A bariatric surgeon in Izmir is calling for patients undergoing weight-loss surgery in Turkey to remain in hospital for four nights rather than being transferred to a hotel shortly after the procedure
Patients travelling abroad for bariatric surgery often compare prices, reviews and package deals. According to Op. Dr. Volkan Arayıcı, however, another factor deserves particular attention: the number of nights patients actually remain under hospital supervision following surgery.
The general surgeon specialising in bariatric and metabolic surgery says the first 72 hours after an operation are particularly important because complications such as anastomotic or staple-line leaks, postoperative bleeding and thrombosis may become apparent during this period.
Arayıcı therefore recommends that prospective patients ask clinics to confirm in writing how long they will remain in hospital before booking treatment.
Four-night hospital stay in Izmir
According to Arayıcı, patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass or revision surgery in his practice remain in hospital for four nights until their regular discharge, without an interim transfer to a hotel.
The procedures are performed at a hospital in Izmir that, according to the surgeon, holds JCI and TEMOS accreditation. Endoscopy, intensive care and emergency surgical services are available around the clock at the same facility.
Arayıcı argues that transferring patients to hotels earlier may primarily reduce the cost of treatment packages, since accommodation in a hospital with nursing supervision is generally more expensive than a hotel stay.
Patients advised to examine treatment packages carefully
The surgeon recommends that international patients clarify several points before travelling for bariatric surgery. These include the identity of the operating surgeon, the exact duration of the hospital stay, which preoperative examinations are included in the package and the accreditation status of the hospital where the procedure will take place.
Patients should also establish whether their surgeon belongs to a recognised bariatric professional organisation, who would provide treatment in the event of complications, who would cover additional costs and what medical support remains available after they return home.
Such questions can be particularly important for medical tourists, as postoperative care may involve providers in both the destination and the patient's home country.
Packages start at EUR 3,500
According to information provided by Arayıcı, sleeve gastrectomy packages start at EUR 3,500, while gastric bypass procedures start at EUR 4,000.
The stated price includes surgery, preoperative examinations, four nights in hospital, transfers and twelve months of follow-up care via video calls and WhatsApp. Flights to Turkey are not included.
Arayıcı says his practice does not require an advance payment or offer instalment payments, with patients paying locally on the day of surgery.
Surgeon reports more than 5,000 bariatric procedures
Op. Dr. Volkan Arayıcı is a specialist in general surgery whose work has focused exclusively on bariatric and metabolic surgery since 2014.
He studied at Istanbul University's Çapa Faculty of Medicine and completed his specialist training at Ege University in Izmir. According to his own information, he has performed more than 5,000 bariatric procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass and revision surgery.
Arayıcı is a member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO). His practice is based in Güzelbahçe, Izmir.
Image Credit: © AI generated illustration using material courtesy of Volkan Arayıcı