Revisional Bariatric Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey
What you need to know before you decide
Revisional surgery can help when a first weight loss operation hasn’t worked as hoped or has led to problems such as reflux. Here’s who it may suit and what’s involved.
4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 160+ reviews
What Is Revisional Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric revision surgery is a procedure for people who have already had weight loss surgery but may need further surgical treatment because of insufficient weight loss, weight regain, complications or other medical concerns.
It isn’t simply a repeat of the first operation. Depending on the reason for the revision, the surgeon may adjust what was done before or convert it to a different procedure. One of the most common examples is converting a gastric sleeve into a gastric bypass, which can help with both weight regain and acid reflux. Revision after a gastric bypass may also be possible, subject to your doctor’s approval once your current health and test results have been checked.
Every revision is different, because every first operation and every body is different. A specialist needs to examine you first, and can then offer a treatment plan tailored to you.
Important: this guide is general information, not medical advice. Whether revisional surgery is right for you, and which approach, can only be decided by a qualified bariatric surgeon after examining you.
Who Is Revisional Surgery Suitable For?
Revision surgery may be considered for several reasons, including:
Insufficient weight loss
When the first operation has not achieved the expected weight loss results.
Weight regain
When a significant amount of weight comes back after the first bariatric procedure.
Severe acid reflux (GERD)
When persistent reflux develops or gets worse after surgery, particularly after a gastric sleeve.
Surgical complications
When problems such as narrowing, anatomical changes or other complications need further treatment.
Improving long-term results
When a different surgical approach may offer better weight management or help with existing medical conditions.
Your free medical assessment is the first step to finding out whether a revision could help you.
What Happens During Revisional Surgery?
Revisional surgery is usually done by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery under general anaesthetic. How long it takes varies from patient to patient, and afterwards you stay in hospital for four nights so the team can monitor you closely.
Preparation
When you arrive at the hospital, you will undergo comprehensive pre-operative tests and assessments to ensure you are fully prepared and medically cleared for surgery.
Keyhole surgery
The surgeon works through a few small incisions with a camera and fine instruments, not one large cut.
Revising the operation
Following your plan, the first operation is adjusted or converted, for example from a sleeve to a bypass.
Monitored recovery
You are watched closely on the ward, walking the same day and starting small sips of water soon after.
PATIENT RESULTS
Bariatric Surgery Before and After
Real results from patients who had weight loss surgery with Galya Health, shared with their permission.
Individual results may vary. Photos are shared with patient consent.
Start With a Free Medical Assessment
Leave your details and our patient team will contact you to talk through your health,
answer your questions and explain the next steps.
Your information is kept confidential. By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and to your details being shared with partner hospitals for your treatment plan.
Compare optıons
Revisional Surgery vs Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass
A gastric sleeve and a gastric bypass are first operations. Revisional surgery is for people who have already had weight loss surgery.
| Feature | Revisional surgery | Gastric sleeve | Gastric bypass |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it involves | A second operation that adjusts or converts an earlier weight loss surgery, such as a sleeve to a bypass | About 75–80% of the stomach removed | Small stomach pouch joined directly to the small intestine, as a Roux-en-Y or a mini (one anastomosis) bypass |
| Often considered for | Weight regain, not enough weight loss, reflux or complications after a first operation | A first weight loss operation | A first operation, often when type 2 diabetes or severe reflux is also present |
| Surgery | Usually keyhole surgery | Keyhole surgery | Keyhole surgery |
| Hospital stay | 4 nights | 4 nights | 4 nights |
Not sure which fits you? Our medical team will recommend an option after reviewing your assessment.
COST & PACKAGE
Revisional Surgery Cost in Turkey: What’s Included
Your price depends on your first operation, your health and the approach that suits you, so we confirm it after your free medical assessment.
Your quote is written down in full before you book, so you know exactly what’s covered.
What a typical package includes
- Surgery by an experienced bariatric team
- 4 nights in hospital
- All pre-operative tests and post-operative checks
- VIP airport transfers
- A personal translator throughout your stay
- Consultation with a dietitian
- One companion included
- All meals during your stay: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Lifetime patient support
Flights are usually booked separately, so you can choose the dates and airline that suit you.
