormonal signals

• Does not reroute the intestine

• Requires lifelong nutritional monitoring

Sleeve gastrectomy is widely performed, but it may not be the preferred choice for every patient, particularly when severe reflux or certain gastrointestinal conditions are present.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and connects it to a lower section of the small intestine.

The procedure affects:

• Food intake

• Digestive hormone signals

• Nutrient absorption

• Blood sugar regulation

It may be considered in patients with severe reflux, type 2 diabetes or other clinical factors, but it carries risks of nutritional deficiencies and requires long-term supplementation and monitoring.

Mini Gastric Bypass

Mini gastric bypass, also called one-anastomosis gastric bypass, creates a small stomach pouch connected to the small intestine using one surgical connection.

It may provide effective weight and metabolic outcomes for selected patients, but it is not appropriate for every condition. The surgeon should discuss bile reflux, nutritional risks and long-term follow-up.

Duodenal Switch and SADI-S

These procedures combine a sleeve-type stomach reduction with a significant intestinal bypass.

They may be considered for selected patients with severe obesity or particular metabolic needs. They can provide substantial effects but also carry a higher risk of protein, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

They should be performed in experienced centers with reliable long-term nutritional monitoring.

Comparison of Obesity Treatment Options

The most appropriate option depends on the patient’s medical profile, previous treatments, eating patterns, reflux, diabetes status and ability to follow long-term care.

Who May Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

Traditional eligibility criteria often considered surgery for adults with:

• A BMI of 40 or above

• A BMI of 35 or above with a serious obesity-related condition

• A BMI of 30 or above with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes in selected cases

Updated ASMBS and IFSO guidance recommends metabolic and bariatric surgery for patients with a BMI above 35, regardless of the presence or severity of associated conditions. It also recommends considering surgery in selected patients with a BMI of 30–34.9 when non-surgical treatment has not produced substantial or durable improvement.

However, eligibility rules may differ between hospitals, health systems and individual cases. BMI is only one part of the decision.

The bariatric team will also consider:

• Age

• General health

• Previous weight-loss attempts

• Type 2 diabetes

• Sleep apnea

• Reflux

• Liver disease

• Heart and lung health

• Previous abdominal surgery

• Pregnancy plans

• Psychological readiness

• Ability to attend long-term follow-up

When Surgery May Need to Be Delayed

Surgery may be delayed or reconsidered when there is:

• An uncontrolled medical condition

• An untreated severe psychiatric condition

• Active substance misuse

• An untreated eating disorder

• Pregnancy

• Inability to follow postoperative nutrition

• Severe nutritional deficiency

• Unacceptable anesthesia risk

• A need for further diagnostic testing

• Unrealistic expectations

These factors do not always mean surgery is permanently impossible. Some conditions can be treated or stabilized before reassessment.

Choosing the Right Obesity Treatment

A patient with reflux, poorly controlled diabetes and previous abdominal surgery may require a different plan from someone seeking treatment for moderate obesity without major associated conditions.

The team may consider:

• The amount and pattern of excess weight

• Hunger and eating behavior

• Metabolic conditions

• Reflux and digestive symptoms

• Previous medication response

• Previous balloon or surgery

• Nutritional status

• Need for reversible or non-surgical treatment

• Long-term risks

• Personal preferences

• Ability to travel for follow-up

A responsible provider should explain why a particular option is recommended and why other treatments may be less appropriate.

The Obesity Treatment Pathway in Turkey

1. Initial Medical File Review

Before travel, the patient sends:

• Age, height and weight

• Current BMI

• Medical conditions

• Previous operations

• Current medications

• Previous weight-loss treatments

• Recent laboratory results

• Endoscopy or imaging reports when available

• Information about reflux, sleep apnea and diabetes

This allows the medical team to determine which specialist should review the case.

