Choosing a surgeon for gastric sleeve surgery is one of the biggest steps in a weight loss journey. Istanbul has built a strong reputation in this field, with experienced bariatric surgeons working in modern hospitals that welcome patients from all over the world. What makes the city stand out is the combination of medical expertise, advanced technology, and a patient-focused approach. And here’s the good news – you don’t have to spend hours searching or comparing on your own. At Beauty by Experts Medical, we’ve already done the work for you by selecting some of the most trusted gastric sleeve surgeons in Istanbul. In this article, we’ll walk you through their backgrounds and explain why so many patients choose them for this life-changing procedure.
1. Op. Dr. Necdet Derici
Dr. Necdet Derici is one of Istanbul’s most experienced bariatric surgeons, with more than 25 years of practice behind him. He has performed over 10,000 weight loss surgeries, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and other advanced laparoscopic procedures. Patients appreciate not only his technical skill but also the way he explains each step, helping them feel confident before and after such a life-changing operation. His long career spans general surgery, gastrointestinal care, and obesity treatment, giving him a broad understanding of how to approach complex cases safely.
What sets Dr. Derici apart is his international training and collaboration with some of the world’s leading bariatric specialists. He studied with Dr. Bruno Dillemans in Belgium and later worked alongside Dr. Philippe Topart and Dr. Guillaume Becquarn in France, gaining exposure to different surgical techniques and perspectives. Today, he brings all of that knowledge back to his practice in Istanbul, where he operates at NoveMed Clinic. For patients traveling for a gastric sleeve, that combination of deep experience and global perspective is reassuring.
- Package price: from 3500 EUR
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.75
- Specialization: bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric band, gastric balloon), laparoscopic and endocrine surgery
- Number of procedures performed: 10,000+
- Accreditation: Member of IFSO, Turkish Association of Surgery, Association of Laparoscopic Surgery
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Years of experience: 25+
2. Prof. Umit Koc
Prof. Umit Koc is a gastroenterologist-surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, and his practice covers a wide spectrum of abdominal and intestinal surgery. For patients struggling with obesity, he is known for performing advanced bariatric procedures such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and even less common options like Botox injections for the stomach. His approach blends precision with modern methods, which is why many people looking for gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul choose him.
One thing that stands out about Prof. Koc is his strong background in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. He is certified in Da Vinci robotic surgery and has already completed hundreds of procedures with this system, including around 400 bariatric surgeries at Antalya Teaching and Research Hospital. Alongside his clinical work, he has authored more than 28 scientific papers, sharing his expertise on gastrointestinal surgery and obesity treatment. Today, he continues to operate at Liv Istinye University Hospital in Istanbul, offering patients both skill and innovation under one roof.
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.8
- Specialization: bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, metabolic surgery), gastrointestinal surgery, laparoscopic and robotic surgery
- Number of procedures performed: 400+ bariatric surgeries, 100+ robotic GI surgeries
- Accreditation: Da Vinci Robotic Surgery certified, international publications
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Years of experience: 25+
3. Dr. Ali Can Gunenc
While many know Dr. Ali Can Gunenc for his expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery, his role in body contouring after major weight loss makes him especially relevant for patients considering a gastric sleeve in Istanbul. Losing a large amount of weight is life-changing, but it often leaves patients with extra skin or areas that need reshaping. This is where Dr. Gunenc steps in, helping people complete their transformation with procedures that complement bariatric surgery.
He has carried out more than 1,200 surgeries, including body lifts, abdominoplasty, and liposuction — techniques that often go hand in hand with gastric sleeve recovery. Working at VM Medical Park Florya Hospital, a JCI-accredited facility, he combines surgical precision with a patient-centered approach. For someone looking not just to lose weight but to feel comfortable and confident in their new body, Dr. Gunenc’s experience is a strong asset.
- Package price: from 4500 EUR
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.5
- Specialization: body contouring after weight loss, liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelifts
- Number of procedures performed: 1,200+
- Accreditation: EBOPRAS, TPRECD
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Years of experience: 11+
Recovery and Stay in Istanbul After Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy, is performed laparoscopically. That means instead of one large cut, the surgeon makes a few small incisions and uses a camera-guided system to operate. Around 70–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped pouch. This reduces food capacity and also lowers hunger hormones, helping patients lose weight more effectively.
The operation usually takes 1–2 hours, and because it’s minimally invasive, recovery tends to be faster compared to traditional open surgery.
Hospital Stay
Right after surgery, patients spend 1 day in the hospital. During this time, the medical team checks vital signs, manages any pain or nausea, and makes sure the new stomach sleeve is functioning properly. You’ll start with sips of water and move slowly toward liquid nutrition.
Stay in Istanbul
After being discharged, patients remain in Istanbul for another 6 days. This allows for follow-up appointments, dietary guidance, and monitoring of the first steps of weight loss. It’s also the period when stitches or small dressings are checked and, if needed, removed. Having this extra time in the city ensures that you’re fit to fly and minimizes the risk of complications once you return home.
In total, you should plan on about 1 week in Istanbul for gastric sleeve surgery. That’s usually enough to recover safely, get professional follow-up care, and feel ready to return home.
How We Help at Beauty by Experts Medical
When it comes to choosing the right surgeon for something as serious as a gastric sleeve, we know how overwhelming it can feel. There are dozens of clinics in Istanbul, hundreds of doctors, and endless promises online. That’s exactly why we started Beauty by Experts Medical – to take the guesswork out of the process. We’ve already done the research, checked the qualifications, and spoken with patients, so you don’t have to.
Our team has been working with leading clinics in Turkey and Europe since 2016, and we’ve helped more than 12,000 patients find safe and effective treatment. All of our coordinators have a medical background, so we don’t just look at glossy ads – we evaluate doctors based on training, experience, certifications, and real outcomes. The best part? Our services are completely free for patients. You pay the clinic directly after arrival, and we handle everything else.
What We Do For You:
- Arrange free online consultations with your chosen surgeon (with an interpreter if needed)
- Take care of hospital bookings, transfers, and hotel reservations
- Help with documents, visas, and insurance so travel is stress-free
- Provide an interpreter and personal support during your hospital stay
- Stay in touch 7 days a week, guiding you from the first consultation to full recovery
For us, it’s not just about the surgery – it’s about making sure you feel supported, safe, and confident every step of the way.
Conclusion
Deciding on gastric sleeve surgery is a big step, and finding the right surgeon makes all the difference. Istanbul has become a hub for bariatric surgery, offering skilled doctors, modern hospitals, and patient-friendly packages that make the journey smoother. In this article, we’ve introduced you to some of the most trusted names in the field – specialists who combine years of experience with techniques that keep safety and results at the center.
Still, we know that choosing the right doctor isn’t always simple. Every patient has different needs, health conditions, and expectations. That’s exactly why we’re here at Beauty by Experts Medical – not just to point you toward the best surgeons, but to match you with the one who is best for you. We handle the research, the logistics, and the coordination, so you can focus on your health and your new start with confidence.