WHY GALYA HEALTH
Why Choose Galya Health for Revisional Surgery?
Because your journey deserves more than just surgery.
Expert, experienced medical team
The surgical team we work with performs weight loss surgery week in, week out. In surgery, experience matters.
Fully equipped hospital
Your surgery takes place in a private hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health and fully equipped for weight loss surgery.
One-on-one care and follow-up
Your care is planned around you, with one coordinator looking after you from your first message to your follow-up at home.
Coordinator and translator support
Someone who speaks your language is with you at the hospital and throughout your time in Istanbul.
Lifetime patient support
Our support doesn’t end when you fly home. Your team is there for advice and follow-up for as long as you need it.
Officially authorised
Galya Health is authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health for international health tourism, and licensed as a travel agency.
Free medical assessment
Tell us about your health, goals and expectations. It takes around two minutes and comes with no obligation.
Specialist Review & Personalised Plan
Your medical information is reviewed by our specialist team. If treatment is suitable for you, we’ll prepare a personalised plan including your procedure, hospital stay, accommodation and quotation.
Your Journey in Istanbul
From your pre-operative tests and hospital admission to your treatment and recovery, everything is carefully coordinated for you. Your Galya coordinator is by your side throughout your stay.
Ongoing Support at Home
Our support doesn’t end when you fly home. Your Galya coordinator is always just a message away.
YOUR JOURNEY WITH GALYA
Clear steps.
Personal support.
One dedicated team.
From your first message to your follow-up at home,
one coordinator looks after every step, so you always
know what happens next.
Why do people regain weight after a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass?
Some weight regain is common in the years after surgery. Appetite slowly returns, the stomach can stretch a little over time and old eating habits can creep back in. Stress, less activity and missed follow-up appointments can also play a part. Regain doesn’t mean the operation has failed, and there are ways to get back on track.
What can I do if I’ve gained weight after my gastric sleeve?
Start with the basics: smaller portions, protein first, fewer sugary drinks and snacks, and regular activity. A dietitian can help you work out what has changed. If the regain is significant and these steps haven’t helped, revisional surgery may be an option, and a free medical assessment is the first step to finding out.
Can a gastric sleeve be converted to a gastric bypass?
Yes, when it is clinically appropriate. Converting a sleeve to a gastric bypass is one of the most common revisional operations, usually for selected patients with persistent acid reflux, or who have not lost enough weight or have regained weight after the sleeve. A specialist needs to examine you first to see whether it suits you.
What results can I expect after a sleeve to bypass revision?
Many patients lose further weight and find their reflux eases after a conversion, but results vary from person to person. How much you lose depends on your eating habits, how active you are and how closely you follow the personal guidance your doctor gives you after surgery. Your surgeon will talk you through realistic expectations for your case.
How long is the recovery after revisional surgery?
You stay in hospital for four nights so the team can monitor you closely. Recovery is gradual: your diet moves in stages from liquids to purées, soft food and then normal textures, and activity is increased step by step as your surgical team advises. Because every revision is different, your team will give you a recovery plan for your own case.
Is revisional surgery riskier than the first operation?
It can be. The surgeon is working on tissue that has already been operated on, so a revision is usually more complex and the risk of complications can be higher than with a first operation. That’s why careful planning matters, and your surgeon will explain the risks that apply to you before you decide.
Can revisional surgery be done after a gastric bypass?
It may be possible, but it depends on your doctor’s approval. Your current health and test results need to be checked first, and your doctor can then advise whether a revision is suitable for you and which approach would fit your case.
Can revision surgery help with acid reflux after a gastric sleeve?
It can. Persistent acid reflux (GERD) is one of the main reasons people consider a revision after a sleeve, and converting the sleeve to a gastric bypass can significantly improve reflux for many patients. Your surgeon will advise whether surgery is the right step for you.
How much does revisional surgery cost in Turkey?
The cost depends on your first operation, the type of revision that suits you and your health, so there isn’t a single price. We confirm it after your free medical assessment, together with everything your package includes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Revisional Surgery FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most often about revisional surgery. If yours isn’t here, our patient team is happy to help.
Ready to find out if revisional surgery is right for you?
Start with a free medical assessment. It takes about two minutes, and there’s no obligation.
4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 160+ reviews