2. Specialist Assessment

Depending on the case, the patient may be evaluated by:

• Endocrinologist

• Internal medicine specialist

• Bariatric surgeon

• Gastroenterologist

• Dietitian

• Psychologist or psychiatrist

• Anesthesiologist

• Cardiologist

• Pulmonologist

Turkey’s multidisciplinary obesity consensus emphasizes coordinated decision-making and defined follow-up responsibilities between medical and surgical teams.

3. Diagnostic Tests

The hospital may request laboratory tests, imaging, electrocardiography, chest assessment or endoscopy depending on the proposed treatment.

The patient should not assume that tests performed several months earlier will always be accepted. Some hospitals repeat important tests before anesthesia or surgery.

4. Treatment Recommendation

The recommendation may be:

• A structured medical weight-loss program

• Nutritional and behavioral treatment

• Prescription medication

• Gastric balloon

• Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty

• Sleeve gastrectomy

• Gastric bypass

• Another metabolic procedure

• Further testing before a decision

• Treatment of another health condition first

The patient should receive an explanation of the benefits, risks, alternatives and expected follow-up.

5. Treatment and Early Follow-Up

The schedule depends on the selected treatment.

Medical programs may be managed through outpatient visits, while endoscopic or surgical treatments require preparation, anesthesia and a period of observation or hospitalization.

Patients should remain in Turkey for the period recommended by the treating team rather than booking the earliest possible return flight.

6. Follow-Up After Returning Home

The follow-up plan may include:

• Virtual consultations

• Dietitian reviews

• Laboratory tests

• Medication adjustment

• Supplement monitoring

• Weight and symptom tracking

• Coordination with the patient’s local physician

• Assessment of complications or weight regain

Long-term follow-up is a core part of treatment, especially after bariatric surgery.

Recovery After Bariatric Surgery

Recovery varies according to the procedure, the patient’s health and whether complications occur.

The early plan commonly includes:

• Pain and nausea control

• Early walking

• Breathing exercises

• Blood clot prevention

• A staged liquid and soft-food diet

• Hydration monitoring

• Wound care

• Medication instructions

Patients usually progress gradually from liquids to puréed food, soft food and then a long-term eating pattern according to the dietitian’s plan.

They should not advance the diet independently simply because they feel well.

Nutrition After Surgery

Long-term recommendations may include:

• Eating slowly

• Taking small portions

• Prioritizing protein

• Avoiding drinking large amounts with meals

• Maintaining hydration between meals

• Taking prescribed supplements

• Limiting foods that trigger discomfort

• Avoiding smoking

• Limiting or avoiding alcohol

• Attending follow-up laboratory testing

The specific vitamin and mineral program depends on the operation and the patient’s results.

Risks and Possible Complications

Every obesity treatment has potential limitations and risks.

Medication Risks

These vary by medication and may include gastrointestinal symptoms, interactions, contraindications or the need to stop treatment if side effects occur.

Gastric Balloon and Endoscopic Treatment Risks

Possible complications may include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Reflux

• Dehydration

• Ulceration

• Bleeding

• Device intolerance

• Balloon migration or deflation

• Rare perforation or pancreatitis

Bariatric Surgery Risks

Early surgical risks may include:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Leakage from a staple or connection line

• Blood clots

• Breathing complications

• Adverse reactions to anesthesia

Long-term risks may include:

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

• Anemia

• Gallstones

• Reflux

• Ulcers

• Strictures

• Hernias

• Dumping symptoms

• Low blood sugar

• Protein malnutrition

• Weight regain

• Need for revision surgery

Bariatric surgery can improve important obesity-related health risks, but it requires careful patient selection and long-term monitoring.

Warning Signs Requiring Urgent Medical Advice

Seek urgent medical attention after an endoscopic or surgical procedure if you develop:

• Severe or increasing abdominal pain

• Persistent vomiting

• Inability to drink fluids

• High fever

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Rapid heartbeat

• Fainting

• Leg swelling or pain

• Bleeding

• Redness or discharge from a wound

• Reduced urine output

International patients should receive written emergency contact instructions before leaving the hospital.

Obesity Treatment Cost in Turkey

The cost depends on the type of treatment and cannot be estimated accurately from body weight alone.

