Bariatric surgeries

What Really Happens During Stomach Reduction Surgery

Stomach reduction surgery is not just about physically making the stomach smaller. The procedure also triggers important hormonal changes that help control hunger and fullness.

After surgery, patients feel full faster and stay satisfied longer — and here’s why:

• During the procedure, the surgeon removes the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, also known as the “hunger hormone.”

• Ghrelin normally signals the brain that the stomach is empty and it’s time to eat.

• With reduced ghrelin production, patients experience less hunger and fewer cravings, making it easier to maintain long-term weight loss.

Sleeve Gastrectomy (SLIV-1)

In bariatric surgery, the most commonly performed procedure is the sleeve gastrectomy, also called longitudinal gastrectomy. This operation reduces the size of the stomach but is fundamentally different from surgeries performed for stomach cancer or complicated ulcers.

The key distinction is that the shape of the stomach is preserved. Because of this:

• The pathway of food through the digestive tract remains unchanged.

• Normal peristalsis (the natural movement of the intestines) is not affected.

• The overall physiology of digestion is maintained.

This procedure is best suited for patients without serious complicating conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension, severe gastritis, or advanced diabetes.

Gastric Plication (SLIV-2)

Gastric plication is an alternative, less common bariatric procedure that reduces the stomach’s volume without removing part of the organ.

Instead of resection, the surgeon folds (plicates) the stomach and sutures it along the greater curvature. The result is a tube-like functional stomach, similar to sleeve gastrectomy, while the larger “sac-like” portion is excluded from digestion but not removed.

• The procedure is technically reversible within the first year after surgery, since no part of the stomach is permanently removed.

• However, gastric plication is rarely used today because of the higher risk of complications compared to sleeve gastrectomy.

Gastric bypass is a bariatric surgery that reduces the size of the stomach and creates a direct connection (an anastomosis) between the stomach and the small intestine. This allows food to bypass the duodenum, reducing the absorption of high-calorie substances, especially fats.

Important considerations:

• The surgery changes the natural flow of food through the digestive system, which can affect absorption of not only fats but also vitamins and minerals.

• Patients need to take vitamin and mineral supplements for life to prevent deficiencies.

Who is it for?

• Gastric bypass is often recommended for patients who cannot undergo sleeve gastrectomy due to other medical conditions.

• It is also highly effective for patients with type 2 diabetes, helping improve or even resolve the disease in many cases.

How it works:
A silicone balloon filled with a saline solution is placed inside the stomach. The balloon reduces the effective stomach volume, helping patients eat smaller portions and feel full more quickly.

Important details:

• The balloon is a temporary device and must be removed after about 6 months, because gastric acid gradually affects the silicone.

• This procedure is typically recommended for patients with a lower BMI, for whom surgical stomach reduction is not suitable.

• For patients with a high BMI, the balloon alone is usually not effective for significant weight loss.

• Planning your visit:

  • Once your type of surgery is determined, we help you choose a date for your visit and the operation.

  • Our medical coordinator will assist you in booking a hotel and selecting your flights.

• Day 1 – Arrival and Pre-Op Tests:

  • Upon arriving in Istanbul, you will complete all necessary pre-operative tests included in your surgery package at the clinic.

• Day 2 – Surgery:

  • Your operation is performed under the supervision of our experienced surgical team.

• Days 3–5 – Hospital Stay:

  • You will stay in the clinic for 3 days, closely monitored by doctors and medical staff.

• Days 6–8 – Hotel Recovery:

  • After your hospital stay, you will spend 3 days in a hotel for rest and recovery.

• Day 7 – Final Check-Up:

  • A final consultation is scheduled to review your recovery, provide recommendations, and meet with a nutritionist.

  • After this, you are ready to fly home safely.

• Ongoing Support:

  • We continue to stay in touch to monitor your rehabilitation and provide guidance throughout your recovery process.

Choosing the right type of bariatric surgery is crucial for a successful outcome. The key is a specialist consultation, where the doctor will carefully review your medical history and recommend the procedure best suited for your needs.

For your convenience, we offer all-inclusive surgery packages for gastric reduction procedures, so you can focus entirely on your surgery and recovery without worrying about the details.