Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
Reduces stomach volume and alters absorption; often chosen for reflux and diabetes.
Save up to 70% vs the UK & Germany
- Stay in Istanbul
- 7-8 days
- Time in theatre
- 2 hours
- In hospital
- 3 nights
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic
- Back to work
- 18 days
- Full result
- 18 months
Overview
A gastric bypass creates a small pouch from the upper stomach and reroutes part of the small intestine, all laparoscopically. It limits both the portion you eat and the calories and nutrients you absorb, which makes it powerful but means lifelong vitamin supplementation and blood monitoring. In Istanbul it takes around 2 hours under general anaesthetic, with three nights in hospital. It is often preferred over a sleeve when there is severe reflux, long-standing type 2 diabetes or a very high BMI.
Benefits
- Reduces portion size and calorie absorption at the same time
- The effect on type 2 diabetes is usually stronger than with a sleeve
- Severe reflux improves in most patients
- Patients lose on average 60–75% of excess weight over 12–18 months
- Performed laparoscopically; desk work is usually resumed in about 18 days
Who is this treatment for?
Usually suitable
- A BMI of 40 or above, or 35–40 with a metabolic condition
- Severe reflux that medication does not control, or long-standing type 2 diabetes
- Readiness to take lifelong supplements and attend regular blood monitoring
Needs assessment first
- Anyone planning a pregnancy within the next 12–18 months
- Patients unlikely to keep up supplements and blood tests over the long term
- Untreated eating disorders, alcohol dependence or extensive abdominal adhesions
Final suitability is decided by your consultant after examination and imaging in Istanbul.
Your treatment, step by step
- 01
Free online consultation
Send your BMI, any metabolic conditions and details of previous stomach surgery. We reply within 24 hours with a first assessment and a plan.
- 02
Assessment day in Istanbul
Endoscopy, blood tests, a chest X-ray and any cardiology or anaesthetic consultations are completed on day one. The choice of bypass is confirmed against those findings.
- 03
Laparoscopic surgery
Under general anaesthetic, the small pouch is created and the intestinal connections are made in around 2 hours. A leak test is carried out during the operation.
- 04
Discharge and check-up
After three nights in hospital you recover at your hotel and attend a check-up and dietitian appointment. You fly home at the end of the 7–8 days once your surgeon confirms it.
Aftercare & long-term tips
You progress from clear fluids to purée, then soft food, reaching solids at around six weeks, with a protein target set by your dietitian. Vitamin and mineral supplements continue for life and your blood results are monitored regularly, while sugary drinks, fizzy drinks and alcohol are limited permanently. Dietitian appointments run weekly at first and monthly thereafter, for twelve months.
First 24 hours
Stick to soft, lukewarm foods and drinks; avoid very hot or hard items while any numbness or sensitivity settles.
First few days
Ease back into normal eating as sensitivity fades — usually within a few days.
Long term
Eat normally and protect your result with the simple habits below.
Do
- Brush twice a day and floss daily
- Attend your regular check-ups and cleanings
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Keep the area clean and rinse as advised
Avoid
- Biting very hard objects — ice, pen lids, shells
- Opening bottle or soda caps with your teeth
- Too many hard nuts or sticky, chewy sweets
- Smoking and staining drinks in the first days
What's included
- Free consultation & treatment plan
- Treatment by specialist dentists
- 5-star hotel accommodation
- Private VIP airport transfers
- Personal translator & 24/7 support
- Aftercare & treatment guarantee
Risks and an honest expectation
A gastric bypass carries risks of leak at the join lines, bleeding, stricture, clots in the leg or lung vessels, internal hernia, marginal ulcer, permanent vitamin and mineral deficiency and, rarely, a further operation. A leak test is performed during surgery, clot prevention and compression stockings are used, and you are mobilised early. Surgery takes place in a fully equipped hospital with intensive care, and you leave with a written supplement and blood monitoring plan.
They flew in. They flew home changed.
Frequently asked questions
Other treatments in this department
Ready for a new start?
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- We reply in about an hour
- Save up to 70% versus the UK, Germany and Spain
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