Factors affecting the price include:

• Medical or surgical treatment

• Type of endoscopic device

• Selected bariatric procedure

• Surgeon and hospital

• Pre-treatment tests

• Anesthesia

• Hospital stay

• Intensive care if required

• Medication and supplements

• Dietitian and psychological assessment

• Number of follow-up visits

• Translation

• Airport and hospital transportation

• Accommodation

• Treatment of complications

• Previous bariatric surgery

Prices advertised as an “all-inclusive package” should be examined carefully.

What Should a Written Treatment Quote Include?

Request written confirmation of:

• Hospital name

• Surgeon or treating doctor

• Proposed procedure

• Preoperative tests

• Surgeon’s fee

• Anesthesia

• Operating room

• Number of hospital nights

• Medication during admission

• Pathology when applicable

• Dietitian consultation

• Postoperative review

• Airport and hospital transport

• Accommodation

• Services not included

• Costs if the hospital stay is extended

• Policy if treatment is cancelled after examination

• Management of complications

• Follow-up after returning home

A low advertised price should not be the main reason for choosing treatment.

How to Choose an Obesity Center in Turkey

Ask the hospital or coordinator:

1. Which specialist reviewed my case?

2. Why is this treatment recommended?

3. What alternatives are available?

4. How many similar procedures does the surgeon perform?

5. Is the procedure performed in a full hospital or a small clinic?

6. Is intensive care available if needed?

7. Who provides anesthesia?

8. What tests are completed before treatment?

9. How are leaks, bleeding or clots managed?

10. Is a dietitian involved?

11. Is psychological assessment available?

12. What follow-up is provided after I leave Turkey?

13. Who should I contact in an emergency?

14. What is not included in the quoted price?

Safety depends more on patient selection, hospital standards, specialist experience and aftercare than on the destination alone.

How Tabeebak Healthcare Supports International Patients

Tabeebak Healthcare is a medical coordination platform and does not replace the treating hospital or physician.

Our coordination services may include:

• Reviewing whether the medical file is complete

• Directing the case to an appropriate specialty

• Requesting an initial medical opinion

• Comparing suitable hospitals

• Coordinating appointments

• Obtaining a written treatment proposal

• Clarifying what the quoted price includes

• Arranging medical translation

• Coordinating airport and hospital transfers

• Supporting communication during the treatment stay

• Assisting with follow-up after return

We do not promise guaranteed weight loss or confirm surgical eligibility before specialist assessment.

Information Required for an Initial Assessment

Please send:

• Age

• Height

• Current weight

• Lowest and highest adult weight

• Medical conditions

• Current medications

• Previous weight-loss medication

• Previous balloon or bariatric procedure

• Previous abdominal operations

• Reflux symptoms

• Diabetes and latest HbA1c

• Blood pressure

• Sleep apnea diagnosis

• Recent blood tests

• Endoscopy report, if available

• Pregnancy plans

• Preferred treatment, if any

• Expected travel dates

The hospital may request additional reports after reviewing the case.

Medical Review and Editorial Transparency

This page provides general information about obesity treatment in Turkey and does not determine whether a patient is eligible for medication, endoscopic treatment or surgery.

Medical review: Dr. Çağhan Pekşen, Specialist in Bariatric, Metabolic, and Diabetes Surgery
Medical review date: 27/7/2026]
Content prepared by: Medical Editorial Team
Last updated:  28/7/2026

The medical information is based on guidance from NIDDK, FDA, ASMBS/IFSO and the Türkiye multidisciplinary obesity treatment consensus.

Start With a Medical Assessment

Do not select an obesity treatment based only on an advertised price, procedure name or before-and-after photograph.

Start with a complete medical assessment and a clear explanation of:

• Why the treatment is appropriate

• What alternatives are available

• What risks are involved

• What follow-up will be required

• What the total cost includes

Contact Tabeebak Healthcare to submit your medical information and coordinate an obesity treatment assessment in Turkey.

WhatsApp: +90 501 333 73 73