Choosing the right surgeon for a gastric sleeve is a big step, and Turkey has become one of the go-to places for this procedure. The country offers a mix of highly trained bariatric surgeons, modern hospitals, and costs that are often far more affordable than in Western Europe or the US. But finding “the best” isn’t just about looking at price tags or clinic photos. It comes down to the surgeon’s experience, approach to patient care, and the support you receive before and after surgery.
The good news is, you don’t have to spend hours searching. At Beauty by Experts Medical, we’ve already done the work for you. We carefully review clinics, check surgeon credentials, and focus on patient outcomes, so you can choose a doctor who truly fits your needs with confidence. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what makes certain doctors stand out, why so many patients travel to Turkey for gastric sleeve surgery, and what you should keep in mind when making your choice.
1. Op. Dr. Necdet Derici
Op. Dr. Necdet Derici is a well-known bariatric and gastrointestinal surgeon based in Istanbul, Turkey. With more than 25 years of experience, he has built his career around treating obesity and related conditions through advanced laparoscopic techniques. Dr. Derici trained at Istanbul University and later expanded his expertise in Europe, working with leading bariatric surgeons such as Dr. Bruno Dillemans in Belgium and Dr. Philippe Topart in France. His work covers not only gastric sleeve and bypass surgeries but also complex gastrointestinal operations, making him a trusted choice for patients who require both precision and safety.
Currently practicing at NoveMed Clinic in Istanbul, Dr. Derici is recognized for his careful patient management and evidence-based approach. He is an active member of several medical associations, including the Turkish Association of Surgery and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO). For international patients, his clinic packages often include hotel stays and transfers, making the journey smoother and less stressful.
- Price of gastric sleeve: from 3500 EUR
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.75
- Specialization: Obesity and diabetes surgery, bariatric surgery, laparoscopic surgery
- Number of procedures performed: Thousands (gastric sleeve, bypass, band, balloon)
- Accreditation: Member of IFSO and Turkish medical associations
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: Laparoscopic gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric band, endoscopy
- Years of experience: 25
2. Prof. Umit Koc
Prof. Umit Koc is a gastroenterologist and surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery. Based in Istanbul, he is known for combining deep academic training with practical expertise, having performed hundreds of complex operations including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and robotic tumor resections. His background spans top Turkish institutions such as Numune and Yüksek Ihtisas Teaching and Research Hospitals, along with extensive work at Antalya Teaching and Research Hospital, where he carried out over 400 bariatric surgeries.
In addition to his surgical practice, Prof. Koc has contributed to international medical research with more than 28 publications. He is certified in robotic surgery through the Da Vinci program, making him one of the few Turkish surgeons experienced in both laparoscopic and robotic techniques for digestive system operations. Today, he operates at Liv Istinye University Hospital, a modern clinic in Istanbul, where international patients also benefit from structured packages that include hotel stays and transfers for a smoother treatment journey.
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.8
- Specialization: Gastrointestinal surgery, bariatric surgery, robotic surgery
- Number of procedures performed: 400+ bariatric surgeries, 100+ robotic tumor surgeries
- Accreditation: Certified in Da Vinci robotic surgery, multiple Turkish teaching hospitals
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: Laparoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, gastric bypass, robotic surgery, Botox stomach injections
- Years of experience: over 25
3. Dr. Ali Can Gunenc
Dr. Ali Can Gunenc is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Istanbul with over a decade of hands-on experience. While he is best known for rhinoplasty, facelifts, and breast surgery, his role in the care of bariatric patients is just as important. After massive weight loss following procedures such as a gastric sleeve, patients often require body contouring to remove excess skin and restore natural proportions. Dr. Gunenc specializes in abdominoplasty, liposuction, and body reshaping surgeries that complement bariatric results and help patients complete their transformation.
With more than 1,200 surgeries performed, Dr. Gunenc brings both technical skill and an eye for aesthetics. He is certified by EBOPRAS and the Turkish Board of Plastic Surgery and works at VM Medical Park Florya Hospital, a JCI-accredited clinic in Istanbul. His background in scientific research and international congress presentations ensures that he applies modern, safe techniques for patients who need reconstructive or aesthetic refinement after weight loss surgery.
- Price of surgery: from 4500 EUR
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.5
- Specialization: Post-bariatric body contouring, abdominoplasty, liposuction, breast reshaping
- Number of procedures performed: 1,200+
- Accreditation: EBOPRAS, TPRECD, JCI-certified hospital
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: Abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelifts, breast reshaping, lipofilling
- Years of experience: 11
Gastric Sleeve Surgery: What It Is and Why People Choose It
The gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is one of the most common weight loss surgeries performed today. During the procedure, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, tube-shaped “sleeve.” This significantly limits how much food you can eat while also reducing hunger hormones, which helps patients lose weight more effectively than with diet and exercise alone.
Key Advantages Include:
- Noticeable and sustained weight loss (often 60–70% of excess weight within 1–2 years)
- Improvement or remission of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea
- No foreign objects left inside the body (unlike gastric bands)
- Shorter recovery time compared to some other bariatric surgeries
Gastric Sleeve vs. The Gym:
It’s important to say that the gym and healthy eating are always valuable – but for people struggling with severe obesity, lifestyle changes alone often aren’t enough. Studies show that patients with a BMI above 40 rarely achieve lasting weight loss with exercise and diet alone. Gastric sleeve surgery provides a medical reset, making it possible to lose significant weight and then maintain those results with the help of exercise and nutrition. In other words, the surgery and the gym don’t compete – they work best together.
How We Help at Beauty by Experts Medical
At Beauty by Experts Medical, our mission is simple – we make sure you don’t have to face the stress of choosing the right doctor or clinic on your own. We’ve been carefully selecting surgeons and hospitals that meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. We know the medical tourism world can feel overwhelming, so we do the work for you: from checking credentials and accreditations to reviewing real patient outcomes.
When you come to us, you get more than just a recommendation. We arrange everything step by step:
- We start with your request and match you with the right doctor based on your needs and health profile.
- We organize a free online consultation with your chosen surgeon so you can ask questions directly.
- We prepare your trip from start to finish, including transfers, hotel, and translator support.
- We stay with you throughout your stay in Turkey – your personal coordinator is always in touch for anything you need.
- Even after you return home, we continue to provide medical support and follow-up.
Our services are free for patients – you only pay for the medical treatment directly at the clinic. A surgery plan at a guaranteed price that stays the same – no hidden costs. On top of that, we guarantee quality: if a revision is ever needed due to a doctor’s confirmed error, you won’t be charged for the corrective procedure. With more than 12,000 satisfied patients and a 4.9 out of 5 Trustpilot rating, we’re proud to say that we treat every case with care, transparency, and responsibility.
In short, we’re here to make your journey safe, clear, and stress-free, so you can focus on your health and results, while we handle the details.
Conclusion
Finding the best gastric sleeve surgeon in Turkey isn’t always as straightforward as it may seem. There are many qualified doctors and clinics, and choosing the one that truly matches your needs takes more than just browsing reviews or comparing prices. Each patient’s situation is unique, and the right surgeon should be someone who not only has the technical expertise but also understands your goals and offers the right approach for your case.
That’s exactly why we’re here at Beauty by Experts Medical. Our job is not just to recommend “the best” surgeon in general – it’s to connect you with the surgeon who is best for you. We carefully evaluate doctors, clinics, and treatment outcomes to make sure you receive safe, effective care tailored to your needs. With us by your side, the decision becomes easier, and your journey toward a healthier life feels much more secure.
