After Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Istanbul: Recovery Step by Step

What Happens After Bariatric Surgery in Istanbul?

In our previous article, we explained how we prepare our international patients before bariatric surgery: from their arrival in Istanbul to the blood tests, medical consultations and the final evaluation by the anesthesiologist.

But one of the questions I hear most often during video calls with my patients from abroad is:

“Doctor, what will happen after the operation?”

Let’s explain it step by step.

The Day of Surgery

Once all the preoperative tests have been completed and the approval of the medical team and the anesthesiologist has been received, the time for surgery arrives.

In a sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve), the surgery itself usually takes approximately 40-60 minutes, although the total time from when the patient leaves their room until they return can be around 2 hours, due to preparation, anesthesia and initial recovery.

After the operation, the patient remains under close observation by our medical and nursing team.

When Will I Get Up After the Operation?

Very soon.

Early mobilization is an important part of our postoperative recovery.

Generally, a few hours after surgery and as long as the patient’s condition allows it, we help the patient get up and start walking.

At first, these are short walks around the room or the corridor, accompanied by our team.

Then, little by little, we increase the frequency of the walks.

We are not trying to exercise.

We are simply trying to get the body moving again, safely, as soon as possible.

Will I Have a Lot of Pain?

This is probably one of the biggest concerns before bariatric surgery.

During the first hours there may be pain or a feeling of abdominal pressure. Some patients may also notice discomfort related to the gas used during laparoscopic surgery.

Our goal is to keep this discomfort under control with appropriate pain management.

The experience can vary from person to person, but the discomfort normally decreases progressively during the first days.

When Can I Drink Water?

Recovery from bariatric surgery is progressive.

We do not start immediately with large amounts of liquid.

When we consider it safe, we begin oral intake little by little, in small sips.

Our team explains to the patient how to drink, how much to take and how to distribute liquids throughout the day.

Learning to drink slowly is one of the first changes after obesity surgery.

The First Day After Surgery

During this period we regularly monitor:

• vital signs,
• hydration,
• pain,
• tolerance to liquids,
• mobilization,
• and overall clinical progress.

We also encourage the patient to walk several times during the day.

Each patient has their own pace of recovery, which is why decisions are made on an individual basis.

How Many Days Will I Stay in Hospital?

After gastric sleeve surgery, the hospital stay is usually short when progress is favorable.

Before discharge, we check that the patient can walk, drink liquids adequately and that their clinical progress is satisfactory.

But hospital discharge does not mean that our follow-up ends.

Before leaving the hospital, we explain in detail: what they can drink and eat, how to take their medication, how to care for the small wounds, and which signs should prompt them to contact us.

And After the Hospital?

For our patients who come from abroad, the process does not consist simply of traveling to Istanbul, having surgery and returning home immediately.

We prefer to allow an adequate period of recovery and observation before the return journey.

During these days, the patient continues walking, progressively adapts to liquid intake and rests.

Before the return journey, we carry out a final check-up to make sure the patient is fit to travel.

And after they return home, our follow-up continues remotely: we stay in contact with our patients throughout their recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does gastric sleeve surgery take?

The surgery itself usually takes approximately 40-60 minutes. Including preparation, anesthesia and initial recovery, the total time from leaving the room to returning can be around 2 hours.

When can I walk after gastric sleeve surgery?

As long as the patient’s condition allows it, usually a few hours after surgery, starting with short accompanied walks. Early mobilization is an important part of recovery.

How many days do I stay in hospital after a gastric sleeve?

When progress is favorable, the hospital stay is usually short. Before discharge, walking, tolerance to liquids and clinical progress are assessed; the length of stay is decided individually for each patient.

This content has been prepared for general information purposes only. It does not replace a diagnosis or individual treatment advice. Postoperative care is determined according to the patient’s clinical assessment.