Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments for severe obesity and type-2 diabetes. The two most common procedures are the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass. Both are performed laparoscopically at Swedish Clinic, but they work differently and suit different patients.
What is a gastric sleeve?
The gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a slim, banana-shaped tube. This restricts how much you can eat and reduces hunger hormones. It's a simpler, faster operation with no rerouting of the intestines.
What is a gastric bypass?
The gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine. It restricts food intake AND reduces calorie absorption, making it more powerful for higher BMIs and for patients with severe diabetes or reflux.
Weight-loss expectations
- Sleeve: 60–70% of excess weight lost within 12–18 months.
- Bypass: 70–80% of excess weight lost, often slightly faster.
Individual results depend on adherence to the nutrition plan — which is why our 12-month nutritionist programme is included.
Type-2 diabetes remission
Type-2 diabetes goes into remission in 60–80% of patients after gastric bypass and 50–65% after sleeve. Many patients are off insulin within days of surgery.
Recovery
Every bariatric surgery at Swedish Clinic is laparoscopic — 4–6 small incisions instead of one long cut, meaning less pain and faster healing. Patients walk the same day and fly home in 5–7 days. A 12-month structured nutritionist programme with monthly video calls supports you long after you return.
Which is right for me?
For BMI 30–40 without severe reflux, the sleeve is often ideal. For higher BMI, severe diabetes or significant reflux, the bypass may be recommended. For BMI 28–32, the non-surgical gastric balloon is a fully reversible kickstart. Our ethical pre-op assessment means we'll say no if surgery isn't in your best interest.
Cost in Turkey
Gastric sleeve from €3,800, gastric bypass from €5,200 — surgery, hospital, anaesthesiology, private suite and the full 12-month follow-up included, with no hidden fees.
